Summer 2020

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Summer 2020

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION

LAMONT REPOLLET: NEW LEADERSHIP AT KEAN UNIVERSITY GUEST EDITORIAL: REV. DR. W. FRANKLYN RICHARDSON GOOD NEWS: POSITIVE COMMUNITY RADIO

Meet Rutgers President:

Jonathan Holloway

POSITIVEMUSIC

MATTERS

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Count On Me

I am in the number

CENSUS COUNT 2020 more than just a count

Count it All Joy

Add up the numbers

Numbers

You are counted

Counting on you Count me in

Shaping the future One by One

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Alive & Counted

every person accounted for Speak up, be counted Every Man, Woman & Child

2020 CENSUS FAMILY REUNION SUNDAYS

5pm

Webinars September 6th & 20th

Parks September 13th & 27th FEDERAL GOVT Ending Census Counts on September 30th

Contact: Sis. Irene Daniels irenedanielsej@gmail.com

"I AM" Committee Members Rev. Derrick L. Green - Founder Council President Mildred Crump - Sponsor

Rev. Dr. Femi Adegbonmire HRH (Rev Dr.) Prince A.Z.K. Adekoya,II Imam Bashir Agboola Dianne Keel Atkins Rev. Angela Battle Dr. Colette Michelle Barrow Colonel Pat Callahan Min. Sylvia L. Coleman Larry Crump, Esq. Cynthia Dawkins Nora Drewery June Dungee Rev. Dr. James Dunkins Councilwoman Tency Eason Rev. Linda Ellerbe Bishop Raymond L.A. Fawole Chaplain Hector Ferrer Rev. Dr. Sybil Finney Rev. Arnold Fox Tanisha Garner Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, II Rev. Stanley Hearstl, II Rev. Dr. Queen Mother Imakhu Rev. Catina B. Jackson Dr. Stephanie James Harris Rev. Dr. Kimberly Holmes Rev. Alfred Johnson, III Pastor Derinzer Johnson Rev. Jackie Johnson Pastor Pamela B. Jones

Rev. Amir Khan Elder Mario Lavender, Sr. Brenda R. Lee Rev. Eyesha K. Marable Rev. Jean Maurice Bishop Tyrone W. McCombs Rev. John & Tamika McReynolds Rev. Anthony Mitchell Rev. Valencia Norman Pastor Michael Ogunleye Pastor Diana M. Ortiz Bracy Diane L. Parker Rev. Dr. Forrest Pritchett Rev. Lynda Rassman Pastor Raul Ruiz Imam Umar B. Salahuddin Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree Felicia Simmons Rev. Daniela Small-Bailey Mikelcie Smarr Rev. Dr. Olivia Stanard Rev. Dr. Deborah Stapleton Kabili Tayari Rev. John Taylor Sharde´ "Ahava" Taylor Min. Vienna Taylor Marshall Rev. Joseph Thelusca Rev. Thurselle C. Williams Rev. Melvin E. Wilson

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E N R O L L N OW AT N YAC K . E D U

SUMMER 2020

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................12 HEALTH...................................16 EDUCATION.............................24 CULTURE ................................43

Features HCCI Welcomes New Members ................................ 12

32

DiVincenzo Announces Investors Bank Partnership ....... 14 NYC Child Care Successes During Pandemic ............ 16 Rutgers 5-Week Online Health & Wellness Series ..... 18 Computer Safety While Working Remotely ................ 22

ON THE COVER:

Nutrition in the Time of COVID-19 ........................... 23 KCC Visits Homes to Welcome Students ................... 24

The Historic Arrival of

Essex County College Appoints Interim President ..... 25

Rutgers University President

New Leader for New Era at Kean University ............. 27

Jonathan Holloway

CUNY Appoints New Presidents ............................... 30

&also inside

Helping Minds Shine ............................................... 42 Positive Community Radio Now Streaming ............... 43 Black Lives Matter in Harlem ................................... 46 Public Art in Newark Streets .................................... 48

Guest Editorial: W. Franklyn Richardson ..... 8 African Diaspora for Justice Peaceful Protest ........... 49 Harlem’s Union B.C. — Bless the Rails ..................... 50 Guest Editorial: Josie Gonsalves .......... 10 Honoring John Lewis ............................................... 54 Etiquette During COVID-19 ................... 52 Cathedral International Waterfront Worship ............. 56 The Way Ahead ................................... 61 2 Fish 5 Loaves July 4th Family BBQ ........................ 57 The Last Word .................................... 62 Festival at Sea ........................................................ 58 4

The Positive Community Summer 2020

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the success of every child, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures has developed a new, virtual oral health educational workshop designed for children 12-years old and younger. This 20-minute “live” virtual group workshop can be scheduled in advance and brought directly into a teacher’s classroom, summer camp or virtual place of learning.* This innovative oral health program teaches children key messages about oral hygiene, nutrition, how to properly wash their hands, etc. and is FREE, FUN and EASY to deliver.

If you are interested in incorporating a virtual Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral health educational workshop into your curriculum, please contact us at www.colgatebsbf.com or call (877) 672-3075. You can also follow us at @ColgateBSBF.

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R C

GREAT

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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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.

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

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

Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor

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

Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor

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

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

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

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

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

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

Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor

First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor

Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor

Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor

First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor

Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor

Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor

Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor

First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

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

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor

Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

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

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President

Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor

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

New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Cahoon

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor

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

Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors

Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor

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

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

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, 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. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., 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

“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

IMPLICATIONS IMPLICATIONS OF OF EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES CHALLENGES FACING FACINGAFRICAN AFRICAN AMERICANS AMERICANS AMID AMID THE PANDEMIC ByByW.W.Franklyn FranklynRichardson, Richardson,Grace GraceBaptist BaptistChurch Church of of Mt. Mt. Vernon, Vernon, NY. NY. Pastor Richardson isisalso alsochairman chairmanofofthe theBoard Boardofofthe theNational NationalAction Action Network; Network; the the Conference Conference of National Black BlackChurches; Churches;and andVirginia VirginiaUnion UnionUniversity.

University.

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hehe times times we we face face from from the the pandemic pandemic to to the the collapsing collapsingeconomy economyand andthe the rising rising racial racial tensions tensions present presentususwith with fresh fresh challenges challenges and and accent accent the the recurring recurringinequalities inequalitiesininour ournation. nation.Among Amongthem them are are the the educational educationaldeficiencies deficiencies atat every every level level regarding regarding Black Black communities. communities. The The presence presence ofof aa manipulative manipulative educaeducation tionis isground groundzero zeroininthe theadvancement advancementofof racism racism in in the the United UnitedStates.

States.InInterms termsofof access access and and content, content, inferior inferior educational educationalopportunities opportunities are are the the greatest greatest retardant retardant to to racial racialprogress. progress.

Our OurBlack Blackancestors ancestorsalways alwaysunderstood understoodthe thevalue valueof ofedueducation, cation,asasthey theyrisked riskedtheir theirlives livestotolearn learntotoread, read,as asdid did the the slave slavemaster masterwho whopassed passedlaws lawsunder underthe thepenalty penaltyof ofdeath, death,for for those thosewho whotaught taughtthe theenslaved enslavedtotoread. read.America’s America’scontinued continued unwillingness unwillingnesstotoprovide provideBlack Blackpeople peopleaaquality quality education education is isa alatent latentresidual residualofofthe theslaveholder’s slaveholder’smindset. mindset.Regarding Regarding access, access,educational educationalsystems systemsininBlack Blackand andpoor poorcommunities communities are areunder-resourced under-resourcedbybygovernmental governmentalformulas formulasand and assure assure schools’ schools’unequal unequalfunding fundingand andlow lowpay payfor forteachers. teachers. These These consequences consequencesguarantee guaranteethe theperpetuation perpetuation ofof intergeneraintergenerational tionalmiseducation, miseducation,thereby therebyfueling fueling“the “thecradle cradle to to prison prison pipeline,” pipeline,”low lowself-esteem, self-esteem,inadequate inadequate wages, wages, and and limited limited access accesstotoopportunity, opportunity,reinforcing reinforcingracist raciststereotypes. stereotypes.

InInaddition additiontotothe thelack lackofofaccess accesstotoresources, resources, we we must must tackle tacklethe theracially raciallybiased biaseddevelopment developmentofofaacurriculum curriculum that that

8

The Positive Community Summer 2020

confosters fosters aa false false narrative by the inclusion inclusion of of inaccurate inaccurate content tent and and excludes excludes Black achievement achievement and and participation participation in in this have been been impaired impairedby bythe theininthis nation’s nation’s development. We have clusion exclusion of of our our story story in in the the pubpubclusion of of his his story at the exclusion lic Inaccurate, racist racist content content not not only only lic school school curriculum. Inaccurate, fosters Black people people but but also alsoprovides provides fosters low low self-esteem among Black white basis for for fostering fostering racial racial white people people with an inaccurate basis prejudice discriminatory practices practices based based prejudice and reinforcing discriminatory on on misinformation. misinformation. false In necessary to to rebuke rebuke the the false In some some cases, it will be necessary narrative narrative already already put in place, among among both both Black Black and and white white conpeople, people, to to create a more equitable equitable society. society. The The worst worst continuing tinuing chains chains on black Lives has has been been the the miseducation miseducation peothe the American American system has published published against against Black Black people. ple. As As importantly, importantly, those who teach teach in in our our schools schools must must have of the the value, value, contrib contrib have the the required knowledge of ution, have made made in in the the United United ution, and and sacrifices Black Lives have States’ States’ development. development.

Moreover, model of of inequality inequality in in educaeducaMoreover, this historical model tion disproportionateimpact impactof of tion has has been been exacerbated by the disproportionate famiCOVID-19 people of of color. color. Black BlackfamiCOVID-19 on systems that serve people lies electronic devices devicesas asaaresult resultof of lies have have inadequate inadequate access to electronic intergenerational disparity and andare areless lessequipped equipped intergenerational educational disparity are to virtual learning. learning. They They are to provide provide at-home assistance for virtual and thereby technological gap gap between betweenBlack Blackand thereby expanding expanding the technological white perpetuation of of Black Black inferiority. inferiority. white students students and their perpetuation The people for for over over 400 400 years years of of The damage damage done to Black people reracism The current current situation situation reracism continues continues at this moment. The quires quires an an urgent, urgent, governmental, corporate, corporate, and and community community response to to salvage Black lives victimized response victimized by by this this long long pracpractothat that tice of of racial racial hostility. The only appropriate tice appropriate response responseto damage damage isis REPAIR. REPAIR. In my my estimation, estimation, the best remedy In remedy isis the the total total revamping revamping tocolcolof the the systems systems of education in this country of country from from Pre-k Pre-kto by all all lege to to include include funding, curriculum lege curriculum and and easy easy access access by Black to equal equal educational educational opportunity with to with an an emphasis emphasis on onBlack ofininpeople who who have been directly damaged people damaged by by the the legacy legacyof governequality. This This will require a fresh resolve equality. resolve by by leaders leadersin ingovernment, business, business, education, and communities. ment, communities.

Black families families and our allies must Black must come come to to see see this this ininadequate access access to education as the adequate the number number one one enemy enemy of of our children children and the future stability our stability of of this this nation. nation. We Wemust must marshal our our resources into a national marshal national movement movement for forchange change even while while we continue to wage war even war against against aa broken brokensystem’s system’s current manifestations. manifestations. current www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Emergence of a New Virginia Union University

The Emergence of a New Virginia Union University Virginia irginia Union Union University liberal arts Universityisisa premier a premier liberal institution located in Richmond, Virginia.

A proud arts Union institution located Virginia.

Virginia University isina Richmond, premier liberal arts A proud HBCU, it was founded in newly 1865 to give HBCU, it was founded in 1865 to give eman-

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institution located in Richmond, Virginia. A proud

newly emancipated an opportunity for and educacipated slaves an slaves opportunity for education adHBCU, was founded in 1865 give newly tion anditadvancement.

VUU,toeducation is emanour sovancement.

At VUU,At education is our social justice cipated slaves an strive opportunity for education and adcial justice as we to offer greater access and afas we strive to offer greater access and affordability fordability toAt a more diverse student body and prepare vancement.

VUU, education is our social justice to a more diverse student body and prepare them them to become global leaders both professionally and as we strive toglobal offer greater access and affordability to community. become leadersalumni both professionally and in in the Notable include Civil Rights to athe more diverse student body and prepare them NotableCivil alumni include Civil Roslyn Rights Leader community.

Wyatt Tee Walker, Rights Leader to become global leaders both professionally and in Leader Wyatt Tee Walker, Civil Rights Leader RosM. Brock (Chairman Emeritus of the National Board theDirectors community. alumni include Civil Rights lyn M. Brock (Chairman Emeritus the National of for Notable the NAACP) and, theofHonorable L. Leader Wyatt Tee Walker, Civil Rights Leader BoardWilder of Directors for the NAACP) and, American the RosHonDouglas (the first elected AfricanGovernor inL.the UnitedWilder States) orable Douglas (the first elected Afrilyn M. Brock (Chairman Emeritus of the National Incan-American 2020, under Governor the of HonPresiinand the leadership United Board of Directors forvision the NAACP) and,States) the dentIn&2020, Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, VUU Global was under the vision and first leadership of AfriPresiorable L.CEO Douglas Wilder (the elected launched to meet the demands of 21st Century student & CEOGovernor Dr. Hakim Lucas, VUU Global was can-American in J.the United States) dents.

A broad range of academic majors are offered launched to meet the demands of 21st In both 2020,virtual-based under the vision and(VBL) leadership ofCentury Presiin learning and classroomstudents.

A broad range of academic majors are based (CBL).

Ten new majors beingwas dedent &learning CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, VUUare Global offered in both virtual-based learning (VBL)2021 and veloped be offered beginning January launchedand towill meet the demands of in21st Century classroom-based learning (CBL).

Ten new majors including Health Hospitality students. A broadSciences, range of academicManagement, majors are being developed will expanding be offered beginning and are social activism.

VUUand is also graduate

tality Management, and social activism. VUU is also expanding graduate master’s degree and doctorate master’s degree andand doctorate programs.

In addition, programs.

In addition, technology has VUU been entality Management, social activism. is also technology has been enhanced throughout campus hanced throughout which will and allowdoctorate VUU expanding graduatecampus master’s degree which will allow VUU to bring the HBCU experience to bring the HBCU experience to distance, cloud-enprograms. addition, technology has been to distance,In cloud-based students. based students. hanced throughout campus offers whichstudents will allow Virginia Union University TheVUU PromVirginia Union University offers students The isebring of a Limitless Future.

We invite to learn more to the HBCU experience to you distance, cloudPromise of academics, a Limitless Future.

We invite you to learn Deabout our globally-recognized Samuel based students. moreProctor about School our academics, globally-recognized Witt of Theology, and champion Virginia Union University offers students NCAA The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, and Division II athletic program.

Promise of a Limitless Future. We invite you to learn champion NCAA Division II athletic Visit Visit https://www.vuu.edu andprogram. apply today. more about our academics, globally-recognized offered in both virtual-based learning (VBL) and https://www.vuu.edu and apply today. in January 2021 including Health Sciences, Hospi-

classroom-based learning (CBL). Ten new majors are being developed and will be offered beginning in January 2021 including Health Sciences, Hospi-

Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, and champion NCAA Division II athletic program. Visit https://www.vuu.edu and apply today.

