Winter 2019

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Winter 2019

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CELEBRATING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Actress/Singer Laiona Michelle Writes and Performs Nina Simone Tribute

SPECIAL SECTIONS: Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Mount Pisgah BC Celebrate MAAFA 25 Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood

Celebrating Black History “The study of black life, in the Western Hemisphere in particular, is something that Columbia has been engaging in, and has been at the forefront of, since Zora Neale Hurston began her work here in the early 20th century. . . Now, more than ever, we need to have both an understanding of that history and of the ways that history contributes to a sense of possibility and vision for the future.”

— Farah Jasmine Griffin Inaugural Chair, African American and African Diaspora Studies Department

Confront the Challenges of the 21st Century news.columbia.edu/afamdiaspora

Healthfirst is proud to celebrate Black History Month A commitment to people, not profits, for more than 25 years.

Russell Carter Community Engagement

To show your support for Black History Month, join us at an upcoming community event near you: February 13, 2019

February 21, 2019

February 27, 2019

With Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Brownsville Senior Center 528 Mother Gaston Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11212

American Legion 240-08 135th Avenue, Rosedale, NY 11422

Starts 11:30am

Starts 5:00pm

For details contact Karen Washington at 718-345-3221

For details contact John Robert at 718-291-9283

The Grand American Ballroom 899 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459 Starts at 5:30pm To confirm your attendance call 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Health Insurance plans for

individuals Plans are offered by affiliates of Healthfirst, Inc. Š 2019 HF Management Services, LLC

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WINTER 2019

CONTENTS

SECTIONS HEALTH...................................16 MONEY ...................................31 CULTURE ................................52

Cover photo credit: Dennis Hedgpeth

EDUCATION.............................61

Features DeGraff Helms Friends of Harlem Hospital ............... 16 Take Heart in NY/NJ Pediatric Cardiac Care ............ 18 NJ Eye and Ear Gives Free Glaucoma Exams ............ 20 Gaines Opens Independent Urgent Care Center ....... 21 New Director of Diversity at Clara Maass ................. 22 Men’s Day at St. John’s Baptist ................................ 24 ON THE COVER: Montclair NAACP Freedom Fund Awards ................... 30 Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood and Mt. Money from a Wall Street Exec’s Perspective ........... 31 Pisgah Are Making Moves in Brooklyn DiVincenzo Sworn in for Fifth Term ........................... 32 Essex County Urban League Celebrates 100 ............ 34 SPECIAL SECTIONS: Sabrina Lamb Teaches Black Kids about Money ...... 35 Black Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity ................................ 25 Chamblee’s Square Restaurant Closes ..................... 36 Mt. Pisgah: A Ministry in Motion ............. 37 African American Clergy in Brooklyn ......................... 49 West Harlem Group Holiday Fundraiser ................... 50 The Importance of the 2020 Census ........................ 51 Episcopal Church Saves St. Augustine U. .................. 52 Yamba Scholarship and 50 Years at ECC .................. 54 Guest Editorial ..................................... 8 Berkeley College Volunteers for MLK Day ................. 55 My View ............................................. 12 Rev Monroe Harris Is UBCNJ President .................... 59 Fitness Doctor .................................... 23 Lunch with Bishop Carlye J. Hughes ......................... 61 Gospel Train ....................................... 47 Night of Inspiration at Carnegie Hall ........................ 62 The Way Ahead .................................. 76 Newark Celebrates Joy & Hope ................................ 65 The Last Word .................................... 77 Laiona Michelle Pens & Performs Simone ................ 66

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&also inside 4

The Positive Community Winter 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The way he responded to challenges lifted a nation.

As we remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we are reminded anew that the challenge of building a better America is a shared responsibility.

Only by tapping the richness of ideas that come from a diversity of people and perspectives can we tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Š 2019. Prudential Financial, Inc., Newark, NJ, USA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

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Plot Twists and Purpose: Pastor, Ministry and Lay Leaders as Authors and the Path to Publishing

Ms. Norma Jarrett Motivational Speaker and Author Sunday Brunch, Salt and Sky, and others

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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 Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, 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 Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

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

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

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

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

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

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

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

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

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor 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 First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Ed Spencer IV, Senior Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, 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

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, 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

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

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

St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor

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

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

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor

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

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ

St. Paul’s B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor

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

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

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

Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. Quincy M. Hentz, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastorr

St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall-Roth, Pastor

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

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

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, 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

REV. DR. C. VERNON MASON GUEST EDITORIAL

Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, former Civil Rights attorney, is a member of the faculty of New York Theological Seminary, where he teaches Black Lives Matter, Theology and Urban Youth Ministry, and The 20th Century Civil Rights Movement.

The African American Cultural Narrative “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

— Luke 4:18-19, NRSV From “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, Third Stanza: God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee.

Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee.

Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

M

y beloved sister, Jean Wells; my beloved brother, Adrian Council, Sr.; and all the writers and staff at The Positive Community, please accept our congratulations, profound gratitude, and appreciation as you enter your 20th year of publishing “Good News from the Church and Community.” As we remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I believe Dr. King would be inspired by TPC’s “Vision” of the Beloved Community: Imagine if you could through the mind’s eye; try to capture a vision of your children’s children and that of their children’s grandchildren. Imagine the ideal future, far beyond our years; a future of prosperity, health, happiness, peace and goodwill for our descendants, whom we’ll never know; who will only think of us as ancestors. Imagine a generation with a proud heritage; demonstrating an ever-present hunger for truth, and an unquenchable thirst for righteousness. This is a story about the future—the Beloved Community.

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The Positive Community Winter 2019 The Positive Community Winter 2019

TPC’s “African American Cultural Narrative,” written in 2012 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation, tells the story of our journey for freedom and justice in this country. It is an honor and a privilege to be an advocate and supporter for this narrative.

Save the Children: Two Stories

In Genesis, the very first book of the Bible, God’s steadfast love for young people is demonstrated in the remarkable story of Joseph. Consider this: the important stories of Creation are only depicted in Genesis, chapters 1 and 2. God’s love and deliverance of Joseph, whom I would characterize as an “atrisk youth,” are detailed in multiple stories and situations in twelve chapters in Genesis, i.e. chapter 37 and chapters 39–50.

The second story regarding young people comes from the Motherland, Africa—from the Masai warriors in Kenya. The Masai are accomplished, highly skilled, and fearless warriors.

They greet each other in traditional words: “Kasserian ingera?”—“How are the children?” The Masai place a high value on young people, their care, and well-being. The Masai believe that if their young people are cared for and are healthy and doing well, the community will also be well and healthy.

I would argue that one of the goals of The African American Cultural Narrative is establishing the Beloved Community so that when asked the question: “Kasserian Ingera?”—“How Are The Children?” The African American Community can answer, “The Children Are Well!”

Words of Wisdom from Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, president, Morehouse College (1940–1967); mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin.” www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Our American Story IN CLASSIC BLACK

R E A D I T, S P E A K I T, T E A C H I T, O W N I T

T O D AY !

The Great African American Cultural Narrative

A

The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years).

On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.

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

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

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

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

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

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…! —Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Teach the Truth! Teach the children their American story in just 281 words! . . .

And may they commit this very narrative to memory,and pass it along.

Affirm the positive—our claim on the American Dream! Own this beautiful 25x19 poster with a rich, majestic, presidential blue background color in large print; which includes images of two American presidents, alongside images of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, poet Maya Angolu and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Frame this poster and proudly display it on the walls of your home, office, places of business; in the classrooms and your houses of worship; in barbershops, beauty salons and restaurants. Your $10.00 investment will pay dividends one thousand fold when you teach it to a young child and in return, they speak it back to you. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Order your copy today for only $10.00; 2 for $15.00.

Become a valued contributor to The Story about Our Future—today!

Special Rates for Bulk Purchases.

Include $7.60 for priority shipping and handling. Tax included.

Send Check or money order to: The Positive Community Corporation, 133 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 PayPal and Credit Card accepted Order by phone 973 233 9200

Order online: www.thepositivecommunity.com

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Drum Major for Economic Justice

By Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.

I

was a teenager playing basketball when Martin Luther King, Jr. visited my school, Montclair High School, Sept.

11, 1966. I saw the commotion but was more interested in the game. Dr. King had very little relevance to me, or so I thought. His death, less than two years later, would help define my life.

On April 4, 1968, I was 16. I stopped by my grandmother’s house to steal a piece of sweet potato pie. My grandmother made such great sweet potato pie that you would eat it for dinner and chicken for dessert. I knew she had made the pie to raise money for her church, so my goal was to get in, get the pie, and get out without being noticed. She was sitting at her dining room table, right between the front door and the kitchen—which meant there was no way I could get past that table unnoticed to steal that pie.

As I got closer to my grandmother, I realized she had tears in her eyes. She was there, all alone, weeping. I had never seen her cry before, so I was startled. I asked, “Why would you sit here in the silence of your dining room with tears in your eyes?” She answered, “They shot Dr. King today.”

Why would this Baptist minister, who lived a thousand miles from New Jersey, affect my grandmother such that his death caused her to cry? One thing I knew was I loved and respected my grandmother. I wanted to find out whatever it was about this man that his death made my grandmother cry.

My goal in life became that I wanted my life to be as meaningful to just one person as Martin Luther King’s life was to my grandmother.

More than 50 years later, Dr. King is celebrated primarily for helping end racial segregation. While his “I Have a Dream” speech has been memorized and repeated thousands of times over, many people don’t realize Dr. King wrote and delivered hundreds of other speeches, most of them advocating for economic justice.

King felt strongly that while the Constitution guaranteed legal rights, there are moral rights that are just as important including the right to have a job and live in dignity. In 1966, he wrote, “The Constitution assured the right to vote, but there is no such assurance of the right to adequate housing, or the right to an adequate income. And yet, in a nation which has a gross national product of 750 billion dollars a year, it is morally right to insist that every person has a decent The Positive Positive Community Community 10 The

Winter 2019 2019 Winter

The dfree® strategy teaches people how to break free from debt as a first step toward financial freedom.

house, an adequate education, and enough money to provide basic necessities for one’s family.”

On the eve of his death, in his last speech, Dr. King spoke of the moral drive to help the poor. He also spoke of pooling resources to have the collective power to request fair treatment, withdraw economic support if it was not given, and peacefully negotiate a settlement so the resources of this great country would be more evenly and fairly distributed. He said, “Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”

Just imagine how Dr. King would feel today if he witnessed masses of people gaining their sense of self-worth from buying and accumulating stuff, exchanging their true identities for unrealistic celebrity lifestyles. If Dr. King were alive today, he would be fighting conspicuous consumption, as he continued to preach about agape love and righteous values.

Dr. King would be appalled at the behavior of the majority of Americans, yet he would be determined to find the right balance between social consciousness and personal responsibility, so that we all could enjoy the freedoms for which he so sacrificed.

Dr. King established standards for leadership. He was articulate; he was courageous; he was self-sacrificing. Every generation, whatever your issue or political perspective, needs people who are willing to stand up, speak truth to power, motivate people, and sacrifice their own personal gain for some cause larger than themselves.

This is why I work tirelessly to help people become debt free. This is why I need you to step up and participate in the dfree movement to financial freedom. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

We have the energy to make things better [

... for you, for our communities and for the environment.

]

www.pseg.com

Our vision for the future of New Jersey is one where we use less energy and the energy is cleaner, more reliable, more resilient and affordable.

We make things work for you.

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

Rev. Nance is pastor of The Church by the Side of the Road in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk show host and documentary filmmaker.

The King and I

N

o, I’m not referring to the delicious play starring the incomparable Yul Brenner, which then became a popular movie starring Brenner himself, and the lovely Deborah Kerr.

The king about which I write happens to be the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., drum major for justice, glorious orator, and selfless martyr. We proudly honor him yet again as we remember both his cause and his commitment. I recall an interesting conversation I had recently with a contemporary who said he wasn’t so sure King did the right thing regarding integration. I reminded him that black activists from back in the day said it wasn’t

The Positive Positive Community Community 12 The

Winter 2019 2019 Winter

about integration, it was about access. Now, wrap your spirit around that one, thank you very much.

