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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ September 2017 thepositivecommunity.com

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Education Focus

The Edmonds Faith, Law, Labor and Love

UFT’s Anthony Harmon’s Secret of Success New President at New Brunswick Dr. Micah L. MCCreary

A Raisin in the Sun Shines Bright at Two River Theater

Let’s Give Every Child a Healthy Start in Life.

Let’s Get Every Child Covered.

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K R - BS A D TAI O CN A DinE M M ES W A R K AE NSCEHAOR RC H IN T SI TE U N IECW PARROKG , RofA N RESEARCH-BASED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS E L SLEEDA R LL and RX EP SE ER A IRECNHT -I BAA AN C IANDGE, ML IOCC A PR OYG R A MGSL O B A L L Y E X P E R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G , L O C A L L Y and G L O B A L L Y D IV FA C LOYM and MUN I TOYB A L L Y EX PE ER R SI EE NSTTIU AD L ELNE TA Rand NIN GC, UL L OTCYA L GL D I V E R S E S T U D E N T and F A C U L T Y C O M M U N I T Y A ATF IO D IFVF EORRSDE ASBTLUED EE D NU T Cand AN CULTY COMMUNITY AFFORDABLE EDUCATION AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

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Where Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Meets Meets Meets Excellence Excellence Excellence

SEPTEMBER 2017

CONTENTS SECTIONS MONEY ...................................12 HEALTH...................................25 EDUCATION.............................30 CULTURE ................................62

40

Features CUNY’s Murphy Institute .......................................... 12 Celebrating Harlem Week! ....................................... 16

Cover Photo: Brian Branch Price

ON THE COVER: Barbara Ingram Edmonds and Rev. Cornell Edmonds on life, law, labor, and love

&also inside

St. James AME Pastoral Anniversary ......................... 18 Newark Beth Israel Milestone Surgery ..................... 25 Security After Equifax Breach ................................... 29 Seacoast Granville Academy Inspires ....................... 30 Anthony Harmon’s Success Secrets ......................... 34 Opportunity for Newark’s Education System ............ 52

Guest Editorial ..................................... 8 NBTS Welcomes New President ............................... 54 My View ............................................. 10 A Raisin in the Sun at Two River Theater ................... 62 Wealth Building .................................. 14 Abyssinian Retirement Gala ..................................... 64 Fitness Doctor .................................... 28 Mt. Olive Welcomes The Positive Community ..... 66 Preaching Professor ............................ 60 ImageNation Outdoor Festival ................................. 72 Gospel Train ....................................... 75 The Way Ahead .................................. 77 Summer Music in Newark ........................................ 73 The Last Word .................................... 78 Juneteenth Celebration ........................................... 76

4

The Positive Community September 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Columbia University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

THE JACK AND IRENE DELANO ARCHIVE Jack and Irene Delano’s love for Puerto Rico began almost by accident, but the art they produced there had a major impact. Now their correspondence, manuscripts, art, musical scores, photographs, and films are part of the Latino Arts and Activism Collection at Columbia University’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Born in 1914 in what is now Ukraine, Jack migrated to the U.S. in 1923 and studied music and painting in Philadelphia, where he met Irene Esser, a Canadian four years his junior. The couple first traveled to Puerto Rico in 1941, and were so moved by the island, they settled there permanently in 1946. Through pioneering photographs and films, Delano chronicled the island’s transformative period of economic, political, social, and cultural change, and helped launch the careers of numerous Puerto Rican actors and filmmakers.

A gifted artist, Irene founded the government’s influential graphics division and made a deep mark as an arts educator.

She also illustrated public art projects, including Libros para el Pueblo, the U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and dozens of books.

The couple’s extensive archive joins other recent additions to the Columbia collection, curated by Professor Frances Negrón-Muntaner, including the papers of writers Jack Agüeros, Manuel Ramos Otero, and Dolores Prida, and a complete run of El Diario/La Prensa, the oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper in New York City.

Learn more about the archive at libraries.columbia.edu.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Archdiocese of New York Proudly Presents

The Annual Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Awards Dinner Tuesday, October 10, 2017

THE PIERRE TOUSSAINT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

provides scholarships, mentorship support and advisement to college student-leaders of diverse backgrounds from the Archdiocese of New York.

THE PIERRE TOUSSAINT MEDALLION

awarded by the Archdiocese of New York, to distinguished persons in recognition of their demonstrated leadership and special merits in support of life, human rights, social justice, quality education and health care for all the people of God throughout the global community.

Honoring with the Archdiocesan Pierre Toussaint Medallion DR. PERNESSA C. SEELE Founder & C.E.O, The Balm in Gilead, Inc. Nationally-known, internationally-known, well-respected health care advocate & activist.

REV. MONSIGNOR PAUL A. LENZ (1925-2017) (Posthumously) Former National Director of the Black & Indian Mission Fund.

Remembering REV. MONSIGNOR HOWARD W. CALKINS (1940-2017) Paying special tribute to a much beloved priest of the Archdiocese of New York and pastor in the Harlem & Mount Vernon communities.

And Celebrating CATHOLIC CHARITIES—ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK Centennial Anniversary—100 Years of Providing Help, Creating Hope New York Athletic Club, Central Park South, New York City For more information & ticket/table reservations, contact melecia.ming@archny.org or 646.794.3271

Venerable Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Archdiocese of New York Proudly Presents

R C

GREAT

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OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe, Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Pastor

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor

St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr, Pastor

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor

St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor

Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor

St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor

Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. James Morrison, Pastor

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald Christian, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Eric M. Beckham, M.Div., MFT Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor

Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Manning-Fontaine Pastor Emeritus

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor

Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor

Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor

Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Marion P. Thomas Charter School Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Muslim American Chamber of Commerce NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary NobleNNJ Nubian Conservatory of Music Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center for Research The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.

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

Guest Guest Editorial Editorial Guest Editorial KEEP HOPE ALIVE— KEEP HOPE HOPEALIVE— ALIVE— KEEP An Urgent Call from An Urgent UrgentCall Callfrom from An aa Baby Baby Boomer Baby Boomer Boomer a

By ByMarcia MarciaBrown, Brown,SrSrVice ViceChancellor Chancellorand and Adjunct Adjunct Professor, Professor,

By Marcia Brown, Sr Vice Chancellor and Adjunct Professor, School SchoolOf OfPublic PublicAffairs AffairsAnd AndAdministration, Administration, Rutgers Rutgers University-Newark University-Newark School Of Public Affairs And Administration, Rutgers University-Newark

MARCIA MARCIA BROWN BROWN MARCIA BROWN

T

hat hatbyline bylinemade madepopular popularby theRev RevJessie JessieJackson Jackson hat byline made popular bybythe the Rev Jessie Jackson may may have have sounded sounded corny corny or or trite, trite, but but today today more may have sounded corny or trite, but today more more than than ever ever requires requires meaningful meaningful reflection. reflection. than ever requires meaningful reflection.

As Asaaabona bonafide fidemember memberof thebaby babyboomer boomergenerageneraAs bona fide member ofofthe the baby boomer generation, tion, the the generation generation who who dared dared to to imagine imagine a a better better world world tion, the generation who dared to imagine a better world in in our our time, time, it's it's difficult difficult to to witness witness the the rapid rapid decline decline in our time, it's difficult to witness the rapid decline of ofof enlightenment enlightenment in in the the country. country. enlightenment in the country.

As As recent recentevents eventsunfold, unfold,there thereis contemptbeing being As recent events unfold, there isisaa acontempt contempt being revealed revealed for for the the principles principles of of justice justice and and equality equality that that revealed for the principles of justice and equality that defined defined the the movements movements of of my my time. time.

From From the the streets streets defined the movements of my time. From the streets of ofof Charlottesville Charlottesville to to the the Oval Oval Office, Office, the the waters waters are are being being Charlottesville to the Oval Office, the waters are being parted partedfor forthe theKKK KKKand andother otherhaters hatersto feelwelcome welcometo parted for the KKK and other haters totofeel feel welcome toto spew spew their their ignorant ignorant and and uninformed uninformed narratives narratives while while spew their ignorant and uninformed narratives while aa a President President equates equatestheir theirugly uglyinvective invectivewith withthose thosewho who President equates their ugly invective with those who reply reply “never “never again.” again.” reply “never again.”

Truly, Truly,it feelslike likeaa arudderless rudderlessship, ship,but butin essenceis Truly, ititfeels feels like rudderless ship, but ininessence essence is is the the continuing continuing struggle struggle between between two two visions visions of of democrademocrathe continuing struggle between two visions of democracy. cy.A strugglethat, that,as Dr.King Kingpredicted, predicted,will willeither eitherlead lead cy.

AAstruggle struggle that, asasDr. Dr. King predicted, will either lead to to community community or or chaos. chaos. to community or chaos.

What Whatdid didaaabetter betterworld worldmean meanto thoseafro-wearing, afro-wearing, What did better world mean totothose those afro-wearing, long long haired haired marchers, marchers, protesters, protesters, writers, writers, and and singersof long haired marchers, protesters, writers, and singers singers ofof new new anthems anthems glorifying glorifying democracy, democracy, equality, equality, and and unconunconnew anthems glorifying democracy, equality, and unconditional ditionallove? love? ditional love?

“This “This land landis myland, land,this thisland landis yourland; land;this thisland land “This land isismy my land, this land isisyour your land; this land was was made made for for you you and and me.” me.” was made for you and me.”

IIIdare daresuggest suggestthat thatat minimum,it meantthe thedismandismandare suggest that atatminimum, minimum, it itmeant meant the dismantling tling of of a a system system built built upon upon racism, racism, white white supremacy, supremacy, tling of a system built upon racism, white supremacy, deindustrialization, deindustrialization,and andaa ahost hostof local,regional, regional,and and deindustrialization, and host ofoflocal, local, regional, and national national policies policies that that combined combined to to oppress oppress and and dehudehunational policies that combined to oppress and dehumanize manize workers, workers, the the poor, poor, people peopleof color,women, women, manize workers, the poor, people ofofcolor, color, women, LGBTQ, LGBTQ, latter latter day day immigrants, immigrants, and and now now undocumented undocumented LGBTQ, latter day immigrants, and now undocumented Americans.

Americans.

Americans.

Notwithstanding Notwithstandingthe thelong longand andwinding windingroad roadtoward towardaa a Notwithstanding the long and winding road toward better better world world in in the the spirit spirit of of love love and and hope, hope, the the forces forces better world in the spirit of love and hope, the forces of ofof contempt contempt and and privilege privilege are are still still operating operating to to divide divide citiciticontempt and privilege are still operating to divide citizens zens on on the the basis basis of of race, race, ethnicity, ethnicity, color, color, class, class, status, status, and and zens on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, class, status, and lack lackof opportunity. lack ofofopportunity. opportunity.

88The ThePositive PositiveCommunity CommunitySeptember September2017 2017 The Positive Positive Community Community September 88 The September 2017 2017

Through social movements Through thethe social movements of of thethe 60s60s andand 70s,70s, we we Through the social movements of the 60s and 70s, we were not always on one accord, but rather, united around were not always on one accord, but rather, united around were not always on one accord, but rather, united around imperative a moral and a more society; thethe imperative of of moral and more justjust society; oneone thatthat the imperative of aa moral and aa more just society; one that adds to our social contract the notion of stewardship adds to our social contract the notion of stewardship adds to our social contract the notion of stewardship towardall humanity, especially given scientific toward allallhumanity, humanity, especially given thatthat thethe scientific toward especially given that the scientific achievements of yesterday made it possible for every human achievements of yesterday made it possible for every human achievements of yesterday made it possible for every human to be able to eat, live, work, and meet real needs for the to be able to eat, live, work, and meet real needs for the firstfirst to be able to eat, live, work, and meet real needs for the first time in history. time in history. time in history. that sounds ideal, remember people If Ifthat that sounds tootoo ideal, let let us us remember thatthat people If sounds too ideal, let us remember that people were murdered, imprisoned, and denied a livelihood were murdered, imprisoned, and denied a livelihood for for were murdered, imprisoned, and denied a livelihood for these ideals.

I remember a 14-year-old child named Emmet these ideals.

I remember a 14-year-old child named Emmet these ideals. I remember a 14-year-old child named Emmet Till whose horrendous death showed depths of evil Till whose horrendous death showed thethe depths of evil evil thatthat Till whose horrendous death showed the depths of that white supremacy was capable of plumbing, which left white supremacy was capable of plumbing, which left me,me, white supremacy was capable of plumbing, which left me, an 8-year-old, unable to speak for days; I remember no an 8-year-old, unable to speak for days; I remember no one an 8-year-old, unable to speak for days; I remember no oneone could answer question "why," as now, more than could answer mymy question "why," justjust as now, now, more than 50 50 could answer my question "why," just as more than 50 years later, there are no satisfactory answers for why a young years later, there are no satisfactory answers for why a young years later, there are no satisfactory answers for why a young man gunned down nine people a church, Christians man gunned down nine people in aainchurch, church, Christians in aain a man gunned down nine people in Christians in so-called Christian nation, mothers, aunties, and grandso-called Christian nation, mothers, aunties, and grandso-called Christian nation, mothers, aunties, and grandmothers gunned down like animals. mothers gunned down like animals. mothers gunned down like animals.

Why white supremacy been relegated to the dustWhy hashas white supremacy notnot been relegated to the the dustWhy has white supremacy not been relegated to dustbin of history?

Are we witnessing the death of hope? bin of history?

Are we witnessing the death of hope?

The bin of history? Are we witnessing the death of hope? TheThe absolute surrender a gutter level existence where absolute surrender to to gutter level existence where we we livelive absolute surrender to aa gutter level existence where we live on short circuited conversations bequeathed us by technolon short circuited conversations bequeathed us by technolon short circuited conversations bequeathed us by technologyas tweetand and text half truths abbreviated ogy as aswe wewetweet tweet and text half truths in in an an abbreviated ogy text half truths in an abbreviated

Notwithstanding Notwithstandingthe thelong long and and winding winding road road Notwithstanding the long and winding road toward towarda better world world in the spirit spirit of love love and and toward a abetter better world in in thethe spirit of of love and

hope, hope,the theforces forcesof contempt and and privilege privilege hope, the forces ofofcontempt contempt and privilege are arestill stilloperating operatingto dividecitizens citizens on the are still operating totodivide divide citizens onon thethe basis basisof race,ethnicity, ethnicity, color, color, class, class, status, status, basis ofofrace, race, ethnicity, color, class, status, and andlack lackof opportunity. and lack ofofopportunity. opportunity.

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

English English that that scarcely scarcely hides hides the the deep deep abyss abyss we we have have fallen fallen into intopolitically, politically,ideologically, ideologically,culturally? culturally?

For Forthose thosewho whosuggest suggestthat thatwe wewho wholive livedo doso soby bychance, chance, aa mere mere random random set set of of atoms atoms ---- molecules molecules in in motion motion ---- we we should shouldnot notforget forgetwhat whatEinstein Einsteinpreached: preached:that thatthe thecreation creation of ofthe theatom atombomb bombhad hadchanged changedeverything everythingbut butthe thehuman human mind. mind.Einstein's Einstein'swords wordsinstruct instructus usthat thatthe thequestion questionof ofevil, evil, suffering, suffering, war, war, and and hate hate isis aa choice; choice; and and yet yet clearly clearly he he did did not notbelieve believeour ourhearts heartswere wereready readyfor foraadifferent differentchoice. choice.

But Buthope hopehas haslived livedon—in on—inDr. Dr.King Kingwho whobelieved believedin inthe the "triumph "triumphof ofunarmed unarmedtruth truthand andunconditional unconditionallove;" love;"in inthe the black, black, white, white, brown, brown, single, single, married, married, gay, gay, young, young, and and old old marchers marchers in in 1963 1963 who who bequeathed bequeathed us us hope hope through through their their walk walk of of faith; faith; the the 70s 70s political political prisoners, prisoners, many many still still in in jail, jail, who whostood stoodup upfor forjustice justiceatatthe thecost costof ofpersonal personalliberty; liberty;and and students studentswho whofounded foundedthe thefree freespeech, speech,anti-war, anti-war,and andGreen Green movements, movements, and and were were murdered murdered by by dint dint of of governmental governmental intolerance intoleranceatatKent Kentand andJackson Jacksonstate. state.And, And,IIcannot cannotforget forget the the students students in in 1969, 1969, atat my my own own university, university, Rutgers Rutgers UniversityUniversity-Newark, Newark,who wholocked lockedthemselves themselvesin inaabuilding buildingon on campus campusaiming aimingto tohold holdthe theuniversity universityaccountable accountableasasaapubpublic licinstitution institutionfor forits itsdemocratic democraticideals, ideals,determined determinedto toend end its itssegregation segregationand andopen openits itsgateways gatewaysto toblack blackand andbrown browntaltal-

ent; ent; and and who, who, despite despite the the threat threat of of tanks tanks and and national national guards guards descending descending upon upon them them (ordered (ordered from from the the highest highest office officeof ofthe thestate), state),have haveleft leftaalegacy legacyof ofhope hopethat thatwe wecould could democratize democratizeknowledge knowledgenot notonly onlywithin withinthe theacademy academybut butin in our ourcommunities communitiesthrough throughan anenduring enduringcivic civicengagement. engagement.

Webster Webster defines defines hope hope asas aa "feeling "feeling of of expectation expectation and and desire desirefor foraacertain certainthing thingto tohappen." happen."With Withan anair airof ofdespair despair creeping creepingacross acrossthe theland, land,ititisisundoubtedly undoubtedlydifficult difficultto tokeep keep such such hope hope alive. alive. Hope Hope that that those those who who need need food food will will eat. eat.

Hope Hopethat thatthose thosewho whoneed needsafe safehavens havenswill willfind findthem. them.Hope Hope that thatthose thosewho whoshould shouldbe beeducated educatedwill willbe. be.And Andhope hopethat that those thosewho wholead leadwill willbe bethe thebest bestamong amongus. us.Yes, Yes,to tonot notweep weep for forhumanity humanityin inthese theseterrible terribletimes timesof ofpersecution persecutionand andsufsuffering feringisishard. hard.But Buthope hopewe wemust, must,even evenififwe wecry. cry.For Fortruth truth crushed crushedto tothe theearth earthwill willrise riseagain. again.Hope Hopewe wemust. must.For Forour our children children must must be be able able to to live live believing believing that that the the people people in in the the U.S. U.S. and and the the world world are are one, one, inextricably inextricably linked linked to to aa common common future future we we lay lay the the foundation foundation for for today today by by our our voice, voice,our ourvote, vote,our ourbodies, bodies,our ourmoney. money.

In Inthe the60s, 60s,we weused usedto tosay say"take "takeup upthe thestruggle strugglewhere whereyou you are." are."We Wecan canhew hewout outof ofthat thathistory historyan anenabling enablingvision visionof of human human possibility. possibility. So, So, light light your your candle, candle, find find aa corner corner of of darkness, darkness,and andkeep keephope hopealive. alive.

20 Years of Celebrating 20Celebrating Years of Theological Education!

Theological Education!

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Theological Studies Biblical Studies Systematic Theology Pastoral Counseling Diaconal Studies Chaplaincy

Rev. R. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D. Founder and President

nstnewark@aol.com 973-297-0505

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FOR ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH STUDIES FOR ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

A unique school in Newark known for its academic excellence, Theological Studies Biblical affordable tuition, andStudies care for its students.

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Systematic Theology Pastoral Counseling WHO WALK THROUGH WALLS Diaconal Studies Chaplaincy September September2017 2017 2017The The Positive Community9 September ThePositive Positive Community Community 9

A unique school in Newark known for its academic excellence, affordable tuition, and care for its students.

REV. THERESA REV. NANCE THERESA MY VIEW NANCE MY VIEW Rev. Nance is pastor of The Church by the Side of the RoadNance in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk show host Rev. is pastor of The Church by the Side of the and documentary filmmaker.

Road in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk show host and documentary filmmaker.

Graham L. Barry Rev. Service: of Life A A Life of Service: Rev. Barry L. Graham

H H

e’s just like his daddy. How many times have you heard offspring of e’s justthat likecomment his daddy.made Howabout many the times have you someone, if thatabout offspring mimics or heard that especially comment made the offspring of demonstrates a persona almost identical to their parent? someone, especially if that offspring mimics or In fact, that’s awhat this writer abouttothe Rev. Barry demonstrates persona almostsaid identical their parent?

Graham whenwhat I participated hisabout father’s In fact, that’s this writerin said thehomegoing Rev. Barry service Grahamrecently. when I participated in his father’s homegoing The recently.

Rev. Gadson L. Graham made his transition in service August after Gadson 55 yearsL.ofGraham preaching.

Hishis son, Barry, was The Rev. made transition in installed as senior pastor of The Canaan Church August after 55 years of preaching.

His Baptist son, Barry, was in Paterson back inpastor 2015. of The Canaan Baptist Church installed as senior Rev. Barryback Graham, a resident of Teaneck, was born in Paterson in 2015. in Rev. Englewood and has been a of lifelong member of Barry Graham, a resident Teaneck, was born Canaan ever since hishas father became senior pastor of the in Englewood and been a lifelong member of jam-packed church.

He has an infectious laugh Canaan everBaptist since his father became senior pastor of the and a sense of humor that makes himana “chip off the old jam-packed Baptist church.

He has infectious laugh block,” and of hehumor preaches hard andhim emphatic . . just and a sense that makes a “chip. off the like old his daddy. block,” and he preaches hard and emphatic . . . just like Barry, as he affectionately is known among some hisRev. daddy. of Rev. the younger is a graduate of the Newsome York Barry, asmembers, he affectionately is known among Theological Seminary, a board memberofofthe a number of of the younger members, is a graduate New York civic organizations, andatotally in athe affairs of Theological Seminary, boardimmersed member of number of school-aged children.

Canaan School 21 of in civic organizations, and totally adopted immersed in theNo. affairs Paterson and has worked concertSchool with No. both21the school-aged children.

Canaaninadopted in administration and worked faculty in to concert enhancewith the both learning Paterson and has the processes among students.

In addition, Rev. administration and area faculty to enhance the learning Graham worked the Canaan Recreation processes has among areawith students.

In addition, Rev. Department; After School Program andRecreation Computer Graham has the worked with the Canaan School, whichthe wasAfter opened to theProgram entire community; and Department; School and Computer started True Love WaitstoProgram in partnership School,the which was opened the entire community; with and the Second Church andin partnership New Christian started the TrueBaptist Love Waits Program with Missionary. the Second Baptist Church and New Christian He is director of the Men at Canaan Fellowship (The Missionary.

MAC), Conference of He ismember director of of the the Baptist Men at Ministers’ Canaan Fellowship (The Greater New York Vicinity,Ministers’ and sits as an Advisory MAC), member of and the Baptist Conference of Board theVicinity, Rutgersand University of Greatermember New Yorkofand sits as anSchool Advisory Nursing, as wellof astheinvolvement with Habitat Board member Rutgers University School for of Humanity Paterson, the NAACP, Nursing, as well asmembership involvementin with Habitat and for Humanity Paterson, membership in the NAACP, and

10 The Positive Community 10 The Positive Community

September 2017 September September2017 2017

Operation Cease Fire of the City of Paterson and State Attorney Office OperationGeneral’s Cease Fire of the City of Paterson and State He andGeneral’s his devoted wife, Joelle, are the parents of two Attorney Office children, and Latricia, proud grandparHe andBrandon his devoted wife, Joelle, and are the parents of two ents of Londyn. children, Brandon and Latricia, and proud grandparSince becoming Canaan’s pastor, he has instituted ents of Londyn. new programs.

His Canaan’s motto is “A spiritheof has excellence is Since becoming pastor, instituted increasing our membership andofhe works dilinew programs.