Experience Excellence, Reimagined.

Apply Today! www.vuu.edu

Experience Excellence, Reimagined.

Apply Today! www.vuu.edu

1500 N. N. Lombardy Lombardy Street, Street, Richmond, Richmond, VA VA 23220 23220 1500 Dr. Hakim Hakim J. J. Lucas, Lucas, President President & & CEO CEO Dr.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO

9

JOSIE GONSALVES OPINION

Josie Gonsalves is a Facilitator, Writer and Speaker on Racial Justice; Nonprofit Expert, and Adjunct Professor.

College Presidents Must Do More Than Reframe, They Must Transform

I

t is said past is prologue. Yet, the current period of national civil resistance underscores that “the arc of justice” has yet to bend. This Martin Luther King, Jr. implored the nation to heed as he decried the pernicious nature of racism in America in the 1960s. A cry that echoed back to the mid-1600s in colonial Virginia courts.

At the core of the current social movements from Black Lives Matter (BLM) to American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) is the single argument that race is central to every aspect of civil society. More pointedly, that racism is a function of who we are: a function of citizenship and each individual’s position in the structural transactions of society. The over 26 million people on the streets today are demanding the telling of the truth of America.

Nowhere is the truth of the history of this country more hidden than in the academy where scholarship has long framed racialized public policies, laws, and corporate structures to support systems of power and privilege. This paradigm will have to change as those from the streets return to campuses and classrooms. The hypothesis that it is impractical to transform the current journey to “a more perfect union” built on centuries of dehumanization and condemnation of non-white designated peoples is morally reprehensible. Yes, it will be hard. Racism is not only made manifest in systems of laws and practices, but embedded in the psychology of America.

It is this backdrop that college presidents, and particularly Black college presidents, contemplate the coming academic year and years to come. It is clear the present, once again, demands not just a reimaging of the future: it requires the deconstruction of institutional racism across the political, economic, and social sectors of society.

If we agree that race is an organizing tool for America, we have to admit that the academy serves to reinforce it.

From the physical sciences and artificial intelligence to business administration and legal studies, and from the arts and the humanities to bio-engineering and management certification programs, pedagogical methods and curricula must be constructed to interrupt the long-term ramifications of

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

de jure and de facto segregation in education policies and outcomes. To this end, the single most crucial transformative motion must be the restructuring of the academic affairs departments of colleges. The academic scholarship of inequity in higher education by Critical Race Theory offers a baseline analytical framework to assess the structures that uphold racism in universities. Lori D. Patton addresses three fundamental elements for critical analysis by college presidents in a poignant essay, “Disrupting Postsecondary Prose: Toward A Critical Race Theory of Higher Education”: Proposition 1: The establishment of U.S. higher education is deeply rooted in racism/white supremacy, the vestiges of which remain palatable.

Proposition 2: The functioning of U.S. higher education is intricately linked to imperialistic and capitalistic efforts that fuel the intersections of race, property, and oppression.

Proposition 3: U.S. higher education institutions serve as venues through which formal knowledge production rooted in racism/white supremacy is generated.

College presidents must heed the urgency of this moment. The transformation of higher education is a civil rights imperative that Black college presidents are obligated to spearhead. Such an endeavor requires bold, courageous, and precise policies and actions that strike at the very idea of the university and its role in civil society. College presidents must challenge established tenets of the academy. Race-neutral precepts and concepts that govern the overall university have failed to produce the “egalitarian” society the academy has long promised. Universities instead have become institutions to incubate social inequity and economic stratification across civil society.

It is the most venerable of founding fathers, Thomas Paine, who said, “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Summer 2020 The Positive Community 11 8/10/20 10:22 AM

M Money

HCCI Board Chairman Dr. Joan O. Dawson

buiness, finance + work

METROPOLITA

149 SPRIN NEWARK, N (973

HCCI Welcomes Three New Members

Distinguished Local Professionals Will Guide HCCI in Expanding to An Open Letter to The Housing Positive New Cities to Create Equity Opportunities and Affordable

T

he Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) Board of Directors welcomed three new members, expanding its capabilities to guide the organization and maximize its impact in New York City’s Harlem community and offer services in Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; and Seattle, WA. The Board’s video response to COVID-19 can be accessed at https://www.hcci.org/coronavirus.

Dr. Joan O. Dawson, HCCI board chairperson said, “We are delighted to welcome these esteemed individuals to our board. During this challenging time, we are happy to strengthen the Board with new members who can provide complementary skills, expertise, and experience that will position HCCI to maintain and expand on its mission in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.”

TheDR.new of HCCI’s board

BY REV. DAVIDmembers JEFFERSON, SR., ESQ., PASTOR Debra Washington

C

are:

DearCommunity TPC Family: Outreach Relationship Manager for First Republic Bank Debra Wash-

L E

ington has over 20 years of banking and leadership experience, primarily in the field of sion of Investment. am Reverend Dr. David Jefferson, pastor the from Metropolitan nonprofits and affordable housing.

DebraSr., earned herofMBA College Randal located in New Jersey for 1 historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark.

I of New York and attended Harvard University’s Leadership Professional Development a government contract.

Sis preside over one of the largest African American Program. As a member of the National Black MBA Association, Debra is a champion of publicly to the Governor ab congregations in the State of New Jersey.

I am also the financial literacy and the underserved, reaching out to communities traditionally left out struggling to get significan president of the National Action Network’s New Jersey of homeownership.

Authority of New York and chapter. I am a former senior executive at Comcast and As Fannie Lou Hammer served as president of AT&T for the Northeast region reDeacon Rodney A. Beckford and tired of in being porting directly to C. Michael Armstrong.

I am a lawyer His experience as a diverse professional and social matrix spans over 48 years busi- sick and drum for economic and received my MBA from the Massachusetts Institute ness combined with extensive urban community involvement. Beginning as an office boy justice quotemoved Senator Ronald Rice of for Technology. the Wall Street law firm Patterson, Belknap & Webb at age 16, Beckford through is a akin to “an economic ly This letter is not about me, however; a proper introthe ranks to hold positions as an advertising executive, associate director of nutrition, the State of New Jersey.” Th duction is important because I want to convey my deep executive chief steward at the United Nations, and the northeast regional manager at attitudes and arrogance tha understanding of the issues supporting the racial and an international beverage company, Vitality Inc., a division of Nestle Inc. Simultaneously, been privy to a mountain o economic injustice that occurs in the State of New Jersey.

Deacon Beckford served in numerous capacities for many community organizations. rather disturbing narrative The state’s most impoverished zip codes are inhabited owned firm fell victim to “t

by African Americans. Economic disparities Rev. Dr.Kimberly K. Holmes, Esq. will look has become entrenched at worseAn after the Covid-19 pandemic.

In all categories of experienced attorney and prosecutor, Dr. Kimberly Holmes served as a municipal Investment.

It the most b economic measure, African Americans fare worse than prosecutor in East Orange and assistant prosecutor/section chief of the Bias Crimes isand committed against other communities.

These disparities are wide due to Community Relations Unit of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. She was a member of a blackever thelegal State’s racist legacy there isofno will or plan counsel for the Stateand Commission Investigation.

Shetoalso served asseen. chief of staff for I ask that youCity continue t address the issues. the Division of Rate Counsel for 12 years and as assistant corporation counsel for the together.

If we do, Doing NOTHING about these issues is the root cause of Newark specializing in Employment Law and Labor Relations Matters. In September we will b not an optiontoand of 2010, the anger and frustration throughout she was appointed by thedemonstrated NJ State Supreme Court as an attorney member the certainly ing injustice is not theFee nation.

A knee on the neck of a human being is Arbitration Committee. In 2012, the Chief Justice of the Court appointed Dr. Holmes as in our a modern “Rosa Park nothing of a5Apublic lynching. chair ofshy District for Essex County, NJ where she served until 2014.our Kimberly also day serves taste victory against econom Brothers and sisters in commerce, we do not need as an attorney member of the State Supreme Court Ethics Committee. too well, it will be a win By for another blue-ribbon task force, panel or committee. We need immediate action that addresses injustices and pro- nities are reliant on your b creation. The State of New the ingredients our businesses and communiMalcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., presidentvides and CEO (above) forFounded in 1986, HCCI a not-for-profit, 501(c) of mistreating black-owned ties to right themselves.

I remind you, economic power stated, “These new additions to the Board bring the exact (3) corporation is a coalition of inter-faith congregaParks decided that she was is never conceded based on begging and complaining – expertise needed to help guide our new initiatives in tions that has implemented a comprehensive portfolio ment, we, too must we need a more effective strategy.

Elections are coming.

Atlanta, Baltimore, Seattle, and beyond. During this difficult of programs to provide affordable housing and safe take a s to impact must have consequences for those who fail tofor seeindividuals time, it is important for HCCI to share itsThey community-buildstreets; offer opportunities andelections groups if we do treated more fairly our truth and do something about it. ing strategies with other urban centers around the country to become and remain economically independent; …And having done all to I have heard from many businesses having trouble that also grapple with inequities that present as little to no increase understanding of and access to health care; Ephesians 6:13 getting access to capital and government contracts.

The equity, poor quality housing, and residents who need and provide substantive educational programs for If you have experiences CEO of Blueprint tellsadults of theand horrible empowerment strategies to rebuild their lives.” younginjustices people. his firm experienced for four years at the hands of the State Divi- I encourage you to reach o

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

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The Positive Community June 2020

Summer 201 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Essex County Executive DiVincenzo Announces Partnership with Investors Bank

Photo: Courtesy of Essex County

Sponsorship Helps Make Improvements to Turtle Back Junction Train Station

E Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (in front, fifth from left) watches as Investors Bank Chairman and CEO Kevin Cummings cuts a ceremonial ribbon in front of the Turtle Back Junction train station sponsored by Investors Bank at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo on Wednesday, July 29th.

With them are (in front from left) Turtle Back Zoo employee Jaime D’Onofrio, Chief of Staff Phil Alagia, Freeholder President Brendan Gill, Deputy Parks Director Kate Hartwyk, Mike Piga from French and Parello, and Harry Tsivicos from Tsivicos Enterprises.

ssex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced a long-term partnership agreement with Investors Bank to become the official sponsor of the miniature train ride at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. In addition, the County Executive announced that improvements to make the Turtle Back Junction train station more handicap accessible have been completed.

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“With the weather getting warmer and people looking for things to do outside, we are pleased to be able to reopen Turtle Back Zoo and our attractions at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex.

Visitors are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and respect others. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our open spaces while they remain safe and do their part to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.�

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders

Welcome You Back to

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex

Health ideas for wellness

The DCCNY recommends parents request information on what’s happening in the child care center every day:

• Ask providers about safety recommendations they are putting in place.

• How often are providers cleaning the classrooms and the toys?

• How is mealtime handled?

• What activities are they allowed to do outside or not allowed to do outside?

• What are the providers’ personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• What is the procedure for parent pick-up and drop-off?

• Are parents allowed in the centers or homes?

• How do parents socially distance from other parents?

NYC Child Care Centers Have Success During Pandemic

W

hen Governor Cuomo announced that public schools throughout New York State will open in the fall, parents became concerned about having their children go back to school in the age of COVID-19.

Although the pandemic shut down New York City’s 1,800 schools (including Pre-K), there were 93 regional enrichment centers open to serve the child care needs of first responders and essential workers. Later, the city opened emergency child care programs located in community-based organizations and home-based family child care provider programs. These schools have been on the frontline in providing safe child care for New York City’s families during the COVID-19 crisis.

The nonprofit Day Care Council of New York (DCCNY) has worked with publicly funded New York City child care centers and family childcare programs (UPK, 3K, Head Start, early Head Start, etc.) for over 70 years. It decided to examine 13 emergency child care programs in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx to determine how they were operating during this pandemic.

The research included nine center-based providers and

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

BY FERN GILLESPIE

four family child care providers. The goal was to determine how these centers established successful health, safety, and instructional practices.

This July, DCCNY released their report Child Care in a Pandemic: What We Learned from Emergency Child Care Programs and How We Can Safely Reopen Our Early Education System. “There’s been a lot of talk and a lot of anxiety from child care providers, families and the public about what it’s going to be like to go back to school,” said DCCNY Senior Research Analyst Mai Miksic, who co-authored the report. “We felt there was a lot to be learned from the emergency child care centers operating during this entire pandemic. I think it’s a good starting point around discussions of what is necessary to keep children and their family safe. Also, how we continue to provide quality care for those families.”

What the DCCNY discovered was that no one in the study – neither child nor adult – was diagnosed with COVID-19. In fact, the centers had enhanced the CDC protocols to ensure a safe learning environment.

The cleaning procedures were part of the new normal of operating under pandemic conditions. Deep www.thepositivecommunity.com

cleanings and the sanitizing of the centers and family programs has become routine. Nurses, provided to center-based ECCs by the Department of Education, were critical to the safe operation and morale of the staff. Social distancing was a priority despite social distancing and mask being difficult for young children.

Some centers had larger tables to space the children out, others bought plexiglass dividers, which allowed children to sit across from each other. There were extra efforts to keep children apart through a buddy system or creating smaller bubbles so there wasn’t constant interaction among all the children. One of the biggest challenges around mealtime was teaching children not to share food with each other. The care centers created some extra ideas like taking off shoes before entering center. Some required staff to change clothes to scrubs at work.

The child care providers noticed that the pandemic was wearing on the children. It was becoming a mental health issue. Children had to limit physical affection and hugging was discouraged. Staying six feet apart from their friends was required. “Children five years old and under are very social creatures; they want to interact with each other and they want to learn those social skills and fundamentals,” said Miksic. “Children need affection. Some children were coming from situations where family members had gotten sick or passed away from COVID-19.”

Deep cleanings and the sanitizing of the centers and family programs has become routine. Nurses, provided to center-based ECCs by the Department of Education, were critical to the safe operation and morale of the staff.

The Child Care in a Pandemic report highlighted the concerns of child care providers that included enrollment, lack of staffers, PPE supplies, and social distancing. “All child care providers are essential workers throughout New York State,” said DCCNY Executive Director Andrea Anthony. “These child care providers started a regimen that is quite interesting and inspiring in a lot of ways. They were vocal in how they felt about being an essential worker and how important it was to be able to contribute back. To have uniformity and have people speak up about not fearing for their own lives, I felt was very heartwarming.”

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN NYC! TAKE THESE STEPS: Stay home if sick

Wear a face covering

Keep physical distance

Keep your hands clean

Only leave for essential medical care and testing or other essential errands.

6 ft

Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

You can be contagious without symptoms. Protect those around you by wearing a face covering.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

If you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you should still stay home as much as possible. Those at increased risk are adults age 50 or older (adults 65 and older are at the highest risk), and those who have other health conditions.

Get tested: There are COVID-19 testing sites in all five boroughs.

To find a site, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or call 311.

For the latest information, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Bill de Blasio Mayor Oxiris Barbot, MD Commissioner

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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Takin’ it Online!

Rutgers-Newark’s Advocates for Healthy Living Hosts Five-Week Virtual Health and Wellness Series

By Ferlanda Nixon w/Contributers: Diane Hill and Donita Devance Andrelia Gaynor

T

he novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life worldwide. With most people encouraged to stay home as much as possible to help slow the spread of the virus, inactivity and isolation can cause serious physical and mental health concerns. This can be especially true among adults who are 65 years of age and older because the opportunity to engage in appropriate social-distancing activities can be challenging. To keep seniors moving, involved, and connected to others, Rutgers-Newark’s Office of University-Community Partnerships (OUCP), Advocates for Healthy Living Initiative (AHLI), and more than two dozen community partners launched Living Your Best Life Virtually on July 6.