When I think about the time I wasted back then as Dr. King was marching or being accosted by racists like Bull Connor and others, I remember how unconcerned I was about the plight of black people. They say open confession is good for the soul, so don’t judge me. Yes, in those days when I was young and thought I was very cute, my focus was on enjoying my single status, partying, and trying to snatch a husband along the way.

Meanwhile, this great emancipator was preaching about the ballot or the bullet. He lambasted the Johnson administration for its active roll in the Vietnam War. He reminded the impatient youngbloods, as they used to be called, that even though Stokely Carmichael, Rap Brown, Bobby Seale, and others were calling for justice even if they had to arm themselves to get it, King continued to preach the message of love and never wavered.

The power elite couldn’t buy him. They couldn’t even rent him, so to speak. His integrity was impeccable. And, for those who choose to remember that he was flawed, I remind you we all fall into that same category, somewhere in our lives.

This, don’tcha know, is a man who could have lived on a flowery bed of ease. His upscale upbringing certainly afforded him such an opportunity. Instead, he took the slings and the arrows to make things whole for his people — not just black folks, but poor folks, disenfranchised folks and the unwashed.

Dr. King was everything most of us will never be. Still, we shouldn’t stop trying to make a difference, to leave a legacy of some kind to indicate that you did more than take up space while you were on the planet.

We’re still thanking him. At least, I know I am.

The talented Nina Simone sang, “The King of Love Is Dead.” Yes, he is. But love itself is not dead if only we embrace it and each other. Then, perhaps, our living will not be in vain. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

IT’S THING: IT’SA A LOVE LOVE THING:

Love Radical Factor Factor ininCivil Rights Love asasa aRadical Civil Rights willing accept violence but never inflictinflict it. For him willingtoto accept violence but never it. For him “unearned suffering is redemptive.” Furthermore, “unearned suffering is redemptive.” Furthermore, the purpose behind non-violent resistance was the the purpose of behind non-violent resistance was the establishment the beloved community, a society establishment of the beloved community, a centered on, equal opportunity, justice and love ofsociety centered equal opportunity, justice and love of one's fellowon, human beings.

one's fellow human beings.

F

ifty one years ago (1968-2019), Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. His assassination was one among many of the cruel events that ifty onethe years (1968-2019), Dr. Martin dotted civilago rights landscape. Images that come to Luther King was assassinated.

His era assassination mind when one recalls the Civil Rights often reflect was one among many of the cruel events that violence.

Certainly the beatings, the imprisonments, the discrimination and various dottedthe theinsults, civil rights landscape. Images thatforms comeofto micro-aggressions civils rights people of mind when one recalls that the Civil Rightsleaders, era often reflect color and white justice sympathizers endured during violence. Certainly the beatings, the imprisonments, the Movement create angstand when recalled.forms However, the insults, the discrimination various of apart from the cross of Jesus Christ, the Civil Rights micro-aggressions that civils rights leaders, people of Movement was one of the greatest expressions of love.

F

color and white justice sympathizers endured during the Movement create angst when recalled.

To associate the cruelty of the cross with However, love is apart from the cross of Jesus Christ, theto Civil Rights seemingly preposterous.

That is not say that the violence which Jesusgreatest was subjected was anof actlove. of Movement wastoone of the expressions “love” on the perpetrators’ part. The purpose behind

Engaging in social justice is love in action. Paul Tillich in Dynamicsin ofsocial Faith reminds uslove that “the imme-Paul Tillich Engaging justice is in action. diate expression of love is action” (115). He asserts in Dynamics of Faith reminds us that “the immethat “faith implies love, love lives in works: in this diatefaith expression love isWhere action” (115).

He asserts sense is actual of in works. there is ultimate that “faith implies love, love lives in works: in this concern, there is the passionate desire to actualize the sense faith is actual in (115-116). works. Where therecalls is ultimate content of one’s concern” What Tillich “love in action,” West in Disruptive Christian concern, thereTraci is theC.passionate desire to actualize the Ethics refers to as “paying attention to theWhat conditions content of one’s concern” (115-116).

Tillich calls that entrap socially marginalized (xv). Non“love in action,” Traci C. Westpeople” in Disruptive Christian violent resistance is a love thing. The nonviolent Ethics refers to as “paying attention to the conditions resister willingly accepts violence, when necessary but that entrap socially marginalized people” (xv). Nonis never a perpetrator of violence.

violent resistance is a love thing. The nonviolent

resister willingly acceptsexpressed violence,aswhen necessary but Social justice consciousness a desire for is never perpetrator of violence. equity andaequality is a Christian ethic that supports love for one’s neighbor. In fact, in a speech at Notre Dame’s law school in 2017, Dianeexpressed Nash, one as of the Social justice consciousness a desire for founding members of the Student Nonviolent Coorequity and equality is a Christian ethic that supports dinating Committee referred to the “agapic energy” love for one’s neighbor.

In fact, in a speech at Notre that inspired leaders and strategists, and ordinary Dame’s law school in 2017, Diane Nash, one of the citizens to voluntarily engage in sit-ins, marches, founding members of the Student Nonviolent Coorfreedom rides, and protests that would culminate in dinatingimprisonment Committee and referred toostracism the “agapic energy” beatings, further by the white oppressors.

The term is the Greek that inspired leaders andagape strategists, and word ordinary for sacrificial love. What the Civil Rights Movement citizens to voluntarily engage in sit-ins, marches, sought to accomplish was to usher in an era which freedom rides, and protests that wouldinculminate in people who had been relegated to the margins because beatings, imprisonment and further ostracism by the they had been deemed as unworthy of love would be white with oppressors.

The term isall thethe Greek treated human dignity and agape afforded rightsword for privileges sacrificialaslove.

Whatcitizen the Civil Rights Movement and any other of America.

it was to lovingly the world God.isThe To associate the crueltyreconcile of the cross withtolove cross-love analogy fittingly applies to the Civil Rights seemingly preposterous. That is not to say that the Movement because of the Movement’s non-violent violence to which Jesus wasvitriolic subjected approach to addressing hatewas and an the act factof that “love”ethically, on the perpetrators’ part.

The purpose behind the fight for social justice is love in action. sought to accomplish was to usher in an era in which it was Non-violent to lovingly resistance reconcilefor theKing world to God. The meant that one was READ MORE AT PILLAR.EDU/BLOG-2 people who had been relegated to the margins because cross-love analogy fittingly applies to the Civil Rights they had been deemed as unworthy of love would be Movement because of theNoel, Movement’s Joanne M.A., M.DIV.,non-violent D.MIN., Ph.D (ABD) Dean, Division of Traditional Undergraduate Studies & Interim Chair General Education, treated withofhuman dignity jnoel@pillar.edu and afforded all the rights approach to addressing vitriolic hate and the fact that and privileges as any other citizen of America. ethically, the fight for social justice is love in action.

If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your Non-violent resistance for King meant that one was life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Pillar, we’d love to

READ MORE AT PILLAR.EDU/BLOG-2

introduce you to Christian perspectives at work in your future career. For more information on how Pillar College can help you pursue your ministry and educational goals, please phone us at 973-803-5000 or Joanneemail Noel,info@pillar.edu.

M.A., M.DIV., D.MIN., Ph.D (ABD)

Dean, Division of Traditional Undergraduate Studies & Interim Chair of General Education, jnoel@pillar.edu

Pillar C

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If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or wantLEARN to learn more about aVISIT biblicallyPILLAR.EDU/FREECLASS based, Christ-centered education at Pillar, we’d love to MORE! O L L E G E introduce you to Christian perspectives at work in your future career. For more information on how Pillar Pillar College Parkand Place, Newarkgoals, NJ 07102 Truth in Education College can help you pursue your 60 ministry educational please| PILLAR.EDU phone us at 973-803-5000 or email info@pillar.edu.

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– 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week Rev. John H. Gamble, Jr., State Director Rev. Rev. Rev. John John John H. H. Gamble, H.Gamble, Gamble, Jr., Jr., Jr., State State State Director Director Director Sis. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean

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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change

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10/17/18 12:49 PM

Health ideas for wellness

An Example Of What Is Best In Our Community

L–R: NYS Supreme Court Justice Hon. Tanya Kennedy presided over the Installation Ceremony; Mrs. Jacqueline DeGraff; Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor Abyssinian Baptist Church; CEO of NYC Health+Hospitals/Harlem, Ebonè M. Carrington, MPA, FAB; and Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff

Friends of Harlem Hospital Center Salute New President Reverend Jacques André DeGraff

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Honoree Voza Rivers, Hon. Inez E. Dickens, and Friends of Harlem Hospital Center Board members ABOVE LEFT: Rabbi Michael Miller, executive president and CEO of The Jewish Community Relations Council of NY with Reverend DeGraff Photos: Friends of Harlem Hospital

ignitiaries, friends, colleagues, wellwishers from the Harlem and beyond, and members of the Board of Directors of The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center filled the auditorium at NYC Health+Hospitals/Harlem to celebrate the installation of Reverend Jacques André DeGraff as the president of Friends of Harlem Hospital Center. Reverend DeGraff will provide leadership to the Friends’ fundraising and advocacy for the programs and services of NYC Health+Hospitals/Harlem.

“I am pleased and proud to accept the challenge of leading Friends of Harlem Hospital Center and look forward to helping the hospital spread its message of healing and hope,” said Reverend DeGraff.

During the event, the esteemed impresario Voza Rivers received special recognition and honor for his contributions. Among the many hats he wears are executive producer of New Heritage Theatre Group, executive producer and co-founder of IMPACT Repertory Theatre, and the first vice president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. — TPC Staff

L–R: Michael Garner; Carol Smith; Reverend DeGraff; R. Linsy Farris, MD; and Valencia Porter

President of 100 Black Men and Friends of Harlem Board Member, Michael Garner, Members of 100 Black Men

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The Positive Community Winter 2019

L–R; Healthfirst SVP George Hulse; NYS Assembly Member Inez E. Dickens; Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president, NAACP NYS Conference; and New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center Salutes Our President

Reverend Jacques André DeGraff

You are an example of what is best in our community The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 to raise funds to improve the health and well-being of patients at NYC Health+ Hospitals/Harlem. We are advocates for patients and their families, dedicated to improving access to care and enhancing the programs and services of NYC Health+ Hospitals/Harlem, the most important and largest provider of healthcare in the Harlem community. All of our life changing programs are made possible solely through the support of our gracious and generous donors, sponsors, and benefactors.

The Board of Directors of The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center is a dedicated group of volunteers who offer their energy, expertise and talents to provide resources that help finance hospital initiatives. 100% of your donations are used to purchase equipment and support programs at NYC Health+ Hospitals/ Harlem. Through your participation, you have become a part of a community dedicated to strengthening and encouraging the health and wellness of The Village of Harlem. Please accept our sincere appreciation for your continued support.

Donations to NYC Health + Hospitals | Harlem are also accepted via PayPal through The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center's webpage located on: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/harlem/ under the "About Us" tab. Please click on the "Donate" button to access PayPal and make a contribution. All donations are 100 % tax deductible and we thank you for helping us spread our message of healing and hope.

The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center Board of Directors Reverend Jacques André DeGraff Chair & President Elaine Edmonds Vice President Chairperson, Golf Committee Valencia Porter, MBA Treasurer Carole D. Smith Secretary

R. Linsy Farris, MD Gilford A. Finch, MBM Michael J. Garner, MBA George Hulse Ex-Officio Eboné M. Carrington, MPA, FAB

Take Heart!

Partnership Brings Pediatric Cardiac Patients in New York and New Jersey Top-Rated Care

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he Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel is the only center of its kind in the state of New Jersey, providing all forms of advanced imaging services for congenital heart disease in prenatal, pediatric and adult patients.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital ranks among the top in the nation for children’s care in every specialty evaluated in U.S. News and World Report’s survey, which includes cardiology and heart surgery.