His motto is daily,” “A spirit excellence is gently to live that motto daily,” and instill his increasing ourout membership and its hebelief worksindilicongregation. gently to live out that motto and instill its belief in his One does not know whether or not Rev. Barry congregation.

Graham will continue father’s orministry in Haiti.

One does not knowhiswhether not Rev. Barry When thewill Rev.continue Dr. Johnny Youngblood Graham his Ray father’s ministry eulogized in Haiti. the senior Graham, he urged Rev. Barry to do so.

When the Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood eulogized Perhaps thisGraham, is not the Graham’s the senior heyounger urged Rev. Barry calling. to do No so. matter. of not us who himGraham’s are excited for him PerhapsMost this is the know younger calling.

No because we believe is bringing innovative, contempomatter. Most of us he who know him are excited for him rary initiatives to the of Christ. because we believe hebody is bringing innovative, contempoHe’s energetic, jovial, personable, and rary initiatives to thegregarious, body of Christ. caring . just like his daddy. jovial, personable, and He’s. .energetic, gregarious, caring . . . just like his daddy. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

ations price. not an empty promise. If your clubs don’t deliver Issue 3_38216 8/18/2016 11:46 AM Page 13 The clubfitter is also not beholden to one elphia,GGM 2016 the results you saw in the hitting bay (within 90 larger company because he/she is only carrying an days), we encourage you to come back so we can account with that company. Club Champion fitters make it right by fixing or replacing your clubs.” master have access to all golf companies, from Tour Edge ver the offices more master

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Under the supervision of noted golf course architect Stephen Kay, East Orange has undergone a comprehensive restoration, including new bent grass greens, newly rebuilt bunkers, tee boxes, a new practice range, a new clubhouse and the Par 440 Restaurant & Lounge.

With Season Passes beginning at just $500 and daily play Discount Cards available for $30*, there’s no better value than East Orange Golf Club.

Come see why everything old at East Orange is new again!

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ws.com ws.com 2016 ISSUE 3

GREAT GOLF - SPECIAL EDITION

13

M Money

buiness, finance + work

CUNY’s Murphy Institute: At the Crossroads of Labor and Community

BY HENRY A. GARRIDO

Leon Ellis

Henry A. Garrido is the executive director of District Council 37, AFCME - the first Dominican to hold this position. District 37 is the largest public sector union in New York City and represents over 125,000 workers. He is also an international vice president of the Union’s affiliate, ASCME, and a member of the Murphy Institute’s Advisory Board

T

here is a hidden gem of higher education opportunity in mid-Manhattan called the Murphy Institute for Worker Education. The Institute, part of the City University of New York, is dedicated to preparing the next generation of labor and community leaders, while simultaneously expanding opportunities for working adults in a wide range of fields throughout the CUNY system and in all five boroughs.

The Institute has its roots in a small program established in 1984 at Queens College as the brainchild of three unions: Local 1180 of the Communications Workers of America, District Council 37-AFSCME, and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union. These unions shared a vision of empowerment through education—not only for their own members, but for adult workers more broadly and for the future of the labor movement as a whole. Most of the original 52 students were municipal employees and women of color.

It was rough going at times. In 1995, the program nearly shut down when it lost its state funding. But with the support of labor and community leaders, it battled its way back, eventually becoming a CUNY-wide Institute and moving its headquarters to its current 43rd thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community September 2017

12

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

street facility. Over three decades, it established undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Labor Studies and Urban Studies; developed certificate programs in Labor Relations, Community Leadership, Public Policy and Administration; expanded its workforce development programs; created a resource center for public programming and research; and maintained publication of the national journal, New Labor Forum. It also extended its labor base to include 23 unions, currently represented on its Advisory Board. TWU Local 100 Political Director Marvin Holland is a longtime member of the Board and has watched the Institute grow. “Murphy has given so many union members a Byto Glenda Cadogan head start when it comes job promotions,” he says.

“And, personally, I’ve learned a lot from participating in Murphy programs.”

Over time, the Institute has attracted a faculty of distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners who provide students with the analytic and practical skills they need to advance professionally. A combination of intellectual rigor, academic support, and experiential learning is the hallmark of Murphy Institute degree and certificate programs. It has its equivalent in the Institute’s workforce development program as well, where job-specific skills are

Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

A combination of intellectual rigor, academic support, and experiential learning is the hallmark of Murphy Institute degree and certificate programs. taught in the context of literacy development.

As its programs develop, the Institute keeps an eye on the big picture. It has always embraced the idea of social and political engagement, setting its sights on preparing students for leadership in labor and community organizations as well as in government institutions. To ensure diversity in leadership, the Murphy Institute, supported by a matching grant from CUNY, has raised $1 million over the past five years to provide women and students of color with scholarships of $20,000 to $30,000 each.

There are some big changes ahead for the Institute.

In fall 2017, it will launch a new Community Semester internship program, providing college students and recent graduates with full-time paid internships at community organizations. Community Semester is a welcome parallel to the Institute’s Union Semester program, which has placed students at unions for more than 15 years. This turn toward community has been evolving over the last several years. It will become official in fall 2017, when the Institute expands its Advisory Board to include leaders of several major community organizations.

The most dramatic change lies ahead. The Murphy Institute is scheduled to open its doors as the new CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies in the fall of 2018.

“The new School” says Holland, “is a milestone in a long struggle to recognize the importance of Labor, Urban, and Community studies and to expand higher education opportunities for poor and working-class communities.”

For more information about the Murphy Institute go to: https://sps.cuny.edu/academics/jsmi

Congratulations and Best Wishes from the

Officers, Staff, and 18,000 Members of

SOCIAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES UNION LOCAL 371 ANTHONY WELLS, President YOLANDA J. PUMAREJO, Executive VP JUAN ORTIZ, Secretary Treasurer Vice Presidents CARL COOK, DAREK ROBINSON ARMENTA WEEKES PATRICIA CHARDA VOYNE MICHELLE AKYEMPONG

The Mighty, Mighty Union! www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

13

REV. DR. CHARLES BUTLER WEALTH BUILDING

Rev. Dr. Charles Butler is the VP of Equitable Development, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI).

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

I

n Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells His disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me.” This is an undeniable sacrificial action associated with spiritual wealth building. Deny yourself—means put Jesus first in your life. You must pledge allegiance to Him. Do the things that will bring Him glory and honor. Serve Him and not yourself. Are you willing to deny yourself for Jesus?

Don’t fall into the lure of temptation. The enemy is tricky. He is constantly devising new wicked schemes to make you fall. He wants you to you rebel against God, to be disobedient to God’s Holy Word.

The Apostle Paul instructs us in Ephesians 6:13, to put on the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Without wearing the full armor of God, you are no match for the enemy. James 4:7-8, further instructs us on how to combat the devil, he said “Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Pick up your cross. Does Jesus expect you to literally pick up a cross? No, but you do have a cross to bear. As a believer in Christ, you actively shared in Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus was our substitute. He paid the penalty in full for our sins.

The Apostle Paul states in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” The cross is a symbol of suffering. A symbol of the trials and tribulations we will face on life’s journey. It is the obstacles and barriers that we will encounter. But we can overcome through faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin. Let us therefore go to the throne of grace to obtain mercy in time of need.” Jesus knows all about our trouble and our sorrows. He will never leave you or forsake you.

If you have truly answered the call of the Holy Spirit, you must follow Jesus. It is an all-out effort to serve Him

14 The The Positive Positive Community Community

September September2017 2017

with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. It will call for personal sacrifice, commitment, and discipline to follow Jesus.

It is not going to be easy, but anything worthwhile never is easy. But Jesus has already done the heavy lifting.

He said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

What Jesus is saying in this passage is don’t play with your soul. That simply will not work, it is unacceptable to God. God gave His very best when He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die on the cross for your sins and mine.

Jesus deserves your very best, not some of the time, but all the time. You must make a total commitment to deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him. Spiritual wealth building starts with following Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father but through Him. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Celebrates

Health Conference panel moderated

by Dr. Enrique Riggs

Chamber President Lloyd Williams welcomes the luncheon guests

Congressman Adriano Espaillat & Board member Stephanie Francis at the luncheon

Luncheon dais guests stand for the Negro National Anthem

Luncheon dais guests (l-r) A'Lelia Bundles, Columbia University, Hon. Charles Rangel, Hon. David Dinkins, Dr. Hazel Dukes & luncheon honoree, Tim Zagat

MTA award presented to SUNY by (l-r) Voza Rivers, HARLEM WEEK, Dr Bob Lee, WBLS and Zenaida Rodriguez, MTA

L–R: Hon. David N. Dinkins, Hon. Carl H. McCall and Hon. Charles B. Rangel

16

Citibank exhibit at the Business Expo

LDI Color ToolBox Exhibit at the Business Expo

The Positive Community September 2017

HARLEM WEEK Executive Director Winston Majette is greeted at the luncheon

Former Gov. David Paterson, NYC Business Commissioner Julie Menin and Business Award Luncheon Honoree Tim Zagat

Business Awards luncheon honoree, John Catsimatidis

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Luncheon honoree Michele Rodney addresses the audience

V.I.P Guests

College scholarship award recipients & presenters at the luncheon

Hon. David Paterson salutes his late father Hon. Basil Paterson

The Luncheon dais

The audience at the afternoon technology conference hosted by Silicon Harlem

Technology conference moderator, Clayton Banks addresses the audience

R&B Great Johnny Gill performs at “Summer In the City ” saluting Harlem/Havana

Cuban Jazz Great Jorge Pacheco performs at the W Times Square hotel saluting Harlem/Havana

Mayor de Blasio greets the thousands of runners at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run

And they're off – the beginning of the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

17

Saint James AME Celebrates Sixth Pastoral Anniversary

BY REV. RONDA LITTLETON JOHNSON

Former Mayor Sharpe James

Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter

Photos: Ron Barkley

I

t was hard to believe the years had flown by so quickly since they welcomed their new pastor. But the calculation was correct, the time was right, and the congregation and guests were there to celebrate the sixth pastoral anniversary of The Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, senior pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark, NJ. Sunday, June 11, 2017 was the culmination of a week of celebration honoring Rev. Slaughter. The Day of Celebration, many distinguished guests were in attendance: Episcopal Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq.; former U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli; former Mayor Sharpe James; Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins; Britnee Timberlake, president, Essex County Freeholders; The Rev. Derrick Green; the Slaughter Family; the Saint James AME Church Family of Newark and South Orange; and special guest preacher, The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, FL.

18

The Positive Community September 2017

From the very beginning, Reverend Slaughter has insisted that his church anniversary be about giving back to the community. He has always had a heart for the people. One year it was feeding the homeless from the kitchen at the church. Another time, he asked the members to bag groceries at the food bank. Then there was the backpack giveaway at Penn Station. So, this year’s anniversary celebration was no different. It was Pastor Slaughter’s time to take care of the community in which we live! That’s why, for many of us it was nothing new as we began celebrating the pastor’s anniversary with “A Day of Service.” This year, there was an added element. Not only did we clean the church, but we went to Penn Station to evangelize. In Pastor Slaughter’s immutable words, “We are going to be an outside out church! What better way to demonstrate that than by bringing folks into our newly cleaned sanctuary!”

That Wednesday, Pastor Slaughter invited the Saint James family to

Newark Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins, and Former U.S. Senator, Robert Torricelli

a straight talk conversation with the pastor. He promised that he would answer the difficult questions candidly, even those that many were afraid to ask. By the time special guest preacher Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders of North Stelton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ took to the pulpit, there was much excitement. And again, Dr. Saunders’ message hit home and all left satiated and fulfilled. Of course, what kind of celebration would end without food?

It can truly be said that the members of Saint James AME Church thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the pastor’s anniversary — hanging out with him and his family, worshiping with him, and serving alongside him in the community. When we look around the city and even the country, there aren’t many congregations that can truly say that they have the best of both worlds and that nobody lives better than they do. As the marriage between pastor and people closes upon its sixth year, many are already looking forward to year seven. www.thepositivecommunity.com

New Jersey Institute of Technology Top Producer of Minority STEM Graduates “A Top National University” - 2017 U.S. News & World Report • Graduates attain average starting salaries almost

20 percent higher than the national average • Thousands of highly paid internships and co-op opportunities • 19 NCAA Division I sports, as well as club and intramural programs • Ranked #1 Nationally for student upward economic mobility - The New York Times University Heights • Newark, NJ • njit.edu

Happenings at the Newark Museum | October 2017 presents

Second Sundays Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Newark Museum Celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en el Museo de Newark

La Flor es Arte (The Flower is Art) October 8 | noon - 5 pm National Hispanic Heritage Month is in full bloom at the Newark Museum as we celebrate the significance of flowers within Hispanic culture, from art in the Museum’s collection to music to tattoos to Latin divas.

#NewarkTastes Hot Chili & Cool Brew Wednesday, October 18 | 6 - 9 pm (21+)

Join other savvy beer and chili fans for an evening of sampling mouthwatering chilies, other food and the finest domestic and international beers. Purchase tickets online.

Late Thursdays | Newark ‘67/50 October 19 | 6 - 9 pm FREE

Supported by

(18+)

A special evening of uplifting music and dance performances, in-gallery dramatic readings, and remembrance through artmaking and observation.

Masterpiece & Merlot | A Paint & Sip Event Friday, October 27 | 6 - 9 pm (21+)

Alejandro Obregón Condor y Flor (Condor with Still Life), 1964 Oil on canvas, 36 5/8 x 28 3/4 in.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bayard L. England, 1968 68.208

Special guest performance

by Melba Moore.

Come out for a spooky good time. Space limited; purchase tickets online.

For tickets, details, and information about other programs, visit newarkmuseum.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

19

35th Annual Leadership Conference

Still We Rise: Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward September 28-29, 2017 CONFERENCE LOCATIONS:

Trenton Masonic Temple 100 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State University 1 1 1 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 CONFERENCE INFORMATION:

For Exhibits, Sponsorships, Advertising and Registration Information Please call: NJBIC Conference Office

Tel. 908-561-4062

•

Fax 908-561-6827

Email lmakleridley@njbic.org or visit us at www.njbic.org

THE 2017 NJBIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FEATURES POWER SPEAKERS, FORUMS ON ISSUES AFFECTING THE BLACK COMMUNITY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

Rev. Timothy Levi Jones

Larry Hamm

Pastor Bethany Baptist Church, Newark

Chairman People’s Organization for Progress

Opening Keynote Speaker

Luncheon Keynote Speaker

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Dr. George A. Pruitt

Michellene Davis, Esq.

President Thomas Edison State University

Executive VP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer RWJBarnabas Health

Opening Welcome

20

Luncheon Keynote Speaker

The Positive Community September 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Wiley Williams was a pioneer and trailblazer on the golf course, breaking racial barriers in the 1960s and 1970s. He opened doors for other competitors and generously gave his time to teach younger generations of golfers the secrets of the game. Having Wiley’s name attached to his corner at Holes 10 and 11 will be an inspiration to the young golfers who participate in The First Tee program at Weequahic and a reminder to others that anything can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders Announce The Dedication of

Wiley Williams Corner At Essex County Weequahic Golf Course

“In 1951, by the age of 9, Wiley Williams showed natural talent for the game of golf, learning on his own as he caddied.

Essex County Weequahic Golf Course was his home course and, through four decades of play, he approached the game as a gentleman golfer. Still teaching at Weequahic today, his love of the game is legendary, and he introduced multitudes of Newark’s young people to golf, understanding that the self-control, patience and concentration needed for a successful round would be the basis for a successful life. He became one of the first African Americans to win a major New Jersey golf event, the NJ State Golf Association Four-Ball title in 1969, the same year he represented the state in the National Public Links and turned pro. In 1981, the Professional Golfers’ Association recognized him as “a special friend of the NJ Professional Golfers Association and NJ Junior Golf,” which further helped break racial barriers in the th th golf community. In 1994, he was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. We name the 10 and 11 Holes as ‘Wiley Williams Corner’ because there is no better ambassador for Essex County Weequahic Golf Course.”

Essex County Weequahic Golf Course 1 Thomas Carmichael Drive, Newark, NJ 973-926-2520 ~ www.essexcountynj.org

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THE UNION THAT MAKES THE UNION THAT MAKES THE UNION MAKES NEWTHAT YORK CITY RUN. NEW YORK CITY RUN. NEW YORK www.dc37.net CITY RUN. www.dc37.net www.dc37.net

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The Positive Community September 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Health ideas for wellness

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Performs Milestone 1,000th Heart Transplant

T

he Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has now performed more than 1,000 heart transplants- only 11 other centers in the United States have reached this milestone achievement.

“Newark Beth Israel is at the forefront of delivering comprehensive cardiac care and innovative research and this enviable milestone is a testament to our cardiac, surgical and medical teams who have dedicated themselves to building a program that consistently delivers clinical excellence, said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and CEO,

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

The program is a national leader that consistently ranks among the top ten busiest heart transplant programs in the country.

“This exciting milestone further solidifies our national footprint and reflects the world-class cardiology and cardiac surgery services at RWJBarnabas Health. As the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in New Jersey we are proud to offer these services to residents throughout the region,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health.

The transplant program at Newark

Beth Israel Medical Center is led by an interdisciplinary team of physicians: Dr. Mark J. Zucker, Director, Cardiothoracic Transplant; Dr. Martin Strueber, Director of Cardiothoracic Transplant Surgery and Mechanical Circulatory Support; Dr. Margarita Camacho, Surgical Director of Heart Transplant; Dr. Jose C. Mendez, Medical Director of Heart Transplant; Dr. Claudia G. Gidea, Medical Director, Ventricular Assist Device Program; and Dr. Roh Yanagida, Surgical Director, Lung Transplant Program.

The Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program is one of the busiest in the region and maintains surContinued on next page

Dr. Mark J. Zucker, Director, Cardiothoracic Transplant; Dr. Margarita Camacho, Surgical Director, Heart Transplant; and Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and CEO Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and the Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant team gather for a photo after performing the program’s milestone 1,000th Heart Transplant. www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

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Continued from previous page

Innovation in Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Newark Beth Israel has always been at the forefront of cardiac care and heart transplant. Dr. Victor Parsonnet performed the first heart transplant in New Jersey in 1986, in 1992 Newark Beth Israel became the first center in New Jersey to employ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Newark Beth Israel was the first hospital to use Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) in New Jersey, and for more than a decade the Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel has been ranked among the top ten heart transplant programs in the nation.

HEALTHY VILLAGE HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Come Together For Better Health vival outcomes that are on par with the national average; and wait times for heart transplant that are less than the national average, less than 2 months at Newark Beth Israel versus approximately an 8 month wait time, nationally.

“When I joined Newark Beth Israel in 1987 the program and the successful national organ transplantation process that we have today was in its infancy. Thanks to advances in the field and the expertise of our team, we have saved thousands of lives and we are continuing to find new ways to meet the needs of our heart failure patients,” said Mark J. Zucker, MD, JD, Director of Cardiothoracic Transplant, who developed the current program at Newark Beth Israel.

Dr. Margarita Camacho, Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and a renowned transplant surgeon who has performed more heart transplants than approximately 98 percent of transplant surgeons across the country said, “I’m extremely proud of our team and the seamless care we provide patients from the time they come to us for treatment until the moment they walk out of our hospital with a new heart. Our team approach and dedication to excellence have enabled us to reach this coveted milestone.”

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a 665-bed regional care teaching hospital that provides comprehensive health care. Newark Beth Israel is home to one of the nation’s 10 largest heart transplant centers, by volume, RWJBarnabas Health’s Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program; New Jersey’s only Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program and a Valve Center that performs more cardiac valve procedures, including minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs), than any other center in the state. The Newark Beth Israel robotic surgery program is the most experienced in northern New Jersey.

The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and the new Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center provide seamless integration of cancer prevention, specialized care and treatment options.

Newark Beth Israel also offers many preventive health programs that promote wellness in the community.

Join us on face book at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and to register for our free on line E-Newsletter

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The Positive Community September 2017

Join us for a

Family Fun Day Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 11am–6pm Dr. Green Playground Mother Gaston Blvd. and Sutter Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11212 ¡ Live Entertainment ¡ Kids’ Zone ¡ Free Massage ¡ Medical Screenings ¡ Face Painters ¡ Bouncy Castle

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

For those who need a lung transplant, we have everything you’ve been waiting for.

The longer you wait for a lung transplant, the less time you have for the things you love. And as the only hospital in the state that performs lung transplants, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center can offer patients a shorter waiting time.

We also provide a convenient location so friends and family can spend more time visiting and less time traveling. To learn more about lung transplants, and support services such as pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management and smoking cessation, call 1-888-NJLung1 or visit rwjbh.org/transplant

KAHLIL KAHLIL CARMICHAEL CARMICHAEL THE THE FITNESS KAHLIL FITNESS CARMICHAEL DOCTOR DOCTOR THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael is the spiritual director and founder of It Is Well Wellness and Worship Center Kahlil Carmichael is the spiritual director and founder of It Is Well Wellness and Worship Center in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a spiritual leader and the owner of The Fitness Doctor; a fitness and wellKahlilinCarmichael is the founder leader of It Is and Well the Wellness and CenterDoctor; a fitness and wellSomerset, Newspiritual Jersey.director He is and a spiritual owner of Worship The Fitness ness consulting company.

Heleader writes monthly forDoctor; The Positive Community Magazine and is the in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a spiritual anda owner of column The Fitness a fitness and wellness consulting company.

He writes athe monthly column for The Positive Community Magazine and is the author ofcompany.

50 TipsHeforwrites a Better You!column To grow spiritually and improve physically, ness consulting a monthly for The Positive Community Magazine and is theor have Pastor Carmichael author of 50 Tips for a Better You! To grow spiritually and improve physically, or have Pastor Carmichael authorpresent of 50 Tips forwellness a Better You! To grow to spiritually and improve physically, haveemail PastorKahlil Carmichael his seminar your church or group youorcan at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com present his wellness group can email Kahlil at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com present wellness seminar to seminar your churchtooryour groupchurch you can or email Kahlilyou at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com orhis call 732-921-3746. or callor 732-921-3746. call 732-921-3746.

Just Today Just Today

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herefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for Here are 3 things you can do to help you overcome herefore, not worry about tomorrow, forof poor Here 3 things you can do to help you overcome tomorrow will do worry about itself.”

(Matthew the worry health: are herefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for Here are 3 things you can do to help you overcome tomorrow will that worry about itself.” the worry of poor health: 6:34) It’s important we set realistic goals (Matthew tomorrow will worry about itself.”

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Never attend sessions where you and me—that we should not worry.

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Do something about your worry. the journey along the way. utable organizations. Never attend sessions where that if weof arethe worrying should stop,and and ifsincere things are Talk to aof pastoral care counselor.

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American community skyrocketing and the healthbut dis-not now.

We can lift weights andmind build strength today.

President Obama evoked great concern, but not worry. heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” parities between black communities andof others, I am or imporJesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.”

Why?us start doing what we Concern is the defined as a matter interest Overcoming worry will help is Idefined as a matter of interest orBecause imporworry notConcern worried; but am concerned. today is allOvercoming we truly have. So, don’t will waste help the dayus start doing what we tance to someone. Worry is defined as a feeling of need to do to become healthier. When we are free from Someone once said worry is like aisrocking chair,as it will with worry. moveto forward be concerned aboutWhen we are free from tance to someone.