Funded in part by a $10,000 seed grant from the Rutgers Global Health Institute, the five-week online series focused on maintaining the health and wellness of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have promoted the series as ‘an invitation to eat, drink, and be healthy by getting fit, staying in shape, employing mindful meditation, eating well, and engaging in music therapy featuring live performances by award-winning musical artists, all in the comfort of your own home,’” explained Diane Hill, assistant chancellor for university-community partnerships at Rutgers-Newark. “Although we target the series to seniors and their caregivers, all are welcome. Living Your Best Life Virtually is free and open to the public, but registration is required.”

More than 350 people participated in sessions that were held three days a week. Pamela Morgan, founder and executive director of Women in Media-Newark, moderated Meditation, Motivation, and Music Mondays, which featured meditation, motivational talks, insights, demonstrations, and rousing music therapy sessions led by Newark’s own Leisa, the One-Woman Band, and the renowned international musical artist and Newark native, Antoinette Montague accompanied by accomplished pianist Danny Mixon.

Moderated by community leaders from various agencies and service areas, Wellness Workshop Wednesdays showcased distinguished physicians and healthcare and aging services experts providing timely information on healthy aging, advice on responding to COVID-19, and details about available services. Community partners from Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences; University Hospital; Rutgers School of Public Health; the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health (L.–R.) Leisa Brown, the One-Woman Band and Antoinette Montague enlivens the session with music and song.

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

Care Policy and Aging Research; Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center; Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality (PEWS) Faith-Based Initiatives; Greater Newark senior centers; and state legislators were among the presenters.

Fitness instructor Crystal Gaynor Fun, Fitness and Food Fridays provided an opportunity to partake in two mid-day exercise programs with fitness trainer Crystal Gaynor—stretching and chair exercises and/or Zumba—immediately followed by gardening, healthy food selection, and cooking demonstrations conducted by representatives from the American Heart Association, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Greater Newark Conservancy, and Rutgers-Newark Gourmet Dining.

Living Your Best Life Virtually embodies OUCP’s Transdisciplinary Intergenerational Community Engagement Model, designed to promote sustainable partnerships between university and community. The model emphasizes elements of trust, reciprocity, mutual respect, leveraging resources, and other factors, as it brings together residents and community stakeholders to develop programs responsive to community needs. OUCP worked in tandem with the resident- and stakeholder-driven AHLI, and 27 community partners to design and execute the five-week summer series. Representatives from the partner organizations, as well as, more than a dozen guest presenters, provided content and transdisciplinary expertise. Many express excitement and deep satisfaction. “The program is a great idea,” shared Newarker Rhubie Stoudmire, a loyal AHLI program participant. “A lot of seniors don’t get out much. Now they have something to tune into and be a part of while receiving good information they can use for themselves and pass along to others.”

Lorraine Woolridge, also a Newark native, echoed similar sentiments. “The sessions are great and quite helpful. I’ve learned about the coronavirus in general, the importance of wearing masks, how to self-quarantine in the house among noninfected family members, the pros and cons of wearing gloves, and how to disinfect commonly touched spaces and items.” Due to mobility issues, Woolridge especially enjoys the chair exercises. She listens to the sessions from her landline and receives technical assistance from a college student whenever necessary. “It’s certainly rewarding to know that Living Your Best Life Virtually is making a positive impact in the lives of our seniors in Newark,” said Hill. “A virtual platform also allows us to expand our reach beyond Newark, enabling people to tune in no matter where they are,” she added. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Vaccines Against Childhood Illnesses Remain Critically Important WELL CARE IS THE CORNERSTONE OF PEDIATRIC MEDICINE

M

umps, rubella, whooping cough and other diseases may seem like childhood illnesses of old.

Thanks to vaccines, many of these potentially fatal diseases are rare. However, as evidenced by multiple measles outbreaks in the U.S. in the past few years, failure to immunize newborns against these diseases can have serious consequences.

In fact, pediatricians are extremely concerned, during the height of the COVID-19’s stay-at-home orders, that there was a dramatic decline in childhood well-visits and vaccinations.

This concern has been documented by the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

The pediatric primary and specialty care practices of The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital remained open and continued seeing patients throughout the height of the pandemic.

Pediatricians continually reached out to patient families, especially parents of newborns, and were able to maintain upward of 75 percent of necessary well-care visits, in the past few months, noted David Jaipersaud, executive director of Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital.

However, pediatricians including Michael Lucas, MD, FAAP, and medical director of the Pediatric Faculty Group at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, remain concerned. He said the result of families not following recommended immunization protocols could become a huge global health crisis.

“Vaccines help keep children safe from so many diseases that are active and can have devastating effects,” he explained. “Even though right now there is a heavy focus on the coronavirus, vaccinations against childhood illnesses remain critically important.

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

These diseases are very real and can put children in the hospital. As a pediatrician, I know how important protecting these children is, not only for themselves but for our entire public health system.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already identified the recent decrease in vaccinations during COVID-19 as a “major public health threat.”

“If we lapse on vaccinations,” added Dr. Lucas, “we will have a large group of kids who are unvaccinated against these illnesses and there could be major resurgences of diseases we thought were dormant.” Additionally, well visits are incredibly important for infants — far beyond necessary vaccinations. “Well care is the cornerstone of pediatric medicine,” said Dr. Lucas.

“We use well-care visits to offer guidance for families about what to expect as their child is going through different stages of development.”

During routine well-care visits, pediatricians can monitor the child’s growth and development. Milestones such as weight, head circumference and length are monitored so any concerns can be identified and managed appropriately.

“The reason why we have a routine child well-visit schedule that we follow is because things are happening during infancy and toddler years that are changing on a month-to-month basis,” Dr. Lucas explained. “It’s important to pick up those changes — either in a good way or in a way we don’t like.”

If a child is not growing according to schedule or not meeting developmental milestones on time, such as motor skills, rolling over, sitting, crawling, etc., it can be noted early.

“The faster we see those things, like if the child isn’t growing correctly or meeting milestones, the faster we can intervene, speak to the parents and do something so it doesn’t become a major issue for the child.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Still working remotely? Here’s how to stay safe COVID-19-related phishing attempts and fraudulent emails have surged so far in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission, which received more than 125,000 complaints between January and June.

With so many workers telecommuting, cybercriminals continue to target unprotected devices and unencrypted data. And security experts say fraudulent activity around information already stolen in previous hacks has increased.

Bad actors can now upload compromised data to the dark web and demand a ransom before threatening to post embar-

rassing information publicly. The accounts of some of Twitter’s most prominent users were hacked in July, and although many suspected it was politically motivated, it turns out bad actors started pushing a Bitcoin scam that spiraled out of control.

That’s why hyper-vigilance is so important, especially on the part of businesses and employees adjusting to remote work. Remote access portals and virtual private networks have become more common for those working from the home office—just two of several steps necessary to prevent data breaches and protect from fraudulent activity.

1. Make sure all employees have adequate protections on their remote work equipment.

Whether your staff members are using company-issued laptops, personal desktops, or even mobile devices to complete their work, extra layers of protection are required to keep those systems safe. From firewalls to anti-spam software to the abovementioned VPNs, adding these enhancements can protect individual machines and the business-wide networks they access.

2. If you haven’t already, deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote employees.

MFA is defined as a two-step login process that requires users to enter something they know (a password) and something they have (a unique code delivered via push notification, text message, or email) to add an extra level of security to any login credential. MFA use has surged in 2020 as the human element becomes more and more critical to keep email accounts, intranet logins, and other important information safe.

3. Update your cybersecurity strategy to account for remote work.

If you haven’t performed an updated assessment of your overall IT infrastructure in the last few months, now’s the time. At CMIT Solutions, we help our clients identify four areas that deserve heightened attention: administrative safeguards, physical protections, technical protocols, and organizational requirements. This can help identify vulnerabilities not spotted in the first rush to remote work, along with focusing on short- and long-term cybersecurity components that may need to shift to meet your company’s particular needs, now and in the future.

4. Provide your employees with guidance and education.

Thanks to increased cybersecurity awareness and ongoing training, many more workers are serving as the first line of defense for the companies. Employees trained to spot spam emails and avoid falling for social engineering scams can often stop data breaches in their tracks. Commit to providing such guidance to your staff now and you could empower someone to prevent a major issue in the future.

5. Test your data backups regularly.

If you’re already working with a reliable IT provider, this critical task should be performed on a routine basis. But don’t hesitate to inquire about it if you aren’t sure. Your company’s information is too important to be neglected, disregarded, or worse—to be rendered inaccessible in the event of a manmade or natural disaster. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic only highlights the need for extra data backup attention.

At CMIT Solutions, we conduct weekly reviews of data backup and disaster recovery plans, ensuring that important business information is at the ready, no matter what happens. We protect our clients’ systems with extra layers of protection, responding to evolving cybersecurity needs. And we go above and beyond to give our clients the support they deserve, whether they’re working in the office or at home.

Want to know more about stopping data breaches, identifying email scams, or preventing fraudulent activity? Contact CMIT Solutions today.

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

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Nutrition in the Time of COVID-19 The Role of Diet and Supplements

D

ietary surveys in the U.S. and elsewhere show most people are consuming diets that do not meet national guidelines —often because of availability or cost— and such diets may not provide optimal quantities of essential vitamins and minerals. Currently, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is likely to put many more individuals at risk of food insecurity and make consuming a healthy diet even more difficult. This becomes increasingly likely if the infection risk-mitigation strategies do not include approaches to ensure essential supplies are effectively distributed and accessible, or if the pandemic affects productivity of the agricultural sector.

Although we are not aware of good data on the effects of nutritional supplements on risk or severity of COVID-19, existing evidence indicates that supplements of several nutrients can reduce risk or severity of some viral infections, particularly among people with inadequate dietary sources. Therefore, prudence suggests inadequate intakes of essential minerals and vitamins be avoided at this time, and supplements can help fill some gaps. Some key points: • Taking a standard (RDA) multivitamin/multimineral supplement as a nutritional safety net is reasonable.

These supplements are relatively inexpensive (should cost less than $40 USD for a six- month supply) and convenient way to replenish and maintain micronutrient stores.

• Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is particularly important. Vitamin D is normally produced in our skin when exposed to sunlight, and in the late winter and spring, blood levels of vitamin D tend to be low because of reduced sun exposure. Staying indoors will further reduce blood levels.

Although we do not have evidence at this time whether vitamin D supplements will reduce the severity of COVID-19, they might, especially among people with low levels. Because the cost of blood testing is usually more than the cost of supplements (and not appropriate while our health care system is seriously stressed), and because there are other benefits from maintaining adequate vitamin D, taking supplemental vitamin D would be reasonable for most people to consider.

• Many of the commonly available multivitamin/ multimineral supplements do contain 1,000 or 2,000 IU of vitamin D, which is a good target. People with darker skin (who tend to have lower blood levels because melanin in the skin blocks ultraviolet light) may need more vitamin D; up to 4,000 IU per day is considered safe. Vitamin D is a commonly available multivitamin/multimineral supplement. www.thepositivecommunity.com

• If vitamin D supplements are not available, a backup option is to take advantage of some sunlight, which is now intense enough to produce vitamin D. Expose as much skin as possible in the middle of the day and begin for short periods, being careful to avoid burns; 15 minutes can produce a large amount of vitamin D in light skin; 3 or 4 times longer will likely be needed for dark skin. Note that this is short-term guidance related to limited vitamin D supplement availability during the current pandemic; and not advisable long-term. Because sun exposure can contribute to skin cancers, it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure or use of tanning beds.

• At this time, megadose supplements (many times the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA) do not appear justified, and these can sometimes be harmful. Avoid any supplements promoting wild health claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been monitoring and warning companies offering fraudulent products claiming to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure COVID-19.

Nutritional supplements should not be considered substitutes for a good diet, because no supplements contain all the benefits provided by healthy foods.

Source—Harvard School of Public Health

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

23

Education the art + science of learning

KCC Welcome Wagon Visits New Students at Home

BY DR. ANTHONY E. MUNROE PRESIDENT, ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE

Essex County College:

A

s president of Essex County College, one of the

largest in New Jersey,Rodríguez, I have long known that CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Kingsborough Community (KCC)played President Dr. Claudia Schrader, theCollege institution a key role in V. the life of the and incoming Kingsborough freshmen brothers Ahsan Ali and communities we serve, especially in the city of Newark, Qasim Ali, two of three siblings, attending KCC in the fall the most populous in the state. Last year, nearly 20,000 (their sister, Aailia Naz, is not pictured)

Photos: Courtesy of Kingsborough CC

Creating a Student First Path Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic

credit and non-credit students took advantage of 70 degree and certificate programs as well as numerous offerings leading to professional, career, vocational, and personal improvement. In addition, the businesses of Essex County have come to rely on the College for cusUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez joined tomized training. All of this at a tuition rate far below Kingsborough Community College (KCC) Presithat charged at most colleges and universities. dent Dr. Claudia V. Schrader for a surprise visit of Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended nearthe KCC Welcome Wagon at the home of three incoming ly all aspects of our society, the higher education sector freshmen. The trio, all members of the same Brooklyn must adapt to meet the changing needs of our commufamily, will enroll at Kingsborough in the fall. nities. And, we need to do it with significantly reduced Since June, Dr. Schrader has surprised and welcomed resources since we are expecting greatly diminished 29 incoming freshmen and transfer students and their parenrollment in the summer and fall as well as a sharp cut ents at their homes or jobs across the five boroughs and in state appropriations. No sector in higher education Long Island, bearing a bag of KCC swag. The visits take is better situated to do that than are the community place outdoors and follow all social distancing protocols. colleges - our basic mission is to meet the education and “Part of the goal of these visits is to make the students training needs of our neighbors. feel welcome as they start a new educational chapter,” exEssex County College knows very well that its neighplained Dr. Schrader. “As a result of the coronavirus panbors are among those hardest hit by the pandemic since demic, we don’t know what their first semester will look it very much mirrors the communities it serves: It is a like… They may be taking classes remotely or the campus Predominantly Black Institution as well as a Hispanic classrooms may be open. But, whatever the situation, I Serving Institution (the only public college in New Jerwant them to feel welcomed and at ease.” sey to have that dual designation) with 45% and 26% of “I applaud Dr. Schrader for this unique, caring, and its student body self-identifying as Black/African Ameriinnovative approach, especially during a time of so much can and Hispanic/Latino, respectively. To provide all uncertainty and concern during the coronavirus crisis,” of the support possible, the College offers top STEM said Chancellor Matos Rodríguez.

programs, was the first college in New Jersey to be part ofKingsborough the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Community College President Dr. Claudia V. Schrader, right, was and joinedhas

by NYC Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel of Program, made a large investment in a virtual Brooklyn’s 41st (left) for a recent Welcome Wagon event to dissection tableDistrict for our biology, health science, and precongratulate and greet incoming freshman Daquan, who lives in the med students. The results are evidenced by the fact that council member's district. our students have won more Jack Kent Cooke scholarships than any other community college in the region.