The recently announced collaboration between the two hospitals means that families in New Jersey now have the benefit of an even broader range of expert physicians available for their children’s cardiac surgical procedures.

“For the past 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to developing a center of excellence for the care of children and adults with congenital heart disease in New Jersey,” said Dr. Rajiv Verma, director of the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “This collaboration will go a long way in helping us complete our mission.”

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The Positive Community Winter 2019

Dr. Emile Bacha is director of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and NewYorkPresbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and chief of the division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “In addition to the many families who want care closer to home, there are families who want to bring their children to New York City for surgery, but cannot because of insurance restrictions, and this often causes a delay in treatment,” he explained.

As part of the collaboration, Dr. Bacha and his team will also provide ongoing care for adults with congenital heart disease. “Thanks to recent advances, more children born with congenital heart disease are living well into adulthood,” adds Dr. Bacha. “Many will need follow-up procedures. At Newark Beth Israel, we will monitor these patients over time, and intervene, when necessary, to make sure they have the highest quality of life.”

In addition to Dr. Bacha, the NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital team includes skilled surgeons who will perform a wide range of open-

heart pediatric procedures at CHoNJ. They are: Dr. Paul Chai, an expert known for his work on the Berlin Heart, a mechanical assist device that takes over the pumping action of the child’s heart; Dr. Damien LaPar, pediatric cardiac surgeon whose research interests include stem-cell and myocardial regenerative therapy; Dr. David Kalfa, cardiothoracic surgeon with a sub-specialization in pediatric cardiac surgery and a pioneer in the development of artificial pediatric heart valves that grow with the patient over time.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital surgeons have the highest patient survival rate in New York state, and one of the highest nationwide, while performing the most complex procedures. The NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital team will work closely with Dr. Rajiv Verma, pediatric interventional cardiologist, director of the Pediatric Cardiac Cath Lab and director of the Children’s Heart Center.

Children´s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel, the state´s premier children's health facility, provides state-of-the-art care in nearly 30 pediatric subspecialties. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Continuing a tradition of delivering health care excellence, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center andaChildren's Hospital of New Jersey earned an A grade for Beth patient safety and Continuing Continuing tradition a tradition of delivering of delivering health health carecare excellence, excellence, Newark Newark Beth Israel Israel Medical Medical quality from The Leapfrog Group forNew Fall 2018.

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Dr. Nahndi Bush screens a patient for glaucoma.

The Two Gifts Mission New Jersey Eye and Ear Provides Free Glaucoma Exams “I opened two gifts this morning.

They were my eyes.” —Zig Ziglar

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orn of the above sentiment, New Jersey Eye and Ear and their Two Gifts initiative partnered with Community Baptist Church of Englewood to address the problem of vision loss from glaucoma. “Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that involve the slow and usually silent deterioration of the optic nerve, with eventual loss of vision,” explained Dr. Nahndi Bush, glaucoma specialist at NJ Eye And Ear. “Many people with glaucoma have no idea they have the condition,” she continued. “Glaucoma can be treated, enabling people to maintain their vision and continue to enjoy their gift of sight.”

The only way glaucoma is diagnosed is through an eye exam to evaluate the optic nerve and its function. According to Rey Bolic, New Jersey Eye and Ear spokesman, “Eighty percent of vision problems are avoidable or curable and detection is the early key to overall ocular health. This mission is a great way to reach out to the local community and educate the community about ocular health.”

In addition to the free exams and refreshments, attendees had another treat for their eyes—stunning paintings of iconic African Americans by artist Bangie Faal, displayed throughout the 12,000 foot facility.

NJ Eye & Ear Center, Englewood, NJ.

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The Positive Community Winter 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Daughter Of Jersey City Returns As Medical Doctor Dr. Tyeese Gaines Opens Independent Urgent Care Center

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he opening of NOWmed Walkin Urgent Care in Jersey City represents the fulfillment of the aspirations of Dr. Tyeese Gaines to help ensure access to the best medical care for her residents of her hometown.

Located at 555 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, the center provides immediate care 365 days a year, screening and diagnostic services to treat acute illnesses and injuries, occupational medicine services, travel medicine consultation, and immigration physicals.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Dr. Gaines attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University and completed her residency at the Yale University School of Medi-

cine, where she later taught. She is a practicing, board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. She earned certification as a Physician Executive (CPE) in 2017 from the American Association of Physician Leaders, and a certificate in Urgent Care Management from the Urgent Care Association of America (UCA) in 2018. Dr. Gaines volunteers as the school physician for the Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School in Jersey City.

The December 12 ribbon cutting and grand opening of NOWmed Walk-in Urgent Care in Jersey City, NJ spoke to inspiration, aspiration, entrepreneurship, leadership, business, and community health.

L–R: Hudson County Freeholder Vice Chair William O'Dea, Dr. Tyeese Gaines, Jersey City Council Members Mira Prinz-Arey and Michael Yun

STORY AND PHOTO: FERN GILLESPIE

Nesbitt F H UNERAL

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“They stood on the promises of God.”

Stacey Abrams www.thepositivecommunity.com

President Barack H. Obama

Andrew Gillum

Winter 2019 The Positive Community

21

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

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

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

Sugar Free at Last

M

y Live Well Church family and all my Fitness Disciples have recently completed a 21-day consecration fast. For those not familiar with the spiritual practice of fasting, fasting is abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.

During the Live Well fast, we abstained from food between the hours of 6:00am-6:00pm, consuming only water and/or protein shakes. After 6:00pm, we had a healthy meal consisting of chicken, fish, and a vegetable. We also refrained from consuming any sweets or sugar for the entire 21 days of fasting. Thank God. Although this fast was inspired by the popular Daniel Fast, we modified the fast to meet the spiritual needs of our community. I want to remind you that you should not practice fasting to lose weight.

I must admit this fast truly impacted me. I picked up some bad habits over the past two years, one being the overconsumption of sugar. Yes, I work out! Yes, I am Fitness Doctor Kahlil! And yes, I still help people (especially pastors and faith leaders) improve their health through exercise and healthy eating. But I love coffee — especially coffee loaded with sugar and international creamers. Because I often work 15-18 hour days, I found myself drinking about 5-6 cups of coffee per day.

Here are some facts about the evil of sugar: Sugar can cause weight gain Sugar-sweetened drinks like sodas, juices and sweet teas are loaded with fructose, a type of simple sugar. Consuming fructose increases your hunger and desire for food more than glucose, the main type of sugar found in starchy foods Additionally, excessive fructose consumption may cause resistance to leptin, an important hormone that regulates hunger and tells your body to stop eating. This can lead to weight gain. Also, drinking a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to an increased amount of visceral fat, a kind of deep belly fat associated with conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

May Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease High-sugar diets have been associated with an increased risk of many diseases including heart disease, the number one

23 The Positive Community Winter 2019 www.thepositivecommunity.com

cause of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that high-sugar diets can lead to obesity, inflammation, and high triglyceride, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels — all risk factors for heart disease.

Increases Your Risk of Diabetes There is a clear link between excessive sugar consumption and diabetes risk. Obesity, which is often caused by consuming too much sugar, is considered the strongest risk factor for diabetes. Prolonged high-sugar consumption drives resistance to insulin, and insulin resistance causes blood sugar levels to rise and strongly increases your risk of diabetes So how do we reduce our intake of sugar? Next month I will give some tips on reducing your sugar intake. The Live Well Fast helped me; I am back on track and so glad to have overcome this “sugar stronghold” developed through bad habits.

Fasting is not a diet plan or way to lose weight. But we must never forget there are some bad habits, strongholds, and evil that cannot be transformed in the life of the Christian without prayer and fasting. Jesus says, “this kind can come forth by nothing, but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29 KJV).

As always, exercise consistently, eat healthier, live well.

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

Winter 2019 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 23

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Back Row: Frank Ruth, Joseph Williams, Neville Bird, Saladin Jones, Abasi Jones, Richard Brown, Rev. Michael Emory, Robert Jones, Andrew Bell, William Gamble, Karen Gamble, Donnell Womble. Second Row: Ricky Crenshaw, Nigel Bernard, Kahlen George Davis-Gray, Jerry McCants, Henry Dowell, Deacon Charles Wills, Deacon Al Garland, Adrian Council, Pastor John L. Scott, First Lady Minnie Scott, Deacon Geraldine Hudson. First Row: Norman Jones, Anderson Davis-Gray, Deacon Chadwick Watkins, Jessie Rogers, Regina Rogers-Ellison, Charlotte Chorot-Bernard

Men’s Day at Harlem’s St. Johns Baptist Church

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he congregation of the historic St. Johns Baptist Church under the leadership of pastor Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, welcomed Publisher Adrian Council, Sr. as guest speaker at their Sunday, December 9, 2018 service. His message, “A Story about the Future: The Great Cultural Narrative,” addressed potentials and possibilities of generations yet unborn. Council’s talk was about foresight—what we can do today to secure a prosperous, healthy future for our descendants 20, 50, 100 years into the future!

A longtime leader, activist/advocate, and team player, Rev. Scott remains on the front lines in the struggle for social justice and progress for his people. He is a past moderator of United Missionary Baptist Association of NY and has pastored St. Johns B.C. for 46 years.

The Men’s Day Service concluded a year of activities as the church celebrated its 100th anniversary (1918-2018).

—TPC STAFF To see Adrian’s remarks visit www.the positivecommunity.com

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L–R: Board of Deacons Chairman, Deacon Al Garland, and Rev. Dr. John L. Scott

L–R: Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, Adrian Council, Sr., and Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr.

The Gibbs Family: Salina Nadine Gibbs, Rodney Eric Gibbs, Layla Nadine Gibbs www.thepositivecommunity.com

Special Section

& Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity Celebrating 20 years of Faith, Advocacy, and Progress!

Let your light so shine . . . (Matt. 5/16 NKJV) www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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Special Special Section Section

The Positive Positive Community Community 26 The

Winter 2019 2019 Winter

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Special Section

Our First Advertiser

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter The Positive Community 27 Winter 20192019 The Positive Community

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Special Section Reprinted from January 2000

28 Positive Community The 72 The The Positive Positive Community Community

Winter 2019 Winter Winter 2019 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Special Section MLK Worship Service January 2019

Adrian Council presents framed Cultural Narrative to Baptist Ministers Conference (BMCGNY&V) President Rev. Dr. Charles Curtis.

Rev. John Scott and Harlem Congressman Hon. Adriano Espaillat.

Photos: Karl Kruchfield see more photos by Karl Kruchfield go to: www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Johnnie G. McCann, 1st VP BMCGNY&V; Dr. Curtis; and Hon. Charles B. Rangel, former congressman

Rev. Wendy Kelly Carter; BMCNY&V Rev. Curtis; NYS Assemblyman Hon. Charles Barron and wife, NYC Councilwoman Inez Barron of Brooklyn. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com 12 The Positive Community Winter 2019

Winter 2019 2019 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Positive Community Community 29 Winter The

L–R: Albert E. Pelham, president, Montclair Branch NAACP; James E. Harris; Lynne Gail Williams; and Beverly A. Bussey

Photos: Albert E. Pelham

Face the Hate – Vote

L–R: William J. Ewing, Esq.; Beverly A. Bussey; Elizabeth Oakley-Thompson; Imani Oakley, Esq.; Marcia Brewington; and Albert E. Pelham

Montclair NAACP Freedom Fund Awards

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he Montclair, New Jersey branch of the NAACP— the largest, oldest, boldest, most loved and hated, most feared and revered, the most cussed and discussed civil rights organization in America, held their 102nd Annual Thurgood Marshall awards dinner at The Hanover Manor in East Hanover, NJ, November 2, 2018.

Event Chair Beverly Bussey described the theme for the evening, “Face the Hate – Vote” as “an urgent wake up call to all of us to take responsibility for the state of our nation. The NAACP was organized to fight for the right to political, social, educational, and economic equality. Our failure to speak up at the polls is an affirmative stamp in favor of those threats.”