Worry defined a feeling of Butneed do toand become healthier. uneasiness, apprehension, or get dread usually related worry are no longer bound by the fear of the future, give you something to do but it won’t you anywhere. what youto today.we uneasiness, apprehension, or dread usually related tocan do worry we are no longer bound by the fear of the future, negative thoughts of something may happen in the Consistently, but we will to and focus what we can do in the presWorry fosters the dreaded condition that of paralysis by Exercise Eat begin Healthier, Liveon Well. negative ofwhen something happen in the but we will begin to focus on what we can do in the presanalysis. Inthoughts other words, we worry that aboutmay our poor future. ent. future. ent. health, and the havoc our diabetes and high blood presWhen I seeupon the obesity rate within the African We can eat healthy now; we can go for a walk right sure are wreaking lives (as rate well aswithin the life of When I see theour obesity the African We can eatconsultation healthy ornow; we can go for a walk right If you’re now. interested a freelift more build strength today.

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We can lift weights and strength today. information Jesus on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or build parities between says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” Why? worry ourselves sick.the black communities and others, I am email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com. parities between the black communities and others, I am Jesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” Why? how do we move from worry and the fear it pronotSoworried; but I am concerned.

Because today is all we truly have. So, don’t waste the day not worried; but concern?

I am concerned.

Because today is all we truly have. So, don’t waste the day duces to faith-filled I am glad you asked!

Someone once said worry is like a rocking chair, it will 28Someone The Positive Community September once said worry2017 is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere. give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.

Worry fosters the dreaded condition of paralysis by Worry fosters the dreaded condition of paralysis by analysis. In other words, when we worry about our poor analysis. In other words, when we worry about our poor health, and the havoc our diabetes and high blood preshealth, and the havoc our diabetes and high blood pressure are wreaking upon our lives (as well as the life of sure are wreaking upon our lives (as well as the life of our loved ones), we often do nothing but continue to our loved ones), we often do nothing but continue to worry ourselves sick. worry ourselves sick.

So how do we move from worry and the fear it proSo how do we move from worry and the fear it produces to faith-filled concern? I am glad you asked! duces to faith-filled concern? I am glad you asked!

28 The Positive Community 28 The Positive Community

September 2017 September September2017 2017

with worry. But move forward and be concerned about thepositivecommunity.com with worry. But move forward and be concerned about what you can do today. what you can do today.

Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, and Live Well.

Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, and Live Well.

If you’re interested in a free consultation or more If you’re interested in a free consultation or more information on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or information on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com. email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

4 Important Security Steps to Take In the Wake of the Massive Equifax Breach

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ast week, Equifax, one of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies in the United States, reported that a massive data breach exposed the Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other private information of more than 143 million US residents.

Hackers were apparently able to access the company’s files for two months this summer, exploiting a vulnerability in Equifax’s website between May and July. Equifax reported that it discovered the data compromise on July 29th and in the ensuing six weeks has uncovered no further evidence of illicit access to its consumer and com-

mercial credit reporting databases.

In addition to the hacked Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers, cybercriminals reportedly accessed birthdays, credit card numbers, and addresses for more than 200,000 users, while documents used in disputes that contained personal information were lifted from more than 175,000 more users. Data on British and Canadian residents was also compromised.

How bad is the Equifax breach?

Nowhere near as widespread as Yahoo’s hack, which in total affected nearly one billion accounts. But the scope of the Equifax breach as it pertains to such important information is

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT? 1) Security experts say you should set up fraud alerts and credit freezes on your accounts.

This process can be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive, but right now it’s the first line of defense against cybercriminals trying to apply for credit in your name.

Consult with a financial professional before taking such steps, and be extra careful with the PINs generated by the credit reporting bureaus that can be used to “thaw” your credit freeze when you need to use it for legitimate means.

2) Consider more effective password management with comprehensive management tool.

Many computer users jump to manually change passwords for each financial, health care, social media, retail, and email account they use every time a breach happens. In the Equifax case, passwords were not the main credential stolen — but if hackers can access Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers, it stands to reason that they can easily steal passwords, as well. That makes a strong, secure password management solution that automatically handles frequent password changes and the creation of long, unique log-ins so critical. Don’t assume your old password is safe — especially if you use it across multiple portals.

3) Use two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication requires you to enter something you know (like your password) and something you have (typically a unique code delivered to you via text message or email). While no security measure is entirely foolproof, using two-factor authentication not only makes a password breach statistically less likely but also can alert you to any suspicious activity related to your accounts with major providers like Google or Yahoo. Monitoring our accounts in such a fashion to keep a vigilant watch out for suspicious activity might just be the new norm.

4) Employ proactive monitoring and maintenance to protect your data.

If the steps above sound difficult to implement, consider working with a team of IT experts to surround your information with a strong security perimeter. At CMIT Solutions, we keep a 24/7 eye on your computers, your networks, your email, and the links your employees click, all in the name of comprehensive online security. That way, if an intrusion is attempted, we can spot it and suppress it before it wreaks havoc on your business. www.thepositivecommunity.com

much wider and potentially more troublesome — the company houses data on more than 820 million consumers and 91 million businesses worldwide and manages a database with employee information from more than 7,100 employers. “This is about as bad as it gets,” Pamela Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, a nonprofit research group, told The New York Times. “If you have a credit report, the chances are better than 50% you may be in this breach.”

Finding out whether you were affected hasn’t been easy.

Equifax set up a website to help consumers determine whether their data was at risk, but the site asks customers to enter their last name and the last six digits of their Social Security number, a risky proposition given the current cybersecurity landscape. If you do, however, you may not receive a concrete confirmation about whether your data was affected. Instead, the site provides an enrollment date for a free year of identity protection service, which can be inadequate both in the days until the service starts and after the year is up, when any compromised data can still be sold on the black market.

Nervous about the prospect of your personal information being stolen in the Equifax breach? Contact CMIT Solutions right away. We specialize in multi-layered security solutions that go the extra mile to keep you safe. Our extensive network of more than 170 North American offices and 800 technicians stay updated on every cybersecurity development so that we can offer our clients the best protection in the industry. In short, we worry about your IT so you don’t have to.

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663• 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty September 2017 The Positive Community

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Education the art + science of learning

Inspiring, Encouraging Youth Seacoast Granville Academy Scholarship Luncheon Photos: Karen Waters

Rev. William Granville, Jr.

L–R: Rev. Alexander Brown, First Lady Magnolia Brown, Destiny RuckerDean, Kianna Dean, and Skylar Rucker

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n a 1990 article for the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) titled “From Gangland to Corporate America,” William Granville, Jr. recalled how he was saved from an almost certain jail term when he was “head of an inner-city gang” in Trenton, NJ. “I almost ended up in jail for a long stay,” he wrote, “but Mrs. Bessie Hill saved my neck.”

Despite his behavior, which caused most to believe that he was just another unruly black boy, Mrs. Hill, a teacher and guidance counselor at Trenton High School, “saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.” Granville was removed from the industrial arts classes where he had been placed and began college prep courses. His Ds and Fs became a thing of the past.

Bill graduated with honors from Delaware State University and earned a Masters of Divinity degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary. Granville went on to become a corporate executive with the Mobil Corporation, traveling the world, but he never forgot his experience. He wanted to give something back. That something is the Granville Academy, an afterschool program he founded in

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The Positive Community September 2017

L–R: Tiffany Jones, Wells Fargo, moderator of Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association; Rev. James H. Brown, Sr.; and Lilia Hernandez, Wells Fargo

1983 in Trenton, NJ; and he has written a book, Just Say Yes, about his experience.

Granville Academy has spun-off affiliates in six states, all with the goal of training inner city youth for global citizenship and to ready them for successes that extend far beyond daily challenges of life in their neighborhoods.

One such affiliate is Seacoast Granville Academy, operated by the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association in southern New Jersey since 2012. Rev. Alexander Brown, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Red Bank, is the president. The Seacoast Granville Academy prepares students for higher education. They have been engaged in a variety of learning experiences including: technology and management, financial planning, entrepreneurship, business transactions, motivational speaking, customer sales and service, time management, and scenarios engaging students in ways to adapt in a test taking environment. At the annual Seacoast Annual Scholarship luncheon students are recognized for their achievements, awarded certificates of completion and scholarships for graduating students moving on to higher education. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Nyack College School of Education Service, Academics, Leadership, and Teaching

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he Nyack College School of Education is committed to transforming not only the lives of the teacher candidates, but most importantly, preparing them to impact the learning of their future students. The SALT (Service, Academics, Leadership, and Teaching) model describes the intentional direction taken to influence teacher preparation and student learning under the banner of the Nyack Core Values.

Service expresses the belief that teacher candidates are to be focused on others rather than themselves. This belief moves the candidate from a teacher-centered approach to a student- centered model of teaching and learning, one that includes service to family and community. Graduates have embraced the call to have servant hearts and to use their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to positively transform their school, community and world.

In this way teachers in the field reflect A. B. Simpson’s founding principles for Nyack College in 1882 that are best expressed by Jesus’ words found in the Gospel of Mark, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35).

Academics is the pursuit of truth, which begins with a knowledge and understanding of God and leads to spiritual and moral understandings, as well as values, the traditional content and pedagogical knowledge. The School of Education graduates teachers who believe “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 15:25). It follows that teacher candidates must meet a stringent

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core curriculum and content specialization.

This emphasis produces a teacher not only well rounded in the liberal arts, but also competent in a variety of disciplines. Graduates from the program also possess an expertise in a selected field of study, understand the theoretical underpinnings that support educational advancement, and sees the connection or integration, of content, theory and practice. Education courses build on the footings of content and theory,and interconnect to provide knowledge and understanding of the teaching and learning process. Foundational to the understanding of both content and pedagogy are the moral and ethical perspectives that inform dispositions. Teachers are prepared to use the tools of learning and inquiry to integrate strands of technology, and to assimilate pedagogy and content into practice when they enter their own classroom or learning domains.

Leadership in a servant model is by example. Faculty endeavor to model the behaviors and dispositions born of the values and morals of the Christian life and in turn expect our graduates to do the same. Graduates are encouraged to follow the injunction of St. Paul: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:16).

These values give vision to leadership based on principles of equity and diversity that transform school and community. Our teachers in the field follow a higher calling and become agents of transformation upon graduation.

They are called to be role models personally and professionally, communicating by actions and word the values that drive them to serve others before themselves. As educators, they

are compelled to embrace the vision to serve a diverse student population and provide students with opportunities to become successful individuals in a global community.

Teaching is developing the capabilities of the individual. All individuals are valued as God’s special creation and, as a result, are valued for who they are and what they can become. This is modeled after the concern God has for the teaching of each individual as reported by the Psalmist: “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go.”

(Psalm 32:8). Effective teaching is a thoughtful process that assesses and reflects on past performance and informs future practice. Our highly effective teachers strategically balance the science of pedagogy with the art of addressing the individual need of each student through appropriately differentiated instruction. Teachers establish a collaborative classroom environment, and a nurturing climate that reflects high expectations, equity, and compassion, where success of all students is equally important.

As the School of Education prepares to celebrate it’s fiftieth year in equipping teachers to serve in every type of venue we owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have graduated from the program and bring us stories of life transforming events as a result of their impact on student learning all over the globe.

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One Man’s Secrets for Success A PRAYING PRAYING GRANDMOTHER GRANDMOTHER A & PHENOMENAL & PHENOMENAL TEACHERS TEACHERS

And And so so they they did, did, finding finding comfort comfort atat the the Refuge Refuge Church Church of of Christ Christ in in Far Far Rockaway, Rockaway, Queens, Queens, which which remains remains Harmon’s Harmon’s church church home home to to this this day. day. ItItisisthere there that that the the morals morals and and values values engendered engendered by by his his grandgrandmother, mother, Luvania, Luvania, were were defined, defined,nurtured, nurtured,and andgrew. grew.

The The first first child child in inaafamily familyof offive, five,Harmon Harmonisisaaproduct product of of the the New New York York City City public public school school system, system, where where his his experience experiencewas wasone oneof ofhaving havinggood goodteachers. teachers.But Butititwas wasinin middle middle school school that that the the teachers teachers there there really reallyhad hadaaproprofound found effect effect on on his hislife. life.“My “Mymiddle middleschool schoolteachers teacherswere were phenomenal phenomenal and and as as aa result result of of seeing seeing how how much much they they cared cared and and nurtured, nurtured, itit shaped shaped my my decision decisionto toenter enterthe the teaching teaching profession,” profession,” he hesays. says.

Beginning Beginning his his educational educational career career in in 1987, 1987, Harmon, Harmon, 49, 49, remained remained at at his his first first teaching teaching job job atat the the School School ofof Graphic Graphic Communications Communications Arts Arts until until 2002 2002 when when he he caught caught the the eye eye of of the the “top “top brass” brass” atat the the UFT UFT and and was was hired hired as as an an assistant assistant to to the the vice vicepresident presidentof ofElementary Elementary Schools.

His rise through the ranks at the UFT Schools. His rise through the ranks at the UFThas hasbeen been meteoric and memorable, having reshaped and meteoric and memorable, having reshaped and revitalrevitalized ized fledging fledgingprograms programsthat thatare areat atthe thecore coreof ofthe theunion’s union’s work.

One such program is the Dial-A-Teacher work. One such program is the Dial-A-Teacherhotline, hotline, which which Harmon Harmon lists lists among among his his most most cherished cherished accomaccomplishments.

“Though I did not create the plishments. “Though I did not create theprogram, program,IIwas was responsible responsible for for revitalizing revitalizing it,” it,” he he says says with with pride. pride. The The homework homework assistance assistance program program —in —inwhich whichaastudent studentcan can call in after school to receive help from a teacher—sercall in after school to receive help from a teacher—services vices between between 70,000 70,000 and and 80,000 80,000 calls calls aa year. year. Offered Offered Monday through Thursday, help is provided Monday through Thursday, help is providedin inseven sevendifdifferent ferent languages languages including includingArabic Arabicand andHaitian HaitianCreole.

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arly influences influences shaped shaped the arly the life life of of union union and and civil civil rights leader Anthony Harmon—a praying rights leader Anthony Harmon—a praying grandgrandmother in in West West Virginia Virginia and mother and phenomenal phenomenal middle middle school teachers.

One resulted in his school teachers. One resulted in his becoming becoming aa school school teacher par par excellence; excellence; the teacher the other other in in the the acceptance acceptance of of his his faith, to which he assigns his motivation, drive, faith, to which he assigns his motivation, drive, and and strength. So it is easy to understand Harmon’s success as strength. So it is easy to understand Harmon’s success as a champion of social justice and civil rights. These influa champion of social justice and civil rights. These influences show up every day in his professional life as assisences show up every day in his professional life as assistant to the president of United Federation of Teachers tant to the president of United Federation of Teachers (UFT), president of the New York Branch of the NAACP, (UFT), president of the New York Branch of the NAACP, and president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, an and president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, an organization of black trade unionists. organization of black trade unionists.

“The impact my grandmother had on my life is unde“The impact my grandmother had on my life is undeniable,” he said. “She not only made sure we went to niable,” he said. “She not only made sure we went to Sunday school every week, but also that we grew up with Sunday school every week, but also that we grew up with morals and values. She was the pillar of our family and so morals and values. She was the pillar of our family and so it also meant that as soon we moved to New York when I it also meant that as soon we moved to New York when I was in the third grade, we had to find a church home.” was in the third grade, we had to find a church home.”

The 34 The The Positive Positive Community Community September September2017 2017 34 Positive Community September 2017

L–R: Seated: Anthony Harmon, president NY Branch NAACP; Hazel Dukes, L–R:Conference Seated: Anthony Harmon, president NYyouth Branch NAACP;NY Hazel Dukes, NYS president;Lauren Solomon, president Branch NYS Conference president;Lauren Solomon, youth president NY Branch NAACP; Standing: Geoffrey Eaton, president Mid-Manhattan NAACP Branch; NAACP; Standing: Geoffrey Eaton, president NAACP Branch; Lynn Spivey, president NYCHA NAACP BranchMid-Manhattan and Leroy Gadsden, president Lynn Spivey, president NYCHA NAACP Branch and Leroy Gadsden, president Jamaica Branch NAACP Jamaica Branch NAACP thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

As As the the union’s union’spoint pointperson personfor forparent parentand andcommunicommunity ty outreach, outreach, Harmon Harmonsays sayshe hegets getsthe thegreatest greatestamount amountof of joy joy and and job job satisfaction satisfaction from from meeting meeting with with people people and and organizations organizations working working on on civil civil rights rights and and social social justice justice issues. issues. “I “I get get to to meet meet people people with with whom whom II may may never never become becomepermanent permanentfriends, friends,but butwe wehave haveaacommon commoninterinterest est and and so so work work together togethertoward towardthis thisend.” end.”

Though Though according according to to Harmon, Harmon, his his union union “may “may not not always always get get things things right,” right,” he he isis inspired inspired by byits itsrich richhistory history of of standing standing up up for for social social justice justice and and civil civil rights rights issues. issues.

“When “When Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther King King was was organizing organizing in in the the South, South, itit was was this this Union Union which which purchased purchased cars cars and andsent sent them them to to the the areas areas where wherethe theboycotts boycottswere weretaking takingplace,” place,” he he says says passionately. passionately.“We “Wesupported supportedPlanned PlannedParenthood Parenthood when when they they were were defunded, defunded, and andcountless countlessother othertimes timeswe we have have stood stood up up in in solidarity solidarity with with our our brothers brothersand andsisters sisters from from other other unions unions who whowere werestruggling.” struggling.”

Regarding Regardinghis hisown ownpersonal personalchallenges challengesin inreaching reachingthe the pinnacle pinnacle of of his his professional professional life, life, Harmon Harmon brushes brushes them them off offas assimply simply“learning “learningexperiences.” experiences.”But Butwhen whenititcomes comesto to the the challenges challenges facing facing teachers teacherstoday, today,he hecomes comesalive alivewith with passion passion for for their their cause. cause. “My “My hat hat isis off off to to anyone anyone who who comes comes into into the the teaching teaching profession profession today today because because there there are are so so many many challenges,” challenges,” says says Harmon.

Harmon. “Among “Among them, them, simple simplethings thingslike likeclass classsize sizeto tothe themore morecomplicated complicatedareas areas like like the thetesting testingcraze. craze.Then Thenthere thereisisfunding, funding,an anissue issuethat that results results in in teachers teachershaving havingto totake takemoney moneyfrom fromtheir theirpockpockets ets to tobuy buyschool schoolsupplies suppliesfor fortheir theirkids. kids.There Thereisisno noother other profession profession where where this thishappens,” happens,”he hebemoans. bemoans.“No “Nodoctor doctor in in aa hospital hospital isis required required to to buy buy the the gauze gauze or or bandages bandages

Anthonywas washonored honoredby byBaptist BaptistMinisters MinistersConference ConferenceofofGreater GreaterNY NY Anthony and andVicinity Vicinity(BMGNT&V) (BMGNT&V)atattheir theirannual annualMLK MLKDay DayService ServiceInInJanuary, January, 2016.President PresidentRev. Rev.James JamesD.D.Morris Morrispresents presentsthe theaward. award.

2016. thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

# used on on patients. patients. Yet Yet every everyday, day,teachers teachersare aregoing goingout out used and buying things like art supplies for their students.” and buying things like art supplies for their students.”

Harmon’sjoy joyfor forhis hiswork—not work—notjust justatatthe theUFT—but UFT—but Harmon’s also at the NAACP, is evident in his every word.

“Myjob job also at the NAACP, is evident in his every word. “My is made easier because of the overlapping and intersectis made easier because of the overlapping and intersecting issues issues of of the the Labor Labor and and Civil Civil Rights Rights movements,” movements,” ing he explains.

“In both areas, we are focused on the the he explains. “In both areas, we are focused on good of the community and so stand for issues such good of the community and so stand for issues such asas universalhealthcare, healthcare,public publiceducation educationfor forall alland andcivic civic universal engagement.” engagement.”

Clearly aa teacher teacher atat heart, heart, Harmon Harmon dishes dishes out out this this Clearly advice for young people: “. . . be a participant and not advice for young people: “. . . be a participant and not aa spectatorin inthis thisgame gamecalled calledlife; life;be bewilling willingtotolisten listentwice twice spectator as much as you speak, and have a heart.”

His personal as much as you speak, and have a heart.” His personal life’smotto mottothen thenproves provesthat thatthe theadvice adviceisisnot notan anempty empty life’s saying, and why he is such a role model for young people. saying, and why he is such a role model for young people.

He says, says, “I“Ilive livemy mylife lifesimply simplyby bythis thiscredo, credo,IfIfnot notme, me, He who?

If not now, when?” who? If not now, when?”

35 September September2017 2017The The Positive Community35 September 2017 ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community 35

Transformational Leadership: Voices of Hope Transformational Leadership: Voices of of Hope Transformational Leadership: Voices Hope Within the last few days, Charlottesville VA, witnessed some of the most Within the last few days, Charlottesville VA, witnessed some of most Within last Charlottesville witnessed some of the most Within thethe lastof few days, Charlottesville VA,VA, witnessed some of the the most violent effects thefew evildays, perpetuated by those who adhere to the white violent effects of the evil perpetuated by those who adhere to the white violent effects of the evil perpetuated by those who adhere to the white violent effects of the evil perpetuated by those who adhere to the white supremacist ideology. The notion of white supremacy has unfortunately been supremacist ideology.

The notion of supremacy unfortunately supremacist ideology. notion ofand white supremacy has been supremacist ideology.

TheThe notion of white white supremacy has unfortunately been deeply embedded in American history culture andhas used asunfortunately a method been to deeply embedded in American history and culture and used as to deeply embedded in American history and culture and used a method deeply embedded in American history and culture and used as aaasmethod method to to alienate, oppress and marginalize people who do not fulfill their alienate, oppress and marginalize people who do fulfill their alienate, oppress marginalize people who dopainful not fulfill their alienate, oppress andand marginalize people who doitsnot not fulfill their morphological criteria.

This evil has established and horrific grip morphological criteria.

This evil has established its painful and horrific grip morphological criteria.

This evil has established its painful and horrific morphological criteria.

This evil has established its painful and horrific gripgrip in even more insidious ways since the election of this new president of the in more insidious ways since the election of new president of in even more insidious ways since election of this president of the in even even more insidious ways since thethe election of this this newnew president of the the United States.

United States.

United States.

United States.

Since the early 1900s, NYTS, as an educational institution, has been a Since the early 1900s, NYTS, as educational institution, has been aa fought Since early 1900s, NYTS, asfilled an educational institution, been a Since thethe early 1900s, NYTS, as an an educational institution, hashas been vanguard of resistance to this hate ideology and has consistently vanguard of resistance to this hate filled ideology and has consistently vanguard of resistance to this hate filled ideology and has consistently fought vanguard resistance to this hate21st filled ideology has consistently fought for equalityofand justice for all. The century hasand shown us that the fought for equality and justice for all.

The 21st century has shown us that the for equality and justice for all.

The 21st century has shown us that the for equality and justice for all.

The 21st century has shown us that the struggle against evil is far from over. Similar to deadly viruses can struggle against evil is from over.

Similar to deadly viruses that can struggle against evil ishate, far from over.

Similar to deadly viruses struggle against evil is far far from over.

Similar to other deadly viruses thatthat cancan destroy human existence, religious bigotry, racism, xenophobia, and social pathologies have destroy human existence, religious bigotry, hate, xenophobia, other social pathologies have destroy human existence, religious bigotry, racism, xenophobia, and other social pathologies have destroy human existence, religious bigotry, racism, hate, xenophobia, and other social pathologies have morphed into more virulent forms and haveracism, appeared inhate, structures andand policies led by elements at the morphed into more virulent forms and have appeared in structures and policies led by elements at morphed into more virulent forms and have appeared in structures and policies led by elements at the morphed into virulent forms and have appeared in structures and policies led by elements at the the highest level ofmore our government. highest level of government. highest level of our government. highest level of our our government.

As religious and theological educators, we are fully aware of the liberating effects of education and its As and theological educators, we are fully aware of the liberating effects of and its As to religious and theological educators, are fully aware ofthis the liberating effects ofwe education As religious religious and theological educators, we we are fully aware ofin the liberating effects of education education andand its its ability resist the demonic forces at every level.