Even Ivy League universities (with their multi-billiondollar endowments) are unsure of how to plan for an uncertain future. Our community colleges, well known New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo learned of as efficient and adaptable institutions, are developing and mentioned Dr. Schrader's new tradition in one of his initiatives for the "new normal," while seeking to cut recent coronavirus updates. More local elected officials expenses to keep our offerings affordable for all. The are planning to join Dr. Schrader to welcome new KCC county is being ravaged by unemployment, especially students from their districts. among women and people of color. Essex County ColSince taking over as KCC president in August 2018, lege is working with the County Workforce Development Dr. Schrader has made it her mission to personally Board to identify what will be the top in-demand jobs meet and chat with KCC students on the first day of and is modifying existing programs and creating new each semester and daily on campus. She greets stuones to meet that demand. dents at the front gate as they arrive on campus for It will manage to present these even while recognizthe first day of class; and pops into classrooms, special ing its need to further the development of its commustudent events, and the cafeteria, surprising students nity. It is inviting the essential workers in the county, with lunch for the day. our modern-day heroes, to attend without adding to During the KCC Welcome Wagon visits, she talks with their economic stress. For those with qualifying income students about their educational goals and answers queslevels, and after applying for available financial aid, the tions they may have about college life. Dr. Schrader began College will make up any shortfall that exists. All of the the surprise visits on June 5 and will continue visiting new faculty, staff, and administration have joined together to students through August 2020. meet the changing needs of the community and I am so Founded in 1963, Kingsborough Community College proud that I get to be the face of a community college is Brooklyn’s only community college and is part of the seen as a remarkable resource and pledged to be availCity University of New York (CUNY). able to all.

CUNY Chancellor Joins College President to Meet Students

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24 16 The The Positive Positive Community Community

Summer June 2020 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Essex County College Appoints Acting/Interim President, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye

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r. Augustine A. Boakye is Essex County College’s acting/ interim president, assuming the leadership position on July 21, 2020. Dr. Boakye started his Essex County College (ECC) career in 2009 and has been an associate professor of Economics, chair of the Division of Business, and acting dean of Liberal Arts and Business.

Dr. Boakye brings to his new position international teaching, research, and working experiences. He recently received the International Teaching Excellence Award from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

"With our dedicated faculty and staff, ECC serves a diverse population, transforming lives with its many academic and non-academic programs," Dr. Boakye said. "We of-

SAVE BIG

fer a wide range of affordable and quality associate degrees, certificate, and workforce development training programs through online classes and customized hybrid instruction. You may qualify for free tuition through the Community College Opportunity Grant program," he said.

Under his leadership as Business Division chair, Essex County College secured accreditation for the

Thousands of dollars less than the national average tuition Excelsior Scholarship: You may be able to attend City Tech tuition free

WE SPECIALIZE IN

“HIGH-DEMAND

Business programs from ACBSP. Dr. Boakye was instrumental in developing the partnership between the College and the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB). This partnership has led to financial support and internship opportunities for ECC Hospitality Management majors over the past three years.

Additionally, Dr. Boakye championed the creation of several new academic programs in areas such as Finance and Supply Chain Management. He is the founder of Essex County College's popular Business Week and Business Plan Competition. Dr. Boakye has also served as the advisor to the Student Government Association.

Dr. Boakye replaces Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, who left ECC to assume the presidency at a New York college.

APPLY FOR FALL 2020

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AREERS”

MORE THAN 6O DEGREE PROGRAMS

GET A HIGHER DEGREE

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ALL CUNY CREDITS WILL TRANSFER Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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Lamont Repollet: A New Leader for A New Era at Kean University

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r. Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. believes all students — no matter where they grew up, the color of their skin, or their family’s income — deserve an equal shot at success. And he brings that mindset to the top.

Fresh from overseeing the creation of The Road Back, a plan to guide the reopening of schools for 1.4 million K-12 students in New Jersey, the state’s former commissioner of education this summer stepped into a new role as president of Kean University, one of the state’s largest universities with 16,000 students on campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson, and Wenzhou, China.

The first African-American president in Kean’s 165year history, Repollet now oversees one of the most diverse universities in the nation amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide calls for social justice. He is already setting goals based on three pillars — safety, equity and academic excellence.

“This is an extraordinary time; we face challenges that were unimaginable just a few months ago” Dr. Repollet told the campus community. “Unprecedented times call for unprecedented acts of leadership and humanity.

A personal, student-focused approach has defined Repollet’s career since his days as a high school principal in Carteret, followed by his tenure as superintendent in Asbury Park and then his two and a half years as the state commissioner under Governor Murphy. It is one of the reasons that the Kean University Board of Trustees chose him unanimously as Kean’s 18th leader, succeeding Dawood Farahi, Ph.D., who served as president for 17 years.

“Dr. Repollet steps into the presidency with confidence and experience, and with the strength needed to lead Kean forward on its path of access and excellence,” said Ada Morell, chair of the Board of Trustees. “He knows our mission. He lives our mission, and he is committed to ensuring that Kean provides the world-class education and experiences that students demand.”

A Kean alumnus, Dr. Repollet was a first-generation college student like many at Kean. He recently shared with the community his own experience as a young, “preppy,” college student stopped by police for fitting the profile of a carjacker. “You never know how you will feel until you have a gun put to the temple of your head.” he said.

He also offered his thoughts on the legacies of U.S. Representative John Lewis and civil rights leader Reverend C.T. Vivian “as exemplars of an unwavering, lifelong commitment to equity and justice.”

In one of his first decisions as Kean’s president, Dr. Repollet approved scheduling in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 to ensure all of the graduates had a chance to walk across the stage to celebrate their achievement.

“2020 will be remembered for many things in the years to come, including some difficult times and some extraordinary accomplishments,” Repollet told graduates from behind a mask amid a July heatwave. “I believe what we will remember are the victories we are celebrating right here today.”

Photos: Courtesy of Kean University

He is already setting goals based on three pillars — safety, equity and academic excellence.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

27

ministration – Management, Berkeley College, 2011

Berkeley College Graduate El Mehdi Bendriss Speaks at Commencent

B

erkeley College graduate El Mehdi Bendriss delivered remarks as the student speaker during the college’s all-virtual Commencement ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2020. Bendriss, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and a 4.0 GPA, is employed in the Division of Personnel with the City of Passaic, NJ. He is a resident of Bloomfield, NJ. In his message to graduates, Bendriss acknowledged the unexpected times in which we are living. “Tenacity is your defining feature,” he said in his remarks. “It’s what brought you to the end and it’s what will propel you through all the obstacles that still lie in front of you.”

Bendriss also shared his pride in the diversity of the Berkeley College graduating class. More than 50% self-identify as either Hispanic or Black, and 72% of the graduates are women.

“We’re professionals, we’re mothers, we’re fathers, we’re high school graduates,

Be

we’re high achievers, we’re first-generation Americans, we’re immigrants,” he said.

“But above all that, we are now college graduates supported by the degree that will follow us from this moment.”

As a student, Bendriss received awards for his thesis work and for community service through the Berkeley College Honors Program, a highly selective opportunity that exposes students to theme-based interdisciplinary seminars. He also served as a student ambassador, worked in the college’s Government Relations office, and completed an internship in the Office of the Mayor in Passaic, NJ. He plans to continue his education and hopes to one day serve the public with a law degree.

“It is my mission to one day be a benefit to my community, fight for and defend people when they are at their most vulnerable, and protect the sanctity of knowledge and learning,” Bendriss said.

Each Berkeley College student was invited

El Mehdi Bendriss

to create a commencement slide featuring personal messages, videos and photos that was shared during the virtual ceremony.

Virtual attendees heard from Berkeley College speakers and honorees, including special video messages from New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. The Berkeley College Class of 2020 reflects a diverse population of graduates who will join a network of more than 60,000 Berkeley College alumni eligible to receive lifetime career assistance.

Berkeley College offers a career-focused educational experience with students able to take advantage of traditional classes and online education, with programs in more than 20 fields of study.

a role model

Imagination doesn’t have an expiration date.

“Never let the world dictate what you see for yourself.”

– Troy Scott of Harlem, NY Author and Professional Mentor, Friends of the Children Berkeley College Alumnus of the Year, 2020 Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, Berkeley College, 2011

BerkeleyCollege.edu

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ARE YOU a Believer? an Activist? a Seeker? a Thinker? a Counselor? a Preacher? a Teacher? a Poet? a Dreamer?

Commit to courageous Christianity.

Mix it up for ecological and social justice.

Change your church, your neighborhood.

W

e find ourselves in different, unusual and unprecedented times. We bear witness to moments that none of us imagined, that many didn’t anticipate seeing. This is a moment.

This is a movement. The world is shifting. Society is being re-defined. Communities and ministries are being re-imagined. In the midst of a global health pandemic, racial unrest and a divisive political climate so many are asking the question: Where is God? The Theological School at Drew University is “Rooted, Innovative and Courageous”. Rooted in our Christian heritage, innovative in our approach and passionate in our courageous fight for social justice. For more than 150 years, the Theological School has been a leader in theological education while training persons for ministry to impact the world. There is no theological institution more diverse than Drew. In fact, we have no majority. We have students from around the world, in community with us, to make a difference in the world.

Currently, our classes are offered online. Our Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity and Master of Theology & Ministry degrees can be earned completely online. Online education is nothing new to the Theological School. We have been offering online programs for more than 40 years.

Where is God? God is found in our desire to be a voice for those who have no voice. Let Drew be a point of intersection on your ministry journey. Join us! Be an active participant in change. Empower your calling. Connect with us today!

Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller Executive Director, Drew Graduate Admissions

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY. At Drew Theological School, our engagement is deep. And diversity is not a slogan—it’s our reality. Students, faculty and staff pray, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle—together. Our community reflects the diversity, and the challenges and rewards that go with it, of the real world.

Learn more or apply online for one of our six specialized degree programs.

Drew University | Madison, NJ | 973.408.3111 gradm@drew.edu | drew.edu/positive

Rooted. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Innovative. Courageous.

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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CUNY Appoints New Presidents

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Berenecea Johnson Eanes

aving worked as interim president there since last fall,Berenecea Johnson Eanes was appointed president of York College of the City University of New York York College, located in Jamaica, Queens, enrolls nearly 8,500 undergraduate students, according to the latest data supplied to the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 38 percent of the student body.

Dr. Eanes has previously served as vice president for the Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Fullerton and had been on the staff at Cal State Fullerton for seven years.

Dr. Eanes is a graduate of Dillard University in New Orleans. She earned a master’s degree at Boston University and a Ph.D. in social work at Clark Atlanta University.

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Anthony E. Munroe

ffective October 1, 2020 Anthony E. Munroe joins Borough of Manhattan Community College as president.

Since 2017, Dr. Munroe has been president of Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey. He was previously president of Malcolm X College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago system.

Borough of Manhattan Community College is the largest in the CUNY system with more than 25,000 students, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education statistics. African Americans make up 27 percent of the student body.

Dr. Munroe is a graduate of Regents College of New York. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and earned an MA in public health and a Ph.D in health education from Columbia University in New York.

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he City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City. Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today has 25 colleges spread across New York City’s five boroughs, serving 275,000 degree-seeking students of all ages and awarding 55,000 degrees each year. More than 80 percent of the University’s graduates stay in New York, contributing to all aspects of the city’s economic, civic and cultural life and diversifying the city’s workforce in every sector. The University’s historic mission continues to this day: provide a public first-rate education to all students, regardless of means or background.

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COVID-19 Didn’t Stop an Edison Job Corps Graduate From His Career Goals

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mmanuel Tolentino enrolled at the Edison Job Corps Center in February 2019. His goals were to complete a vocational trade, obtain his GED, and graduate with a great job. Emmanuel’s first career technical training choice was HVAC. Within a few months, he obtained his high school diploma and was off and running in HVAC. Within nine months, Emmanuel was awarded his HVAC trade completion certificate. He then attended a career transition readiness course where he worked on multiple job-readiness assignments, financial literacy, and resume writing. Edison career transition services staff met with Emmanuel on multiple occasions to conduct mock interviews and address any pending barriers to employment.

He was ready for a new job! Then, the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. Like all Job Corps www.thepositivecommunity.com

students, Emmanuel was sent home for break; however, he continued to interact with the center via distance learning and completed assigned tasks. Emmanuel expressed interest in participating in an online solar panel installation training that was being offered by one of the center’s employer-partners: Solar Landscape, a leading New Jersey developer, designer, installer and owner of commercial and community solar projects.

Emmanuel was committed to the virtual training in the midst of the pandemic because he wanted to better himself. After successfully completing this training, Emmanuel was offered temporary employment.

Hiring managers at Solar Landscape were very impressed with Emmanuel and decided to offer him a permanent position making $63/hour! Emmanuel was thrilled.

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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New President at Rutgers Jonathan Holloway’s Historic Arrival

By R.L. Witter

H

e’s the son of a teacher and a military man. Respect, discipline, order, and the Zion AME church were big parts of his childhood. “We learned the value of sharing, we learned the value of respecting people, of being decent. I learned the value of presuming the best in people and hoping not to be disappointed,” Jonathan Holloway said from his New Jersey home of less than one month.

His selection as the new president of Rutgers University was announced in January 2020, before COVID-19 hit the United States and for many the world began to seemingly stand still. “We

thought it would be two weeks or so,” Holloway recalls. But that quickly changed. “Our March visit was cancelled; then April and May.” His arrival was delayed until the last week of June and on July 1 he found himself thinking, “I’m now in charge of a 100,000-person community having spent six hours on the campus.” Then he asked himself, “So is this how New Jersey usually is? I don’t know how people spend their time in New Jersey.”

Always the First

Raised in Maryland, Holloway comes to Rutgers by way of Northwestern University. He was provost there, and dean of Yale College at Yale University prior to that. He was the first African American to hold each of these positions, and is the first Black president of Rutgers University. “It weighs on me, it affects the way I’ll be a leader here,” he explained. “Certainly, we take this present moment when this country might

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

finally be reckoning with its own practices with regard to race and inequality, I recognize I have a certain set of information and orientation that could be of service to the University.” As an historian and former history professor, the magnitude of his accomplishments are not lost on him. “I do know though, the expectations are going to be unreal. First at Yale, first at Northwestern. I’m not looking to leave Rutgers at all, but if www.thepositivecommunity.com

there thereisis isanything anythingfor forme meafter afterRutgers, Rutgers,the theodds oddsare areextremeextremethere anything for me after Rutgers, the odds are extremelyly ly high high I’ll I’ll be be the the first first Black Black person person to to hold hold that that position.” position.” high I’ll be the first Black person to hold that position.”

He Hecontinued, continued,“I “Ijust justfind finditititsad sadthat thatthere’s there’sbeen beensuch suchaaasyssysHe continued, “I just find sad that there’s been such systemic temic commitment commitment to to not not believing believing the the human human potential potential of temic commitment to not believing the human potential of of Black Black and and brown brown people people in in this this country country that that these these things things are are Black and brown people in this country that these things are still stillfirsts. firsts.Rutgers Rutgersexisted existedfor for254 254years yearsand andwhile whileI’m I’mquite quite still firsts.

Rutgers existed for 254 years and while I’m quite proud proud of of being being the the first first African African American American president president to to hold hold proud of being the first African American president to hold the the position, position, it it also also reflects reflects a a commitment—sometimes commitment—sometimes conconthe position, it also reflects a commitment—sometimes conscious, scious, other other times times not not conscious conscious at at all—that all—that they they could could not scious, other times not conscious at all—that they could not not find find someone someone until until this this moment moment who who they they deemed deemed ready ready to find someone until this moment who they deemed ready to to run run the the University.