In his remarks, President Albert Pelham spoke about the need to vote. “Social media protesting must not be a substitute for a vote,” he said. “A ‘like’ on a Facebook page carries far less weight than a vote at the polls. We need to wake up, stand up, and take responsibility for what is going on in our world.” He continued, “We need to make a concerted effort to form bodies of protest in solidarity, in determination, and united for a common purpose. We must register to vote and show up at meetings, workshops, conferences and other organized efforts to make things happen!”

Dr. Kendra Johnson, the first African American to be appointed Superintendent of Schools in Montclair in its 144-year history, received the esteemed Thurgood Marshall Award. Imani R. Oakley, Esq., constituent advocate for Senator Cory Booker, delivered the keynote address.

Brendan Gill, co-chair of the Montclair Democratic Committee; Eve Robinson; John Farrell; Mary BentleyLamar; Matilda Williams; Rev.Dr. Bernadette Glover;

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The Positive Community Winter 2019

Russell Robinson; Shante Palmer; Lynne Williams; James Harris; Shakira Pelham; Layla Al-Misri; Maia Wallace; and Mechi Brown also received awards. — TPC Staff

nd

6:00 PM SHARP!!

SHARP

Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams Jr. Senior Pastor

www.thepositivecommunity.com

M Money

buiness, finance + work

Money… Another Perspective From a Wall Street Executive Dear Positive Community,

H

ow you think about money will determine your financial destiny including your budget, savings, investments and giving, because what we think about money, we bring to fruition. Our thoughts about money determine what we say about it… what we say about money determines what we do about it... what we do with money determines our habits with money; our habits with money determine our character and our character determines our destiny with money.

A Wall Street executive for many years, I am a Bible teacher as well. My experience has taught me another way of thinking about money. I refer to it as Bible Economics.

Let me begin with scripture... “The Earth is the Lord’s, the fullness thereof, everything in it…” (Psalms 24:1) Consider Romans 12: “Be you not conformed to this world but... be you transformed by a renewing of your mind” with another way of thinking about money —the greenbacks, the dough, the shekels or any other name you may call “the money.”

Bible Economics is about the guidelines governing our stewardship of God’s property. And guess what? He does own it all. If you don’t believe me, try leaving here with God’s stuff, including the house, the car, the closet full of clothes that you don’t wear, everything.

The earth belongs to the Lord. He owns all of the stuff, including the money, that we call ours. Many of us have gotten things twisted. From God’s perspective, He created money to help people navigate the earth to produce a contented, abundant life. Instead of using money to help people, many do just the opposite and use people to make money, without consideration for what God has to say about it. Since fewer and fewer people read the Bible anymore, the truth that would save so many of us from the stresses we experience about money stays hidden right before our very eyes in the Bible.

The Bible teaches that God gives us the power to gain wealth for a reason—to prove we have a coveted relationship with Him. He supplies our earthly needs abundantly for us to be a blessing, not just to have one. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Leon Ellis

Isn’t it ironic that the whole world belongs to God and we never bother to ask Him what He wants us to do with His stuff? Isn’t it ironic that the centerpiece for God’s economic plan for us is to give and not to get? “Give and it shall be given unto you…good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!” (Luke 6:38.)

There are more than 2,000 scriptures in the Bible about money; more scriptures about money than about love or faith. I do believe God knew the biggest competitor for the soul of a man or woman would be the love of money versus the love of God. After all these years working on Wall Street and sharing biblical truths about money, it is clear to me that man’s economy is motivated by greed. God's economy, on the other hand, is motivated by love, the objective of which is abundant life while we are here on God's earth and eternal life after our earthly days are finished. An abundant life, however, must be accompanied by purposeful living. Purposeful living is the rent we pay for living on God’s earth.

Jesus stepped out of eternity into time to save humanity and provide us with a roadmap for a contented and abundant life using His things to do His will on earth.

The abundant life promised to you may or may not include financial wealth. However, it certainly does include the promise of contentment, abundance and prosperity for those who choose Him as the Lord and Good Shepherd of our lives and live life according to God’s unique plan for each one of us.

So having a solid financial life begins with accepting ByinGlenda Cadogan the reality that all things your life belong to God and in order for your financial plan to work , you must seek God first, which begins by asking Him with motives that line up with God’s unique purpose for you while you yet have time on earth.

All things in your life will work together for you when you love God and stay focused on your unique call to fulfill His earthly purpose especially for you.

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

Until next time, Obie McKenzie

Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 Winter 2019 The Positive Community 31

L–R: Essex County Surrogate Alturrick Kenney; Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura; and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Surrogate Alturrick Kenney with his wife Jheryn, daughter Yasmin and son Elijah

Photos: Glen Frieson

L–R: U.S. Senator Robert Menendez; Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.; granddaughter Hailey Root; son Joseph DiVincenzo; Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver; and U.S. Senator Cory Booker

Holding the Bible for Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura is his grandson David Fontoura, with Essex County Executive DiVincenzo and Vicinage Assignment Judge Sallyann Floria

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo Is Sworn into Office for Fifth Term

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ssex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.; Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura; and Essex County Surrogate Alturrick Kenney were sworn into office during an afternoon inauguration ceremony in the Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology on Wednesday, January 2nd. DiVincenzo was sworn into his fifth term as Executive, Fontoura into his ninth term as Sheriff, and Kenney, his first term as Surrogate. Showing their support for DiVincenzo, Fontoura, and Kenney were U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Essex County Freeholder President Brendan Gill, and Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones.

“I am humbled by the confidence and trust the public has placed in me to serve as their Essex County Executive. I have the same passion and energy to serve our 800,000 residents and 22 municipalities today that I had when I was first elected 16 years ago,” DiVincenzo said. “We have accomplished so much to strengthen our finances, modernize our parks and infrastructure, and enhance services and programs to assist our residents. We have transformed Essex County and have to continue to work hard to maintain

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the high standards of government service that our residents deserve,” he added.

DiVincenzo was administered the oath of office by U.S. Senator Cory Booker. Holding the Bible for the County Executive was his son Joseph, with granddaughter Hailey Root, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, and Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones.

Fontoura was administered the oath of office by Essex County Vicinage Assignment Judge Sallyanne Floria. Holding the Bible for the Sheriff was his grandson, David Fontoura.

Kenney was administered the oath of office by Newark Deputy Mayor Rahaman Muhammad. Holding the Quran for the Surrogate was his wife Jheryn, with daughter Yasmin, and son Elijah.

Imam Mustafa El-Amin from Masjid Ibrahim in Newark presented the invocation; Father Ed Leahy, headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark and president of the Essex County Schools of Technology Board of Education, presented the benediction. Students from the Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology sang the National Anthem and “This is Me.” —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

It is important to honor individuals who have changed history and It is important honor individualswith whotheir have long changed history and continue to serveto our communities lasting influence.

It is important to honor individuals who have changed history and to servestatues our communities with their longlasting lasting influence.

We continue have created of Dr. Martin Luther Jr.,influence.

Donald M. continue to serve our communities with their longKing, We have created statues of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Donald Payne, Sr., andcreated Rosa Parks at the Hall of Records and Althea Gibson We have statues of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Donald M.M. Payne, and at the Hall Hallgenerations ofRecords Recordsand and AltheaGibson Gibson Payne,Sr., Sr., andRosa Rosa Parks Parks at future the of Althea at Branch Brook Park so that continue to be at Branch Brook Park so that future generations generations continue continue to be at Branch Brook Park so that future to be inspired by their courage and contributions. inspired by their courage and contributions. inspired by their courage and contributions. ~Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. ~Joseph ~JosephN.N.DiVincenzo, DiVincenzo, Jr.Jr.

Joseph N. N.DiVincenzo, Executive Joseph EssexCounty CountyExecutive Executive Joseph N.DiVincenzo, DiVincenzo,Jr., Jr.,Essex Essex County andand thethe Board and the BoardofofChosen Chosen Freeholders Board ChosenFreeholders Freeholders Salute AfricanAmerican American History History Salute African Month Salute African American HistoryMonth Month Donald M. Statue Donald Donald M. Payne, Sr.Payne, Statue M. Payne, Sr.Sr. Statue

Althea Gibson Statue

Althea Gibson Statue

Althea Gibson Statue

Rosa Parks Statue

Rosa Parks Statue

Rosa Parks Statue

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue

PSE&G Senior VP Corporate Citizenship Richard T. Thigpen

L–R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Marc Morial; Vivian Cox-Fraser; and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial

Guests in Roaring 20s style

VP Berkeley College Angela Harrington with her husband John Harrington, editor 24/7 Wall Street; Monica Slater Stokes, United Airlines; and Willie Blalock, City National Bank

Photos: Karen Waters

Power of 100

Urban League of Essex County Celebrates 100 Years

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n November 9, 2018, more than 300 community leaders and supporters gathered at The Crystal Plaza in Roseland, NJ to celebrate the “Power of 100” Grand Centennial gala honoring the landmark 100th anniversary of the Urban League of Essex County.

The “Roaring 20s” theme of the event reflected the period of the organization’s founding and made for delightful discussion during the evening.

Many guests came dressed in the fashion of the time. The Gala spotlighted the organization’s major achievements and honored community members for their contributions and dedication to the work of the Urban League. PSEG received the Corporate Citizenship Award. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka received Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award for Leadership; Ashley Stewart CEO/Chairman James Rhee accepted the William M. Ashby Award for Community Building. The award for

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Innovation and Entrepreneurship was presented to Morgan DeBaun, co-founder and president of Blavity; and Dr. Joel Bloom of NJIT received the Clement A. Price award for Education.

National Urban League President/CEO Marc Morial and Robert Doherty of Bank of America (lead sponsor of the gala) delivered rousing speeches filled with potentials and possibilies for the League’s next 100 years.

The challenge grant program announced by Irene Cooper-Basch, executive officer of The Victoria Foundation, will benefit the Urban League of Essex County in support of its centennial goals.

Each year, the Urban League of Essex County provides more than 2,500 residents in Essex County with quality programs that help them reach their goals for social and economic self-sufficiency. — TPC Staff For more information visit ww.ulec.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sabrina Lamb: Teaching Black Children the World of Money Fern Gillespie

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nown for using humor in her many endeavors, Sabrina Lamb is an actress, novelist, author, TV host, radio news/talk host, stand-up comedian, and even the comic commentator on Lifetime Television’s Girl’s Night Out. But, to her the subject of money is not funny. Lamb takes the importance of finances so seriously that 14 years ago she developed WorldofMoney.org, a nonprofit program that trains black children in financial education.

Today, WorldofMoney.org has impacted over 4,000 metro New York area youth between ages 7 and 18 through the World of Money Youth Financial Education Training Institute.

“African-American children need to be taught the purpose of money. The purpose of money is to helm one of the most powerful currencies on the planet, besides love or Youth financial education is an urgent issue, and author Sabrina Lamb believes that African American parents first must reeducate themselves about finances to make sure the next generation does not fall into the spending trap that can be a family legacy.

www.thepositivecommunity.com 32 The Positive Community Winter 2019

one’s spiritual practice, for service,” explained Lamb. “Everyone, especially children, needs to know they have the power to give time or treasure.”

Divided into age groups, the program serves Young Moguls (7–9), Rising Moguls (10–12), and Moguls (13– 8). Maximillian Johnson, a 13-year-old Mogul, says World of Money’s courses and activities have helped his financial future.

“World of Money has taught me how to build financial security for me and my family’s life,” he explained. “I’ve learned about credit and about FICO scores, stocks and bonds, and how to ensure me, my family, and my community a brighter, more secure position in life.”

A family affair, World of Money homework requires dialogue with parents and an annual Parent Money Matters forum designed to break a generational cycle. “Parents share that they want their children to have more financial knowledge than they had,” said Lamb. “Parents also want their children to start early, learning how to be financially independent.”

Lamb’s NAACP Image Award nominated book Do I Look Like an ATM? A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible African-American Children explores how parents’ emotional beliefs and money styles may inhibit giving their children sound financial principles. “From the dictator to the Disneyland mindset, parents discover how their financial beliefs positively and negatively impact them and their children,” explained Lamb. “Parents also learn what actions to take toward building family financial security.”