Therefore, new academic year are creating ability to the demonic forces at every level.

Therefore, this new academic we are creating ability tomake resist the demonic forces at every Therefore, in students. this academic year ability to resist resist theour demonic forces atrelevant every level.

Therefore, inour this newnew academic year we we areare creating new ways to courses more tolevel. the context ofin We areyear intentional in creating new ways to make our courses more relevant to the context of students.

We are intentional in ways to make courses more relevant to the of instability our students. are intentional newnew ways to our make ourour courses more relevant tohate the context of our our students.

WeWe are intentional in in empowering students to address the chaos, andcontext national that have permeated empowering our students to address the chaos, hate and national instability that have permeated empowering our students to address the chaos, hate and national instability that have permeated empowering our students to address the chaos, hate and national instability that have permeated religious institutions and structures of power within society. religious institutions and structures of within society. religious institutions structures of power within society. religious institutions andand structures of power power within society.

Leadership is being redefined in negative ways throughout our nation. We are beginning to see what Leadership is redefined in ways throughout our nation.

We are beginning to what Leadership ispseudo-transformational being redefined in negative ways throughout our nation.

We are beginning to see what Leadership is being being redefined in negative negative ways throughout ourdivision, nation.

We areof beginning to see see what Bass (1999) call leadership, in which a lack moral authority, Bass (1999) call pseudo-transformational leadership, in which division, a lack of moral authority, Bass (1999) call pseudo-transformational leadership, in which division, a lack of moral authority, Bass (1999) call pseudo-transformational leadership, in which division, a lack of moral authority, injustice and personal greed defines those who lead. This fall, our faculty members, trustees, students, injustice and personal greed defines those who lead.

This fall, our faculty members, trustees, students, injustice and personal greed defines those who lead.

This faculty members, trustees, students, injustice and personal greed defines those who lead.

This fall,fall, ourour faculty members, trustees, students, graduates, constituencies throughout the city and our colleagues in institutions of higher education graduates, constituencies throughout the city and our colleagues in of higher education graduates, constituencies throughout city and colleagues in institutions of higher education graduates, constituencies throughout thethe cityand anddetermine ourour colleagues in institutions institutions ofmethods higher education will grapple with the challenges of leadership, the best pedagogical and will grapple with the challenges of leadership, and determine the best pedagogical methods grapple with challenges of leadership, determine best pedagogical methods and willwill grapple with thethe challenges ofleadership leadership, andand determine thethe best pedagogical methods and practices in addressing the void in that our nation now faces.

We must change theand narrative practices in addressing the void in leadership that our nation now faces.

We must change the narrative practices in addressing the void in leadership that our nation now faces.

We must change the narrative practices in addressing the void in leadership that our nation now faces.

We must change the narrative and create authentic and transformational leaders in our religious and educational institutions, homes, and create authentic and transformational leaders in religious and educational institutions, homes, create authentic transformational leaders in our religious educational institutions, homes, andand create authentic andand transformational leaders in our our religious andand educational institutions, homes, and corporate settings. and corporate settings. corporate settings. andand corporate settings.

We need to build new coalitions among marginalized groups to address the issues that are destroying We need to build new coalitions among marginalized to issues that are destroying We need to build new coalitions among marginalized groups to address issues that are destroying Wefiber need todecency, build new coalitions among marginalized groups to address address the issues that are destroying the of morality, and sanity.

Our studentsgroups and graduates arethe inthe pulpits and serve in many the fiber of decency, morality, and sanity.

Our students and graduates are in pulpits and serve the fiber of decency, morality, and sanity.

Our students and graduates are in pulpits and serve in many the fiber of decency, morality, and sanity.

Our students and graduates are in pulpits and serve in many many other roles in which they have the capacity to influence and impact people. As an institution of in higher other roles in which they have the capacity to influence and impact people.

As an institution of higher other roles in which they have the capacity to influence and impact people.

As an institution of other roles in which they have the capacity to influence and impact people.

As an institution of higher education, we are committed to looking for new ways to equip these students to lead and empower higher a education, we are committed for new ways to equip these students to lead and empower aa a education, are committed to looking for ways to equip these students toleadership lead empower education, we we are committed to looking looking forcarry newnew ways tostruggle equip these students to in lead andand empower new generation with the tools to necessary to on the and fill the void that we new generation with the tools necessary to carry on the struggle and fill the void in leadership that we new generation with the tools necessary to carry on the struggle and fill the void in leadership that newcurrently generation with the tools tocrisis carryfacing on theAmerica strugglehas andcreated fill the void in leadership are experiencing.

Thenecessary leadership opportunities for that we we are currently experiencing.

The leadership crisis facing America has created opportunities for are currently experiencing.

The leadership crisis facing America has created opportunities are currently experiencing.

The leadership crisis facing America has created opportunities for for educational institutions to re-evaluate how they prepare women and men to be change agents.

Our educational institutions re-evaluate prepare men to be agents.

Our educational institutions to re-evaluate they prepare women and men to change be change agents. educational institutions to re-evaluate how they prepare women and men to be change agents.

OurOur mission especially in thisto academic yearhow is how tothey become the women voice of and hope and liberation that so many need mission especially in this academic year is to become the voice of hope and liberation that so many need mission especially in this academic year is to become the voice of hope and liberation that so many need mission need to hear. especially in this academic year is to become the voice of hope and liberation that so many to to hear. to hear. hear.

Kirkpatrick Cohall

Kirkpatrick Kirkpatrick Cohall Kirkpatrick Cohall Vice President for Academic Affairs and AcademicCohall Dean Vice President for Affairs and Academic Dean President for Academic Affairs Academic Dean ViceVice President for Academic Academic Affairs andand Academic Dean

CertifiCate Programs CertifiCate Programs

aster’s Programs mm aster’s Programs

Programs offered Programs ffered foro 2017 - 2018

master’s Programs master ’s P- rograms 2017 2018

Certificate Program in for •2017 - 2018 Christian Ministry

Master of Arts in:

Master of Divinity

• Pastoral Care and Counseling

• Certificate in Ministry • Certificate ProgramProgram in and Leadership (Edison, NJ) Islamic Studies • Certificate Program in

• Certificate Convergence Program inStudies Ministry (Online) and Leadership (Edison, NJ)

•

• Certificate Program in Radical Certificate Inclusion ProgramStudies in (Online)

Convergence Studies Alcohol (Online) • Credentialed and

Program

Cohorts offered for 2017 - 2018*offered Cohorts

2017 - 2018

Master of Divinity

• Certificate Program in • Certificate Program in Christian Ministry Islamic Studies

doCtor of ministry dPoCtor of ministry rogram

Master• of Arts in: Religious Education • • • •

•Pastoral Youth Ministry Care and Counseling •Religious Religious Education Leadership and Administration

Youth Ministry Religious Leadership and Administration

Substance Abuse Counseling

• Certificate Program Program in Radical (CASAC) Inclusion Studies (Online)

For full listing of CP Sites

• Credentialed Alcohol and visit www.nyts.edu/CPSites Substance Abuse Counseling Program (CASAC)

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2017 - 2018*

Bible Engagement/Preaching for Church Administration Community • Bible Organizing Engagement/Preaching Conflict Transformation • Church Administration Congregational Ministry • Community Organizing Educational Leadership • Conflict Transformation Multifaith • Congregational Ministry Military Ministry Pastoral Care • Educational Leadership Pastoral Psychotherapy • Multifaith Professional Pastoral Care • Military Radical InclusionMinistry

• Visit Pastoral Care www.nyts.edu •for further Pastoral Psychotherapy information • Professional Pastoral Care * DMin Cohort availability is • subject Radical Inclusion to registration.

Visit www.nyts.edu for further information

new york theologiCal seminary For full listing of CP Sites * DMin Cohort availability is visit www.nyts.edu/CPSites Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500, New York, NY 10115 subject to registration.

(Entrance on Claremont Avenue between 119 Street and 120 Street) th

th

Tel: 212-870-1211 | Fax: 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu

new york theologiCal seminary

ConneCt with nyts on our soCial media sites: Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500, New York, NY 10115 (Entrance on Claremont Avenue between 119 th Street and 120 th Street) Tel: 212-870-1211 | Fax: 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu

ConneCt with nyts on our soCial media sites:

Join us in celebrating

Dr. David E. Schroeder’s 10th Year Anniversary Thursday, October 19, 2017

Venue: Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater NJ 1251 Rte 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-1247 FOR TICKETS: pillar.edu/10th-anniversary-celebration For more information contact Cathy Proctor directly at 973-803-5000 Ext. 1106 or cproctor@pillar.edu

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PILLAR COLLEGE 60 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102

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Newark City of Learning Collaborative Second Annual District-Wide College Fair

n April 2017, the Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC) partnered with the Newark Public Schools to host the city’s first District-Wide College Fair in nearly a decade. The fair was also co-sponsored by Mayor Ras Baraka, the Newark School Advisory Board, the Municipal Council, and five of NCLC’s higher education partners: Bloomfield College, Essex County College, Pillar College, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Rutgers University-Newark. Approximately 600 students participated in the fair, which included representatives from nearly 40 colleges from around the country.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Please join NCLC again for the second annual DistrictWide College Fair on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Rutgers University-Newark Golden Dome Athletic Center (42 Warren St, Newark, NJ 07102). The College Fair will include county colleges, state schools, Ivy League schools, HBCUs, and small liberal arts colleges from around the country. Newark high school students, parents, and guardians are invited to receive information about college majors, scholarships, and more. High school seniors will also have the ability to apply to several schools and receive on-site admissions decisions. For more information, visit nclc2025.org.

September 2017 The Positive Community

39

Barbara and Cornell Edmonds Faith, Law, Labor, and Love

By R.L. Witter

ver the hum of a car engine, Barbara Edmonds greeted me by phone. Her pleasant, upbeat voice belied the length of her nearly 12-hour (thus far) day.

Barbara and her husband Cornell had squeezed our interview into their commute from New York City to Central New Jersey. As they traveled the N.J. Turnpike, they took me on a journey of faith, labor, law, and love that spanned the more than thirty years of their marriage. Together they weaved a detailed tapestry depicting how love and faith can truly sustain marriage, family, and life throughout any challenge or obstacle. Their success on multiple fronts is most definitely a labor of love, and the Edmonds are diligent in their work.

Raised in suburban Long Island, Barbara Ingram Edmonds learned the importance of community involvement and giving back from watching her par-

O

ents. “My father was very involved in the NAACP… my mother was very active with the Board of Education, her church, and Nassau Community College, where she worked.” Barbara attended church throughout her childhood, and eventually she and Cornell were married in the same church she had attended during her youth.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. —Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Currently serving as director of Field Operations, Barbara came by her commitment to the labor movement and unions honestly. “My mother was active in her union,” she explained. In her junior year at Cornell University, Barbara accepted an assignment at Service Employees International Union 1199 (SEIU1199) for her participation in a field study program. “I got to see firsthand how abusive nursing home owners could be,”

L–R: Juan Fernandez, president of DC 37, Local 154; DC 37 Retiree, Local 372 Parent Coordinator Ms. Carrington and Barbara Edmonds at Staten Island Black Family Heritage Day. Seated: Council Member Debbie Rose of Staten Island.

40 The Positive Community

September 2017

thepositivecommunity.com

Family Family Family Development Development Development from from from Cornell Cornell Cornell University, University, University, where where where he hehe met met met his his his future future future wife. wife. wife.

HeHe He waswas was hired hired hired outout of out college ofof college college as chief as as chief chief ofof ofstaff staff staff for for for a alegislator. alegislator. legislator.

“I “I was “Iwas was advising advising advising several several several attorneys attorneys attorneys on on onlegislation legislation legislation without without without having having having a background a abackground background in law, inin law, solaw, Iso so I I got got got my my my law law law degree degree degree toto be tobe better bebetter better qualified qualified qualified forfor the for the job the job I was job I was I was already already already doing.” doing.” doing.”

Years Years Years passed, passed, passed, eventually, eventually, eventually, Cornell Cornell Cornell began began began a successful a asuccessful successful private private private law law law practice practice practice —losing —losing —losing only only only four four four cases cases cases in ten inin ten years. ten years. years.

Marriage Marriage Marriageand and and parenting parenting parenting were were were fulfilling, fulfilling, fulfilling, butbut he buthe was hewaswas yearning yearning yearningfor for for something something something more. more. more.

HeHe felt Hefelt afelt calling, a acalling, calling, andand and determined determined determined toto to dodo do God’s God’s God’s will, will, will, he he left heleft his lefthis practice hispractice practice to to to attend attend attend seminary. seminary. seminary.

“I “I went “Iwent went from from from making making making a comfortable a comfortable a comfortable liv- liv-living ing ingasas as anan an attorney attorney attorney toto making tomaking making $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 an an hour anhour hour as aassemias a semia seminary nary nary student,” student,” student,” hehe he recalled. recalled. recalled.

It wasn’t ItItwasn’t wasn’t going going going to be toto easy, bebe easy, but easy, butbut he he hesimply simply simply had had had toto do todo do it. it.

“Iit.“I wasn’t “Iwasn’t wasn’t sure sure sure if Iifwas ifI was Igoing was going going on aonon a a faith faith faithjourney journey journey oror or anan an ego ego ego trip,” trip,” trip,” Cornell Cornell Cornell confessed. confessed. confessed.

ButBut But Barbara, Barbara, Barbara, asas as always, always, always, was was was supportive. supportive. supportive.

“We’re “We’re “We’re veryvery supportvery supportsupportive ive iveofof of each each each other other other inin carrying incarrying carrying outout out thethe work thework work of our ofof our faith… our faith… faith… she she she said. said. said.

And And And that that thatbegan began beganher her40-year 40-year 40-year career career career in in inthe the thelabor labor I IIthink think think the the the work work work that that that we’re we’re we’re doing doing doing is almost is isalmost almost likelike alike joint a joint a joint movement, movement, movement, 3535 35 ofof of which which whichhave havenow nowbeen been beenat atDistrict District DistrictCouncil Council calling,” calling,” calling,”she she sheexplained. explained. explained.

“We’re “We’re “We’re carrying carrying carrying outout Jesus outJesus Jesus 37,37, 37, New New NewYork’s York’s York’slargest largest largest mun municipal icipal icipal employee employee employee union. union. Christ’s Christ’s Christ’swork. work. work.

WeWe We complement complement complement each each each other other other in in that inthat that Edmonds Edmonds Edmonds is isfront is front frontand and andcenter centerin in the the the fight fight fight for for for employees’ employees’ employees’ sense.” sense.” sense.” rights rights rights and and andbetter better betterservice service service for for the the the community, community, community, tackling tackling issues issues issuessuch such suchasas asworkers’ workers’ workers’ pay pay and and and benefits, benefits, benefits, as as well well WeWe We went went went through through through firefire fire andand and through through through water, water, water, Yet Yet You Yet You brought You brought brought us us us as aspreventing as preventing preventingdialysis dialysis dialysistreatment treatment from from from being being being privatized, privatized, privatized, out out out into into into a place aaplace place of of abundance. ofabundance. abundance.

—Psalm —Psalm —Psalm 66:12 66:12 66:12 which which which could could could have have haveresulted resulted resultednot notonly only onlyin in in lower lower lowerpay pay payfor fornonnon- After After After three three three years years years in in seminary inseminary seminary school, school, school, thethe financial the financial financial sit- sit-situnion union union workers, workers, workers, but but butless less lessskilled skilledworkers workers workers delivering delivering deliveringlifesavlifesav- uation uation uation was was was bleak bleak bleak enough enough enough that that that Cornell Cornell Cornell risked risked risked notnot gradunot gradugraduing ing ing health health health services services servicestoto toalready already marginalized marginalized marginalized members members membersofof ating. ating. ating.“The “The “The bills bills bills hadn’t hadn’t hadn’t been been been paid paid paid andand and I was I was I receiving was receiving receiving the the the community. community. community.“We’re “We’re “We’re healthcare healthcare healthcare workers, workers, workers, crossing crossing dunning dunning dunning letters, letters, letters, and and and if the ififthe the bills bills bills weren’t weren’t weren’t paid paid paid I couldn’t I couldn’t I couldn’t guards, guards, guards, service service service aides—we aides—we aides—weare arethe the ones ones ones who who keep keep keepservices services sitsit sitfor for forgraduation,” graduation,” graduation,” hehe he explained. explained. explained.

“That “That “That waswas probably wasprobably probably running running running inin inthe the thecommunity, community, community, whether whether whether it’s it’s social social social services services the the thelongest longest longest argument argument argument I had I Ihad had with with with God… God… God… I had I had I uprooted had uprooted uprooted oror healthcare—every orhealthcare—every healthcare—everyday day daywe weplay playaaacritical critical criticalpart part partin in inour ourcity,” city,” my my my family family family and and and asked asked asked them them them to to have tohave have faith faith faith in what inin what what I felt I felt was I felt waswas she she she affirmed. affirmed. affirmed.Her Her Her commitment commitment commitment and and and dedication dedication dedication toto a aacalling calling calling from from from God, God, God, and and and I was I Iwas was about about about to lead totolead lead them them them intointo into her her her work work work is isso is so so thorough, thorough, thorough,she shecounts counts counts her her her staff staff staffamong among amongher her homelessness. homelessness. homelessness.

Barbara Barbara Barbara waswas was incredible incredible incredible throughout throughout throughout the thethe blessings. blessings. blessings.

“My “My “My faith faith faith has has hasbeen beeninstrumental instrumental instrumentalin in inmy my mywork work workwith with whole whole wholetime; time; time; she she she asked asked asked forfor for nothing nothing nothing in in return.” inreturn.” return.”

Feeling Feeling Feeling the the the union.” union.” union.” that that thathehe hewas was was making making making every every every effort effort effort andand and hadhad had done done done everyeveryeveryCurrently Currently Currently serving serving servingasas asinterim interimpastor pastor pastorat at atthe theChurch Church Churchofofthe the thing thing thing toto to dodo do God’s God’s God’s will, will, will, hehe stepped hestepped stepped over over over an an express an express express mailmail mail Covenant Covenant Covenant inin in New New NewYork York YorkCity, City,Rev. Rev. Cornell Cornell Cornell Edmonds’ Edmonds’ Edmonds’path path envelope envelope envelope asas as hehe he returned returned returned home home home oneone one day,day, day, noting noting noting it was it it waswas was was was a bit aabit bit different. different. different.

“My “My “Mymother motherwas was wasaaavery very veryinvolved involved involvedchurch church from from fromanan anattorney’s attorney’s attorney’s office. office. office.

“I “I had “Ihad had a serious a aserious serious argument argument argument person person person who who who couldn’t couldn’t couldn’twalk walk walktwo twoblocks blocks blocks without without without entering entering enteringa a with with with God God God that that that day,” day,” day,” hehe chuckled. hechuckled. chuckled.

As As he Ashe sat he sat onsat on the on the couch the couch couch church; church; church; my my my grandmother grandmother grandmotherwas wasthe the thesame same same way,” way,” way,”he he herecalled. recalled. crying, crying, crying,something something something divine divine divine happened. happened. happened.

“It “It was “Itwas the wasthe first thefirst first “We “We “We grew grew grew upup up inin in a arough a rough roughneighborhood… neighborhood… neighborhood… IIreceived received receivedmixed mixed time time timeI Iexperienced I experienced experienced thethe the voice voice voice of of God ofGod God speak speak speak to me,” toto me,” me,” he hehe messages messages messages about about about what what whatitititmeant meantto tobe be bein in inthe thechurch; church; church;IIsaw sawa a revealed. revealed. revealed.

“At “At “At seminary seminary seminary forfor for three three three years years years I had I Ihad encounhadencounencounlotlot lot ofofhypocrisy… ofhypocrisy… hypocrisy…I Igrew I grew grewup upvery very poor, poor, poor, in in aa single-parent single-parent single-parent tered tered tered the the the experience experience experience in in my inmy my head, head, head, butbut not butnot in not my inin my heart.” my heart.” heart.” household household household with with with nine nine ninebrothers brothers brothersand and andsisters, sisters, sisters, so so sothe the theonly onlyreal real God’s God’s God’svoice voice voice said said said simply, simply, simply, “Go “Go “Go deal deal deal with with with what what what I put I put I put passion passion passion was was was survival.” survival.” survival.”His His Hissurvival survivalinstincts instincts instinctsled led ledhim him himto tofocus focus right right rightinin infront front front ofof of you.” you.” you.”

Edmonds’ Edmonds’ Edmonds’ response response response waswas more wasmore more onon on education, education, education, receiving receiving receivingaadegree degree degree in in in Human Human Human Studies Studies Studiesand and anger, anger, anger,followed followed followed by,by, by, “God, “God, “God, I don’t I Idon’t don’t need need need anyany riddles anyriddles riddles or or or continued continued continued on next onon next page next page page

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

September September September 2017 2017 2017 TheThe Positive The Positive Positive Community Community Community 41 4141 September 2017 The Positive Community 41

THE EDMONDS

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factly. “It has to do with the blessings we’ve been given by Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 13:4&7 —Love is patient, love is kind...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Rev. Edmonds will tell you, “Family is one’s primary ministry.

In my relationship, my mission is to be in a position to protect the health and wellness of those I’m connected with either by marriage or blood.” Appropriately, the mission of the ministry he and his wife perform both at THE EDMONDS FAMILY home and in the church is love.

L-R: William, labor relations specialist has a BS from Cornell University; Cornell; Barbara; Cortne, When asked about raising three Georgetown University, B.A, working in Tokyo, Japan, and Isaiah, a chemical engineer, has a BS and successful, well-rounded chilMS from Carnegie Mellon University dren, Barbara answered almost immediately, “Our children have been incredible! It’s in surroundparables.” God’s response remained unchanged. Finally, ing them with the kind of love and faith we’ve been able after calming down, Cornell decided to rely on his legal to live. We’ve been blessed with children who really want experience and deal with the legal letter on the floor. “It to give back.” Cornell agreed, adding, “My faith has was from someone I had referred a case to and had lost given me a language, a deeper understanding of what it touch with,” he recalled. “In the envelope was a check for means to be part of a marriage and a family, to really around $100,000.” Edmonds was quick to clarify, “This become something better.” was not prosperity gospel; this was listening to God’s As the Edmonds continue their journey through life, voice.” love, and faith together, they understand that these Barbara had made only one request throughout things are entangled and entwined. “One’s faith, one’s Cornell’s time in seminary. “At the end I hope to buy a labor, and one’s education are woven together,” Cornell house, because I want the kids to stay in the same remarked. “There is no shame in labor when it is conschools,” she had told her husband. Stepping out on nected to one’s faith, when it is something one is educatfaith, she looked at a few homes, knowing all the while ed and informed about . . I think it’s important that they couldn’t afford anything. To make a long story those interconnections be articulated…” Barbara agreed short, that very same day the broker called about a fixeradding, “It all goes back to the concept of creating the upper in a neighborhood where fixer-uppers generally beloved community, and those are all aspects of that… went for $350,000. In a further showing of God’s grace, This is the 50th anniversary of the Memphis Sanitation the asking price was $170,000—a deal they couldn’t Workers’ strike. There’s so much interconnectivity refuse. But the house was on a boundary where the kids between that and Dr. King, and what grew out of that might have to attend different schools. As it turned out, movement... to build the beloved community.” In parthad the house been across the street they would’ve ing, I referred to the Edmonds as a power couple. True changed school districts, but on the Edmonds’ side of to their nature of service and humility, Barbara the street, their new home allowed the kids to flourish at exclaimed, “We don’t see it.” Cornell followed right their familiar schools. “This all didn’t happen because behind her with, “If there is any power in what we do or we’re wonderful people,” Barbara remarked matter-ofsay, it’s the power of God.”