University.

I I think think I’m I’m pretty pretty good good at at what what I I do; do; I’m I’m run the University. I think I’m pretty good at what I do; I’m not notthat thatgood. good.It’s It’saaadamning damningstatement statementabout aboutour ourlarger largersosonot that good.

It’s damning statement about our larger society ciety that that we’re we’re still still in in the the era era of of firsts firsts in in my my lifetime.” lifetime.” ciety that we’re still in the era of firsts in my lifetime.”

The TheWhy Whyof ofRutgers Rutgers The Why of Rutgers

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“My “Myvision visionhas hasbeen beenfundamentally fundamentallydelayed delayedby byCOVID. COVID.The The “My vision has been fundamentally delayed by COVID. The things things I I was was hoping hoping to to do do for for Rutgers Rutgers really really to to elevate elevate its its amamthings I was hoping to do for Rutgers really to elevate its ambitions bitions internally internally and and elevate elevate its its reputation reputation externally, externally, that’s that’s bitions internally and elevate its reputation externally, that’s still still stuff stuff we we need need to to do, do, but but the the resources resources we we need need to to do do still stuff we need to do, but the resources we need to do that that stuff stuff are are gone gone or or need need to to be be redeployed redeployed in in other other places. places. that stuff are gone or need to be redeployed in other places.

Our Ourrevenue revenuestreams streamsfor forschools schoolslike likeRutgers Rutgersthat thatare aredeeply deeply Our revenue streams for schools like Rutgers that are deeply tuition tuition dependent dependent have have been been really really wiped wiped out out and and we we are areall all tuition dependent have been really wiped out and we are all feeling feeling deeply deeply uncertain uncertain about about how how we’re we’re going going to to proceed proceed feeling deeply uncertain about how we’re going to proceed not not just just this this fall, fall, but but in in forward forward looking looking years,” years,” said said HolloHollonot just this fall, but in forward looking years,” said Holloway. way.

“My “My present present hope hope is is the the Legislature Legislature really really recognizes recognizes way. “My present hope is the Legislature really recognizes the the value value of of Rutgers Rutgers to to New New Jersey’s Jersey’s economy economy and and invests invests the value of Rutgers to New Jersey’s economy and invests in in us us deeply deeply as as an an engine engine of of positive positive social social change change for for the in us deeply as an engine of positive social change for the the state. state.

If If we we don’t don’t get get that that kind kind of of support, support, I I don’t don’t have have an state. If we don’t get that kind of support, I don’t have an an answer answer right right now now about about how how we we are are going going to to become become our our best best answer right now about how we are going to become our best version versionof ofourselves.” ourselves.” version of ourselves.”

The The decision decision to have have the the Fall Fall 2020 2020 semester semester at at Rutgers Rutgers The decision to to have the Fall 2020 semester at Rutgers take take place place mainly mainly remotely remotely was was complicated. complicated.

“We “We know know the take place mainly remotely was complicated. “We know the the undergraduate undergraduate cohorts cohorts will will navigate navigate through through this this virus virus relrelundergraduate cohorts will navigate through this virus relatively atively unscathed, unscathed, so so it’s it’s easy easy to to say, say, ‘Bring ‘Bring them them all all back!’ back!’ atively unscathed, so it’s easy to say, ‘Bring them all back!’

Continued on next page Photos: Courtesy of Rutgers University

Holloway Hollowaydidn’t didn’twaste wasteany anytime timein indiving divingright rightin inat atRutgers.

Rutgers.

Holloway didn’t waste any time in diving right in at Rutgers.

On On his his first first day, day, he he announced announced he he would would take take a a 10 10 percent percent On his first day, he announced he would take a 10 percent pay pay cut cut and and a a made made a a considerable considerable donation donation to to the the Scarlet pay cut and a made a considerable donation to the Scarlet Scarlet Promise Promise Grant Grant program. program.

“It’s “It’s the the right right thing thing to to do. do.

I I think Promise Grant program. “It’s the right thing to do. I think think during during a a time time of of challenge, challenge, someone someone who who is is leading leading a a comcomduring a time of challenge, someone who is leading a community munity also also needs needs to to recognize recognize they’re they’re serving serving the the commucommumunity also needs to recognize they’re serving the community,” nity,” he he said. said. “Any “Any time time of of challenge challenge isis is an an opportunity opportunity for for nity,” he said.

“Any time of challenge an opportunity for aaa leader leader to to say say some some version version of, of, ‘We ‘We share share more more things things in leader to say some version of, ‘We share more things in in common common than than we we don’t; don’t; we’re we’re only only going going to to be be better better if if we we common than we don’t; we’re only going to be better if we recognize recognizethat thatfact factand andeach eachother’s other’shumanity.’ humanity.’We Weall allwant want recognize that fact and each other’s humanity.’

We all want the the same same things. things.

We We want want to to be be acknowledged, acknowledged, we we want want to the same things. We want to be acknowledged, we want to to be respected, we want to have a roof over our heads, food, be respected, we want to have a roof over our heads, food, be respected, we want to have a roof over our heads, food, and andclothing. clothing.When Whenthose thosethings thingsare arebeing beingput putat atrisk, risk,then thenaaa and clothing.

When those things are being put at risk, then leader has to do something about it.” leader has to do something about it.” leader has to do something about it.”

His Hiswife, wife,Aisling AislingColón, Colón,was wasinstrumental instrumentalin inhis hisdecision decision His wife, Aisling Colón, was instrumental in his decision to even consider the presidency at Rutgers.

They dated to even consider the presidency at Rutgers.

They dated in to even consider the presidency at Rutgers. They dated in in high school then reconnected 12 years later.

This fall marks high school then reconnected 12 years later.

This fall marks high school then reconnected 12 years later. This fall marks 22 22years yearssince sincebeing beingreunited. reunited.“She “Sheencouraged encouragedme,” me,”HolloHollo22 years since being reunited.

“She encouraged me,” Holloway said proudly.

“She said, ‘Jonathan, the difference you way said proudly.

“She said, ‘Jonathan, the difference you can way said proudly. “She said, ‘Jonathan, the difference youcan can make — this will be important to you and I think you should make — this will be important to you and I think you should make — this will be important to you and I think you should do doit.’ it.’Rutgers Rutgerswon’t won’tget getto toknow knowher herwell wellthis thisfirst firstyear yearbebedo it.’

Rutgers won’t get to know her well this first year because cause she’ll she’ll be be with with our our son son in in Chicago; Chicago; but but she’s she’s looking looking cause she’ll be with our son in Chicago; but she’s looking forward forwardto tobeing beingpart partof ofthe thecommunity communityas aswell.” well.”Meanwhile, Meanwhile, forward to being part of the community as well.”

Meanwhile, Holloway is settling into the community.

“We really Holloway is settling into the community.

“We really have have Holloway is settling into the community. “We really have been so beautifully supported by the Rutgers administrative been so beautifully supported by the Rutgers administrative been so beautifully supported by the Rutgers administrative community—there’s community—there’s been been aaa wonderful wonderful outreach… outreach… I’ve I’ve felt felt community—there’s been wonderful outreach…

I’ve felt very warmly embraced—especially during COVID.” very warmly embraced—especially during COVID.” very warmly embraced—especially during COVID.” Rutgers Rutgershad hadmore moreto tooffer offerHolloway Hollowaythan thanaaaprestigious prestigioustitiRutgers had more to offer Holloway than prestigious title and fulfilling position.

“One of the reasons I was so excittle and fulfilling position.

“One of the reasons I was so excittle and fulfilling position. “One of the reasons I was so excited edto toput putmy myname namein inthe thehat hatat atRutgers Rutgersisis isthe theidea ideaof ofbeing being ed to put my name in the hat at Rutgers the idea of being at at a a university university with with an an explicit explicit mandate mandate to to serve serve the the public. public. at a university with an explicit mandate to serve the public.

It’s It’sreally reallyexciting excitingto tome me.........IIIthink thinkaaalot lotof ofcool coolthings thingscan can It’s really exciting to me think lot of cool things can be be done done at at a a public public institution,” institution,” he he said. said.

“Part “Part of of my my personal personal be done at a public institution,” he said. “Part of my personal agendaas aspresident presidentisis isto totry tryto tomake makesure sureRutgers Rutgersstays staysaccesaccesagenda agenda as president to try to make sure Rutgers stays accessible, becomes even more accessible.

I wanted to be able to sible, becomes even more accessible.

I wanted to be able sible, becomes even more accessible. I wanted to be able to to support students who need a little bit of extra help to get by. support students who need a little bit of extra help to get by. support students who need a little bit of extra help to get by.

Rutgers’Scarlet ScarletPromise PromiseGrants Grantswere wereexactly exactlywhat whatIIIwas waslooklookRutgers’ Rutgers’ Scarlet Promise Grants were exactly what was looking for.

It was a ten-minute conversation with my chief of staff ing for.

It was a ten-minute conversation with my chief of ing for. It was a ten-minute conversation with my chief ofstaff staff and it was clear that was where I needed to make my gift.” and it was clear that was where I needed to make my gift.” and it was clear that was where I needed to make my gift.”

The TheHow Howat atRutgers Rutgers The How at Rutgers

Dr. Dr.Holloway Hollowaydelivers deliversremarks remarks in infront frontof of aaaportrait portraitof of Dr. Holloway delivers remarks in front of portrait of M. M.William WilliamHoward, Howard,chair chairof ofthe theRutgers RutgersBoard Boardof ofGovernors Governors M. William Howard, chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors 2007-2010 2007-2010and andPastor PastorEmeritus EmeritusBethany BethanyBaptist BaptistChurch Church 2007-2010 and Pastor Emeritus Bethany Baptist Church in inNewark, Newark,NJ. NJ. in Newark, NJ. Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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HISTORIC HISTORIC ARRIVAL ARRIVAL cont’d cont’d from from previous previous page page

ButBut think think of of allall thethe support supportstaff,” staff,”Holloway Hollowaysaid. said. “The “The peopeopleple cleaning cleaning forforundergraduates, undergraduates,feeding feeding undergraduates, undergraduates, teaching teaching undergraduates—they undergraduates—theyare areatatrisk. risk.And And ifif we we have have to take to take care care of of them them and andprovide providethem themwith withaasafe safe environenvironment, ment, then then it’sit’s going goingtototake takethat thatmuch muchlonger longer to to get get the students students back back onon campus. campus.My Myheart heartgoes goesout outto tothe the students students unhappy unhappy about about this, this, and andfeel feelit’s it’sunfair. unfair.Yeah, Yeah,itit isis unfair. unfair. It would would make make a lot a lot more more sense sensefinancially financiallytotohave havethe the students students back. back.

ButBut I’mI’m notnot going going totoignore ignorethe thehealth healthand andsafety safety of of my staffstaff andand faculty.” faculty.”

While While thethe decisions decisionsare areboth bothdifficult difficultand and complicated, complicated, President President Holloway Hollowayhas hasa afirm firmgrasp graspofof the the mindset mindset and and emotional emotional strength strengthneeded neededtotonavigate navigatethe the labyrinth labyrinth of of a global global pandemic pandemic and andcome comeout outhealthy healthyand andready ready to to move move forward forward when when thethecoronavirus coronavirussubsides. subsides.“Especially “Especially during during thisthis time, time, wewe need needtototreat treatone oneanother anotherwith with grace grace as as our move.

This hardononeverybody everybodyand andthe themore more we we can firstfirst move.

This is is hard recognize need helpone oneanother anotherand andthe thevalue value we justjust recognize wewe need toto help in that, I feel that’s reallythe thebest bestway waytotoget geton onthe the other other findfind in that, I feel that’s really of this thing.” sideside of this thing.” navigates administrativeand andhealth health and and safety safety As As he he navigates thetheadministrative challenges COVID-19,Holloway Hollowayisisalso alsoaware aware of of the the tentenchallenges of of COVID-19, stress pandemichas hasplaced placedon on everyone everyone and and sionsion andand stress thethepandemic is readying himself thepossibility possibilityofofpushback pushback or or disapdisapis readying himself forforthe pointment from students.“The “Thepart partthat thatweighs weighson onme me isis the pointment from students. anticipation that moment—Idon’t don’tknow knowwhen when it’s it’s going going anticipation of of that moment—I to come, it will come,”heheexplained explainedsolemnly. solemnly.“It’ll “It’ll most most to come, butbut it will come,” likely Black students theirallies; allies;they’ll they’llcome comewith with some some likely be be Black students oror their version of,of, ‘We thought version ‘We thoughtyou youwould wouldbe bebetter. better. We We thought thought when youyou came here the when came here theadministration administrationwould wouldfinally finally listen listen to us.

WeWe thought wewe finally to us. thought finallyhad hadananadministration administration that that gets gets thethe things wewe deal with.’ things deal with.’I had I hadthat thatexperience experienceatatYale, Yale, II had had it atit Northwestern…

That at Northwestern…

Thatstuff stuffisiscutting; cutting;ititcuts cutsto to the the core. core.

That moment’s going totocome; That moment’s going come;it’s it’sbuilt builtinto intothe thelogic logic of of the system.

And it’sit’s going toto hurt. system.

And going hurt.But Butitithappens.” happens.”

When that moment inevitably When that moment inevitablycomes, comes,Holloway Holloway will will meet meet it with thethe sense of of hope hehelearned it with sense hope learnedasasaachild childand andhas hascarried carried withwith him throughout him throughouthishislife. life.“I“Iam amaahistorian historian who who writes writes on on these topics; I have these topics; I havelived livedthrough throughthese thesethings… things… II know know howhow thisthis country is isorganized. country organized.I Iunderstand understandhow how these these systems areare built and they’re tems built and they’redeeply deeplyunfair.” unfair.”His Hisvoice voicesoftened. softened.

“I know all all of of these things; “I know these things;but butI Ialso alsohave havetotoget get out out of of bed each morning and if Iiflet each morning and I letmyself myselfbebeconsumed consumedby bythings things that that speak to to another speak anotherexample exampleofofdisregard, disregard, another another example example of of inequity or or disrespect—I inequity disrespect—Iwouldn’t wouldn’tbe beable able to to function. function.

NoNo oneone promised promisedmemefairness. fairness.So, So,my myattitude attitude isis II choose choose to be hopeful because to be hopeful becauseI need I needtotoget getup, up,get getout outof of bed, bed, and and engage thethe world.” engage world.”

Witnessing Witnessing History History

If ever If ever thethe stars stars aligned alignedaround aroundthe theselection selectionof ofaa university university president, president, they they diddid when whenHolloway Hollowayaccepted acceptedthe the position position at

34

The Positive Community Summer 2020

Rutgers.