Lamb and her young moguls have presided over the NASDAQ opening and closing ceremonies. Corporations involved with World of Money include Verizon, Macy’s, American Express, State Farm, and Carver Savings Bank. “Our financial presenters are stellar Wall Street professionals, business and legal leaders. World of Money provides a return on investment for corporations,” Lamb pointed out, “from enriching volunteer experiences and engagement opportunities, to powerful impact results from our moguls and an active parent community.”

The World of Money app has had a worldwide impact.

Currently 24 American and global schools and organizations include the World of Money app in their programming.

Lamb has testified on Capitol Hill before the House Sub-Committee Financial Services and World of Money was acknowledged in President Obama’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability Report. In addition to her work with World of Money, Lamb, a Lincoln University grad, continues to create. She’s penned the satirical novel A Kettle of Vultures Left Beak Marks on My Forehead, co-hosted New York’s WBLS-FM, WWRL and KISS-FM public affairs programs, and authored and staged a solo play The Trial of Marissa Alexander. Recently, she launched Wekeza, Inc., a mobile app that enables African citizens to invest by purchasing fractional or whole shares in companies publicly traded on U.S. stock exchanges.

Lamb’s career philosophy is: “I have always determined to leverage my platform by providing an empowering message and opportunities for all.”

Winter 2019 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 35

Chamblee’s Square Restaurant Closes

Pastor E.L. Chamblee

“Thank you to everyone who showed us love as we put the business to rest. We love you all.

Please continue to pray with us and visit us at the church where we are still giving God praise.”

Stephanie Chamblee

by g.r.mattox

A

fter more than a quarter century serving great food and offering exceptional service, Chamblee’s Square Restaurant closed its doors for good the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The eatery gained fame in the neighborhood and beyond for some of the best fried chicken, oxtails, collards and cabbage mix, mac and cheese, and potato salad in town. The personal touch by its owner, Pastor E.L. Chamblee, was another reason folks came back again and again. Rev. Chamblee also pastors Promised Land Missionary Baptist Church, located right next door.

Pastor Chamblee, now 79, worked his way up from nothing. He grew up not knowing anything about his biological family and took his surname from the people he lived with on a sharecropping farm in North Carolina. He came to Newark almost 60 years ago and lived homeless until he got his first job for just room and board. With grit and determination, he went on to master many entrepreneurial pursuits, including becoming a licensed plumber; owning a meat market, a furniture store and a top of the line bus fleet; as well as establishing the restaurant. He founded the church in 1966 with just five people; it has grown over the years to about 900 on the church rolls. Many old-time Newark residents still remember his inspirational radio programs on the now silent WNJR and WNSW-AM, and on WLIB. “By me

knowing, and trusting, and working towards the Scripture, what you want may not come today or tomorrow, but it will come if you work long and hard enough,” Pastor Chamblee said in a 2016 interview with The Positive Community. “God will give you the answers; you can’t really be successful with the little you have unless you exercise your faith in him.” He is a true example of a community preacher, a mentor to many, and shared what he had with the people of the community.

For the last 25 years the eatery served up southern cuisine as if his patrons were sitting in his own dining room, making the rounds in the serving area wearing either his signature top hat or homburg, and giving his personal testimony while his daughters, Stephanie and Alicia, were making sure the diners were satisfied.

“Pastor Chamblee is a man who loves God and people,” one regular patron said. “He shows that in the food he serves and the people he touches.”

The monthly flea market at the church will continue and the clothing drives, in the warmer months.

Expressing the family’s gratitude for the support they received over the years, Stephanie stated, “Thank you to everyone who showed us love as we put the business to rest. We love you all. Please continue to pray with us and visit us at the church where we are still giving God praise.”

Investors is proud to support The Positive Community.

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AAAMINISTRY MINISTRY MINISTRYIN ININMOTION MOTION MOTION Mt. Mt. Mt. Pisgah Pisgah Pisgah Baptist Baptist Baptist Church Church Church The The The Positive Positive Positive Community Community Community Special Special Special Section Section Section

Presenting: Presenting: Presenting: MAAFA MAAFA MAAFA25: 25: 25: A AAStory Story Storyof of of Rebelliousness Rebelliousness Rebelliousness www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

NA NANA Winter Winter Winter 2019 2019 2019 The ThePositive The Positive Positive Community Community Community Photo: Photo: Photo: Toure Toure Toure Muhammad Muhammad Muhammad 37 Winter 2019 The Positive Community

A MINISTRY IN MOTION

MAAFA 25

Reflections From the Beginning

By Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood

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ecords show and I am told that my entry into the time sphere was June 23, 1948. Born to Palmon and Ottie Mae Youngblood, both transplants from the rurals of Louisiana and Mississippi, I was given the name Johnny Ray. In those days and before, many African Americans named their children after biblical characters or great men and women of history. My mother lays claim that she had a maternal aunt who gave birth to a son and called him Johnny Ray. My mother said she liked the name and made a decision on her own firstborn, me. Later on, I discovered a famous Las Vegas singer by the name of Johnny Ray, and I still wonder which the real influence on my mother was. I learned to spell my name from a tavern marquee that said “Johnny’s.”

For 12 years I arose to the challenges of life like a chick evolving out of an egg or a creature exiting the womb of its mother. Church and Jesus Christ were the road markers in my new 12-year journey. Inescapably enfolded by a religious mother brought up in a religious home by a father of little education (like the 2nd grade) but who operated with the wisdom of Solomon. After a move from Warnertown, Louisiana to New Orleans, to escape farming, my mother accepted my father’s proposal. Possibly providential, my parents landed an apartment with a woman who laid claim to a calling from God to be a preacher pastor. Fannie B. Jordan was her name. Fannie Jordan became a central figure or a force of almost indelible impact on our family life and yours truly as her godson. I ate, slept, and drank church for the first 12 years of my existence. Sundays and weeknights, the main course of the day was church —The Holy Family Spiritual Church of Christ.

During the day I had a Roman Catholic school chaser, so I claim the status of church mutt.

A Fortunate Opportunity To my surprise and chagrin, in August of 1960, the late Bishop Thomas Benjamin Watson, graduate of Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, awarded me or handcuffed me with an unsolicited local preacher’s license. He claimed he and others “saw the mark” and recognized a calling on my life and thus the license. Shocked and afraid, I received as numbly as I could these opportunities, responsibilities, burdens. The greatest recognition was that based on the status of preaching, my childhood was taken from me.

In mantra-like fashion, family and neighbors would chant at every opportunity “preachers don’t play ball and preachers don’t court girls.” Did I say my childhood? I meant even my humanity was taken away at 12. I was then a student at the St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. I left school on a Friday a mere student, and returned Monday a preacher, which I kept as low profile as I could. I just didn’t want the pressure, and I was so tonguetied on the explanation that I just didn’t want the hassle. A few classmates heard me on Sundays on WYLD gospel radio station and inquired as to whether or not it was me or someone else. I smiled and said, “Not me man, not me.” I made it through high school unimpeded by religious designation. However, I learned to appreciate learning blackness and even the church on another level. St. Augustine was an all African American male school, founded by the Josephite Fathers who were instituted in 1865 intentionally following the Emancipation of 1863. It was and is an experience indelibly imprinted on my very soul. I was much impressed with this expression of Roman Catholicism, but conversion for me was a no-no. I had been informed that if one was not a Roman Catholic,

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they were going to hell and though eye-catching for me, I refused to let my mother go to hell by herself because I knew she would not convert. St. Augustine studies became competitive and friends diverse and enhancing. I had a desire to focus on biology but was deeply discouraged by a faculty member’s demeaning personality and questionable depth of knowledge in the subject. My abandonment of biological studies inexplicably caused me to become a connoisseur of language. Spanish was mandatory. I had tremendous difficulty passing weekly exams during the first four weeks of the first semester. Upon approaching my teacher apologetically and inquiring how to do better, he informed me there was nothing I could do better because I was stupid. He shared that I was incapable of learning the subject matter. Stunned. Numb. I could not believe he had spoken to me that way. I challenged him as a teacher about talking to me that way, and he stood up straight, looked down at me, took his hand out of his pocket and asked what I was going to do about it. I walked away from that encounter and graduated six years later from Dillard University with a degree as a Spanish Major in Secondary Education.

My fortunate opportunity to attend college was heavily based on my mother’s constant announcement that she wanted me to go to college. I knew that at least my immediate destiny was college even before I knew what college was. I had a desire to follow in the footsteps of Bishop Watson to attend Texas Southern University in Houston Texas. Other than that, I wanted to attend Jackson State in Mississippi, but honestly, that was because of a girl in Mississippi. Finance had the final word, and I enrolled at Dillard University there in the area known as Gentilly, Louisiana. Fair Dillard, gleaming white and spacious green, became my life base for four years and oh what an experience. On the line in the application that required a declaration of a major, I chose the subject of highest grades, which turned out to be Spanish. .

On My Jericho Road Training in education was understood partly because Mama wanted me to be a teacher.

So, I entered in 1966 and exited in 1970 a seriously reshaped person. College life, unlike high school, was in my hands. Mama used to have a saying: “It’s your red wagon, you can push it or pull it.”

My inspiration to stay, study, dream, and work came from the makeup of the student body. Even now, my spirit is raised when I think about the determined young men and women, who journeyed from places never heard of — Sparta, Georgia; Opp, Alabama; Philadelphia, Mississippi; Mansfield, Louisiana; New Iberia, Louisiana; Helena, Arkansas; Rome, Georgia; and Vicksburg, Mississippi are just a few places easily spurned as country, but I somehow got the feeling that before their lives ended, they would make an impact on the COUNTRY. Some professors were brilliant beyond description: Dr. Ulysses Saucedo, Dr. Mac J. Spears, Dr. Joyce Verrett, Dr. Daniel Thompson, Dr. Frederick J. Hall, and Mrs. Betty Jackson-King were just some of the teaching faculty who helped shape and qualify my life. And who can forget the old but awesome presence of Dr. Albert W. Dent?

At Dillard, it was also my challenge to encounter fraternity life. The Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha allowed me entry as a pledge, and through struggle I crossed the burning sand into the land of a life of black and gold. My big brothers were Charles Loeb, www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Special Section Rudy Thompson, Donald Garcia, Jerry Nunnally, John T. Calhoun, and others; my own line: Michael Price, David Shelby, Charles (Fish) Joiner, and others; this was, indeed, a matter of iron sharpening iron.

I had the privilege of singing in Dillard’s concert choir; I even ran track under Coach Brown. College life at Dillard University in Louisiana was a great space with great substance. Finally, graduation loomed next on the horizon, and that drove me to the precipice of my vision. I came to recognize that my Mama had gotten her dream fulfilled, but simultaneously I knew that an academic classroom was not to be my station of service to life and humanity.

At the point of this realization, I made tracks towards Theodore K. Lawless Chapel to hear God answer my prayer of “What now Lord, what now?” That prayer moment pushed me to threaten God by offering Him one year in seminary with the expectation that He would bless my life forthwith and forever. I had gotten an offer to attend two conferences on the ministry, Colgate Rochester Divinity School (CRDS) in Rochester, N.Y. and I.T.C. (The Interdenominational Theological Center). I chose CRDS and that became my 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. I lost everything I arrived with, but regained in ways I never imagined.

On my Jericho Road, I encountered The Marauders. Like Jesus, I was left by some.

But Tom E. Diamond; Samuel McCree, Jr.; Murphy Greer; Leardrew Johnson; Werner Lemke; Henry Mitchell; Glenn H. Dubois; E.D. McNeely; L.T. Boyce; and Joseph Moore —these and others would not let me lie wounded and dying. They did not see me as half-alive, and so they stopped, they picked me up, they patched me up, and here I am today.

St. Paul Community Baptist Church Graduating from seminary, I was invited by Dr. William Augustus Jones to Bethany Church in Brooklyn. There I stayed for 361 days — faithful, loyal, and learning like mad.