42 The The Positive Positive Community Community September September2017 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

STATE OF THE ART REDEFINED. As tomorrow’s leaders in the digital world, our communications and media students have access to the very best technology and equipment — housed in groundbreaking, Sony-equipped facilities. Whether it’s television, digital media, journalism, sound or filmmaking, if the professionals are using it in the real world, our students are mastering it here. Learn more at montclair.edu/scm.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA BUILDING

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3,500-square-foot 4K television studio with accompanying control room A flashcam studio that can connect to any news organization in the world and two radio studios 3,500-square-foot film studio 36-seat screening room equipped with 4K Digital Cinema Projection and 7.1 Surround Sound Two 3,500-square-foot, high-definition television studios with accompanying interoperable control rooms 187-seat presentation hall equipped with 4K Digital Cinema Projection and 7.1 Surround Sound as well as six professional PTZ remote-controlled cameras A Foley stage 3,800-square-foot newsroom with full broadcast capability An interview/live music studio designed to accommodate four people as well as recording and broadcasts of live music

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Sabbatical Reflections on Theological Education Two of our faculty have recently returned from sabbatical; Each took a moment to reflect on their experiences And on the task of Theological Education.

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ducation, self or others?”

Does education aim to benefit self or others? Most would say, “Both, because they are inseparable!”

But more difficult questions can be further raised regarding their relationship and prioritization. Many have averred that the Western world has made a significant shift of focus on individual subjectivity to that of relationality with others and of contextual communities, while the East Asian culture has more appreciated “cultivating oneself,” which is the profound root of its strong emphasis on education.

“True, but not to be oversimplified!” Two thinkers, Emmanuel Levinas (1906—1995) in the West and Dasan Cheong Yak Yong (1762– 1836) in the East, can be examples of the complexities of the matter. Emmanuel Levinas, a French philosopher, who radically emphasizes others as the very subject who can judge and define us, never totally decenters subjectivity of self. Instead, his focus is placed on personal dynamics of intersubjectivity between self and others (Le temps et l’autre, 74-75). Li Ren of Analects declares the all-pervading doctrine (道) of Confucianism as zhong-shu (忠恕, to be true to the principles of our nature and the benevolent exercise of them to others). The essence of Confucianism is twofold: first cultivating self and then extending it to serving others. Yet, Dasan, a Korean neo-Confucian thinker, reverses the order in his interpretation of the text: shu, availing others, is the one unifying principle which embraces zhong, cultivating self (Commentary on Analects II.13.44).

Education is about a person who is neither confined within self nor swallowed by others. Christian theological education is much more about the Person who is self-sufficient but sacrificially interacts with others in the Trinitarian works of creation and recreation and even embraces ignorant humans and a suffering world. God is both the subject and object of theological education, through which ourselves, others, world, and creation can be redefined.

Rev. Jaeseung Cha, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Foundational and Constructive Theology New Brunswick Theological Seminary

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ark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” This sabbatical offered the opportunity to be a student where my white face placed me in the unusual place of being “the other.”

Palestine and the deserts of Jordan placed me in the midst of those I have been told are my enemy. Yet what I found was an incredible hospitality and a people who are quick to smile and to offer a cup of tea to one they have also been taught to fear. I saw a people who were proud of their families, the work of their hands, and the lands in which they lived. I found God in a landscape that was both amazing beautiful and dangerous and in a gracious and proud people.

Next, I traveled to southern Africa and spent several weeks in amazed wonder. I learned not to walk to my tent at night without a guide because elephants, and hippos, and leopards wandered at will. I was the interloper in their world. I learned again of God’s amazing creation in the breathtaking sunsets and the tender way a mother elephant tends to her calf. I met people who were proud of their children and their schools and their culture and connected to the natural world in ways we are not.

The greatest gift was to remember and teach that we must not let others define who is dangerous or evil or less valuable. The world is vast and complex. Its natural beauty is often dangerous for those who do not understand how to navigate it. Its people are no different. We can change the narrative of hate by the simple act of talking to those who we are taught to think of as “others.”

Rev. Beth LaNeel Tanner The Norman and Mary Kansfield Chair of Old Testament New Brunswick Theological Seminary

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“And Jesus increased in wisdom...”

― Luke 2:52a We invite you to join our richly diverse and committed family of God, so together we can increase in wisdom and share God’s love to transform the world.

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Doctor of Ministry, Certificate Programs

Transformative. Practical. Faithful.

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Transforming a Vision to a Village

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uring his 5th State of the Union address, President Obama evoked a message of hope: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.” It is this same sentiment that led to the establishment of Marion P. Thomas Charter School (MPTCS). Eighteen years ago, the late Rev. Dr. Charles E. Thomas, former pastor of Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, challenged his congregants to do something that would impact the residents of Newark. “We [members of the church] made a commitment to empower the Newark community and the tool that we chose was to start a school,” explained Dr. Karen Thomas, MPTCS co-founder and CEO. After years of planning and fundraising, Rev. Thomas’ vision became a reality when the school opened its doors in 1999 to 60 students in kindergarten through second grade. Unfortunately, Marion Thomas, an early champion of the school and the pastor’s wife, succumbed to cancer before the school opened. To memorialize her commitment to future generations, the school was named in her honor.

MPTCS Middle School Learning Zone

Become a part of the MPTCS Village!

To find out more, visit

mptcs.org or call

MPTCS High School of Culinary & Performing Arts equipping scholars for college and careers

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The Positive Community September 2017

973.621.0060 ext. 1010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MPTCS SELECT Elementary Academy scholars thrive in all boys and all girls classes (all-boys class at SELECT).

What began as a vision within the pews of New Hope is now the largest minorityled, independently-operated, free public charter school in New Jersey.

Starting with 60 students and four classrooms, MPTCS now serves over 1,400 scholars across four campuses featuring:

• MPTCS Elementary Campus, which encompasses kindergarten through 5th grade, provides a strong academic foundation in a nurturing environment. The elementary program is focused on creating an exciting learning environment that lays the groundwork to excel in middle school and beyond.

• MPTCS SELECT (Scholars Exhibiting Lasting Excellence, Character and Teamwork) Elementary Academy offers co-ed kindergarten and a single gender program featuring all boys and all girls classes in 2nd through 6th grade. This gender-based program employs teaching methods and activities that are specifically designed for the different ways boys and girls acquire and process knowledge.

• MPTCS Middle School Campus, serves as a bridge to high school. At MPTCS Middle School the fundamentals learned in the elementary schools are merged with new challenges and rigor in an environment designed to equip emerging teens with the tools and confidence to thrive in high school and beyond.

MPTCS kindergarten scholars are ready to ROAR (as they learn to become Respectful, Organized, Attentive and Responsible)

• MPTCS High School of Culinary & Performing Arts, formerly known as Visions Academy, was established by another Newark faith-based institution, St. James AME. MPTCS acquired the school in 2014. The new high school equips scholars for college and helps them to develop marketable skills that will serve as a foundation for a career.

With roots deeply embedded in the Newark community, MPTCS will continue to thrive with the help of Newarkers. The school motto, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” bears testament to its commitment to engage those who work, live, and worship in Newark to help educate, inspire, and invest in Newark’s next generation. www.thepositivecommunity.com

MPTCS takes students on a journey from crayons to college and careers September 2017 The Positive Community

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ter what their higher educational backfround may be, art with an Associate's Degree, complete your ogram with fellow students, and a team of advisors

0 c-policy

ADVERTORIAL

Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program

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he fields of community affairs, local government, political office, public or private administration, human resources and urban planning are ever-growing and thriving. Saint Peter’s University offers programs that will help advance or prepare an individual for careers in these sectors. The public policy program is an innovative program designed for para-professional, entry-level government or social service workers who are also active in community, civic and volunteer organizations.

in a wide-variety of fields including research analysis, program development and planning, human services, business, education and social science research. Coursework can also be combined with internship and research opportunities.

als with a bachelor’s degree who are considering continuing their education.

The program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills required of successful public servants, non-profit workers and private sector employees working towards the public good.

Students who have completed the public policy program at Saint Peter’s University have landed jobs in a widevariety of federal, state, local and non-profit agencies in fields related to healthcare, education, job training and other areas related to social justice.

There are multiple options offered to help students be successful in these fields. Saint Peter’s offers an associate's or bachelor's degree in public policy and a master’s degree in public administration.

Amayia Gomez ’10, came to Saint Peter’s as a mother with a full-time career. She was undecided about her major and her career plans when she first came to campus, but her dreams to work in the community in a public health position inspired her to investigate the public policy program. “I think the professors are very knowledgeable and well-rounded, so they bring different perspectives to the program,” she said. “I knew I found the right place when the department helped me define my vision and guided me hand-in-hand the whole way.

My educational plans turned from an unreachable dream into a realistic goal at Saint Peter’s.”

Saint Peter’s University offers a host of advantages to potential students of the program given the University’s commitment to issues of social justice and a clear mission to serve communities. Additionally, the University’s close proximity to the United Nations and the maintenance of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status, provides students with a unique “laboratory” experience in the work and practices of an international organization.

The flexible schedule of Saturday and evening classes is geared toward busy, working and mature adults.

What makes the public policy program stand out is the approach to education. This approach is called “experiential learning,” which simply means that the starting focus of Saint Peter’s classes is the students’ own personal experiences, coupled with that of the experiences of fellow students and staff. Saint Peter’s examines life conditions in the communities in which the students live and work and the public policies that have shaped them.

Graduates from the public policy program will be prepared for a career

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In 2013 the University introduced the master’s program in public administration. The program provides an excellent next step for graduates of the public policy program or for individu-

Saint Peter’s University has a history of educational excellence and commitment to service in the Jesuit tradition since 1872. That, combined with the experiential learning approach, makes this program stand apart from the rest.

The main campus location made up of nearly 25 acres is in the heart of Jersey City, N.J. and can be easily accesed by car or public transportaion via the Journal Square PATH station.

To learn more about the public policy and public administration program, please call the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admission at (201) 761-6470 or visit us www.saintpeters.edu. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Classes conveniently scheduled on Saturdays and evenings Obtain a certificate after completing the first-year curriculum Life experience can count for academic credits Discuss current social issues Do fieldwork or an internship in a community or governmental agency Substitute teach after completing 60 credits Advance within your present career

“The Public Policy Program challenges you to see society in an unbiased way and how we can help administer a better future for everyone. The Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program has taught me to think and act like a leader.”

– Karen Fuentes ’14

Pathways to advanced degrees: Our programs are organized to allow all students, no matter what their higher educational backfround may be, to begin study and advance up to a graduate degree. Start with an Associate's Degree, complete your Bachelor's Degree and continue through the Master's program with fellow students, and a team of advisors dedicated to your success.

• Associate Degree in Public Policy • Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies • Master of Public Administration

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Phone: (201) 761-6470 saintpeters.edu/public-policy

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Drew Theological School—a community of scholars, ministers and activists gathered on a beautiful, wooded campus—has trained rooted, innovative and courageous leaders for 150 years for service to the Church, the academy and society. We are a diverse and open community that dares to pursue the love, wisdom and justice at the heart of the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are proudly grounded in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition of bold ideas that impact people’s lives for the good. We believe that when ancient wisdom is in lively engagement with contemporary challenges, great things are possible.

Meet your mentor. Our faculty—adventurous scholars and engaging teachers—are leaders in theology, biblical studies, liturgy and social ethics. They don’t settle for easy answers or empty pieties. Innovative and provocative, they challenge you and each other. Our alums say working with their faculty mentors was among the most valuable experiences of their Drew education.

Less sitting. More doing. We expect you to read, write and discuss things that matter— yet we firmly believe that real-world experiences—through which you apply, test, challenge and assess what you learn in the classroom—are essential to a modern theological education. You’ll do this through ministry placements, internships and cross-cultural courses around the world, in virtual classrooms, at a community garden, in a prison.

We prepare students for the real world IN the real world.

Authentic community. The circle is wide. The engagement is deep. Second career and twenty-somethings collaborate on projects. African American gospel music resounds from the chapel. Students practice sermons—in Korean and Spanish. Students, faculty and staff pray, eat, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle—together.

Ready to join our community? Please contact the Office of Theological Admissions at 973.408.3111, theoadm@drew.edu.

Drew University I Madison, NJ I drew.edu/positive

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n Professional graduate training for ministry as a pastor, industry leader or community activist n Required by several denominations for ordination

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Drew University I Madison, NJ

Contact us today at 973.408.3111, gradm@drew.edu or visit us at drew.edu/positive17

A Monumental Opportunity For Newark’s Education System Imagine the City of Newark with a truly outstanding education system that provides all of its children with great school options and a deep well of supportive learning opportunities.

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BY MICHELE MASON

s I enter my 16th year as an educator, I am excited about public education in our city and the continued opportunity to serve Newark’s children and families. The opportunity to advance the cause of our children has never been greater in the city.

This spring, the Newark Charter School Fund (NCSF) will celebrate a decade of work. Although, this effort continues to evolve and grow as we respond to the needs and demands of our children and parents, we remain committed to a core set of values: All children deserve GREAT— great schools and great learning opportunities.

Parents and families are essential partners in a quality system of education.

Great schools are rooted in community.

Strong educational opportunities for learning and growth create strong communities.

Strong educational opportunities require common accountability with shared responsibility.

Effective two-way communication is essential to building a truly outstanding education system.

These values guide our day-to-day activities at NCSF, which are focused in five key areas: high quality, to ensure our children are well prepared; advocacy, to support the voice of our children and families; collaboration, to broaden our impact; equity, to ensure that all Newark children have opportunity; and sustainability, to ensure the lasting impact of the work we do.

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At the start of the school year, Superintendent Chris Cerf and Mayor Ras Baraka modeled the path forward in partnership, highlighting the upward trajectory of Newark’s public schools, both district and charter. Superintendent Cerf underlined the significant progress that has been made over the past several years, citing the rise in graduation rates, from 60 percent in 2011 to 80 percent last year, as well as gains in student test scores that exceeded the state average. Mayor Baraka continues to emphasize the importance of education to the future of our city and how a return to local control will empower Newark to build on the progress occurring in the Newark education ecosystem.

They are right! The academic performance of Newark’s children is improving. Graduation rates are up, reading and math performance are on the rise, and we’ve narrowed the racial and economic achievement gap in our city. This is a marked difference from when NCSF began its work almost a decade ago. Today, we have clear evidence that with appropriate attention and intervention we can better support the aspirations of our children. To advance and accelerate this progress we will have to find new ways to innovate and collaborate so that WE can impact greater numbers of Newark children regardless of where they attend school.

NCSF continues to be a good partner in Newark supporting quality and equity in public charter schools and collaboration with NPS and other key stakeholders in a growing number of areas to ensure that we all more effectively meet the needs of Newark children and families. As a community we are having important and meaningful conversations about our children and their education. The Mayor’s education community conversations last year began an important process of community dialogue about our public education system. This fall the Newark Trust for Education (supported by our Mayor and a coalition of Newark community and www.thepositivecommunity.com

At NCSF, we support a broader dialogue and will continue to help move the education conversation in Newark away from artificial lines drawn in the sand between traditional and charter toward a more inclusive conversation about meeting the needs of Newark’s children and families.

education organizations) will coordinate another important step for our community’s education dialogue that aims to ensure broad community input on issues related to our school system’s return to local control. NCSF is committed to supporting this dialogue and the desire to lift up the voices of a broad cross section of Newarkers.

More and more I find myself working collaboratively with Newarkers from all corners of Newark’s education space to nurture the growth and development of our children and expand the impact of the lessons learned over the last decade. As we stand on the threshold of NPS’s return to local control, there is reason for some hard-won optimism as we celebrate the opening of another school year and begin to consider the kind of outstanding public education system that our children need and deserve.

At NCSF, we support a broader dialogue and will continue to help move the education conversation in Newark away from artificial lines drawn in the sand between traditional and charter toward a more inclusive conversation about meeting the needs of Newark’s children and families.

A great system of public education in Newark is achievable and will be multifaceted to better meet the diverse needs of Newark’s children. A shared commitment toward increasing student achievement and attaining educational equity are what unites us all across our city.

For example, the two newest charter schools opening in Newark this year are part of blended networks that include both traditional district schools and charter schools.

BRICK Achieve Charter School is part of the BRICK network of schools within the South Ward Children’s Alliance. BRICK serves children and families exposed to significant adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress through an evolving comprehensive, interlocking network of education, social services, and community-building programs. LEAD Charter www.thepositivecommunity.com

School is part of the Opportunity Youth Network, which is dedicated to serving “opportunity youth”—young people over aged (16 to 24 years old) and disconnected from school and work—in Newark. Both organizations are focused on addressing the needs of targeted student populations in Newark with effective solutions. NCSF is committed to supporting creative solutions that meet the needs of Newark’s children and families.

Imagine the City of Newark with a truly outstanding education system that provides all of its children with great school options and a deep well of supportive learning opportunities. Hold that image in your mind. Consider the work that must be done to achieve such a vision—the needed community conversations, the partnerships that must be forged, the trust that must be built and the needed supporting children and family services. All of this and more are needed to create a responsive and resilient Newark education ecosystem that will effectively support the needs and aspirations of all Newark children and families.

NCSF is committed to Newark’s children and families and we are committed to an outstanding system of education in Newark. Working together we can make that happen.

Michele Mason is the Executive Director of the Newark Charter School Fund (NCSF). Established in 2008, the NCSF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the quality, growth, and sustainability of the charter sector in order to provide all of Newark’s students with access to great schools in collaboration with district efforts to improve the quality of Newark public education. ncsfund.org

September 2017 The Positive Community

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New NewPresident Presidentat President atNBTS NBTS New at NBTS DR. DR. MICAH MICAH L. L. MCCREARY MCCREARY DR. MICAH L. MCCREARY TAKES TAKES THE THE REIGNS REIGNS TAKES THE REIGNS

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ew ew Brunswick Brunswick Theological Theological Seminary Seminary ew Brunswick Theological Seminary welcomed welcomed its its new new president, president, Dr. Dr. Micah welcomed its new president, Dr.Micah Micah L. L. McCreary McCreary on on July15, July15, 2017.

2017.

He He folL. McCreary on July15, 2017. Hefolfollows lows Dr. Dr. Gregg Gregg Mast, Mast, who who retired retired at at the the lows Dr. Gregg Mast, who retired at the end endof ofJune Juneafter afterserving servingasas aspresident president end of June after serving president of of the the seminary seminary for for 11 11 years. years. of the seminary for 11 years.

Dr. Dr. McCreary McCreary comes comes toto NBTS NBTS from from Richmond, Richmond, Dr. McCreary comes to NBTS from Richmond, Virginia, Virginia, where where he he led led McCreary McCreary and and Madison Madison Virginia, where he led McCreary and Madison Associates, Associates, Incorporated, Incorporated, aa psychological psychological and and human human Associates, Incorporated, a psychological and human resources resourcesconsulting consultingfirm firmasasPresident Presidentand andCEO. CEO.Dr. Dr. resources consulting firm as President and CEO. Dr. McCreary McCrearyalso alsoworked workedasasaatenured tenuredassociate associateprofessor professor McCreary also worked as a tenured associate professor ofof Psychology Psychology atat Virginia Virginia Commonwealth Commonwealth University University of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) (VCU) for for 21 21 years. years. During During his his career career atat VCU, VCU, Dr. Dr. (VCU) for 21 years. During his career at VCU, Dr. McCreary McCrearyheld heldother otherpositions positionsincluding includinghis hisservice serviceasas McCreary held other positions including his service as assistant assistantvice viceprovost provostfor forDiversity, Diversity,Quality QualityEnhancement Enhancement assistant vice provost for Diversity, Quality Enhancement Plan Plan coordinator, coordinator, and and co-director co-director ofof the the Counseling Counseling Plan coordinator, and co-director of the Counseling Psychology PsychologyProgram.

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Psychology Program.

“New “NewBrunswick BrunswickTheological TheologicalSeminary Seminaryisisan anexcepexcep“New Brunswick Theological Seminary is an exceptional tionaltheological theologicalcommunity communityliving livingout outitsitscalling callingbybyproprotional theological community living out its calling by providing vidingaagenuine genuinetheological theologicaleducation educationwithin withinaadiverse diverse viding a genuine theological education within a diverse community communityofoffaith,” faith,”said saidDr. Dr.McCreary.

McCreary.“I“Ilook lookforward forward community of faith,” said Dr. McCreary. “I look forward totoworking workingwith withthe theboard, board,administration, administration,faculty, faculty,stustuto working with the board, administration, faculty, stu-

54The ThePositive PositiveCommunity CommunitySeptember September2017 2017 54 Positive Community September 2017 54 The The Positive Community September 2017

dents, dents,Reformed ReformedChurch Church America, and other denomChurchinin inAmerica, America,and andother otherdenomdenominations, inations,totofurther furtherthe the seminary’s mission.” theseminary’s seminary’smission.” mission.”

The TheRev. Rev.Michael MichaelBos, Bos, co-chair the NBTS Search Bos,co-chair co-chairofof ofthe theNBTS NBTSSearch Search Committee, Committee,noted, noted,“Dr. “Dr. McCreary has vibrant faith, “Dr.McCreary McCrearyhas hasaaavibrant vibrantfaith, faith, demonstrated demonstratedleadership leadership education, and has led leadershipinin ineducation, education,and andhas hasled ledaaa growing growing congregation. congregation.

This unique combination congregation. This Thisunique uniquecombination combinationofof of experience experienceand andgifts giftsposition position him well help NBTS live positionhim himwell welltoto tohelp helpNBTS NBTSlive live into intoitsitscalling callingtotonurture nurture the next generation leaders nurturethe thenext nextgeneration generationofof ofleaders leaders for forthe theChurch.”

Church.”

Dr. Dr.McCreary McCrearyholds holds Bachelor Science engiholdsaaaBachelor Bachelorofof ofScience Scienceinin inengiengineering neeringfrom fromthe theUniversity University Michigan, Master Universityofof ofMichigan, Michigan,aaaMaster Masterofof of Divinity Divinitydegree degreefrom fromthe the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School theSamuel SamuelDeWitt DeWittProctor ProctorSchool School ofofTheology TheologyatatVirginia Virginia Union University, and Master VirginiaUnion UnionUniversity, University,and andaaaMaster Master ofof Science Science and and doctoral doctoral degree Counseling doctoral degree degree inin in Counseling Counseling Psychology Psychologyfrom fromVCU. VCU. Dr. McCreary and his wife, the VCU.Dr. Dr.McCreary McCrearyand andhis hiswife, wife,the the Reverend Reverend Dr. Jacqueline Madison-McCreary, have pasReverendDr. Dr.Jacqueline JacquelineE.E. E.Madison-McCreary, Madison-McCreary,have havepaspastored tored the Spring Creek Baptist Church Moseley, tored the the Spring SpringCreek CreekBaptist BaptistChurch Churchinin inMoseley, Moseley, Virginia, Virginia, for 16 years.

The McCrearys are the parents Virginia,for for16 16years. years.The TheMcCrearys McCrearysare arethe theparents parentsofof of one one adult daughter. oneadult adultdaughter. daughter.

The The Rev. Anna Jackson, co-chair the Search The Rev. Rev. Anna Anna Jackson, Jackson,co-chair co-chairofof ofthe theSearch Search Committee Committee and moderator the NBTS Board, reflectCommitteeand andmoderator moderatorofof ofthe theNBTS NBTSBoard, Board,reflectreflected, ed, “Dr. McCreary brings tremendous energy, exciteed,“Dr. “Dr.McCreary McCrearybrings bringstremendous tremendousenergy, energy,exciteexcitement, ment, and vision the NBTS community.

