HCCI Welcomes New Members

HCCI Board Chairman Dr. Joan O. Dawson k finance + worness, Money bui METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 149 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07103 HCCI Welcomes Three New Members (973) 642

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

The Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) Board of DirecBY REV. DR. DAVID JEFFERSON, SR., ESQ., PASTOR The new members of HCCI’s board are: tors 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.” Faith & Love Fuel His Leon Ellis Dear TPC Family: I am Reverend Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., pastor of the historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark. I preside over one of the largest African American congregations in the State of New Jersey. I am also the president of the National Action Network’s New Jersey chapter. I am a former senior executive at Comcast and served as president of AT&T for the Northeast region reporting directly to C. Michael Armstrong. I am a lawyer and received my MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This letter is not about me, however; a proper introduction is important because I want to convey my deep understanding of the issues supporting the racial and economic injustice that occurs in the State of New Jersey. The state’s most impoverished zip codes are inhabited by African Americans. Economic disparities will look worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. In all categories of economic measure, African Americans fare worse than sion of Investment. Randall Pickett, whose firm has been located in New Jersey for 12 years, has yet to be awarded a government contract. Sister Patricia Auguste spoke publicly to the Governor about minority businesses struggling to get significant contracts with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As Fannie Lou Hammer famously said, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I plan to beat the drum for economic justice starting with Blueprint. To quote Senator Ronald Rice, what occurred to Blueprint is a akin to “an economic lynching and a black eye for the State of New Jersey.” Their plight is symbolic of the attitudes and arrogance that exist in Trenton. I have been privy to a mountain of evidence that paints a rather disturbing narrative of how a promising minorityowned firm fell victim to “the old boys network” that has become entrenched at the New Jersey Division of Investment. It is the most blatant economic injustice Debra Washington Community Outreach Relationship Manager for First Republic Bank Debra Washington has over 20 years of banking and leadership experience, primarily in the field of nonprofits and affordable housing. Debra earned her MBA from Metropolitan College of New York and attended Harvard University’s Leadership Professional Development Program. As a member of the National Black MBA Association, Debra is a champion of financial literacy and the underserved, reaching out to communities traditionally left out of homeownership. Deacon Rodney A. Beckford His experience as a diverse professional and social matrix spans over 48 years in business combined with extensive urban community involvement. Beginning as an office boy for the Wall Street law firm Patterson, Belknap & Webb at age 16, Beckford moved through the ranks to hold positions as an advertising executive, associate director of nutrition, executive chief steward at the United Nations, and the northeast regional manager at an international beverage company, Vitality Inc., a division of Nestle Inc. Simultaneously, Deacon Beckford served in numerous capacities for many community organizations. Rev. Dr.Kimberly K. Holmes, Esq. An experienced attorney and prosecutor, Dr. Kimberly Holmes served as a municipal prosecutor in East Orange and assistant prosecutor/section chief of the Bias Crimes and Vision other communities. These disparities are wide due to the State’s racist legacy and there is no will or plan to address the issues. committed against a black-owned business our state has ever seen. I ask that you continue to stand and that we stand Community Relations Unit of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. She was a member of legal counsel for the State Commission of Investigation. She also served as chief of staff for the Division of Rate Counsel for 12 years and as assistant corporation counsel for the City Doing NOTHING about these issues is the root cause together. If we do, we will be victorious. Selling out is of Newark specializing in Employment Law and Labor Relations Matters. In September of the anger and frustration demonstrated throughout not an option and certainly bowing down and accept 2010, she was appointed by the NJ State Supreme Court as an attorney member to the the nation. A knee on the neck of a human being is ing injustice is not in our ancestor’s DNA. Blueprint is Fee Arbitration Committee. In 2012, the Chief Justice of the Court appointed Dr. Holmes as nothing shy of a public lynching. our modern day “Rosa Parks” and when they ultimately chair of District 5A for Essex County, NJ where she served until 2014. Kimberly also serves Brothers and sisters in commerce, we do not need taste victory against economic oppression, we all know as an attorney member of the State Supreme Court Ethics Committee. another blue-ribbon task force, panel or committee. We need immediate action that addresses injustices and proBy Glenda Cadogan too well, it will be a win for us all. Many of our commu nities are reliant on your businesses for job and wealth vides the ingredients for our businesses and communicreation. The State of New Jersey has an awful legacy Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., president and CEO (above) Founded in 1986, HCCI a not-for-profit, 501(c) ties to right themselves. I remind you, economic power of mistreating black-owned businesses and just as Rosa stated, “These new additions to the Board bring the exact (3) corporation is a coalition of inter-faith congregais never conceded based on begging and complaining – Parks decided that she was not going tolerate maltreat expertise needed to help guide our new initiatives in tions that has implemented a comprehensive portfolio we need a more effective strategy. Elections are coming. ment, we, too must take a stand now and be prepared Atlanta, Baltimore, Seattle, and beyond. During this difficult of programs to provide affordable housing and safe They must have consequences for those who fail to see to impact elections if we do not get our fair share and time, it is important for HCCI to share its community-buildstreets; offer opportunities for individuals and groups our truth and do something about it. treated more fairly ing strategies with other urban centers around the country to become and remain economically independent; I have heard from many businesses having trouble …And having done all to stand, stand! that also grapple with inequities that present as little to no increase understanding of and access to health care; getting access to capital and government contracts. The Ephesians 6:13 equity, poor quality housing, and residents who need and provide substantive educational programs for CEO of Blueprint tells of the horrible injustices his firm empowerment strategies to rebuild their lives.” adults and young people. If you have experiences and frustrations to share, experienced for four years at the hands of the State DiviI encourage you to reach out to me. 12 The Positive Community Summer 2020 thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com Summer 2017 14 The Positive Community June 2020