From there I was deployed for 35 years into Brownsville, East New York in Brooklyn and the St. Paul Community Baptist Church, and made history.

My departure from Bethany was my launch into St. Paul Community. I had counseled with several important men about whether or not I should accept the call to pastor from this 46-year-old congregation. I had promised God I would not leave Bethany for at least two and a maximum of five years. I needed a certain kind of on-the-job training.

Bethany would be my training camp. Rev. Clifford Johnson, then a preacher out of Bethany, basically escorted me into St. Paul Community Baptist Church. Dr. Jones assured me it was my time to go and I went. I had learned, and I was full of wonder. The Holy Ghost, whom I certainly did not know as well as I know now, guided and governed me and fueled the wonder in my soul. St. Paul had come through some rather immediate turmoil. I was brought in on the tail end of this tumult, and ignorance pleaded my case. My mentors in Buffalo had taught me – no matter what – preach! I, like Jesus and John the Baptist, came preaching. I preached, I prayed, I planned, I inquired, and I implemented. These five steps gave me traction to the point that I remained 35 years at St. Paul Community — raised the budget, grew the congregation, lengthened the community, and influenced and set up role models nationwide.

Early on I had been impressed by George Bernard Shaw, poet laureate of New England. Shaw stated, “You see things; and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’” Why not operate a budget, not built on animal sacrifice (fish suppers, chicken dinners, cake sales, and anything)? Why not operate our own schools, teaching our own children from an ethnic perspective? Why not be attractive and engaging to African American males? After all, the church is the body of Christ and Christ is male. Why not be the beacon light in the dark ghetto? Why not be accountable and hold others accountable? Why not have, keep, teach, raise and invest in children and leave a legacy for them to carry out? Why not love the Lord, our God, with our minds via serious educational efforts, encourage book reading along with the Bible and have our children rise up and call us blessed.? Why not build an identity of moral and responsible leadership and chase the devil? Why not operate with a 24-hour consciousness as church?

Why not study the scriptures to “practically” live them out? These and other queries plague then and now my sense of purpose via the Christian church.

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A MINISTRY IN MOTION The MAAFA and Beyond The cynicism and the sense of nihilism that haunts black leadership and runs throughout the black community are abortive to black progress in every way. The question of what is wrong with black people was raised around me as a child, and I found it to be everywhere.

If not overtly asked, this question was an internal itch that could not be scratched. One day, tired of it being raised rhetorically, I listened attentively as a group of African American therapists brought the question to the floor. For the first time, there was an answer. I was approximately 45 years old when I heard the answer, and I bought it hook, line, and sinker. The answer to the question was black people have not mourned their losses! I held that answer in my heart and mind and then traveled to the land of the Bible. While there I visited the Wailing Wall and a connection was made. A new query was born in me: where, when, and with whom do we wail about our losses?

Books seem to come to me by divine order. Accidentally/providentially I encountered a book entitled The MAAFA and Beyond, met the author and his teacher, and they encouraged me to travel my path. I began 25 years ago in the month of September, on the 3rd Sunday. According to Dr. Kwame Ankra, that is the time the Ancestors are celebrated in Kumasi, Ghana. Because this was a maiden voyage, I needed everybody who would get on board. Sure as shootin’, others embarked on this healing journey called The MAAFA Commemoration. People like: Monica Felicia Walker; Evelyn Edmund; Glinnie Chamble; Jesse Wooden, Jr.; Jamel Gaines; Michele Hawkins-Jones; Curtis Jones; Robin Gray Bishop; Lakai Worrell; Jacquette Greene; Shawnee Benton-Gibson; Dr. Edward V. Nichols; Naheem Akbar; Marimba Ani; Douglas Redd; Erriel Robeson; Kay Wilson Stallings; Phyllis Harrell; Donna Stokes Mitchell; Riui Akinsgun; S. Pearl Sharp; Randall Robinson; Dr. Derrick Bell; Frances Cress Welsing; Anthony Browder; Dr. Jeremiah Wright; Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary, Tom Feelings, Wayne Bartow, Michael Newton, Sam Musqua, Mark Welsh, John Moran, Anisha Nabi Tribe; Norice Taylor; Martin Dixon; and more.

Not only did these marvelous people get on board, but places in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Mississippi; Texas; Maryland; and Connecticut became promised lands for the healing of history, let alone America. Other people like Rev. Freddie Haynes; Rev. Lewis Tate;, Dr. Delman Coates; Dr. Jeremiah Wright; and Dr. Otis Moss, III; and groups like The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond invited St. Paul Community and set sail for healing.

Mt. Pisgah After 35 years of congratulatory and healing service as pastor, I was deployed through prayer and circumstances to The Mount Pisgah Baptist Church yet in Brooklyn. Only 12 miles separate these two venues of service, but obedience mandated the move.

Now, 18 years in service at, through, and with the people of Mount Pisgah, a delayed explanation by The Holy Ghost makes Romans 8:28 true in my circumstance. Requested by my predecessor, Rev. George Henry Murray, at the time of his apotheosis, to come over in Macedonia (Mount Pisgah), I promised I would, with a stipulation that he had to say such to the people of Mount Pisgah.

After approximately one year of mourning Pastor Murray’s departure, Deacons Anderson, Lewis, Mariner, and Howard set a meeting, and now we are making history together. Due to the way St. Paul Community Baptist Church was organized, I was allowed time and space to serve Mount Pisgah while yet executive pastor at St. Paul Community. In this time, we have discovered history, healthily reconnected to a past irrefutably promising and powerful. A number of the people I found at Mount Pisgah have moved from time into eternity while others were diplomatically deployed by The Spirit to other venues of service, and what a testimony to the remnant that was left. Struggle has characterized our walk together, but victory, o sweet victory, is ours. As of now, we are worshipping and serving at two sites in two different communities. Each day, a staff of 26 meets to make things happen; we have come a long way in a short while. Mount Pisgah as a congregation is pregnant with possibility. “We love one another,” and we are learning to love more. Nothing for us is too good for God, and every single one of us has a new lease on life, loving, learning, and laughing.

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Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood: A Spiritual Engineer

By Glenda Cadogan

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t was an ordinary day when a 22-year-old seminary student named Johnny Ray Youngblood went to the back of his school building to pray. Gazing out into the expansive hills of Rochester, New York he imagined it looked like the temptation site when Satan showed Jesus the entire kingdom and challenged Him to jump down or bow down. “At the time I was struggling to find my way in ministry and so I offered this prayer: ‘Lord, dip your finger in your heart and then transfer one drop of your love into my heart,’” he recounts.

Now a nationally known pastor, preacher, teacher—Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood is celebrated for creating model socially relevant ministries. With this, and numerous incomparable accolades under his ministerial belt, one can reasonably concur that God not only answered this young man’s prayer, but did so handsomely. “I remember my doctor telling me that blood produces blood,” said Youngblood, executive pastor and spiritual engineer at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. “So all I needed was one drop of God’s blood because it would then reproduce in my lifetime.” And so it did.

For 35 years that drop of blood reproduced at St Paul’s

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Community Baptist Church in East New York Brooklyn, yielding tangible results like the Nehemiah Houses and the world-acclaimed MAAFA Suite. In 2002 Dr. Youngblood took the reins at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with the intention of staying for a year as a “cooling out period” ushering in his retirement. But with the infusion of “one drop of God’s blood,” and his inimitable style of ministry, Dr. Youngblood configured a new mountain top view for the congregation of the now 89-year-old church located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. In so doing, attendance has tripled in the past 17 years. “There is literal evidence week-to-week www.thepositivecommunity.com

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of a resurrection in the community, the building, and most of all the people of Mt. Pisgah,” he told The Positive Community. “Further, the fact that God sent others to help even in moments of despair, were signs that this is where I was supposed to be,” he added.

One such sign came from a young congregant whose momentarily despair transmuted into the discovery of the church’s rich history. “The young woman in training to become a teacher came to me and said she could not go on because of her memory. I redirected her to study the history of the church. What she discovered refueled the congregation because they were amazed at their history,” says Dr. Youngblood. The story tells of the church’s Founding Pastor, Salina Asa-Perry, who suffered great challenges as a woman.

Struggling to pay a $30 mortgage, Perry rallied the church through its formative years. Forging a friendship with the building’s owner—a white woman named Emma Resch, the two became trusted associates until death.

By public perception and conviction of his own words, Dr. Youngblood has been described as a freethinker and even a radical by some. In his embrace of this categorization he says: “I hide behind Jesus. A Bible story tells of Jesus going into the Temple and turning over the tables and ripping the money changers. At another time he threatened to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and rebuild it in three days. So, Jesus was an iconoclast of sorts.” He continued, “He went against tradition, yet his ultimate aim was to fulfill His tradition. Therefore, I believe the pulpit could be six feet above contradiction but not the preacher. So once again I hide behind Jesus. It is said that He was tempted in every way just like every one of us. But Jesus understood what it meant to be human. What’s happening today is that because of the R.E.V. in front of our names, some of us preachers have lost our humanity. We are so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good.”

Describing himself as “a critical lover of the Christian Church,” Dr. Youngblood explains that he is critical of church but, yet, in love with it. “I am committed to the church but my aim is to brighten the corner where I stand. I despise denominationalism; yet I am not going to parade as a nondenominalist,” he says. “My passion is to make the church what I wish it would have been when I was growing up.”

In his journey from New Orleans, Louisiana to Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Youngblood has installed many iconic pillars of liberation for black people. The most notable is The MAAFA (The Great Suffering), a program that chronicles aspects of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Now in its 25th year, the www.thepositivecommunity.com

A MINISTRY IN MOTION

program, which started at St Paul’s, has echoes in churches across the nation. “I go to tears every time I see the number 25 connected to The MAAFA,” he says. “I had no idea this thing would come to what it is today. So in following my mother’s advice to know the time and place to use big words, I would say of The MAAFA and its 25th anniversary, that I am whale proud and elephant glad,” Dr. Youngblood said jokingly.

Now it in 4th year at Mt. Pisgah, there are also MAAFA commemorations at Mount Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Ct and Mount Ennon Church in Maryland, where more than 10,000 people were seated in two days last year. According to Dr. Youngblood, this year at Mt. Pisgah, The MAAFA will focus on the rebelliousness of those who “refused to sit for what they could not stand. What we are pointing out is contrary to what people said, there were people who resisted this business of slavery and inhumanity to man. It will highlight a character named Anthony Crawford who lived in Abbeville, SC and was shot 200 times and his 300 acres of land taken away because he used an expletive on a white man.

We believe this incident may have been responsible for our Founding Pastor Salina Perry’s flight from South Carolina to New York.”

In reflection and projection, Dr. Youngblood, 70, candidly testified about being in full recovery from nine months of radical prostate cancer. “When I finished the surgery I was blessed; I needed no secondary medicine and the specimen had not reached danger proportions. I am slowly but surely winding down from my tenure at Mt. Pisgah,” he said. “I want to have some health and strength to relax and just live my life. I trust that God is going to do that for me. I am pleased that Mt. Pisgah is not the Mt. Pisgah it was when I arrived.

Nor is it the Mt. Pisgah of my predecessors. It is certainly not the Mt. Pisgah it is going to be.” With expansion in sight, a new building has been purchased in Jamaica, Queens where Dr. Youngblood plans to start an educational ministry. However, the aim is to find a new site in Brooklyn so the church’s headquarters can be maintained there.

Throughout the decades of his ministry in Brooklyn, Rev. Youngblood has created a family of the faithful in two congregations. “I do believe that if the Lord returns today, more than the Nehemiah Houses, The MAAFA, or any of the other empirical things we have created, He will say ‘Well done.’ He will say to us, ‘Well done because you have loved one another. Well done because you healed through that loving. Well done because you have seen me in each other. Well done!’”

And the people say AMEN! October 2018 The Positive Community Winter 2019

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A MINISTRY IN MOTION

MAAFA at 25

Then

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MAAFA at 25

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A MINISTRY IN MOTION

Now!