The Board ment,and andvision visiontoto tothe theNBTS NBTScommunity. community.The TheBoard Board isis looking forward working with Dr. McCreary is looking lookingforward forwardtoto toworking workingwith withDr. Dr.McCreary McCrearyasas as together together we live out our mission educating people togetherwe welive liveout outour ourmission missionofof ofeducating educatingpeople people and and strengthening communities for transformational, andstrengthening strengtheningcommunities communitiesfor fortransformational, transformational, public public ministries.” ministries.” public ministries.”

Dr. Dr. McCreary has received number fellowships Dr.McCreary McCrearyhas hasreceived receivedaaanumber numberofof offellowships fellowships including including the the American American Psychological Psychological Association Association including the American Psychological Association Minority Minority Fellowship, State Council Higher Education MinorityFellowship, Fellowship,State StateCouncil Councilofof ofHigher HigherEducation Education inin Virginia Virginia Fellowship, Fellowship, and and the the American American Council Council on in Virginia Fellowship, and the American Councilon on Education Education Presidential Presidential Fellowship.

Fellowship.

His His scholarship scholarship and and Education Presidential Fellowship. His scholarship and publications publications include grants promote better health publicationsinclude includegrants grantstoto topromote promotebetter betterhealth health among among families families affected affected by by substance substance abuse, abuse, and and numernumeramong families affected by substance abuse, and numerous ous articles and book chapters on his teaching, service, ousarticles articlesand andbook bookchapters chapterson onhis histeaching, teaching,service, service, and and research. research. and research.

Looking Looking ahead the future NBTS, the Rev. Dr. Lookingahead aheadtoto tothe thefuture futureofof ofNBTS, NBTS,the theRev. Rev.Dr. Dr. McCreary McCreary articulated articulated his his “simple” “simple” vision, vision, “To “To work work in McCreary articulated his “simple” vision, “To work in in collaboration collaboration with members the NBTS community collaborationwith withmembers membersofof ofthe theNBTS NBTScommunity communitytoto to nurture, nurture, strengthen, equip, and shepherd every facet nurture,strengthen, strengthen,equip, equip,and andshepherd shepherdevery everyfacet facetofof of our our beloved institution, order continue the mission ourbeloved belovedinstitution, institution,inin inorder ordertoto tocontinue continuethe themission mission totowhich whichGod Godhas hascalled calledus.” us.” to which God has called us.”

AA BOUT BOUTNN EW EWBB RUNSWICK RUNSWICKTT HEOLOGICAL HEOLOGICALSS EMINARY EMINARY ABOUT NEW BRUNSWICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Founded Foundedinin1784, 1784,NBTS NBTSisisthe theoldest oldestindependent independentProtestant Protestantseminary seminary Founded in 1784, NBTS is the oldest independent Protestant seminary ininthe theUnited UnitedStates.

States.It Itisisone oneofoftwo twoseminaries seminariesaffiliated affiliatedwith withthe the in the United States. It is one of two seminaries affiliated with the Reformed ReformedChurch ChurchininAmerica America(RCA), (RCA),and andoffers offersananexceptional exceptionalseminary seminary Reformed Church in America (RCA), and offers an exceptional seminary education, education,a aflexible flexibleacademic academicschedule, schedule,and anda aspiritually spirituallyrich richcommucommueducation, a flexible academic schedule, and a spiritually rich community nityforforstudents studentsofofmany manyChristian Christiandenominations denominationsand andbackgrounds. backgrounds. nity NBTS for students of many Christian denominations and backgrounds.

The TheNBTS mission missionisistotoeducate educatepersons personsand andstrengthen strengthencommunities communities The NBTS mission ispublic to educate persons and strengthen communities forfor transformational, transformational, public ministries ministries ininchurch church and andsociety. society.

We Wefulfill fulfill for transformational, public ministries in church and society.

We with fulfill this thismission missionthrough throughcreative, creative,contextual, contextual,and andcritical criticalengagement engagement with this mission through creative,The contextual, and critical engagement with texts, texts, traditions, traditions, and andpractices. practices.

Theseminary seminary isislocated locatedin inNew New texts, traditions, and practices.

The seminary is located in New Brunswick, Brunswick,NJ, NJ,and andoperates operatesa asatellite satellitecampus campusatatSt.St.John’s John’sUniversity University Brunswick, NJ, operates a satellite campus atTheological St. John’s University inin Queens, Queens,NY. NY. ToToand learn learn more moreabout about New NewBrunswick Brunswick Theological in Queens, NY. Tovisit learn more about New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Seminary, please please visit www.nbts.edu. www.nbts.edu.

Seminary, please visit www.nbts.edu.

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Congress of Christian Education Banquet Rev. H. Grady James III Receives Top Honors

R

ev. H. Grady James III was awarded the Instructor of the Year for the Northeast region of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.by the Congress of Christian Education (CCE) during their 39th Pansy L. Borders and Nancy L. Smith Banquet at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick.

The award is given upon the recommendation of the CCE Sunday School Publishing Board. In making the presentation Rev. Dr. Joseph E Woods, director of the General Baptist Convention, NJ CCE, said Rev. James “possesses a supreme understanding of Christian doc-

Photos: Karen Waters

First row; L-R: Rev. Tonya Rev. H. Grady James III Green; Sister Lillian Bullock; simply said all glory is Sister Suzzette Nesbitt; to God for calling him Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, to preach and teach the Jr.; Second row: L-R: Rev. Gospel of Jesus Christ Dr. Joseph E. Woods, Rev. Edward Bryant, Sister Ida Rodgers, Rev. Dejon’ Morris, Sister Donna Strothers, Rev. John Gamble

L–R: Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Saint John's B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ and Pastor Joseph E. Woods, St. Phillips B.C., Hamilton, NJ

trine and is able to teach the intricate points of our faith with love, incite fullness, anointing, and zeal. Rev. James teaches by both precept and example.” Having provided instruction at all denominational levels for more than 30 years, James, gave all glory to God for calling him to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Virtue and fidelity are of God's Grace upon me,” he said humbly.

Rev James, is the pastor of First Bethel Baptist Church, Irvington, NJ, which recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of its founding and 20th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. James and First Lady Sharon. —TPC Staff

Annual Baptism at Cathedral by the Shore Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. Presides

M

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Linda Pace

Bishop Hilliard performs water baptism in Asbury Park, NJ.

any years ago, Rev. Donald Hilliard, Jr. envisioned a scenario that would take the gospel outside of the church walls. Today his vision has become a reality as he pastors one church in three locations. Cathedral International, in Perth Amboy, which he has led since 1982 has spawned Cathedral International Plainfield and Cathedral By the Shore in Asbury Park, all in New Jersey. Hilliard also hosts a Spanish language congregation at the Perth Amboy edifice.

On July 30, 2017 a bright, sunny Sunday morning, families, friends, and church members from all locations joined a procession, which began from the church at 1200 Grand Avenue and ended at the Atlantic Ocean, where a water baptism was performed by Bishop Hilliard. An annual event, the celebration of the newly baptized continued with a cookout on the beach and an altogether memorable day for all. —TPC Staff September 2017 The Positive Community

55

Leading the Way on AP Access for Black and Latino Students

O

luwasegun Owoyele took eight Advanced Placement (AP) courses at his Brooklyn high school before he graduated. He just started his freshman year at the University of Rochester, and those AP classes means he has a much higher chance of graduating from college in four years.

“Basically, all my classes were college classes,” Owoyele said. “I was trying to push myself to see how I would do in a college setting.”

The fact that Owoyele took any AP courses at all stands in contrast to the harsh reality of American high schools for black students: Nationally, only 6% of black students take any AP class in high school, less than half the rate of white students.

Uncommon Schools is breaking that barrier.

Owoyele’s high school, Uncommon Collegiate Charter High School, believes all students should have access to AP courses, knowing that data shows students are more likely to graduate from college if they have passed at least one AP exam in high school.

Uncommon Schools operates four high schools in Brooklyn, one in Rochester, N.Y., one in Troy, N.Y., and two in Newark. Its mission is to ensure that its 18,000 students in grades K-12 enter into, succeed in and graduate from college. Nearly all of its students are black or Latino and over 80% qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

Nationally, just 9 percent of students from low-income backgrounds graduate from college after earning their high school diploma. By contrast, the college graduation rate of the highest income quartile students in the U.S. is about 77%.

Uncommon’s students are already making huge strides to close the college graduation gap. Eight in 10 Uncommon Schools alumni are on track to graduate

56

The Positive Community September 2017

from college within six years of high school graduation – one of the highest rates in the country. Ensuring high school students have access to AP courses is one of the ways in which Uncommon is making a big difference.

“We know the level of education each day in our schools is going to have a great impact on our students when they get to college, and whether they are successful in their college classrooms,” said Jesse Corburn, Uncommon’s Assistant Superintendent for High Schools.

“Few schools across the country that have this demographic offer AP classes with the success rate that Uncommon does,” said Donna Hurrle of who received her doctor of education degree from Northeastern University and has extensively studied AP classes in schools across the country. “If more schools put the proper systems in place, they too could serve AP courses to a higher percentage of black and Latino students.”

Uncommon Collegiate opened its doors to its first class of 9th graders in 2013. In 2014, the entire founding class was enrolled in their first AP course, AP World History. Now, in its 6th year, all Uncommon Collegiate students will complete at least 6 AP courses by the time they graduate high school. For the Class of 2018, who are now seniors, 75% have already passed at least one AP exam.

Research has shown that participating in an AP course while in high school makes a student more likely to major in a related subject in college, especially STEM majors. Owoyele plans to double-major in bio-chemistry and African studies on a pre-med track.

Last year, 100% of Uncommon Collegiate graduates were admitted to at least one four-year college. For Oweyele and his peers, their high school access to AP courses will help ensure that they make it all the way through college. www.thepositivecommunity.com

with a group of people who, from the top down, are working for the same mission and the same goal. Margaret Mead once said ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’

AT UNCOMMON WE ARE CHANGING HISTORY, TOGETHER!”

Juliana Worrell Associate Managing Director Uncommon Schools Newark

JOIN OUR TEAM! UncommonSchools.org/careers

I am Uncommon.

“At Uncommon Schools we work

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College.

No No Hablar Hablar Christianese Christianese

C C

hristianese—the hristianese—thequirky quirkychurch churchsayings sayingsattached attachedtoto church church culture—requires culture—requires re-examination. re-examination. AtAt itsits best, best, Christianese Christianese generalizes generalizes experiences, experiences, borborders derson onsuperficiality, superficiality,and anddepicts depictspoor poortheology. theology.

While Whilelanguage languageisisan animportant importantaspect aspectofofidentity identityand and living livingone’s one’slife lifeininChrist Christisisabout aboutacquiring acquiringaanew newidentiidentity,ty,some somechurch churchexpressions expressionsare aretrite tritegeneralizations generalizationsthat that do donot notcommunicate communicatethe thetruth truthofofthe theeveryday everydaylife lifeofofthe the individual individual believer. believer. Some Some common common Christianese Christianese includes includesphrases phrasessuch suchas: as:“too “tooblessed blessedtotobe bestressed” stressed”and and “too “tooanointed anointedtotobe bedisappointed.” disappointed.”

From From experience experience and and empirical empirical observation, observation, some some Christians Christiansdo doexperience experiencestress. stress.InInaddition, addition,data datafrom from recent recentPew PewResearch Researchreports reportsnot notthe theabsence absenceofofstress stressinin the thelives livesofofreligious religiouspeople, people,but buthow howreligious religiousfolks folksdeal deal with with stress. stress. According According toto the the April April 12, 12, 2016 2016 article article “Religion “ReligionininEveryday EverydayLife,” Life,”highly highlydevout devoutpeople people“are “are more moreinclined inclinedthan thanthose thosewho whoare areless lessreligious religioustotomedimeditate tateasasaacoping copingmechanism mechanismfor forstress stress(42% (42%vs. vs.26%).”

26%).”

The Thesurvey surveyalso alsoemphasizes emphasizesthat thatChristians, Christians,especially especially those thoseininthe thehistorically historicallyblack blackProtestant Protestanttradition, tradition,are are more morelikely likelythan thanJews Jewsand andreligious religious“nones” “nones”(those (thosewho who do donot notidentify identifywith withany anyreligion) religion)totomeditate meditatetotomanage manage stress. stress.

Some SomeChristians Christiansalso alsoget getdisappointed disappointeddespite despitehow how “anointed” “anointed”they theymay maybe. be.There Thereisisaalitany litanyofofwoes woesthat that produce producedisappointment: disappointment:the theloss lossofofaajob, job,the theloss lossofofaa child, child,the theend endofofaarelationship, relationship,being beingpassed passedover overfor for promotion, promotion,the thefailed failedstart-up, start-up,not notgetting gettingmarried, married,not not being beingable abletotoget getpregnant, pregnant,not notgraduating graduatingwith withdistincdistinction, tion,not notbeing beingable abletotolose loseweight weightororgaining gainingthe theweight weight you youlost, lost,aadiagnosis diagnosisofofterminal terminaldisease, disease,rejection, rejection,oror church churchhurt. hurt. Not Notevery everyhope hopeororexpectation expectationan anindividindividual ualhas hasisisalways alwaysfulfilled fulfilledand andthe theun-fulfillment un-fulfillmentofofhopes hopes and andexpectations expectationscause causesadness sadnessand anddispleasure. displeasure.Like Likethe the poet poetLangston LangstonHughes Hughesintuits intuitsininthe thepoem poemHarlem, Harlem,some some dreams, dreams,“dry “dryup, up,fester, fester,stink stinklike likerotten rottenmeat, meat,sag sagand and explode.” explode.”

Given Giventhe therealities realitiesofoflife lifeininaaworld worldfilled filledwith withsinful sinful people, people,Christianese Christianeseisissuperficial superficialand andthe thenotion notionthat that being beinganointed anointedreduces reducesthe thelikelihood likelihoodofofdisappointdisappointment mentisispoor poortheology. theology. Even EvenJesus Jesushimself himselftells tellsus, us,“In “In

60 60The ThePositive PositiveCommunity CommunitySeptember September2017 2017 60 The Positive Community September 2017

the theworld worldyou youwill willhave havetrouble” trouble”(John (John16:33).

16:33).Jesus’ Jesus’ approach approachtotodisappointment disappointmentisistotoinform informusushow howtotocope, cope, “in “inme meyou youmay mayhave havepeace.” peace.” IfIfwe weagree agreethat thatour ourlife lifeasas Christians Christiansadheres adherestotowhat whatthe theBible Biblesays, says,then thenwhat whatwe we believe, believe,say, say,and andlive liveshould shouldreally reallybe bewhat whatthe theBible Bibleisis saying saying(when (whenit’s it’sproperly properlyexegeted) exegeted)and andnot notwhat whatour our religious religiouscustom customisissaying. saying.For Forexample, example,ininaa1957 1957article article on on “Constructing “Constructing aa Sound Sound Theology,” Theology,” Edward Edward Heppenstall Heppenstallframes framesan animportant importantquestion questionthis thisway: way:“Is “Is what whatyou youbelieve believeactually actuallythe theBible Bibleororyour yourdenominadenomination’s tion’sinterpretation interpretationofofthe theBible?”

Bible?”

Sound Soundtheology theologyisisthe theopposite oppositeofofpoor poortheology theologyand and sound soundtheology theologymakes makesfor forgood goodpreaching preachingand andteaching. teaching.

Sound Soundtheology theologytrumps trumpsChristianese.

Christianese.Sound Soundtheology theology creates creates aa healthy healthy church church and and aa spiritually spiritually healthy healthy Christian.

Christian.Although Althoughsound soundtheology theologydoes doesnot notnecessarily necessarily and andalways alwaysequate equatewith withaavibrant vibrantChristian Christianexperience, experience,aa sound soundtheology theologyabout aboutsuffering sufferingsimultaneously simultaneouslyprovides provides the thetools toolsthat thatmay mayhelp helptotocircumvent circumventlife’s life’strials trialsand andtoto transcend transcendand andcope copewith withthem. them. When WhenChristians Christiansare are Williams Williamsjammin’ jammin’ encouraged encouraged to to think think critically critically about about what what constitutes constitutes ononhis hisharmonica harmonica sound soundtheology theologyand andhow howititapplies appliestotothese thesesuperficial superficial and and generalized generalized expressions, expressions, perhaps perhaps we we will will be be less less inclined inclinedtotospeak speakChristianese.

Christianese.No Nohablar hablarChristianese.

Christianese. thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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AA Raisin Raisin in in the the Sun Sun Opens Opens Two Two River River Season Season THREE THREE MEMBERS MEMBERS OF OF THE THE DIRDEN DIRDEN FAMILY FAMILY TAKE TAKE THE THE STAGE STAGE By Byg.r.mattox g.r.mattox

A A

packed packedand andlively livelyblock blockparty partyushered usheredin inthe the2017201718 18season seasonfor forTwo TwoRiver RiverTheater Theaterin inRed RedBank, Bank,NJ. NJ. Guests Guestsnibbled nibbled on on delicacies delicacies from from local local eateries eateries and andthe thelaughter laughterand andconversation conversationon onthe thetheater’s theater’splaza plaza flowed flowedfreely. freely.The The“Raisin “Raisinthe theRoof RoofBlock BlockParty” Party”featured featured some somefoot-stomping foot-stomping music music from from Gary Gary Wright Wright Roots Roots && Blues.

Blues.“Play “Play‘Little ‘LittleRed RedRooster!’”

Rooster!’”one oneinvitee inviteeshouted shoutedto to the theband. band.The Themusicians musicians complied complied asas couples couples poured poured into intothe thedance dancespace. space.

The The block block party, party, along along with with an an earlier earlier WBGO-FM WBGO-FM interview interviewwith withnews newsdirector directorDoug DougDoyle, Doyle,celebrated celebratedthe the Two TwoRiver Riverproduction productionofofone oneofofthe themost mostcelebrated celebratedand and iconic iconicplays playsininAmerican AmericanTheater.

Theater.Lorraine Lorraine Hansberry’s Hansberry’s AARaisin Raisinininthe theSun Sun isis the the first first play play written written by by aa black black woman woman toto be be produced produced on on Broadway.

Broadway. Nominated Nominated for for four four Tony Tony Awards Awards®® inin 1960, 1960, winning winning two two in in its its 2004 2004 revival, revival,Raisin Raisinisisthe thestory storyofofaafamily familyand andtheir theirdreams dreamsof of moving movingtoward towardaabetter betterlife. life.At Atthe thetime timeof ofits itsdebut, debut,The The

62The ThePositive PositiveCommunity CommunitySeptember September2017 2017 62 The Positive Community September 2017

New NewYork York Times Times said said this this play play addressed addressed the questions that Langston Langston Hughes Hughes posed posed in in his his poem poem “Harlem” (What happens happens to to aa dream dream deferred) deferred) and and “changed American Theater Theater forever.” forever.”

Under Under the the direction direction of of Carl Carl Cofield, Cofield, whose extensive directing directing credits credits include include the the Classical Classical Theatre of Harlem and and National National Black Black Theatre, Theatre, this this production of Hansberry’s Hansberry’s seminal seminal stage stage work work set set in 1950s Chicago takes takes on on aa fresh fresh and and vibrant vibrant life. life. The The cast is a family in itself. itself. Spouses Spouses Brandon Brandon J.J. Dirden Dirden and and Crystal Dickerson co-star co-star as as husband husband and and wife, wife, Walter Walter Lee and Ruth Younger.

Younger.

This This production production marks marks the the sixth sixth time Brandon has worked workedTwo Two River.

River. He He played played opposite opposite his younger brother, er, Jason, Jason, in in the the 2012 2012 production production of Susan-Lori Park’s Topdog/Underdog.

Topdog/Underdog. He He made made his his directorial directorial debut directing his his brother brother and and his his wife, wife, Crystal Crystal Dickerson, Dickerson, in August Wilson’s Wilson’s Seven Seven Guitars Guitars in in 2015, 2015, and and starred in last year’s thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

season season opening opening of of Wilson’s Wilson’s Ma Ma Rainey’s Rainey’s Black Black Bottom.

Coincidently, Coincidently,atatthe thesame same time time his his brother, brother, Jason, had the thesame samerole roleon onthe theWest WestCoast.

Coast. Dirden Dirden also also played the role roleofof“Youngblood” “Youngblood”in inthe the 2012 2012 Two Two River River production production ofofWilson’s Wilson’sJitney, Jitney,and andin in that that play’s play’s Broadway Broadway premiere asas“Booster” “Booster”in in2017.

2017. On On television, television, he he can can be seen as Agent AgentAderholt Aderholtin inthe theFX FX series series The The Americans.

Americans. He considers sidersthe theplay playto tobe be the the embodiment embodiment of of the the American reality. reality. “The “The problems problems of of America America have have been been thrust front frontand andcenter centerin inthese these past past few few weeks,” weeks,” he he observed.

“The “Theplay playisisabout aboutefforts efforts by

by Americans Americans to to deny deny others life, life,liberty, liberty,and andthe thepursuit pursuitof ofhappiness. happiness. Hansberry Hansberry has written writtenaamasterpiece; masterpiece; not not aa word word isis wasted wasted in in this play and andI Iconsider considerititone oneof ofthe the greatest greatest plays plays ever ever written.”

Dickerson Dickersonhas hasappeared appeared in in several several TV TV series series such as House HouseofofPayne Payneand andThe TheGood GoodWife, Wife, and and on on stage stage alongside James JamesEarl EarlJones Jonesin in You You Can’t Can’t Take Take ItIt with with You. You. She is a recipient recipientofofthe the2012 2012Theater Theater World World Award Award for for her portrayal trayalofof“Francine/Lena “Francine/Lena in in the the Broadway Broadway debut debut of one

Crystal CrystalA. A.Dickinson Dickinson(Ruth (Ruth Younger) Younger) and and Brandon Brandon J. Dirden Dirden(Walter (WalterLee LeeYounger) Younger) in in AA Raisin Raisin in in the the Sun atatTwo TwoRiver RiverTheater.

Theater. Photo: Photo:Two TwoRiver RiverTheater Theater thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

of two Raisin Raisin spin-offs spin-offs Clybourne ClybournePark.

Park.Though Thoughshe sheand and her husband husband have have seen seenthe theplay playatatleast leastfour fourtimes timestogethtogether, “It pales pales in in comparison comparison to to doing doing it,” it,” she she said. said.

“Anybody “Anybody who who loves loves theater theater in inAmerica Americaknows knowsand andhas hasa a relationship relationship with with this this play.” play.”

New to to this this stage stage isis Brandon’s Brandon’s father, father,Willie WillieDirden, Dirden, who will play play the the role role of of Walter Walter Lee’s Lee’s partner, partner, Bobo.

Bobo.

Known for for film film roles roles in in Arlington ArlingtonRoad Road(1999), (1999),The TheRookie Rookie (2002) and and Rough Rough Riders Riders (1997), (1997),He Hehas hasalso alsobeen beenactive active in regional regional theater, theater, playing playing parts parts in in Waiting Waiting for for Godot, Godot, Wilson’s Ma Ma Rainey’s Rainey’s Black BlackBottom Bottomand andTwo TwoTrains TrainsRunning.

Running.

“I’m loving loving it!” it!” he he says says about about his hisfirst firsttime timeon onstage stagewith with his son. He He looks looks back backon onthe theroad roadboth bothsons sonstook tooktoward toward becoming becoming consummate consummate performers performersand andcommercial commercialsucsuccesses, and and says says itit took took him himall allof of20 20minutes minutestotodecide decidetoto work with with his his son son and and daughter-in-law. daughter-in-law.“It “Itmakes makesme mestick stick my chest out out with with pride pridelike likeany anyfather fatherwould woulddo dowhen whenhe he puts a sign sign up up in in front front of of his his business businesswith withhis hisname namefolfollowed by ‘and ‘and son.’” son.’” Bobo Bobo isis aasmall smallbut butimportant importantpart, part, but “you work work hard hard to to encapsulate encapsulatethe thelife lifeofofaaman maninina a few broad broad brush brush strokes strokes in in your your few few minutes minuteson onstage. stage.