Rutgers. Who Whocould’ve could’veknown knownlast lastJanuary January there there waswas going going to to be this this global globalpandemic pandemicand andininthe themiddle middle of of it, it, racial racial andand so- social cial unrest unrest would wouldtake takeplace placeonona alevel level unseen unseen in in fiftyfifty years years in in America? How Howfortuitous fortuitousisisit itforforRutgers Rutgers have a renowned America? to to have a renowned historian atat the thehelm? helm?“There “Thereare areplenty plenty examples in our historian of of examples in our own history history and andother othercountry’s country’shistories histories that is really own that saysay thisthis is really resonatingwith with1968 1968ininthe theU.S. U.S.and and around world…

Comresonating around thethe world…

Comparisons are are often oftenoverdone overdoneininthe thesense sense that become parisons that wewe cancan become captive to to the thecomparison. comparison.ItItbreeds breedsa really a really dangerous situacaptive dangerous situation,” Holloway Hollowayexplained. explained.“There “Thereareare plenty things tion,” plenty of of things youyou cancan point to to that thatreally reallyresonate resonatetotodifferent different points social unrest point points of of social unrest social protesting protestingininour ourpast, past,but butboy, boy, different. or social is is thisthis different.

AndAnd different because becauseofofsocial socialmedia; media;because because people it’s different people cancan get get organized without withoutaacentral centralleader. leader.Take Take Black Lives Matter… organized Black Lives Matter… people were wereskeptical. skeptical.It’s It’sa ahashtag, hashtag, it gets retweeted, what people it gets retweeted, butbut what does itit do? do?But Butlook lookatatititnow. now.We Wehave have never seen before, does never seen thisthis before, not at at this this scale.” scale.”He Hecontinued. continued.“My “Myhope hope is that not is that we we willwill notnot return to to normal normalbecause becausenormal normalis iswhat what here.

That return gotgot us us here.

That we we to aaplace placewhere wheredecency decencyis isvalued, valued, again.

Where praying get to again.

Where praying for for another isisvalued valuedagain. again.That Thatit’sit’snot not about who won, what another about who won, butbut what accomplishedtogether. together.I Idon’t don’trecognize recognize country right we accomplished thisthis country right now; that thatisisaavery veryhard hardthing thingfor forme me true.” now; toto say,say, butbut it’sit’s true.”

Family Family Ties Ties

“My “My wife wife and andIIboth bothhave havefamily familyhere,” here,” hehe said. said.

The The smile smile was was audible audible in inhis hisvoice. voice.With Withhishiswife wife and and sonson in in Chicago Chicago until until next nextyear yearand andhis hisdaughter daughterstudying studying at at a different a different uni-university, versity, that that New NewJersey Jerseyfamily familyis isa awelcome welcome respite respite forfor thethe intrepid intrepid university universitypresident. president.One Oneofof those those relatives relatives is Gusis Gustav Heningburg, Heningburg,II. II.Holloway Hollowayaffectionately affectionately refers refers to to himhim as “Little “Little Gus.” Gus.”“He’s “He’sbeen beenmaking making connections connections forfor meme andand said said to to call call him himififanybody anybodymesses messeswith with me,” me,” hehe chuckled. chuckled.

He’s He’s also also enjoying enjoyingtime timewith withanother another cousin, cousin, Michael Michael HenHeningburg. ingburg. “Big “BigGus,” Gus,”better betterknown knownasasGus Gus Heningburg, Heningburg, waswas a first first cousin cousinof ofHolloway’s Holloway’smother mother and and a giant a giant among among New New Jersey Jersey construction, construction,philanthropy, philanthropy,Black BlackHistory, History, andand tootoo many many other otherthings thingstotoname namehere. here.Holloway Holloway reflected reflected on on his his first first interview interviewfor forhis hiscurrent currentposition position and and remarked, remarked, “When “When I mentioned mentionedthe thefamily familyconnection connection toto Gus Gus Heningburg, Heningburg, thethe air in in the the room roomchanged.” changed.”AsAsheheshook shook hands hands and and saidsaid his his farewells, farewells, almost almostevery everyperson personononthe the panel panel had had something something personal personal to to tell tellhim himabout abouthis hisfirst firstcousin cousin once once removed. removed.

“I did did not not really reallyunderstand understandhow howimportant important BigBig Gus Gus waswas to to New New Jersey,” Jersey,”he hereflected. reflected.

As AsHolloway Hollowayleads leadsRutgers Rutgersthrough through this this most most precarious precarious time, time, he’ll he’ll be befollowing followingininhis hisfamily’s family’stradition tradition of of service. service.

“I choose “I choose to to believe believe Gus Gusknows knowsI Iam amwhere whereI am I amnow now and and that that hishis legacy legacy is ais a major major asset assetto tome measasI Imake makemy myway way forward forward here,” here,” Holloway Holloway re- reflected. flected. “And “AndIIhope hopeI Ido dohim himproud.” proud.”

With With hishis intellect, intellect, talent, talent, and and dedication, dedication,Holloway Hollowayisisdestined destined toto make make “Big “Big Gus” Gus” proud. proud.

And And ifif those thosenatural naturalgifts giftsaren’t aren’tenough enough oror anybody anybody messes messes withwith him, him, “Little “LittleGus” Gus”will willhave havehis hisback. back.

That’s That’s how how New New Jersey Jersey is. is. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Aileen Gillis Aileen Gillis

Margaret Gillis Douglass BA ‘75Gillis Margaret Rutgers MBABA ’79‘75 Douglass Rutgers MBA ’79

Dr. Sheri Gillis Dr. Sheri Gillis Funderburk Funderburk

36

Reggie Funderburk Reggie Funderburk Rutgers BA ‘97 Rutgers BA2000 ‘97 Rutgers MBA Rutgers MBA 2000

The Positive Community Summer 2020

Margaret Gillis Margaret Gillis

Dr. Sheri Gillis Rutgers BS ‘95 Dr. Sheri Gillis

Robert Wood Johnson Rutgers BS ‘95 MD 2001Wood Johnson Robert MD 2001

Reghan Funderburk Reghan Funderburk Rutgers Future BS ‘24 Rutgers Future BS ‘24

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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VISIT VISITUS USAT ATOUR OUR1111LOCATIONS! LOCATIONS!

1256 1256St. St.George GeorgeAve, Ave,Avenel, Avenel,NJ NJ 970 970Route Route99South, South,South SouthAmboy, Amboy,NJ NJ 3636 3636Route Route9,9,Freehold, Freehold,NJ NJ Route Route35 35&&Amboy AmboyAve, Ave,Cliffwood CliffwoodBeach, Beach,NJNJ 1065 1065Easton EastonAve, Ave,Somerset, Somerset,NJ NJ 361 361Route Route18, 18,South SouthEast EastBrunswick, Brunswick,NJ NJ Highway Highway33 33&&35, 35,Neptune, Neptune,NJ NJ 330 330Route Route9,9,North NorthWoodbridge, Woodbridge,NJ NJ 979 Route 1, South North Brunswick, NJ (Inside 979 Route 1, South North Brunswick, NJ (InsideWalmart) Walmart) 909 Oak Tree Road, South Plainfield, NJ 909 Oak Tree Road, South Plainfield, NJ 3542 3542Route Route66, 66,Neptune, Neptune,NJ NJ

MARGARET GILLIS-OWNER/OPERATOR MARGARET GILLIS-OWNER/OPERATOR DOUGLASS BA ‘75 RUTGERS MBA ’79 DOUGLASS BA ‘75 RUTGERS MBA ’79

Rutgers’ Effort toto Keep College Affordable, Rutgers’ Effort Keep College Affordable,Hasten Hastenthe theCOVID-19 COVID-19Recovery Recovery As students enter or return to college in a world grappling with a pandemic that continues to cause personal, As students enter or return to college in a world grappling with a pandemic that continues to cause personal, emotional, psychological and financial damage, Rutgers University is focused on the effort to repair and rebuild. emotional, psychological and financial damage, Rutgers University is focused on the effort to repair and rebuild.

Rutgers’ efforts to fight thethe pandemic include its its development ofof the first COVID-19 Rutgers’ efforts to fight pandemic include development the first COVID-19saliva salivatest testand andcoronavirus coronavirus research, and work to understand the economic and employment impacts on New Jersey and the research, and work to understand the economic and employment impacts on New Jersey and thenation. nation.

JustJust as importantly, thethe university is working to to ensure that a Rutgers education as importantly, university is working ensure that a Rutgers educationremains remainsaccessible accessibleto toall all qualified students, including those facing life-changing situations that make it difficult to afford tuition. qualified students, including those facing life-changing situations that make it difficult to afford tuition.

Nationwide, growing numbers of students areare unable to to complete their degrees Nationwide, growing numbers of students unable complete their degreesbecause becauseofoflimited limitedresources, resources, while others are saddled with debt after graduation.

During the pandemic-driven economic contraction, while others are saddled with debt after graduation. During the pandemic-driven economic contraction,these these needs are are greater than ever. needs greater than ever.

Rutgers helps qualified students in need in many ways, including through itsitsScarlet Rutgers helps qualified students in need in many ways, including through ScarletPromise PromiseGrants Grantsprogram, program, which during the 2019-2020 academic year provided financial help to 11,000 students so they could which during the 2019-2020 academic year provided financial help to 11,000 students so they couldstay stayinin school andand pursue thethe careers of their dreams. school pursue careers of their dreams.

Rutgers University Board of Trustees announced efforttotoraise raise$3$3million millionfor forthe theScarlet Scarlet LastLast year,year, Rutgers University andand its its Board of Trustees announced anan effort Promise Grants endowment within years help support the grants perpetuity.But Butamid amidthe thepandemic, pandemic, Promise Grants endowment within 10 10 years to to help support the grants inin perpetuity. the university its donors stepped in an even greater way. the university andand its donors stepped up up in an even greater way.

On July 1, first his first as Rutgers president, Jonathan Holloway announcedthe thededication dedicationofof$125,000 $125,000inin On July 1, his dayday as Rutgers president, Jonathan Holloway announced presidential discretionary funds to kick a $10 million focused campaignfor forthe theprogram, program,along alongwith withhis hisown own presidential discretionary funds to kick offoff a $10 million focused campaign donation of $75,000. donation of $75,000. month after announcement, donors gave million toward theprogram program– –the thefull fullamount amountsought sought JustJust oneone month after thatthat announcement, donors gave $3$3 million toward the during the first fundraising challenge.

These gifts have allowed Rutgers to expand the program at a moment during the first fundraising challenge. These gifts have allowed Rutgers to expand the program at a moment when need been exacerbated recent pandemic and resultingeconomic economicconditions conditionsthat thathave have when the the need hashas been exacerbated by by thethe recent pandemic and resulting affected many students’ families. affected many students’ families.

In a July 1 message to the campus community, President Holloway said, “It is my hope that the global network In a July 1 message to the campus community, President Holloway said, “It is my hope that the global network of Rutgers friends and families will come together in this campaign in the spirit of being Scarlet Forever. Please of Rutgers friends and families will come together in this campaign in the spirit of being Scarlet Forever. Please know that there is nothing modest about any gift that might come in as each dollar is a declaration of faith in know that there is nothing modest about any gift that might come in as each dollar is a declaration of faith in the transformative power of a Rutgers education.” the transformative power of a Rutgers education.”

In calling the Scarlet Promise Grant Program “the best vehicle we have to address the financial needs of our most In calling the Scarlet Promise Grant Program “the best vehicle we have to address the financial needs of our most economically at-risk students,” President Holloway communicated Rutgers’ commitment to keep college accessible economically at-risk students,” President Holloway communicated Rutgers’ to keep college accessible during a pandemic and economic upheaval, in order to help ensure New commitment Jersey’s and America’s recovery. during a pandemic and economic upheaval, in order to help ensure New Jersey’s and America’s recovery.

Welcome to Rutgers, President Holloway Embracing new leadership in a new era for New Jersey.

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ting class,

e 2020 g radua th f o s er b em m Dear

you our heartfelt extend to each of y, ar in m Se l ca gi eolo g you as you move ew Brunswick Th forward to embracin ok lo we d an t e, the faculty of N en evem this significant achi congratulations on g widespread loss ry. ist of min se disruption includin ten in by d ke ar m forward in the work s gree wa usly angry protests rney toward your de k racism, and righteo jou ac Bl ur tiyo an of of m ty ter ali al ut er.

The fin inders of the br been a difficult semest ndemic, ongoing rem ment to say this has ate lity is a grim rst bi de ssi un po of life to a global pa an im is g It in . . This seem Black racism ble tissi an po of im ce en len ev , vio ay e far aw the coming reign of against th yet” description of ign of God can seem t re no e t th bu is y th ad e lre lik “a es e and hold dear, mmon In tim t yet” part of the co cially of those we lov pe no es ut , “b life r e th of s of los us g to in erwhelm Black racism on ou reminder ages of brutal antibal pandemic and ov im glo fic a g rri in of ho m e e loo fac th e te, to th sta God. In t.” In response of violence by the minded, “but not ye t.” When the threats ye t ut not yet.” no “b e ut th “b we were brutally re g t, in ou ps y m ities, we cr , we are gli un us m h m us cr co r to ou y ad in re d wer seem ut not yet,” we have screens an consolidation of po al reminders of “b n ut ria br e ita es or th th au of d y sit an God. We have felt d inten fascism, the coming reign of trauma, urgency, an e of th y lit in bi en ssi ev po e er, th ev How pe in tentially great cost rkers laboring at po ady,” that give us ho wo lre “a ial e nt th se es of r es he ps ot the “already” as we ers and seen glim have digitally seen essed medical work e tn W . wi es iti we un as m y” m ad co s into digitally carthe “alre eir wider rld, pour themselve wo r the ill and serve th al fo git re di ca a to to s s lve lve se rs that “Black lives themse to them t shouts of protesto o hastily reoriented ten wh sis s, in er of e ist th in in m r y” ou ad watched wn manifestations the “alre ns. We have heard mes that burned do fla tio d ga ts re an en e ng om ok co m l sm eir ta us th e rioto the pivo ing for the “already” in th ed the “already” in ed ps m ell gli of sm e ve ve ac ha ha e pe e e W W vin le. matter!” oups of peop o confess that the di to exclude entire gr ese glimpses, we als th all of st e, death, and resurid an economy meant m e th laimed in Christ’s lif ter m. And in oc is pr th u y” yo ad th lre wi “a g s in of learn over injustice wa e the cosmic victory rate you. Amidst th 1:15-20). reconciliation and impossible, we celeb Cor. 15:54-57; Col. 1 gly 1; in -2 em 18 se 4: e e th uk of (L rection ut not yet,” ming reign of God. utal reminders of “b e possibility of the co th y,” ad In this season of br also described the lre “a e th u t that “but not yet” fel e, we see in yo ve tim ha is th ay m of u t” yo ye , t times t here you are, “al“but no for this moment. At eological degree. Bu rd th a ha rd ed rk wa to wo y ve ne ha ur You arduous jo y of your long and at in you. We pray th seeming impossibilit ll see the “already” wi e rld th te. wo e of ua y th ad lit gr ay bi pr to ssi ready” and po t yet,” we rld of the presence is world of “but no wo th e to th in d an ter en us u d in yo As u will rem ing impossibility yo in this world of seem . od G pansive reign of coming just and ex

W

ministries, for you and your ns io at ct pe ex t minary With grea k Theological Se ic w ns ru B ew N The Faculty of , Jinhong Kim, n Jérémie-Brink

, Natha aynard Smith, Michael Granzen , ha C ng eu Jeffrey Pettis, R es s, Ja ila , M ey hl k As ic tr d Willar n-Farrell, Pa y, Janice McLea drew Wymer.

Micah McCrear yl er, Faye Ta or, An nn Ta th Be , ith Terr y Sm

T

he New Brunswick Theological Seminary faculty wrote the above letter of support to the graduating class of 2020.