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PATRICIA BALDWIN

A MINISTRY IN MOTION

The Sounds Behind The MAAFA

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Grace & Peace Family, he drums are reminiscent of heartbeats. It is MAAFA season, a moment created to get a clear understanding of who the African in America is. In the Ki-Swahili language, MAAFA means great tragedy or disaster. It’s a reflective cry chanted by our ancestors through ripples and waves saying, “We remember you, so don’t forget us.” The sounds of the waters held our secrets as our sister Harriet Tubman sang “Wade in The Water” to guide escaping slaves off the trail and into the water to impede the slavecatchers’ dogs from tracking them.

Coming from the Middle Passage—the Trans-Atlantic voyage, the sounds of MAAFA express volumes because the power, presence, and performance define an unforgettable movement. MAAFA shows what our ancestors suffered through. Songs pressed through the struggle are evidence of our voices and our voyage. Pain couldn’t stop us; sweat didn’t hinder us; and our past won’t defeat us.

They sang from their hearts, the ringing sounds of unity.

Singing their truth, the sounds of an uprising formed in their spirit. Old Negro spirituals like “Remember Me” beseech God, confessing, “I’m faithfully waiting, I know you’re God, but remember all that I’ve done and the sacrifices I’ve made . . . just don’t forget about me, Lord.”

Thinking back on that and knowing His word like you do, you know one of God’s promises is He’ll never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 and Deut. 31:6). It is a sound of truth that cannot be denied.

Old Negro spirituals are made alive through MAAFA, but it’s the last song of the tribute, called the “Midnight Cry,” that sums it all up. What’s amazing is that it was written by a member of The Gaither Vocal Band who is not African American, but is a man who loves Christ. His lyrics reflect the joyous independence our descendants were longing for—FREEDOM! And knowing that to be with Christ is better than life, the gratitude cry shows a

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heartfelt sound. But at the Midnight Cry, the spirit will be released, and the lyrics will overwhelmingly give off a song the angels can’t sing: “I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind/And it’s closer now than it’s ever been/ I can almost hear the trumpet as Gabriel sounds the call/ At the midnight cry we’ll be going home.”

This year celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Commemoration of the MAAFA, started by Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, representing Brooklyn at both St. Paul’s and Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. We honor you for your love of history, the teachings of culture both past and present, and the impartation of The Holy Spirit through God’s Word. It is your direct connection with people that expands minds, enlightens thoughts, and rebirths songs to not just sing with melody, but with the substance and gravity of their words. Every week he says “I want the congregation to sing along,” not just because it sounds better, but because we are all in this together and WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. Winter Winter 2019 2019 The The Positive Positive Community Community

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The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years).

On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.

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

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

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

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

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

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WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…! —Adrian A. Council, Sr. The Positive Community October 2018 The Positive Community Winter 2019

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The first African-American NYS Attorney General Letitia "Tish" A. James and Rev. Dr. Robert E. Waterman Clergy leaders lay hands of prayer for the new state Attorney General Leticia James

African American Clergy in Brooklyn

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Photos: Bruce Moore

etitia "Tish" A. James visited with African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) in Brooklyn days before her inauguration as NYS Attorney General elect. The former NYC public advocate thanked members for their enthusiastic support, which propelled her to victory, becoming the first African American to hold the office of Attorney General of New York State.

The meeting at the offices of the Black Vets for Social Justice honored the memory of those who served and those we have lost. Founded in 1989, AACEO hosts a breakfast meeting every first Friday at Brooklyn’s Antioch Baptist Church. Dr. Robert M. Waterman serves as Antioch’s senior pastor and AACEO executive director.

—AAC L–R: Assemblyman Michael Blake, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Attorney General Tish James, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, and Senator Kevin Parker

L–R: Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, 81st Precinct Inspector Winston Faison, Dr. Robert M. Waterman, and Divinah Bailey www.thepositivecommunity.com

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West Harlem Group Holiday Fundraiser Community Activists Honored

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ore than 150 supporters gathered at Chocalat Restaurant in Harlem to celebrate at the special holiday fundraiser for West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. (WHGA). The annual “Continuing the Journey” event raises critical funds to support the organization’s ongoing comprehensive housing development and community programs, which help low-income families have access to safe, affordable housing; financial and nutrition education; as well as personal and professional development programs.

L–R: Kenroy Watson, president Watson Plumbing; Oswald Hancle; Donald C. Notice; and Raja Rizwan

Recognized for their leadership in community development, Assemblyman Al Taylor and Community Activist Jackie Rowe Adams each received WHGA’s 2018 Leadership and Community Service Award. Jackie Row Adams is the founder of Talented Seniors and Youth on the Move, Inc., and cofounder of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. Assemblyman Al Taylor was elected in a special election in the fall of 2017.

In addition to the festive atmosphere, guests heard special presentations on the impact of WGHA’s 47 years of building, preserving, and sustaining Harlem. —TPC Staff Photos: Bruce Moore

L–R: Londel Davis, William Allen, and Leon Ellis, owner of Chocolat

L–R: June Andrews-Henderson, deputy director WHGA and Playwright/producer, Vy Higgensen

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L–R: William Parish, CEO Noble Strategy; NY Assembly Member Al Taylor; and Charles Shorter, Ryan Health

NY Assembly Member Latrice Walker, NY Assembly Member Inez Dickens, Londel Davis, Richard Williams, Jackie Roe Adams, WGHA Executive Director Donald C. Notice, and NY Assembly Member Al Taylor

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The 2020 Census Importance and Challenges Leaders Discuss Jobs, Participation and Immigrant Question

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very 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes a mammoth task: counting all of the people living in the United States and recording basic information such as age, sex, and race. The United States' founders thought these data were so important they mandated it as part of the Constitution.

The framers of the Constitution of the United States chose population to be the basis for sharing political power, not wealth or land: Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers…

- The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 2.

Photos: Bruce Moore

Understanding the ramifications the census count means to their communities, political, business, and notfor-profit leaders came together at the Schomburg Center

L–R: Julie Menin; Mayor Bill deBlasio; Dr. John Flateau, director Census Information Center, Medgar Evers College; and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

kicking off 2019 at a news conference on January 3, 2019 to discuss the efforts to get their constituencies to participate in the 2020 Census. The potential for jobs and the need for an accurate count to be taken were uppermost in the talks. An estimated $600 billion in federal funds is up for grabs and the Census greatly influences its distribution.

The Census also determines the number of congressional representatives allotted per state, a crucial concern for New York City, since it has consistenly been undercounted.

Another issue is the demand by the Trump administration that a question be inserted into the form asking about immigration status. “For the first time in 70 years, the Census now includes a question on citizenship,” said Julie Menin, director of the Census for New York City.

“We know that this question is not only unlawful, but we know what it’s really about. Immigrants in this city and across the country know that by asking this question, the federal government seeks to silence them.” The matter will go before the Supreme Court in February. —JNW

L–R: Lloyd Williams with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

L–R: U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Union Leader Jackie Row Adams; Lloyd Williams, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; New York State NAACP President Hazel Dukes (seated) and Guest

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Education the art + science of learning

St. Augustine’s University Saved By Episcopal Church $1.1 Million “By God’s grace, I am here today and can report to you that we have saved St. Augustine’s University” — Everett Ward

Alumni Donations Up in 2018 to Record-Setting Number

BY DAVID PAULSEN — EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE (ENS)

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he Episcopal Church’s longtime support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities was credited in a major success story in Raleigh, North Carolina. St. Augustine’s University, a school the church helped establish more than 150 years ago, announced its accrediting agency had taken the institution off probation, indicating it had finally turned the corner on its financial struggles and enrollment decline.

St. Augustine’s President Everett Ward sounded euphoric at a press conference December 11,2018 to present the good news.

“By God’s grace, I am here today and can report to you that we have saved St. Augustine’s University,” Ward said, according to the News & Observer. In a subsequent press release, Ward, a St. Augustine’s graduate, touted a “turnaround strategy” that drew support from alumni, faculty, students, and community partners.

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“I would like to especially highlight and thank the Episcopal Church for its unwavering support,” Ward said in the press release. “From Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s letters and encouragement, to the church’s HBCU committee and their consultants’ foundational, administrative, and advisory support, and to all who offered gifts of prayer as well as financial contributions.”

The Episcopal Church at one point supported 11 HBCUs in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Only two remain.

The two survivors are St. Augustine’s and the much smaller Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina.

The Episcopal Church has invested millions of dollars in the two schools in recent years while also providing administrative guidance and fundraising support. Voorhees’ accreditation was not in doubt, but in 2016, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ accreditwww.thepositivecommunity.com

ing board placed St. Augustine’s on probation because of concerns about its financial security.

When the board met last weekend, the stakes were high for St. Augustine’s. Losing accreditation could have dealt a devastating and potentially fatal blow to the school. Instead, the board decided to renew St. Augustine’s accreditation for 10 years. Saint Augustine’s reported a record-setting number of donations during its 2018 calendar year-end closeout campaign, raising a total of $309,416 in a 30-day period. The University received the bulk of these donations from alumni, faculty, staff, and students. This year, a surprising number of foundations and community organizations participated in the campaign. This historic calendar year-end closeout campaign comes on the heels of the most successful GIVING TUESDAY campaign.

“It’s really a wonderful time, not only for St. Aug’s, but the church can be very proud that one of its institutions will continue to provide quality education for students and support for their families, and continue to exist for the years to come,” the Rev. Martini Shaw told Episcopal News Service by phone after the announcement.

Shaw is rector at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia and serves as chair of the HBCU committee of the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council.

The church’s recent work with HBCUs coincides with an emphasis on racial reconciliation under the leadership

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Photos courtesy St. Augustine’s

of Bishop Curry, though Episcopal ties to these academic institutions dates back further to the post-Civil War period.

Colleges and universities like St. Augustine’s and Voorhees were founded to provide educational opportunities to black men and women who were excluded from white institutions of higher learning because of segregation.

St. Augustine’s was established in 1867 by the Episcopal Church and opened its doors the following January.

The school that later would become Voorhees College was founded in 1897, and the Episcopal Church has supported it since 1924.

About 100 such schools are still open today across the United States, accepting students of all races.

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ECC: 50 Years of Excellence And Opportunity A Zachary Yamba Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner

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he decorations sparkled at Mayfair Farms, West Orange, NJ on November 28, 2018, where Essex County College celebrated the institution’s 50th anniversary. Honoring their President Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba as part of the celebration, the Essex County College Board of Trustees and the Essex County College Foundation presented the A. Zachary Yamba Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner. —JNW

L–R: ECC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, President Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, Hon. Mildred Crump, and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

L–R: Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Slaughter; Board Secretary Alfred H. Bundy (at podium); Dr. A. Zachary Yamba; Michellene Davis, Esq.; and Bishop Reginald T. Jackson

L–R: Student Government Association President Nelson Ejezie, President Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Johanna Navas, and Javan Wilson

Photos: Joseph Allem

L–R: Rev. Dr. Mamie Bridgeforth with President Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba

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L–R: TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.; Vice Chancelor Marcia Brown, Esq, Rutgers Newark; and Bishop Jethro C. James of Paradise Baptist Church www.thepositivecommunity.com

MLK Day Observance Berkeley College Students Volunteer for Community Service PHOTOS AND TEXT COURTESY BERKELEY COLLEGE

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erkeley College students commemorated the impact of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through community service initiatives in New York and New Jersey this month. Each year, the federal Corporation for National and Community Service encourages MLK Day of Service, an effort to bridge barriers, create solutions, and move individuals closer to Dr. King’s vision of community.

In New York, Berkeley College students visited AHRC New York City facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn to support residents with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders. In Westchester County, volunteers sorted and packed boxes of food for families at Feeding Westchester in Elmsford, NY. Students and staff also collected nonperishable food items for Citymeals on Wheels and made sandwiches to distribute to the homeless through the #Hashtag Lunchbag initiative.