The challenge challenge isis to to make makethat thattime timeon onstage stageaamoment momentinin a complete complete life.” life.”

The ensemble ensemble cast cast isis rounded roundedout outwith withTwo TwoRiver Rivervetveterans Joseph Joseph Asagai Asagai as as Charlie Charlie Hudson Hudson and and Brenda Brenda Pressley as as Lena Lena Younger.

Younger.

Making Making their their debuts debuts on onthis thisstage stage are areAndrew AndrewBinger, Binger, (Moving Man) Man) aa founding founding member member of of Newark, Newark, NJ’s NJ’s Yendor Theatre Theatre Company; Company;Jasmine JasmineBatchelor Batchelor (Beneatha (Beneatha Younger); Younger); Nat Nat DeWolf DeWolf (Karl (Karl Lindner); Lindner); Owen Owen Tabaka Tabaka (Travis Younger); Younger); York York Walker Walker (George (GeorgeMurchison) Murchison)and and David Joel Joel Rivera Rivera (Moving (Moving Man).

Man).

Two River’s River’s six-play six-play season season includes includesclassics classicsby byOscar Oscar Wilde and and Thorton Thorton Wilder Wilder and andOo-Bla-Dee, Oo-Bla-Dee,aastory storyfocusfocusing on the the post post WWII WWII marginalization marginalizationof offemale femalejazz jazzperperformers written written by

by Golden Golden Globe® Globe® Award Awardand andNAACP NAACP ® Award Image® Award recipient, recipient, Regina ReginaTaylor.

Taylor.

“Each play play that that follows follows [A [ARaisin Raisinininthe theSun]—whether Sun]—whether classic or or brand brand new, new, comedy comedy or or tragedy—in tragedy—insome someway way addresses addresses that that same same existential existentialpursuit,” pursuit,”Artistic ArtisticDirector Director John Dias Dias said. said. “They “They are are plays playsthat thatspeak speaktotoour ourcurrent current national mood mood of of uncertainty uncertainty and and confusion, confusion,and andeach each play, in its its own own way, way, isis pointing pointing us us forward, forward, whether whether through laughter laughter or or tears tears or or just just the the telling tellingofofaareally really great story.” story.”

A Raisin Raisin in in the the Sun Sun runs runs from from September September99through through October 8.

8. For For further furtherinformation, information,call call732-345-1400 732-345-1400oror visit www.tworivertheater.org. www.tworivertheater.org.

September September2017 2017 2017The The Positive Community63 63 September ThePositive Positive Community Community 63

Abysinnian Baptist Church Retirement Gala Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Jr. 35 years as Pastor

A

fter 35 years of faithful and dedicated service as senior pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, Newark, the church honored his service with a Gala Retirement Banquet on Saturday, June 17th, at the Robert Treat Hotel. More than 500 people from Newark and across the country attended to give their farewells. It was a night to remember as well wishers honored him with sermons, songs, resolutions, plaques, and gifts.

Dr. Simmons and First Lady Emma Simmons have retired to the state of Georgia to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He will serve as vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.

L–R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Rev. Dr. Simmons Seated: Rev. Simmons sister, Naomi Janet Stuart

L–R: Rev. Dr. Malachi D. Rountree; Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.; First Lady Emma and Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons; Councilwoman Mildred C. Crump; Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker; Rev. Louise Rountree; Linda Jumah and Mamie Bridgeforth

Photos: Karen Waters

As a testament to the love and respect for her mentor, Rev. Ernestine Daniels and her family came all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to wish Rev. Simmons well. L–R: Rev. Ernestine Daniels, Bonnie Williams, Merlean Holland, Jordyen Daniels, Tina Sample, Parris Daniels, Evangelist Sylvia Coleman, and Titus Daniels

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kirk franklin ledisi with special guest pj morton nov 26

Ella & Dizzy: The Centennial Celebration Gregory Porter (above)

Chris Botti Wed, Nov 8 @ 7:30 PM

GRAMMY®-winning trumpet master Chris Botti returns to NJPAC!

John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring Fri, Nov 10 @ 8 PM

Guitar virtuosos from Mahavishnu Orchestra and Widespread Panic.

the temptations the four tops Fri, Oct 6 @ 8PM An evening of timeless soul and R&B with two of the music’s most enduring supergroups.

daniel tiger’s neighborhood live!

tamar braxton with special guest joe

Sat, Oct 14 @ 2PM & 5:30PM An interactive musical adventure for young audiences, adapted from the beloved PBS KIDS series.

Thu, Oct 19 @ 8PM Tamar Braxton (Braxton Family Values) and Joe bring an evening of contemporary R&B to NJPAC.

sep_NJPAC_ad_positive_community.indd 1

An all-star celebration of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie featuring Gregory Porter, Lizz Wright, Valerie Simpson and more!

For full listing visit njpac.org/moodyjazz

gary owen deon cole saturday michael blackson arts training programs & smokey suarez

andré watts Sun, Oct 22 @ 3PM Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Vijay Iyer: Asunder (World Premiere) Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9 (“Jeunehomme”) Beethoven: Symphony No. 1

Ella & Dizzy The Centennial Celebration Sun, Nov 12 @ 7 PM

Sat, Oct 28 @ 2PM & 7:30PM Full score performed live with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Fri, Nov 17 @ 8PM An evening with four of the busiest new stars on the stand-up scene!

Sign up today for programs in jazz, dance, hip hop, film and musical theater! njpac.org/education

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ 9/12/17 9:40 AM

Mt. Olive Baptist Church Welcomes The Positive Community Photos: Karen Waters

TPC Publisher, Adrian Council Sr.

O

n a bright, late August morning, Rev. Gregory J. Jackson stood at the steps of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, NJ. He personally greeted each congregant as they entered the church. He only had kind words for everyone who passed by, “ …Did your daughter start college yet? How’s your mom? ...Man, I like that suit, glad to see you again, we’ve missed you… What a sharp looking couple! Tell your brother we’re praying for him… Glad to know your father is doing better…”

As praise and worship began, Rev. Jackson prayed in his office with the ministerial team, then stepped into the near-capacity sanctuary to officiate the service.

The sermon of the hour, inspired from Ruth 1:16-21 “Broke but Not Broken,” was a stirring, socially relevant message that appealed directly to the soul of the listener and the collective consciousness of the people. See it online, www.thepositivecommunity.com.

A heartfelt welcome was extended to TPC publisher Adrian A. Council, who is currently touring Roll Call member churches (pg.7) to present the special limited edition Obama Commemorative keepsake to the churches and

Rev. Gregory J. Jackson

community. “It’s time that we take full and complete responsibly for our own story; on our own terms.”

This Obama Commemorative is the only locally produced publication celebrating America’s 44th president.

The Positive Community’s Great Roll Call to Progress Church Tour is coming soon to a church near you!

L–R: Rebecca Gibson-Mays, Pastor Jackson, Mrs. Susie Gibson (99 years old), Theresa Cannon, Lisa Brown, and Margaret Hamiel

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The Positive Community September 2017

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Masterpiece, Collector’s Edition

Obama Tribute Issue GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Winter 2017

$10.00

thepositivecommunity.com

B LE A L I A V A N OW! SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Barack Obama

A Presidential Journey | 2009–2017

A special thank you to all who have purchased and patiently waited for the arrival of this reprinted Obama commemorative issue, the response has been overwhelming.

The issue overflows with admiration and love for America's first black president and shows how he and his family served our country well.

Proudly display it in your home, office, and classroom or with the family archives for the edification of future generations—our children’s children. We must never forget our collective sacrifices and achievements—our claim on the American Dream!

Own this proud moment in American history.

No home, school or church should be without one!

TPC’s Obama Issue makes for a great fundraiser! Show your love!

Order this priceless commemorative issue today.

Only $13.99 per copy, includes shipping and handling.

Call TPC at 973-233-9200 or order online www.thepositivecommunity.com.

Brooklyn's West Indian Day Parade Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Parade Grand Marshal George Hulse of HealthFirst Above Photo: Seitu Oronde

Photos: Bob Gore

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The Positive Community September 2017

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ALL TICKETS $25 FREEDOM COSTS.

In the summer of 1961, a Freedom Rider is about to take action.

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 19 Major support for Too Heavy for Your Pocket and for Roundabout Underground is provided by Jodi Glucksman.

Too Heavy for Your Pocket is a recipient of the 2017 Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Award.

Roundabout’s work with new and emerging playwrightsand directors, as well as development of new work, is made possible by Katheryn Patterson and Tom Kempner.

Jiréh Breon Holder

Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Black Box Theatre 111 West 46th Street 212.719.1300 roundabouttheatre.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

69

Upcoming Special Issue!

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ImageNation Outdoor Festival–Harlem

A$AP Ferg is flanked by ImageNation Founder Moikgantsi Kgama and Producer Gregory Gates

I

Positive Music Matters! VFerg and Cuzins the Band perform from his Higher Level Music album.

Photos: Esha Rose & McDonald Layne

mageNation’s Outdoor Film and Music Festival marked its 15th anniversary of bringing free film screenings and musical performances by us and about us to our community parks. This year’s lineup boasted some of 2017’s biggest films including Get Out, Moonlight, The 13th, I Am Not Your Negro and Queen of Katwe as well as breakout films like The Fits and 90 Days.

Over 5,000 people came out for the six screenings enjoying live music performances, DJ’s, and family activities. The festival was presented in partnership with Harlem Community Development Corporation, Inc. (HCDC), New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Urban Movie Channel (UMC), HBO, Power 105.1, Injoy Enterprises, the National Black Programming Consortium, The Positive Community, Harlem One Stop, and Harlem World.

Highlights included Injoy Enterprise’s live music performances featuring “Freedom Songs from The Soul Train Era.” It was a Positive Music Matters tribute program where the community turned out to dance down the Soul Train line to music from deejay Stormin Norman of Harlem’s popular Sundae Sermon in the park.

ImageNation wrapped up HARLEM WEEK with a Kids Night Out of family fun. Children enjoyed free chess and games with the St. Nicholas Chess and Backgammon Club, face painting, and complimentary popcorn before the film.

The 2017 #ImageNationOutdoors season grand finale was dedicated to black women and girls with a Black Girl Magic theme with music by Natasha Diggs and a screening of Sundance Select film The Fits. –AAC

Singer Asa Lovechild brings the drama!

A jam-packed crowd attends the ImageNation Outdoor Festival Uptown Dance Academy performs African Dance on pointe!

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Newark NJ

M

L–R: Gwen Moten with Patrick Council

ayor Ras J. Baraka; Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Director Patrick Council; and Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development, and Tourism Gwen Moten launched The City of Newark’s 2nd annual “Positive Music Matters” neighborhood concert series held from August 28, through September 1, at sites in all five of the city's wards. All the concerts were FREE and open to the public.

Newark Hip Hop artist Rah Digga hosted the concert series in partnership with the Division of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services.

King Solomon Hicks

Said Mayor Baraka, “We are proud to bring a message of positive music and hope to our neighborhoods for our residents to enjoy. The series also included performances by some of Newark's rising talent. The performances also united our residents with a positive message which makes our city stronger. I extend thanks to all Newark residents who came out for great evening of positive music.” –AAC Photos: Risasi Dais & Peter Gillo

Members of Provenance Music Group. L–R: Sharlene Nelson, Warleen Alston, Don Corey Washington, and Ruby Annette Evans. www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2017 The Positive Community

73

Tune in to the New Jersey Gubernatorial Debate On CBS TV Channel 2 between Republican candidate Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Democratic candidate Phil Murphy

Phil Murphy

on Wednesday October 18th 7pm at William Paterson College Moderator: Kristine Johnson of CBS 2

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno

Panelists: Jessica Dean, Anchor KYW 3 in Philadelphia Alfred Doblin, The Record Levon Putney, WCBS Newsradio 880

Visit Our New Bold Website!

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BYBYPATRICIA PATRICIABALDWIN BALDWIN

therAPy grouptherAPy Brown&&group Anthony AnthonyBrown Sunday fromSunday Wayfrom LongWay are areAALong

GRACE GRACE && PEACE PEACE FAMILY, FAMILY, ouou oughta oughta liftlift your your hands hands as as you you areare reading reading this this and and just just begin begin toto give give God God praise. praise.

Why? Why? I’m I’m glad glad you youasked! asked!The Thereasons reasonsarearenumerous, numerous,but butwewe can can start start with with the the most most obvious obvious one—you one—you areare alive alive toto dodo soso and and most most importantly, importantly, HeHe is is worthy! worthy!

SoSo before before you you give give upup oror complain, complain, remind remind yourself yourself that that you you have have the the victory victory because because ofof what what The The Lord Lord has has done. done.

The The season season is ischanging; changing;people peoplearearechanging; changing;but butGod Godnever never changes changes soso hold hold on, on, your your help help is nigh. is nigh.

Okay, Okay, I just I just wantwanteded toto encourage encourage someone someone because because lifelife gets gets a little a little overoverwhelming whelming at at times times and and wewe need need a reminder a reminder that that God God has has not not forgotten forgotten about about us!us!

This This is is a familiar a familiar challenge challenge that that also also lingered lingered inin the the lifelife ofof gospel gospel music's music's top-selling top-selling artist, artist, Anthony Anthony Brown.

Brown.

This ThisBaltimore Baltimorenative nativehas hasfaced facedobstacles obstaclesthat thatwould would hinder hinder hishis future future career, career, like like the the changing changing ofof hishis voice. voice.

However, However, hishis creative creative ability ability would would bebe interpreted interpreted byby a a collective collectivegroup groupofofminstrels minstrelshehecalls callsgroup grouptherAPy. therAPy. Now Nowwith withBrown's Brown'sgifts giftsofofwriting writingand andarranging, arranging,the the man man whose whose song song said said we’re we’re “worth “worth saving” saving” continues continues toto

YY

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

soar, soar, earning earning a second a second Billboard Billboard number number one one album album with with A ALong LongWay Wayfrom fromSunday.

Sunday.Heralded Heraldedas asthe thebest bestgospel gospel album album ofof the the year, year, the the project project has has made made anan impact impact with with audiences. audiences.The Thealbum albumdebuted debutedat atthe thetop topofofboth both Billboard’s Billboard’sTop TopGospel GospelAlbums Albumsand andTop TopChristian Christianand and Gospel Gospel Albums Albums charts. charts.

A ALong LongWay Wayfrom fromSunday Sundayis isthe thethird thirdrelease releasefrom from Brown, Brown, and and continues continues the the climb climb toward toward new new heights heights inin hishis music music career. career.

The The album album has has a certain a certain flow, flow, a balance. a balance.

It It seems seems toto bebe a hit a hit with with critics critics and and listeners listeners alike alikeand and should should produce produce several several hits hits including including the the current current top top 1010 single, single,“Trust “TrustInInYou,” You,”and andthe theWarryn WarrynCampbell Campbellproproduced duced “I “I Got Got That.”

That.”

On On deck deck areare a trinity a trinity ofof songs songs featurfeaturinging guest guest artists artists Sho Sho Baraka Baraka onon “Lost,” “Lost,” (a(a fanfan favorite), favorite), Leandria LeandriaJohnson Johnsononon“Consumed,” “Consumed,”and andJonathan Jonathan McReynolds McReynolds && Travis Travis Greene Greene onon “Every “Every Time.”

Time.”

AA Long Long Way Way from from Sunday Sunday is is a real a real accomplishment accomplishment forfor Brown.

Brown.

With With anan array array ofof styles styles that that includes includes pop pop and and hiphiphop hoprelevance, relevance,Brown Brownreaches reachesout outtotoaudiences audienceswhose whose taste tasteis isopen opentotoa avariety varietyofofgenres genresand andstyles. styles.Brown Brown states states he’s he’s simply simply reaching reaching out out toto anyone anyone with with MondayMondaythrough-Saturday through-Saturday listening listening habits habits similar similar toto his. his.

“It’s “It’s anan unmasking unmasking ofof what what modern-day modern-day Christendom Christendom looks looks like,” like,” Brown Brown says says ofof hishis musical musical breadth. breadth.

“I’ve “I’ve been been inin church church allall ofof mymy life, life, but but I don’t I don’t spend spend the the entire entire day day listening listening toto hymns. hymns.. . .. .And . AndI’m I’mnot nottrying tryingtotogetget[my [mylisteners] listeners]toto come cometotochurch. church.I’m I’mtrying tryingtotogetgetthem themtotoknow knowwho who Jesus Jesus is.is.

Because Because that that is is what what I know.”

I know.”

Anthony Anthony Brown Brown stays stays humble humble byby keeping keeping home home first, first, church church home home that that is.is.

He’s He’s the the worship worship leader leader at at the the First First Baptist Baptist Church Church ofof Glenarden Glenarden inin Upper Upper Marlboro, Marlboro, MD. MD. WeWe congratulate congratulate Anthony Anthony Brown Brown && group group therAPy therAPy forfor a a GMA GMA Dove Dove Award Award nomination nomination forfor “Trust “Trust inin You” You” inin the the Contemporary Contemporary Gospel/Urban Gospel/Urban Recorded Recorded category. category.

7575 Community Community Positive Positive TheThe 2017 2017 September September September 2017 The Positive Community 75

L–R: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.; Councilman William Gallman, Jr.; Councilwoman Patricia Perkins Auguste; Councilman, Carlos Torres; Kim Nesbitt-Good, co-owner Nesbitt Funeral Home; and Robert Taylor, Esq.

Photos: Karen Waters

News One Now host, Roland S. Martin, guest speaker

Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner

Friends of New Jersey Legacy Foundation Celebrate Juneteenth

A

lthough President Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, the news did not reach Texas until June 19, 1865. A day of great joy in Texas, known as Juneteenth, it is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery and is observed today throughout the country.

Friends of New Jersey Legacy Foundation (NJLF) gathered on June 24th at the Waterfront Pier and Marina in Elizabeth to celebrate Juneteenth.

Hosted by the New Jersey Legacy Committee and with the theme “We’ve Come a Long Way,” the free event featured an appearance by Kim Cornish, a descendant of Harriet Tubman. Known as Black Moses, Tubman was the founder and chief conductor of the Underground Railroad. In 2020, Tubman will be the first African American Woman to grace U.S. paper currency. Host of News One Now on TV One, Roland S. Martin, was guest speaker.

The Legacy Committee is comprised of elected and civic leaders throughout New Jersey, including Members of Congress Donald Payne, Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman; NJ State Senators Ron Rice and Raymond Lesniak; Assembly members Sheila Oliver, Gerald Green, and Jamel Holly; Mayors Christian Bollwage and Derek Armstead; Freeholder Vernell Wright; Council members Patricia Perkins Auguste, Willman Gallman, David Brown, and Mildred Crump. Also, Presiding Elder Larry E. Dixon of the AME Church, Ron Richardson, and Kim Nesbitt Good. —TPC Staff

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The Positive Community September 2017

Four Centuries in A Weekend OCTOBER 21 - OCTOBER 22, 2017 10:00AM TO 5:00 PM

Preserve Shady Rest Committee and County of Union, Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs Presents:

EBONY DOUGHBOYS 93RD INFANTRY DIVISION WWI RE-ACTORS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 Hear stories of the WWI Negro Soldiers, their sacrifice for liberty and peace and remember our Centennial-WWI Veterans

www.ebonydoughboys.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANDIKAJIK. K. MWANDIKAJI K. MWANDIKAJI MWANAFUNZI MWANAFUNZI MWANAFUNZI MWANAFUNZI THE WAY THEWAY WAY THE WAY THE AHEAD AHEAD AHEAD AHEAD

Marcus Garvey and Chistianity

A

ugust 17, 2017 was the 130th birthday of the late ugust17, 17,2017 2017was wasthe the130th 130thbirthday birthdayof ofthe thelate late ugust 17, 2017 was the 130th birthday of the late ugust Marcus Garvey.

This fact apparently led some Marcus Garvey.

This fact apparently led some Marcus Garvey.

This fact apparently led some Marcus Garvey. This fact apparently led some organizations to focus on Garvey during August, to organizationsto tofocus focuson onGarvey Garveyduring duringAugust, August,to to organizations to focus on Garvey during August, to organizations varying degrees.

For example, St. Paul Community varying degrees.

For example, St. Paul Community varying degrees.

For example, St. Paul Community varying degrees. For example, St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC), based in Brooklyn’s East New BaptistChurch Church(SPCBC), (SPCBC),based basedin inBrooklyn’s Brooklyn’sEast EastNew New Baptist Church (SPCBC), based in Brooklyn’s East New Baptist York neighborhood, included mini-lectures on Garvey, York neighborhood, included mini-lectures on Garvey, York neighborhood, included mini-lectures on Garvey, York neighborhood, included mini-lectures on Garvey, typically lasting five minutes or less, concisely analyzing typicallylasting lastingfive fiveminutes minutesor orless, less,concisely conciselyanalyzing analyzing typically lasting five minutes or less, concisely analyzing typically Garvey and the Garvey Movement from a Christian perGarvey and the Garvey Movement from a Christian perGarvey and the Garvey Movement from a Christian perGarvey and the Garvey Movement from a Christian perspective, during SPCBC’s midday and evening worship spective, during SPCBC’s midday and evening worship spective, during SPCBC’s midday and evening worship spective, during SPCBC’s midday and evening worship services on Wednesday, August 16.

SPCBC’s three services on on Wednesday, Wednesday, August August 16.

16. SPCBC’s SPCBC’s three three services on Wednesday, August 16.

SPCBC’s three services Sunday, August 20 worship services included similar Sunday, August 20 worship services included similar Sunday, August 20 worship services included similar Sunday, August 20 worship services included similar mini-lectures, preceded by brief Garvey video. mini-lectures,preceded precededby byaaaabrief briefGarvey Garveyvideo. video. mini-lectures, preceded by brief Garvey video. mini-lectures, During the following week, from Tuesday August 22 During the following week, from Tuesday August22 22 During the following week, from Tuesday August 22 During the following week, from Tuesday August through Sunday August 27, the Universal Negro through Sunday August 27, the Universal Negro through Sunday August 27, the Universal Negro through Sunday August 27, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities Improvement Association Association and and African African Communities Communities Improvement Association and African Communities Improvement League (UNIA-ACL), the organizational structure that League (UNIA-ACL), the organizational structure that League (UNIA-ACL), the organizational structure that League (UNIA-ACL), the organizational structure that Garvey founded, held its convention in Southeast Garvey founded, held its convention in Southeast Garvey founded, held its convention in Southeast Garvey founded, held its convention in Southeast Queens.

Queens.

Queens.

Queens.

I suspect that most people identify Garvey with such suspectthat thatmost mostpeople peopleidentify identifyGarvey Garveywith withsuch such suspect that most people identify Garvey with such IIIsuspect things as “back to Africa,” a huge following, and militarythings as “back to Africa,” a huge following, and militarythings as “back to Africa,” a huge following, and militarythings as “back to Africa,” a huge following, and militarylike uniforms.

Few know little more than that. likeuniforms. uniforms.Few Fewknow knowlittle littlemore morethan thanthat. that. like uniforms.

Few know little more than that. like Too few people are aware of Garvey’s Christian orienToo few people are aware of Garvey’s Christian orienToo few people are aware of Garvey’s Christian orienToo few people are aware of Garvey’s Christian orientation.

His book, Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, tation.

His book, Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, tation.