In truth, this letter speaks to all of us on our own journeys during this trying time. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

41

Helping Minds Shine ABCNJ & UNCF Partner to Endow Lulu Fleming Scholarship Fund

Photo: ABCNJ

D

uring Black History Month, the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ) joined forces with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to finish work that began three years ago. In 2017, in keeping with the region’s commitment to mentor and develop leaders to be ready and relevant for the future, ABCNJ formed a partnership with UNCF to establish an ABCNJ /UNCF scholarship fund.

Since then, in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s American Baptist roots and his emphasis on education as a key to equality, ABCNJ churches have been collecting special UNCF scholarship offerings on the Sunday preceding the observance of the Dr. King holiday. In 2019, understanding, “Today’s students are tomorrow’s teachers, doctors, artists, and ministers.

They will educate our children, care for our well-being, remind us of the beauty found in the world, and lead our congregations,” ABCNJ Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor Miriam Méndez designated the funds raised at her Consecration and Call installation service for the ongoing UNCF drive.

“When our two organizations began working together, the fundraising threshold to endow a scholarship was $5,000,” said Ngozi Emenyeonu, UNCF area development director. “Since that time, the national threshold was raised to $10,000 by the directors-at-large.” Thanks to the generosity of ABCNJ churches committed to this cause and those who contributed at Reverend Méndez’s installation service, ABCNJ has had $4,990 in the coffer since February, 2019.

This year, by combining the contributions from participating churches’ January collections and the proceeds from a February fundraising luncheon with the existing monies, ABCNJ raised enough to endow

42

The Positive Community Summer 2020

L–R: TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.; UNCF Area Development Director Ngozi Emenyeonu; ABCNJ Senior Regional Executive Minister Miriam Méndez; and ABCNJ Associate Regional Pastor Carol Lynn Patterson

the ABCNJ /UNCF Lulu Fleming Scholarship Fund, in honor of Dr. Louise Celia Fleming, who was the first African American woman to be appointed for career missionary service by the Women's American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society in 1886. This Scholarship will be awarded to deserving ABCNJ youth each year at our Annual Session.

“While we are extremely grateful for everyone who did anything to help make this fundraising drive successful,” said ABCNJ Associate Regional Pastor Carol Lynn Patterson, who spearheaded the initiative, “special appreciation goes to our celebrity endorser Gaius Charles, who is known for playing Dr. Shane Ross on Grey’s Anatomy, as well as Ministers Ronica Harris and Kerwin Webb for serving as mistress and master of ceremonies, respectively.”

The region thanked those churches and associations who contributed financially either by receiving a collection or attending the Scholarship Benefit Luncheon: Alpha Baptist Church, Willingboro; Berean Baptist Church, Newark; Central Baptist Church of RivertonPalmyra; Columbus Baptist Church, Columbus; Essex Association; First Baptist Church of Cliffside Park; First Baptist Church of New Brunswick; First Baptist Church, Robbinsville; First Baptist Community Church, Parsippany; First Baptist Lincoln Gardens, Somerset; First Haitian Bethel Baptist Church, Newark; Greater Deleware Valley Association; Humanity Baptist Church, Newark; Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, Camden; Kings Community Baptist Church, Cherry Hill; Monmouth Korean Baptist Church, Freehold; Mount Zion Baptist Church, Newark; NextGen Church, West Windsor; Saint John Baptist Church, Camden; Saint Paul Baptist Church, Montclair; and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Burlington. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Culture

Positive Positive Community Community Radio Radio

music, music, art art ++ literature literature

I

Music Music for for Now Now

By By ByRon Ron RonScott Scott Scott

Health

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The The music music and and soundtrack soundtrack soundtrack of of of America America America have have progressed progressed exponentially exponentiallysince sincethen. then. then.Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately,the the COVID-19 COVID-19panpandemic demichas hasbrought broughtlive live livemusic music musicand and andparticipating participating participatingaudiences audiencesto to aa complete complete halt. halt.

Live Live music music music only only only exists exists exists through through live, live, online online the the art art ++ science science science of of learning learning streaming. streaming. Such Such options options options leave leave leave music music music connoisseurs connoisseurs to to their their own owndevices—dusting devices—dustingoff off offtheir their theirinvaluable invaluable invaluablevinyl vinyl collection collectionto to be be played played on on an an old old school school school component component component set. set. Other Other are are left left to tocall callout outsong songtitles titlesto to toAlexa, Alexa, Alexa,hit hit hitthe the theCD CD player, player, or or listen listento to online onlineradio. radio.

The Theplans plansfor forPositive Positive PositiveCommunity Community CommunityRadio Radio (PCR) (PCR) were were on on the the drawing drawing board board long long long before before before the the the coronavirus coronavirus outbreak, outbreak, but butas asfate fatewould wouldhave have haveit, it, it,the the thestreaming streaming streamingmusic music premiered premieredin in May May2020 2020as asthe thevirus virusraged raged ragedon. on. on.

Money

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Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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Wear The Positive Community Close to Your Heart Visit our Website and click on the T-Shirt banner to purchase your T-Shirt .com

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE THEPOSITIVE POSITIVECOMMUNITY COMMUNITYMAGAZINE MAGAZINEPRESENTS PRESENTS

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BLACK LIVES MATTER In Harlem Mural on Adam Clayton Powel Jr. Boulevard Proclaims it

National Action Network Founder Rev. Al Sharpton New York State Assemblywoman Inez Dickens Photos: Seitu Oronde

New York State Senator Brian A. Benjamin

Painting Black Lives Matter mural

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t is appropriate that organizers chose Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard for Harlem’s BLACK LIVES MATTER street mural. Powell, New York’s first black congressman (1945-1971), fought tirelessly for the rights of Black people wherever he saw inequity and injustice--in Congress, in the world, and on the streets of Harlem, the global center of Black culture The mural stretches across Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. between 125th and 127th streets. NYS Sen. Brian A. Benjamin helped secure the use of both sides of the median, so the words BLACK LIVES MATTER read in both directions, heading north and south along the two blocks.

A response in solidarity with protests ignited worldwide around the killing of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter street mural has come to signify a commitment to change led by the people and for the people.

On Friday, July 3, 2020 Sen. Benjamin, joined Harlem Park to Park Executive Director Nikoa Evans to kick off the street nural painting. Also in attendance were Borough President Gale Brewer, Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, NAN Founder Rev. Al Sharpton, NAACP NY President Hazel Dukes, Assembly

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New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio

Member Inez Dickens, Assembly Member Al Taylor, Councilmember Bill Perkins, BOS Development’s Beatrice Sibblies, Sylvia’s Restaurant’s Tren`ness Woods-Black, Community Board 10 Chairperson Cicely Harris, and Exonerated 5 Member Korey Wise.

The Harlem street mural by Harlem Park to Park in partnership with Got To Stop Social Impact Agency features commissioned work by a selection of multigenerational and multidisciplinary Harlem artists who each have made equity for space and visibility part of their practice.

Artists include Curator LeRone Wilson, Dianne Smith, Thomas Heath, Guy Stanley Philoche, Lesny Flex, Jason Wallace, Joyous Pierce, and Omo Misha. The artists’ work spans the north facing mural. Representatives of 16 community groups each painted one of the 16 letters on the south heading mural. Among the participants were: Boys & Girls Club of Harlem; Harlem Pride; Mama Foundation for the Arts/Sing Harlem; New York Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Delta GEMS; Got to Stop Social Impact Agency; Harlem Park to Park; Harlem Grown; and Jackie Robinson Foundation. -- TPC Staff

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Public Art Takes to t he Street s in Newa rk

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

Photos By Risasi Dais

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wo of Newark’s busiest streets were painted with enormous messages promoting racial justice and equity on the weekend of June 26, 2020. The murals were produced in collaborative partnership with the City’s Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Rutgers UniversityNewark Graphic Design Program, New Arts Justice at Express Newark, and local muralists Malcolm Rolling and Laqya Nuna Yawar. Nearly 300 students, artists, organizers, and residents helped paint the messages throughout the day in 2-hour shifts as they practiced social distancing.‍ On Martin Luther King Boulevard between the Essex County Historic Courthouse and the Veterans’ Courthouse, the words “ABOLISH WHITE SUPREMACY” were installed and painted in bright yellow traffic paint from curb to curb. On Halsey Street, east of the Rutgers campus the words “ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER,” in the same font as the MLK street mural, taking up a city block.‍ At the MLK site on Saturday, Mayor Baraka took up a roller and put down a few coats of the yellow paint, which is resistant to traffic wear.‍ The project was executed in solidarity with global Black Lives Matter protests and inspired by recent policy changes. Mayor Baraka drafted an ordinance approved by the City Council creating a permanent Office of Violence Prevention, and declaring

Mayor Ras Baraka posing with “ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER” street painters

white supremacist groups as terrorists outlawing their activity in Newark “The convergence of art and protest is an age-old practice, especially pronounced in African-American culture,” explained the Mayor. “Poetry, music, graphic arts, and street murals are all public avenues to have our voices heard. “Newark is a movement city as well as a city of artists, and our community is one that advocates for equity and social change not just here but for the entire country.”‍ The murals were designed using the MARTIN font by VocalType, named for Martin Luther King, Jr. and inspired by the signs “I AM A MAN” carried by Memphis sanitation workers in 1968 during their strike for equal pay and equal treatment. Dr. King addressed the strikers the night before his assassination on April 4th.‍ The idea to develop the street murals in partnership with the City's social justice public art initiative was proposed by faculty from RutgersNewark's Graphic Design Program and the New Arts Justice Program.‍ “Our community street murals made a statement and model a so-

lution,” said Professor Salamishah Tillet of Rutgers University-Newark and the director of New Arts Justice at Express Newark. “Through this unique collaboration between the city, community artists, and the university campus, we brought Newark, and our nation, one step closer to making the long-deferred dream of racial justice a reality.”‍ The working group arrived at “ABOLISH WHITE SUPREMACY” and "ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER" as the messaging selected for the project, taking cues from the recent ordinance.

Participants on Halsey Street waved the LGBTQ and Trans Pride flags proudly in celebration of Global Pride Day. All Black Lives Matter is a statement of inclusivity that brings more awareness about the Trans and Queer community, which has one of the highest murder rates in the nation. ‍Other partners in the project included the Newark Downtown District (NDD), Newark Arts, The Land Collective, DreamPlay Media, FORSA recordings, and the Sherwin Williams Paint Company.

-- City of Newark & TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Derrick Green, senior advisor to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for Diversity and Urban Affairs

Protesters with labor union SEIU 32BJ rally in Newark, NJ

African Diaspora for Justice Peaceful Protest

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Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Derrick Green; Honorable Mildred C. Crump; AD4Justice Founder Rev. Dr. Prince AZK Adekoya, II; and Lawrence “Larry” Hamm of People’s Organization for Progress

he African Diaspora for Justice and the City of Newark sponsored a peaceful protest for justice for people of color and humanity at City Hall of Newark, NJ on June 27, 2020.

Protesters were encouraged to bring their own flags, wear a specific color, or traditional clothing that represents their ancestry.

AD4JUSTICE CORE VALUES • Seeking justice for the marginalized • Supporting victims of injustice • Advocating peace and justice for people of color and humanity at large • www.africandiasporaforjustice.org The Rock Place fellowship children www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Harlem’s Union Baptist Church – Bless the Rails

Frisby Twins 70th Birthday!

L–R: Union B.C. pastor Rev. Brian D. Scott, and volunteers

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L–R: James Frisby and twin sister Jeannine Frisby LaRue of Trenton NJ celebrated their 70th birthday together on June 30, 2020. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Seitu Oronde

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n Harlem, NY Union Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Brian D. Scott and volunteers blessed the community once again with fresh produce and pantry food items.

Fruits, vegetables, dry, and canned goods were disbursed on July 31, 2020. Pastor Scott encouraged congregants to consider taking food items to elderly neighbors who were unable to get out.

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me”.

—Matthew 25:35-36

In Concert With

PLEASE SUPPORT HARLEM NOW!

To Our Valued Readers:

We want you to know how much we appreciate you and that we now need your help to ensure that Harlem remains the historic and cultural capital of Black America ...world-famous, energetic, pioneering, resilient and ever giving.

With the above in mind, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce in concert with Positive Community and NAACP, continues, as is our responsibility during these most challenging of times, to provide leadership, distribute thousands of desperately needed meals daily, provide technology support to seniors and students, help our small businesses and cultural organizations, and advocate with government officials and corporate America to help those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic [people of color] through our SUPPORT HARLEM NOW campaign!

"WHEN FACED WITH ADVERSITY, PEOPLE OF GOODWILL ALWAYS RISE TO THE OCCASION!" Please help us by spreading the word.

Together, we will overcome again.

We have no other choice.

"IMHOTEP" GARY BYRD DR. HAZEL DUKES HON. DAVID PATERSON

NONA HENDRYX

DOUG E. FRESH

PHYLICIA RASHAD

STEPHANIE MILLS

EARL MONROE

DONATE NOW AT GREATERHARLEMCHAMBER.COM Or please forward a check or money order of any amount to: GHCC COMMUNITY FUND | 200A WEST 136TH STREET NEW YORK, NY, 10030 FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (212) 862-7200

DORIS YOUNG BOYER ETIQUETTE POWER

Doris Young Boyer is a keynote speaker, published author Doris Young Boyer is a speaker, and coach.

Sheand is CEO of and protocol and etiquette expertauthor, who provides advice Prepared Lead and Director of theaDoris Young Boyer Etiquette School. training ontothe behaviors that create powerful presence www.linkedin.com/in/dorisyoungboyer and peak performance.

Etiquette in the time of COVID-19—What do I do?

F

or starters take a deep breath and then exhale.

There have been massive changes so most of us are asking the same question: How do I behave in this new normal? The onset and continuation of the coronavirus has changed just about everything.

Safety First

Wearing a mask, washing our hands and social/physical distancing are the guidelines of the day to protect ourselves and each other from transmitting or receiving the coronavirus.

Yes, it is appropriate to speak up and to ask if someone will wear a mask, pull up their mask, or move farther away from you. There are strategies for doing so.

However, safety first as the goal, extends beyond protecting yourself from the virus alone. Everyone does not see their roles and responsibilities during the pandemic the same way. Be aware, even, if you ask graciously, compliance may not be the result. Wearing a mask has become a political statement of independence and in some cases a statement of defiance.

The question becomes how can I politely deal with people who disregard the new guidelines? Behavior that affects you directly needs to be addressed. However, general OPB (other people’s behavior) is not your responsibility. Let some things go.

Wearing a Mask

Masks are required in most indoor and outdoor spaces. The management of that space is responsible for compliance with its policy. What strategies can you use if someone in your joint space is not wearing a mask or their mask is around their neck rather than their mouth?

Make it about both of you having a stake in the requested behavior. For example, having an extra clean mask with you that you can offer the person, “I have an extra clean mask. I would be happy to give it to you so we both can be safe.”

Ask the person, graciously, to pull up their mask, saying “It is safer for both of us if our mouths and noses

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are completely covered. Would you please pull up your mask?” If the person refuses, turn your face away from them and achieve as much distance as possible. If necessary, move away completely from that space. The goal is to speak up about health and safety. Insulting or shaming the person usually does not work and can turn ugly.