His book, Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, tation. His book, Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, first copyrighted 1923, includes sub-chapters entitled: firstcopyrighted copyrighted1923, 1923,includes includessub-chapters sub-chaptersentitled: entitled: first copyrighted 1923, includes sub-chapters entitled: first “Christianity,” “Purpose of Creation,” “God as “Christianity,” “Purpose of Creation,” “God as aaaa “Christianity,” “Purpose of Creation,” “God as “Christianity,” “Purpose of Creation,” “God as Warlord,” “The Image of God,” “Examples of White Warlord,” “The “The Image Image of of God,” God,” “Examples “Examples of of White White Warlord,” “The Image of God,” “Examples of White Warlord,” Christian Control in Africa.”

“Christmas Message,” and Christian Control in Africa.”

“Christmas Message,” and Christian Control in Africa.”

“Christmas Message,” and Christian Control in Africa.” “Christmas Message,” and “Easter Sermon.”

Another book, Marcus Garvey Life and “Easter Sermon.”

Another book, Marcus Garvey Life and “Easter Sermon.”

Another book, Marcus Garvey Life and “Easter Sermon.” Another book, Marcus Garvey Life and Lessons, which collection of Garvey’s writings comLessons,which whichisis collectionof ofGarvey’s Garvey’swritings writingscomcomLessons, which isisaaaacollection collection of Garvey’s writings comLessons, piled by scholars, includes sub-sections entitled “God,” piled by scholars, includes sub-sections entitled “God,” piled by scholars, includes sub-sections entitled “God,” piled by scholars, includes sub-sections entitled “God,” “Christ,” “The Holy Ghost,” “Fear God and Know No “Christ,”“The “TheHoly HolyGhost,” Ghost,”“Fear “FearGod Godand andKnow KnowNo No “Christ,” “The Holy Ghost,” “Fear God and Know No “Christ,” other Fear,” “Winning Mankind by Kindness,” and “The other Fear,” “Winning Mankind by Kindness,” and “The other Fear,” “Winning Mankind by Kindness,” and “The other Fear,” “Winning Mankind by Kindness,” and “The Creed of Goodness.”

Creedof ofGoodness.”

Goodness.”

Creed of Goodness.”

Creed IIIam convinced that Garvey’s writings and actions eviam convinced thatGarvey’s Garvey’swritings writingsand andactions actionsevieviam convinced that Garvey’s writings and actions eviI am convinced that dence his Christian faith.

For example, Lesson 5 of Life dence his Christian faith.

For example, Lesson 5 of Life dence his Christian faith.

For example, Lesson 5 of Life dence his Christian faith. For example, Lesson 5 of Life and Lessons begins: andLessons Lessonsbegins: begins: and Lessons begins: and There is aaaGod and we believe in Him. He not There is Godand andwe webelieve believein inHim. Him.He Heisis notaaaa There is God and we believe in Him. He isisnot not There is a God person or a physical being.

He is a spirit and He personor oraaaphysical physicalbeing. being.He Heisisisaaaspirit spiritand andHe Heisis person or physical being.

He spirit and He isis person universal intelligence.

Never deny that there is a universal intelligence.

Never deny that there is universal intelligence.

Never deny that there is universal intelligence. Never deny that there is aaa God. God being universal intelligence created the God.God Godbeing beinguniversal universalintelligence intelligencecreated createdthe the God. God being universal intelligence created the God. universe out of that intelligence.

It is intelligence universe out of that intelligence.

It is intelligence universe out of that intelligence.

It is intelligence universe out of that intelligence. It is intelligence that creates.

Man part of the creation of universal thatcreates. creates.Man Manisis partof ofthe thecreation creationof ofuniversal universal that creates.

Man isispart part of the creation of universal that intelligence and man was created in the image and intelligence and man was created in the image and intelligence and man was created in the image and intelligence and man was created in the image and

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

likeness of God only by his intelligence. the likenessof ofGod Godonly onlyby byhis hisintelligence. intelligence.ItIt the likeness of God only by his intelligence.

ItItisis isisthe the likeness intelligence of man that is like God, but man’s intelligence of man that is like God, but man’s intelligence of of man man that that isis like like God, God, but but man’s man’s intelligence intelligence only unitary particle of God’s uniintelligenceisis onlyaaaaunitary unitaryparticle particleof ofGod’s God’suniuniintelligence isisonly only unitary particle of God’s uniintelligence versal intelligence. versal intelligence. versal intelligence. intelligence. versal Lesson deals with Christ and with the Holy Ghost.

Lesson66 dealswith withChrist Christand andwith withthe theHoly HolyGhost.

Ghost.AA Lesson 66deals deals with Christ and with the Holy Ghost.

AA Lesson section of Lesson 14 is entitled “Fear God and Know No section of Lesson 14 is entitled “Fear God and Know No section of of Lesson Lesson 14 14 isis entitled entitled “Fear “Fear God God and and Know Know No No section Other Fear.”

Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey also OtherFear.”

Fear.”Philosophy Philosophyand andOpinions Opinionsof MarcusGarvey Garveyalso also Other Fear.”

Philosophy and Opinions ofofMarcus Marcus Garvey also Other has sections dealing directly with Christian topics. hassections sectionsdealing dealingdirectly directlywith withChristian Christiantopics. topics. has sections dealing directly with Christian topics. has It is significant that the African Orthodox Church, It is significant that the African Orthodox Church, significant that that the the African African Orthodox Orthodox Church, Church, ItIt isis significant founded by an Episcopal clergyman in the 1920s, was founded by an Episcopal clergyman in the 1920s, was founded by by an an Episcopal Episcopal clergyman clergyman in in the the 1920s, 1920s, was was founded affiliated with the Garvey Movement.

The denomination affiliated with the Garvey Movement.

The denomination affiliated with with the the Garvey Garvey Movement.

Movement. The The denomination denomination affiliated still exists, although its membership considerably still exists, exists, although although its its membership membership isis considerably still exists, although its membership isis considerably considerably still smaller than it was during the 1920s. smaller than it was during the 1920s. smaller than than itit was was during during the the 1920s.

1920s. smaller Folks who choose to study Marcus Garvey from Folks who who choose choose to to study study Marcus Marcus Garvey Garvey from from aaaa Folks who choose to study Marcus Garvey from Folks Christian perspective should prioritize studying the Christian perspective should prioritize studying the Christian perspective perspective should should prioritize prioritize studying studying the the Christian Bible.

An objective of that Bible study should be to learn Bible.

An objective of that Bible study should be to learn Bible. An An objective objective of of that that Bible Bible study study should should be be to to learn learn Bible.

God’s value system.

Then, while studying Garvey’s writGod’svalue valuesystem. system.Then, Then,while whilestudying studyingGarvey’s Garvey’swritwritGod’s value system.

Then, while studying Garvey’s writGod’s ings and actions, we should intentionally and meticulousings and actions, we should intentionally and meticulousingsand andactions, actions,we weshould shouldintentionally intentionallyand andmeticulousmeticulousings ly analyze the degree to which Garvey’s writings and analyzethe thedegree degreeto towhich whichGarvey’s Garvey’swritings writingsand and analyze the degree to which Garvey’s writings and lylylyanalyze actions coincided with God’s stated will. actions coincided with God’s stated will. actions coincided coincided with with God’s God’s stated stated will. will. actions The New Testament quotes Jesus Christ as saying: TheNew NewTestament Testamentquotes quotesJesus JesusChrist Christas assaying: saying:“.“.

The New Testament quotes Jesus Christ as saying: “.“.... .... .

The IIItell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least tell you you the the truth, truth, whatever whatever you you did did for for one one of of the the least least I tell of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew of these these brothers brothers of of mine, mine, you you did did for for me.”—Matthew me.”—Matthew of 25:40 (NIV) and Blessed are you who are poor, for 25:40(NIV) (NIV)and and“.“.

Blessedare areyou youwho whoare arepoor, poor,for for 25:40 (NIV) and “.“.... .... .Blessed Blessed are you who are poor, for 25:40 yours is the kingdom of God.”—Luke 6:20 (NASV) yours is the kingdom of God.”—Luke 6:20 (NASV) yours isis the the kingdom kingdom of of God.”—Luke God.”—Luke 6:20 6:20 (NASV) (NASV) yours So Marcus Garvey was Christian believer.

In studying SoMarcus MarcusGarvey Garveywas wasaaaaChristian Christianbeliever. believer.In Instudying studying So Marcus Garvey was Christian believer.

In studying So black history, I have seen that collective black accomblack history, I have seen that collective black accomblack history, history, II have have seen seen that that collective collective black black accomaccomblack plishment, progress, and liberation in recent centuries plishment, progress, and liberation in recent centuries plishment, progress, progress, and and liberation liberation in in recent recent centuries centuries plishment, have typically involved integral participation and/or have typically typically involved involved integral integral participation participation and/or and/or have typically involved integral participation and/or have leadership by believers in God. The Garvey Movement leadership by believers in God. The Garvey Movement leadership by by believers believers in in God. God. The The Garvey Garvey Movement Movement leadership attempted to uplift blacks from poverty and low income attemptedto touplift upliftblacks blacksfrom frompoverty povertyand andlow lowincome income attempted to uplift blacks from poverty and low income attempted by encouraging black economic development, including by encouraging black economic development, including by encouraging encouraging black black economic economic development, development, including including by creation and support of black-owned businesses.

The creation and and support support of of black-owned black-owned businesses. businesses. The The creation and support of black-owned businesses.

The creation Garvey movement was no exception.

Garvey movement was no exception.

Garvey movement movement was was no no exception. exception.

Garvey

September Positive Community 77 September2017 2017The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community77 77 September 2017 The September September2017 2017The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community 77 77

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Any Any Any Any Any opinions opinions opinions opinions opinions expressed expressed expressed expressed expressed herein herein herein herein are are are are solely solely solely solely solely the the the the the opinions opinions opinions opinions opinions of ofof of the of the the the the writer(s) writer(s) writer(s) writer(s) writer(s) TM TM TM The The The The Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Community Community Community Community Community ,TMTM , ,, , and and and and and not not not not necessarily necessarily necessarily necessarily those those those those those of ofof of ofThe TM TM TM TM TM The The The The The Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Community Community Community Community Community its itsits its management itsmanagement management management oror or staff. orstaff. staff. staff. reserves reserves reserves reserves reserves the the the the right right right right toto to retain retain toretain retain retain all allall all all materials materials materials materials materials and and and and and does does does does does not not not not not assume assume assume assume assume reponsibility reponsibility reponsibility reponsibility forfor for for unsolicited unsolicited unsolicited unsolicited unsolicited materials. materials. materials. materials. materials.

SIT SIT SIT SITDOWN, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN,STAND STAND STANDUP, UP, UP, UP,FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

A A

ssssfootball football football footballseason season season seasonrolls rolls rolls rollson, on, on, on,I III couldn’t couldn’t couldn’t couldn’ttell tell tell tellyou you you youwhich which which whichteams teams teams teams are are are aredoing doing doing doingwell well welland and and andwhich which which which ones ones ones onesaren’t aren’t aren’t aren’tbecause because because becausewe’re we’re we’re we’reboycotting boycotting boycotting boycotting the the the theNFL NFL NFL NFLin in in inour our our ourhouse. house. house.Truth Truth Truth Truthbe be be betold, told, told, told, it’s it’s it’s it’snot not not nottoo too too toomuch much much muchofof ofaaasacrifice sacrifice sacrifice sacrificefor for for for me, me, me, me,as as as asfor for for formy my my myhusband husband husband husband. ... ... ..let’s . let’s let’s let’sjust just just just say say say saythe the the thewithdrawal withdrawal withdrawal withdrawalisisisreal! real! real! real!But But But Butasas as as long long long longas as as asKaepernick Kaepernick Kaepernick Kaepernickisis isisbeing being being beingpunpunpunpunished ished ished ishedfor for for forspeaking speaking speaking speakingout out outagainst against against againstsyssyssyssystematic tematic tematic tematicracism racism racism racismand and andcurrent current current currentNFL NFL NFL NFL players players players playersare are are arekneeling kneeling kneeling kneelingduring during during duringthe the the the anthem anthem anthem anthem anthemin in in inaaaashow show show showofof of ofsolidarity, solidarity, solidarity, solidarity,our our our our house house house housewill will will willbe be be bedevoid devoid devoid devoidofof ofNFL NFL NFL NFLfootball. football. football. football.

ItIt ItItmight might might mightbe be be becheating, cheating, cheating, cheating,but but but butThat That That That Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Husband Husband Husband Husband does does does does check check check check stats stats stats stats&& & &standings standings standings standingsfrom from fromtime time time timetoto to totime time time time by by by bywatching watching watching watchingESPN ESPN ESPN ESPNand and and andthe the the thelocal local local local sports sports sports sports report report report report on on on on the the the the news. news. news. news.

Admittedly, Admittedly, Admittedly, Admittedly,IIIIdid did did didwatch watch watchsome some some somesports sports sports sports news news news newswith with with withhim him him himthis this thisweek week weekbecause because because becauseI III was was was wasgobsmacked gobsmacked gobsmacked gobsmackedby by by bythe the the thelatest latest latest latestscanscanscanscandal/ridiculousness dal/ridiculousness dal/ridiculousness dal/ridiculousness dal/ridiculousness involving involving involving involving the the the the White White White WhiteHouse House House Houseand and and andfemale female femalesportscastsportscastsportscastsportscaster er er erJemele Jemele Jemele JemeleHill.

Hill.

Hill.

Hill.

In In In Incase case case caseyou you you youhaven’t haven’t haven’t haven’theard, heard, heard, heard,Jemele Jemele Jemele Jemele Hill Hill Hill Hilltweeted tweeted tweeted tweetedthat that that thatthe the the thecurrent current current currentoccuoccuoccuoccupant pant pant pantof of of ofthe the the theWhite White White WhiteHouse House House House“is “is “is “isaaaawhite white white white supremacist supremacist supremacist supremacistwho who who whohas has haslargely largely largely largelysursursursurrounded rounded rounded roundedhimself himself himself himselfwith with withother other other otherwhite white white white supremacists.” supremacists.” supremacists.” supremacists.”While While Whileher her herwords words words wordsmay may may may be be be beconsidered considered considered consideredcontroversial controversial controversial controversialand and and andinin in in some some some someopinions opinions opinions opinionsuntrue, untrue, untrue, untrue,asas as asaaaaUnited United United United States States States Statescitizen citizen citizen citizenand and and andaaaamember member member memberofof of ofthe the the the press, press, press, press,Ms. Ms. Ms. Ms.Hill Hill Hill Hillisis isisentitled entitled entitled entitledtoto to toenjoy enjoy enjoy enjoy free free free freespeech. speech. speech. speech.Whether Whether Whether Whetheror or or ornot not not notwe we we we agree agree agree agree with with with with her her her (personally, (personally, (personally, (personally, I III would’ve would’ve would’ve would’vebeen been been beenmore more morepartial partial partial partialtoto to tocallcallcallcalling ing ing inghim him him himaaaaplain, plain, plain, plain,old old old oldracist racist racist racistasas as asthere there there there are are are are subtle subtle subtle subtle differences differences differences differences between between between between supremacists supremacists supremacists supremacistsand and and andracists), racists), racists),we we we weneed need need needtoto to to stand stand stand standwith with with withher. her. her. her.

While While While While Whileit’s it’s it’s it’sstill still still stillhard hard hard hardtoto to tobelieve believe believe believethat that that that the the the the thecurrent current current currentadministration administration administration administration administrationisis isiseven even even even in in in in inthe the the the theWhite White White WhiteHouse, House, House, House,it’s it’s it’s it’seven even even evenmore more more more difficult difficult difficult difficult difficultto to to tobelieve believe believe believethat that that thatany any any anypresipresipresipresident dent dent dent dent and/or and/or and/or and/or his his his his administration administration administration administration would would would would wouldpublicly publicly publicly publiclyreact react react reacttoto to toseemingly seemingly seemingly seemingly any any any any anyand and and andevery every every everycriticism criticism criticism criticismor or or orslight. slight. slight. slight.But But But But there there there there theremost most most mostcertainly certainly certainly certainlywas was was wasaaaareaction reaction reaction reaction and and and and andititititwas was was wasbreathtakingly breathtakingly breathtakingly breathtakingly breathtakinglyover-theover-theover-theover-thetop. top. top. top. top.The The The TheWhite White White WhiteHouse House House Housepress press press presssecresecresecresecretary tary tary taryactually actually actually actuallyappeared appeared appeared appearedbehind behind behindthe the the tary behind the

78 78 78The The The The Positive Positive Positive Positive Community Community Community Community CommunitySeptember September September September September 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 78 The Positive Community September 2017

Jemele Jemele Jemele Jemele Hill Hill Hill Hill

official official officialpresidential presidential presidentialpodium podium podium podium inin in in the the the the White White WhiteHouse House Housepress press pressroom room room roomand and and andnot not not not only only onlyaddressed addressed addressedthe the thepresident’s president’s president’s president’s disdisdisdispleasure pleasure pleasureregarding regarding regarding the the the the remark, remark, remark, remark, but but but but called called calledfor for forMs. Ms. Ms.Hill’s Hill’s Hill’s Hill’stermination. termination. termination. termination.

Yes, Yes, Yes,let let letthat that thatsink sink sinkinin infor for for foraaaamoment; moment; moment; moment; the the theWhite White WhiteHouse House Houserequested requested requested requested that that that that an an an an American American Americancitizen citizen citizenbe be befired fired fired fired from from from from her her her her job job joband and andlose lose loseher her herlivelihood livelihood livelihood livelihood because because because because the the the president president presidentfound found found foundher her her herwords words words words offensive offensive offensiveor or orhurtful. hurtful. hurtful.

These These Thesewords words wordswere were were weretweeted, tweeted, tweeted, tweeted,not not not not delivered delivered deliveredlive live liveand and andinin in incolor, color, color, color,face face face face toto to to face. face. face.This This Thissupposed supposed supposed supposedindignation indignation indignation indignation comes comes comesfrom from fromthe the thepresident president president presidentwho who who who has has has has tweeted tweeted tweetedsome some someofof ofthe the the themost most most mosthurtful, hurtful, hurtful, hurtful, immature, immature, immature,baseless, baseless, baseless,tasteless tasteless tasteless tastelesstweets tweets tweets tweets inin inthe the thebrief brief briefhistory history historyofof of ofTwitter.

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My My Mypoint point pointisisisthis, this, this,ifififwe we we we are are are are truly truly truly truly livlivlivliving ing inginin inaaatime time timewhere where wherethe the the the President President President President ofof of of the the theUnited United UnitedStates States Statesisisispetty petty petty petty enough enough enough enough toto to to have have havehis his hisstaff staff staffcall call callaaaperson’s person’s person’s person’s employemployemployemployerer erand and andrequest request requesttheir their their theirtermination termination termination termination based based basedon on onaaatweet tweet tweethe he hedidn’t didn’t didn’t didn’tlike, like, like, like, toto to to paraphrase paraphrase paraphrase Whoopi Whoopi Whoopi Whoopi Goldberg’s Goldberg’s Goldberg’s Goldberg’s Oda Oda Oda Mae Mae Mae Brown Brown Brown Brown character: character: character: character: America, America, America,you you youinin indanger, danger, danger, danger, Girl!

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Prior Prior Prior Prior toto tothe the thelabor labor labormovement movement movement movement inin in in this this this this councouncouncountry, try, try,nearly nearly nearlyall all allworkers workers workers workerstoiled toiled toiled toiledatatat at the the the the pleasure pleasure pleasureofof oftheir their theiremployers employers employers employersand and and and could could couldbe be befired fired fired for for foralmost almost almost almost any any any any infracinfracinfracinfraction—regardless tion—regardless tion—regardlessofof ofits its its itsseverity severity severity severityor or or or veracity. veracity. veracity.ItItItwould would wouldseem seem seem seem we’ve we’ve we’ve we’ve moved moved moved moved beyond beyond beyondthat, that, that,inin inno no nosmall small small small part part part part due due due due toto to to the the thelabor labor labormovement, movement, movement, movement,union union union unionreprereprereprerepresentation, sentation, sentation,and and andcivil civil civilrights rights rights rightslegislalegislalegislalegislation—“seem” tion—“seem” tion—“seem”being being beingthe the the theoperative operative operative operative word word wordthere. there. there.

As As Aswe we wecontinue continue continuetoto tobrave brave brave brave this this this this new new new new political political politicalfrontier, frontier, frontier,let’s let’s let’s let’smake make make makeevery every every every effort effort efforttoto tosupport support supportpeople people people peopleofof of ofcolor, color, color, color, free free freespeech, speech, speech,and and andevery every every every advance advance advance advance and and and and protection protection protectionwe we wehave have haveinin in inthis this this this country. country. country. country.

We We Wedon’t don’t don’thave have havetoto toagree agree agree agreewith with with withwhat what what what Jemele Jemele JemeleHill Hill Hillsaid, said, said,we we we wejust just just justhave have have havetoto to to agree agree agreeshe she shehad had hadthe the theright right right righttoto to tosay say say sayit.it. it. it.

While While WhileI IIsupport support supportkneeling kneeling kneeling kneelingduring during during during the the thenational national nationalanthem, anthem, anthem, anthem,bowing bowing bowing bowing down down down down isisisnot not notan an anoption. option. option. thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

arm​ ​welcome​ ​and​ ​best​ ​wishes to

v.​ ​Anthony​ ​Mitchell,​ ​Sr. OLIVER THEY HAVE YOUR BACK PHIL MURPHY SHEILA nd​ ​the​ ​Members​ f​ Governor, ​the One Gateway Center, Suite 1025, Newark, NJ 07102 Paid for by Murphy​o for ion​ ​Chapel​ ​AME​ ​Church

on the Constitutional Convention on Nov. 7 New York voters will be asked this November if they want to hold a constitutional convention to revise and amend our state constitution.

OUR MESSAGE TO VOTERS IS A RESOUNDING NO ON BALLOT PROPOSITION #1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE? EVERYTHING. If voters approve a convention, it will open up the entire New York State constitution for revision. Civil rights enshrined in our state constitution — some stronger than those guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution — will be at risk:

Voter Rights – Our state constitution now calls for voter ID by asking for signatures, but wholesale changes by a constitutional convention could lead to restrictive voter ID laws aimed at disenfranchising people of color and low-income residents.

Affordable Housing – Our state constitution protects rental housing for people with very modest means. A constitutional convention could restrict access to affordable housing.

Criminal Justice Reforms – New York fought hard for legislation to raise the age of criminal responsibility and require videotaped police interrogations for serious offenses. Our communities have also fought to reduce the use of stop-and-frisk. These vital reforms could be undone by a constitutional convention.

Public Education – The state constitution promises a system of “free common schools, where all the children of this state may be educated” and prohibits the use of public funds for religious/parochial schools. Without these protections, fans of private school vouchers could shift resources to further drain public schools and undermine public education.

Immigrant Protection – New York State and New York City are both self-declared sanctuaries for immigrants. A constitutional convention could attack these safeguards just as the federal government increases the detention and deportation of law-abiding undocumented immigrants.

We know the role big money plays in our political system. In a constitutional convention, the process for picking who gets to take part as a delegate is rigged.

Ordinary citizens would not get a seat at the table. Those seats would go politicians, past and present, who have the machines necessary to gather the thousands of signatures required to become a delegate. Why would they want to serve? Because they get an additional $80,000 stipend as a delegate on top of any current state salary.

So to add insult to injury, ordinary New York taxpayers would end up bearing the cost of running this convention — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

A constitutional convention puts too much on the line. It has the potential to steal our civil rights while at the same time picking our pockets.

this Nov. 7 The UFT is a member of New Yorkers Against Corruption Paid for by New Yorkers Against Corruption United Federation of Teachers A Union of Professionals Michael Mulgrew, President