A key to these tense situations is to have some memorized and practiced phrases, such as the ones above, you can use that help reduce your own emotions when speaking up. We can increase our communication while wearing a mask by smiling when we come face to face with others. The smile will be reflected in your eyes. Speaking up and speaking clearly will keep people from leaning into your space to hear what you are saying. A wave or a nod when we pass others can increase our overall well-being.

When eating, indoors or out, remove the mask completely. The used mask is not to be placed on the table at any time during the meal. Place the used mask in a bag, pocket or an envelope or under your napkin so that it will be handy to put back on when your server is around and when you leave the space. Wearing a mask when talking with the server shows respect for the health and well-becont’d on next page ing of the server. www.thepositivecommunity.com

ETIQUETTE POWER

cont’d from previous page

Social/Physical Distancing

When in a line, on a sidewalk, or in conversation with others, six feet is the recommended distance from other people. Six feet is about an adult arm span away from others. When walking in a group, move to single file to make room for others who want to pass. It can be helpful to step aside to create more space. If someone makes this accommodation for you, some acknowledgement like saying thank you or a nod is appropriate and appreciated. If you need more space because someone is too close to you, it is appropriate to speak up and let people know you are following the guidelines, step back or to the side and say “I am socially distancing and keeping six feet away” or the following, “Excuse me, let’s have more space between us,” or “More social distance space please.”

Greetings, Handshakes, and Hugs

It is best to avoid greetings that involve touching another person that is not quarantined with you. This involves handshakes, hugs, fist bumps, high fives, as well as an air kiss while wearing a mask.

A wave, a nod, your hand touching your heart, or your tone of voice and words will let others know you are glad to see them. At other times, let your body language signal to others not to come any closer. You can step back if someone comes to close. Keeping your arms and hands close to your body will signal that you are not open to physical contact. It is acceptable to say, with a smile and in a firm voice, “I am closely following the social distancing guidelines and not taking any chances.”

This is awkward, but with practice it will become easier. The first goal is your safety and the safety of others. It is not rude to maintain distance from a person not wearing a mask. It is not rude to set boundaries on your space.

It is not rude to avoid touch if it impacts your health and safety. It is not rude to be clear about your boundaries.

The key is how you do so. Being gracious is the best strategy. Choose words that are clear, respectful, and loving.

A conversation with family members about acceptable behavior is a must now that we are spending more time together in close quarters. What are the house rules around COVID-19 safety? When times are tough, clear agreement on manners and behavior are more important. If you are on the receiving side of the behaviors mentioned in this article, accept the other person’s boundaries with grace and generosity. This pandemic affects us differently. Be willing to believe most people are doing the best they can at the moment. We are all adjusting to the little known and in most cases, the unknown.

Some of the etiquette “rules” have changed. However, the underlying basis of etiquette, which is kindness and concern for others, remains the same. The intent is to smooth the way for each other during this pandemic and beyond. Be safe. www.thepositivecommunity.com

WANT A BETTER FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY?

FILL IT OUT! Better jobs. More support for schools. Fair representation.

Better roads and bridges. More health and social services. So much of New Jersey’s future relies on us all being counted. So, fill out your Census – be sure to count little ones and babies – online, by phone or by mail. All responses are completely confidential and protected by federal law. Your community is counting on you.

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On Sunday, July 19, Daughters of the Movement held a prayer vigil on the corner of 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. in Harlem in tribute to revered Congressman John R. Lewis, who passed away on July 17.

Daughters of the Movement Honor Rep. John Lewis

A

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L–R: Standing: Stacy R. Lynch, Keisha Sutton-James, District Office Director for NYS Senator Brian A. Benjamin Shana Harmongoff, and Executive Director Park2Park Nikoa Evans Seated: Hazel N. Dukes and Vy Higginson

NYS Attorney General Hon. Letitia James

Brooklyn Borough President Hon. Eric L. Adams

Charles Rangel, founding member of National Black Caucus

Keisha Sutton-James

Photos: Bruce Moore

n old adage states: “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” When it comes to an organization called Daughters of the Movement, the saying proves to be true. A sisterhood of women who have much in common, the members of the small group are the progeny of great men and women --—civil rights activists, artists, politicians, political strategists, religious leaders, and funders of the Movement. Together and through the lens they had growing up watching their parents, they believe they have an opportunity—indeed an obligation to advocate for social justice.

Founded by Stacy R. Lynch, daughter of William “Bill” Lynch, Jr., a giant in New York Democratic politics as an advisor, communications strategist, and mentor; and Keisha Sutton-James, granddaughter of Percy E. Sutton, political and business leader, civil rights activist, Manhattan Borough President, and founder of Inner City Broadcasting (WLIB/WBLS), these women have organized to continue the work of their forebears.

On Sunday, July 19, Daughters of the Movement held a prayer vigil on the corner of 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. in Harlem in tribute to revered Congressman John R. Lewis, who passed away on July17.

They were joined by hundreds of community members, elected officials, and civil rights activists for a peaceful, prayerful demonstration of respect and admiration for the work, and sacrifice of Rep. Lewis throughout his life and the “good trouble” he got into for the benefit of all.

In addition to Lynch and Sutton-James, Daughters of the Movement members are: Ilyasah Shabazz (Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz), Dominique Sharpton-Bright (Rev. Al Sharpton), Hasna Muhammad (Ozzie Davis and Rubie Dee), Jennifer Jones Austin, (Rev. William Augustus Jones), Gina Belafonte (Julie and Harry Belafonte), and Suzanne Kay (Diahann Carroll). For information visit www.daughtersofthemovement.com. —TPC Staff

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NYS Assemblyman Rev. Al Taylor

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer

Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

www.thepositivecommunity.com

U.S. Representative Gregory Weldon Meeks, Queens NY

Seated: Honorable Charlie Rangel and Hazel L. Dukes (center) amongst city officials and supporters

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Family and friends practicing socially distanced worship together

Cathedral International Waterfront Worship Service

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unique Sunday service took place on August 2, 2020, at the waterfront in Perth Amboy, NJ. In the first in-person service since March, more than 400 Cathedral International congregants assembled to worship with their fellow church members. Bishop Donald Hilliard preached under the blazing sun, calling for the saints to hold on, be encouraged, and continue their trust in God.

Bishop Hilliard preaches on the Perth Amboy waterfront Photos: Rev. Amir Ballard

Cathedral International Band

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2 Fish 5 Loaves

L–R: Derek Smallwood, Zion Thaxton, and Niles Clements

L–R: Al Miller, Kevin Smallwood, Dionte Scott, and guest

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lentiful and delicious food, lots of friends and family all wearing masks, and practicing social distance were the order of the day at the July 4th Family BBQ hosted by popular caterer Kevin Smallwood of Two Fish and Five Loaves. WBLS Radio Personality Shaila and DJ Mitch rounded out the day filled with music and games at Jerseyland Park Community Center in Scotch Plains, NJ.

L–R: WBLS DJ Bokeem, DJ Mitch - The People Plezzer, Two Fish Five Loaves Owner Kevin Smallwood, and DJ Wallah Photos: Karen Waters and Jay Davis

L–R: Record label A&R Valerie Marble; WBLS Radio Personality Shaila; and TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.

Attendees enjoying food, dancing, playground and games www.thepositivecommunity.com

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There are so many choices on the ship, plus the wonderful excursions. It’s fabulous...

r o f t i a w t ’ n I ca

” ! r a e y t x e n

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lue World Travel, based in San Francisco, California, has provided unique corporate and entertainment events and travel for its clients for over 40 years.

In 1992, Blue World Travel launched the nation's first African American Cruise called the Festival at Sea (FAS) with just 250 passengers on its maiden voyage. Twentyeight years later, FAS has become the most popular African American cultural vacation cruise in the United States with more than 3,000 passengers onboard each trip.

Family, fun, fitness, food, and faith are the bywords of the fabulous Festival at Sea. Every aspect of the eight-day cruise is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime and bring passengers back year after year.

There is something for everyone on FAS. Some of the highlights: Even before the ship sets sail, passengers can sign up to join the FAS Celebration Choir directed by Brother Fred Hamilton. Rehearsals and performances lead up to the signature sing-out at the Gospel Brunch. Gospelcise, created and directed by Belinda Haywood, merges exercise and gospel music to get your Sunday mornings off to a good start, and don’t worry about missing your regular Bible study. FAS pastor, Rev. Darrell Armstrong,

holds classes on Monday and Friday mornings. Assisted by Deacon Fred Brown, Rev. Armstrong also presides over all religious services on the cruise and is the pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey.

One of the most anticipated events on the cruise is the renewal of wedding vows. Couples who are married from one to 50 years and beyond, choose the exciting environment of Festival at Sea to renew and recommit to their wedding vows. A festive evening, the couples exchange vows before hundreds of friends old and new, jump the broom, and their love is celebrated by all onboard.

Here’s what Cheryl, a happy three-time FAS cruiser, had to say, “FAS is truly a memorable family vacation experience.

You feel the positive vibe the minute you walk up the ramp – familiar faces, entertainers, and programs. There are so many choices on the ship, plus the wonderful excursions.

It’s fabulous... I can’t wait for next year!”

Ready to “Cruise with an African American Twist?”

Join the Festival at Sea Mailing list for the latest updates. #FAS2021 information is coming soon! Visit www. festivalatsea.com.

While the pandemic may have caused us to cancel this year’s cruise, we couldn’t conceive of not getting together with our loyal passengers, at least for a little while. What better way than to connect in the name of the Lord? Join us on Sunday, September 6 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm (EDT), 3:00pm – 4:00pm (CDT), and 1:00pm – 2:00pm (PDT) for a virtual Worship on the Water (WOW) hosted by Rev. Armstrong, Deacon Fred Brown, and Brother Fred Hamilton. We won’t be on the water, but you’ll be drenched in oceans of love and inspiration.

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Renewal of Wedding Vows

strong

rrel Arm

a Pastor D

thepositivecommunity.com Come to the Website. Featuring TPC Radio. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2020 The Positive Community

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ERRY

FUNERAL HOME

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REASONABLE At PERRY FUNERAL HOME EvEry FamIly Is aFForDED ThE samE CourTEous, DIGNIFIED, aND sympaThETIC uNDErsTaNDING

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Professional Services Provided by:

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AT JUDKINS COLONIAL HOME, INC. WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN WHAT WE DO. OUR PURPOSE IS TO: • Help families make well-planned preparations in their time of need.

• Provide a peaceful and soothing environment where people can gather to honor the life of a loved one.

• Preserve longstanding traditions and customs.

• Offer personalized and affordable services and products. Reach out to the greater community.

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

Suggests you

VOTE EARLY Because

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Don’t Put God to the Test Prepare for the Worst in This Pandemic

A

s I write this column in the summer of 2020, information I have accessed most recently indicates the coronavirus pandemic is somewhat less prevalent in New York State than it had been earlier this year, but it has significantly increased in southeastern states including Florida, central southern states including Tennessee, and southwestern states including California.

Let’s thank God for the decrease of prevalence in New York State, and pray for reduction of the disease in states and regions where coronavirus prevalence has increased.

There is a gospel song that says: “God can heal. He can deliver. He can mend your brokenness. He’s got a miracle to fit your needs. Praise the Lord, I have received.” Another gospel song, quite Bible-based, instructs: “Trust in the Lord” [repeat several times] “with all thyne heart. And lean not to thyne own understanding…” “And lean not to thyne own understanding, under-

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standing… In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths…”

But followers of God are also instructed, in Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test...” So we should not allow our trust in God, nor our knowledge of His goodness and power, to justify (in our minds) our taking of any unnecessary risks. During the current coronavirus pandemic, we should stay at home as much as possible. When we do leave home, we should wear protective masks, avoid crowds, and practice social distancing. In other words, avoid getting too close to other people. We know God can protect us, but, as just cited from Deuteronomy, we should not put the Lord our God to the test.

Information I have seen indicates coronavirus is not impacting the African continent as much it is impacting the United States and some other parts of the world. Mapping I have seen indicates although coronavirus is relatively prevalent along some parts of the West African coast, it is significantly less pervasive throughout most of the continent’s interior than it is in more heavily impacted parts of planet Earth.

Thank God. But don’t put God to the test. Prepare for the worst. Protect yourself, behave prudently, and seek and follow professional medical instruction.

If you are considering traveling, whether locally, statewide, nationally, or internationally, conduct prior and ongoing research concerning coronavirus affliction trends and available medical help within your planned destination areas, Wherever and whenever you travel, locally or internationally, to or within areas afflicted by coronavirus, whether across the street, across town, across city lines, across state lines, across national boundaries, between continents, or across oceans, stay prepared to protect yourself by masking and social distancing. And pay attention to news coverage, Bible readings, and church communication.

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2020

Vol. 20 No. 4

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

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

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

Photographers

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

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC

Production Assistant April Davis

The Positive Community Corp.

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

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

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The Positive Community Summer 2020

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

P

roverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” The American people are groaning and the sound is reaching around the world and up to the heavens. As the coronavirus pandemic nears its seventh month disrupting American life, people are sick, unemployed, hungry, frightened and depressed. The depression is both mental and economic and as of this writing, there’s no end to the suffering in sight.

Well, there might be. An end to the current administration would be a good start. But we know they won’t go gently into that good night.

We also know they will stoop to any level and pull any and every trick to remain in office and in power as the November election draws closer. This is proven in the reorganization and slowing down of the U.S. Postal Service in an effort to both discourage mail-in voting and raise suspicion of fraud in the process. And that’s on top of gerrymandering and other voter suppression tactics.

In addition to the lies and disinformation we’ve come to expect, tactics of division are heavily at play. In 2016, third party and write-in candidates were the deciding factor in the presidential race that gave Hillary Clinton a three million-vote victory in the popular vote, yet handed her a devastating electoral college defeat. Kanye West, made rich and famous for music and fashion, has announced his candidacy for President of the United States of America. Even more concerning than his lack of any qualifications is that he would allow himself to be used as a pawn in a move to divide the votes of

the black community. His syphoning votes from the Biden/Harris ticket could be the deciding factor in the next four years of this country Meanwhile, some are unhappy about the Biden/Harris ticket—citing Biden’s verbal gaffes about race taken out of context and Harris’ history as a former prosecutor. Some would have you believe he’s racist and she’s either not black enough or she put too many black people in jail in her position as prosecutor.

There’s no such thing as a perfect political candidate. Therefore, we must search our hearts and souls and ask ourselves which would be less destructive to us as a people: another four years of the current administration or a team who would likely do better for the middle class, women, people of color, and people of faith who don’t identify as white evangelicals?

In what is likely the most consequential election in American history, the unity of our community is of paramount importance. We need to register; we need to turn out in huge numbers; we need to vote en masse to rid ourselves of this plague.

I appeal to you as Paul appealed to church leaders in 1 Corinthians 1:1-10: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Don’t let an undercount erase the ones you love.

Communities are as rich and diverse as their needs.

That’s why completing the 2020 Census matters.

Every household counted contributes to their community’s funding for critical public services like healthcare, special needs, and public transportation. Census takers are now visiting homes to help households respond to the 2020 Census. All census takers will be wearing masks and following local safety guidelines. This is your chance to make a change, don’t miss it! It’s not too late.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

Turn every opportunity into a lasting achievement.

You’ve shattered expectations and paved the way for others. We call that being Empowerful.

Furthering your education may put you on the path to financial stability. And we can help you make it happen. Visit our resource center to take action towards your college goals. You’ve come this far. We can help you go further.

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© 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-26001