In New Jersey, Berkeley College volunteers visited senior citizens at New Life Adult Day Care in Paramus and made no-sew fleece blankets for hospitalized children through Project Linus. Students in Newark, NJ, learned about bone marrow donation through the Icla da Silva Foundation, a recruitment center for Be the Match.

Community service at Berkeley College is organized through Berkeley Cares, which in 2019 celebrates 10 years of volunteerism and community outreach in areas such as food, shelter health and student success.

Berkeley College students Gabrielle Peralta of Newark, NJ; AJ Sutterlin of Little Falls, NJ; and Javon Parker of East Orange, NJ create no-sew blankets for Project Linus on MLK Day of Service. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Javon Parker of East Orange, NJ displays a completed blanket to be donated to the Project Linus initiative for hospitalized children.

Berkeley College students Stevenson Beauvais of Brooklyn; Ayana Hogg of Washingtonville, NY; and Madina Maiga of Brooklyn make sandwiches for the homeless as part of #Hashtag Lunchbag on MLK Day of Service.

Berkeley College students (back row) Kiana Grandson of Brooklyn, Jermaine Coley of Laurelton in Queens, William Ford of New Rochelle, and Adanna Roberts; and (front row) Makale Sylla, Madina Maiga, Margaret Murray, and Anahka Barker, all of Brooklyn, volunteer with AHRC New York City on MLK Day of Service.

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Clement A. Price Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience Presents:

The

Erotic as Power: Image Credit: Mickalene Thomas, Clarivel #5 (2014)

Sexuality and the Black Experience

The 39th Annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019 SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS:

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

E Patrick Johnson Ethnographer & Performer Northwestern University

The Paul Robeson Campus Center Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Marcus Hunter, Sociologist, UCLA

350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Newark, New Jersey 07102

Alexis Pauline Gumbs Educator & Poet University of Minnesota

For more information, visit ethnicity.rutgers.edu or call 973-353-3891

MCNY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMNI WHOSE PURPOSE IS CHANGE! The Metropolitan College of New York Community is proud to honor alumni who are devoted contributors to their communities to promote and encourage positive change.

GARY JENKINS | FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Gary is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality for 3 million New Yorkers through his work at HRA. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Kappa Beta Sigma chapter located in Brooklyn, NY, where he serves as the chair of the Social Action committee, striving to serve those in need within their communities.

SHANA MELIUS | COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS MANAGER NYC Councilman Andy King and Co-founder of non-profit organization Preserve Our Legacy

Shana Melius is a history maker, having co-written the legislation for Jaden’s Law, the first legislation in the United States designed to save lives by promoting Bone Marrow Donation and Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC). She continues this mission through Preserve Our Legacy while working with Councilman Andy King on outreach and events on issues that affect our communities.

Born out of the idealism and turbulence of the times, Metropolitan College of New York was founded in 1964. Now, over 50 years and 13,000 graduates later, MCNY continues to EMPOWER students to become effective and productive change agents impacting OUR COMMUNITIES.

mcny.edu

|

212.343.1234

MCNY is a non-profit institution with campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx.

Where Opportunity Meets Excellence UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K A NSCEHAOR RC H IN T SI TE U N IECW PARROKG , RofA N RE - BS A D TAI O CN A DinE M M ES W A R K

R EP SE ER A IRECNHT -I BAA AN C IANDGE, ML IOCC A PR OYG R A MGSL O B A L L Y EX L SLEEDA R LL and E PE ER R SI EE NSTTIU AD L ELNE TA Rand NIN GC, UL L OTCYA L GL DX IV FA C LOYM and MUN I TOYB A L L Y D NU T Cand AN CULTY COMMUNITY A IFVF EORRSDE ASBTLUED EE D ATF IO AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

Visit Us. Learn More. Apply.

Visit Us. Learn More. Apply.

NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU

Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Meets Meets Excellence Excellence

Photo: Karen Waters

Reverend Marilyn Monroe Harris New President of United Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc.

U

nited Missionary Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc. (UMBCNJ) installed their new president, Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, in a sacred service on December 7, 2018 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ. Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell, senior professor of Ministry Studies at New York Theological Seminary, preached the installation service.

As part of their mission, UMBCNJ seeks to equip its constituent churches with the necessary resources to provide biblical and relevant ministry in their communities according to the biblical mandate of Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42-47, and Ephesians 4:11-13. Auxiliaries and departments work together to provide authentic Christian fellowship, nurturing and strenthening churches to become better able to responsibly represent Christ.

“There is much to be done to advance the gospel message of Jesus Christ. We will work together in unity to accomplish it,” stressed Dr. Harris in her remarks. —TPC Staff To see more photos please visit www.positivecommunity.com

Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., Senior Pastor

Rev. David Francis, Assistant Pastor

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2019

-

-

Harlem Renaissance Man

Dean of Doctoral Studies

Biblical Traveler Extraordinaire

Theologian

Biblical Historian

Administrator

Prolific Author

Strategist

Genuine Humanitarian

Musicologist

Civil Rights Activist

Photographer August 16, 1929 - January 23, 2018

10:00 A.M. Worship Service- Rev. Dr. Alan V. Ragland, Pastor Emeritus, Third Baptist Church of Chicago Special Presentation: The Dr. & Mrs Wyatt Tee Walker Collection by Taylor McNeilly, Archivist, University of Richmond 3:00 P.M. Concert Choir Tribute- Canaan Music & Arts Ministries, Special Guests (Canaan Reunion Choir)

1 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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” Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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The Newark Public Library in partnership with the PNC Foundation is proud to present the 2019 Black History Celebration HIP HOP, now in its fifth decade, continues to influence, intrigue and inspire locally and globally.

The exhibit will feature photos, artifacts, lyrics and commentary about four elements of Hip Hop: DJ-ing, MC-ing, Graffiti and Breaking/Breakdancing. Newark and New Jersey are at the foundation of this lifestyle and continue to produce music, dictate style and deliver artists today.

HIP HOP: NEWARK BEYOND AND

Saturday, February 16

Saturday, February 2 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (Children) | 2:30 – 4:30 pm (Adults)

JAMES BROWN AFRICAN AMERICAN ROOM (JBAAR — 2ND FLOOR)

MAURICE CHESTNUT

Saturday, February 16 VIKKI TOBAK

Thursday, February 7 (Snow date: 2/12) 6:00–8:00 pm | Doors Open 5:30 pm BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION GRAND OPENING

EXHIBITION: The World is Yours — Hip Hop: Newark and Beyond

Free parking is available at the Essex County (Bears/Eagles Stadium) Parking Deck on Bridge Street

Guest Speakers: VIKKI TOBAK, Author, Contact High: A Visual History of Hip Hop and ERNIE PANICCIOLI, Author, Hip Hop at the End of the World. Performance: SAMAD SAVAGE, Rapper.

2:00 – 4:30 pm

JBAAR (2ND FLOOR)

#BlackLivesMatter-Newark 2019 Hip Hop: History, Activism & Entrepreneurship

JBAAR (2ND FLOOR)

A marathon screening of some of the most popular Hip Hop feature films including Beat Street, Krush Groove, and Wild Style along with the inspiring documentary The Hip Hop Project.

A two-part program covering the origins of Hip Hop dance.

Choreographers will discuss how this urban art form evolved from the music, sample some of the popular moves, like “popping” and “locking” and bring it all together in a choreographed routine that participants will perform at the end of the workshop. Choreographers LESLIE LUCY and JERRYL SHARIF.

JBAAR (2ND FLOOR)

12 noon – 5:00 pm

Hip Hop Film Festival

Hip Hop Dance-a-thon Hosted by Maurice Chestnut

Saturday, February 9

the w is

SAMAD SAVAGE

DUPRE KELLY

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

CENTENNIAL HALL

African-American Day Celebration/Children and Families

A celebration of Culture, Equality and Afrocentricity This event for families and children will feature poetry, Dupré “Doitall” Kelly Entertainer/Businessman/Philanthrop dancers, storytellers, music and refreshments.

Presented inDupré partnership with the Kelly, Samson(one-third Lodge #66 “DOITALL” of the Legendary tr of the PrinceThe Hall Underground) Grand Lodge F. gave & A.M., usNew fiveJersey number one hits inclu

records like “​Chief Rocka” and “​Funky Child”​. With over the music business, Dupré and his group have inspired man musicians B.I.G with “​Machine Gun F 5:30-10:30 pm such as Notorious Free parking is available at the host of others. In 1993, they would go on to win the BET R Essex (Bears/Eagles Stadium) CENTENNIAL HALL Parking Deck on Bridge Street the Year Award.

Friday, February 22

After Work In 1994 the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey Sharpe James, w Hip Hopthe Dance Party! group with their very own day making Wednesday, Sep

DJ WALLAHLords will “spin” some of the old school hip hop of the Underground Day. Dupré’s has organize the l classics from such artists as Grand Master Flash, Run funeral ever in Newark bringing together funeral homes and various institutions from all five Panelists: Moderator DUPRE KELLY, (AKA DoItAll from Lords of the DMC, Tribe Called Quest; Outkast, Naughty By Nature never allowed hischart location or circumstances to dictate Underground), VINNIE ROCK (Naughty By Nature), THE AWESOME TWO, city to participate. Heand contemporary toppers like Cardi B., Jay Z, his desire to hel (Old School Jersey DJs SPECIAL K and TEDDY TED) and VAUGHAN LEE go on to partner withDrake Hip-Hop Flint to raise enough money to put over 500 water filtratio and 4others.

(DJ Cool V) and other guests. homes throughout DJ WALLAH the city of Flint, Michigan. Never one to leave out his hometown, Dupré a were able to negotiate 200 extra systems for families in Newark.

EXHIBITION

February 7 through

April 30, 2019 2ND FLOOR GALLERY

www.npl.org

Curators: Dr. Zain Abdullah, Consultant & Temple University Associate Professor and Dupré is a product of the Newark Public School system starting at Madison Avenue Elem Dale E. Colston, Esq., Librarian, James Brown African American Room, Newark Public Library transferring to and graduating from 13th Avenue Elementary school, then attending Es The exhibition is open during normal Library hours Monday through Saturday, with free admission.

Vocational and Technical School (Newark Tech). He would go on to attend the Histori Group visits and College more details readily available the andare University, Shaw from University where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alph James Brown African American which Room:he 973-733-5411.

Incorporated, credits as being a game changer in his life.

is the CEO of DoItAll Media Group, formerly known as 211 Media Group, a co Duprégeneral All programs are free and open to the public. specializes in all aspects of media, television and film production as well as event p The Newark Public Library PNC Foundation is proud to support thefor the annual Lincoln Park Music Festiv consulting. DoItAll Media Group has co-producers 5 Washington Street Newark Public Library’s Black History of​ ​Peace Festival, and the Family Unity Festival which are all held in Newark, NJ. Celebration exhibition and public programs Newark, NJ 07102

Dupré is one of the founders of a not-for-profit 501c3 company, 211 Community Impact (21 is a grassroots organization on the ground in Newark, impacting the communities address homelessness, mental health and wellness, education, gun violence and youth initiatives. H base the company in the city of Newark, where he was born and raised and credits for helpin who he is today.

Culture

music, art + literature Council President Crump presents Bishop Hughes with Newark City seal Photos: Raymond Hagans

Seated L–R: Bishop Carlye Hughes and Council President Mildred C. Crump Standing L–R: Dr. Mamie Bridgeforth, Rev. Louise Rountree, Rev. Lauren Ackland, Sheila Barcus, Dr. Stephanie Steplight, Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Atiya Rashidi, Jennifer Fell Hayes, Dr. Douglas Bendall, and Gwen Moten

L–R: Sarah Pena, Bishop Carlye Hughes, and Dr. Diane Hill, Rutgers Newark

Lunch with Bishop Carlye J. Hughes

R

t. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, the recently installed leader of the Episcopal District of Newark, was the special guest at a luncheon hosted by Hon. Mildred Crump, Newark Council president at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Many of Newark’s leading ladies in government, clergy, business, community service, and others had the opportunity to

L–R: Derrick Green, adviser to Gov. Phil Murphy with Newark Public Schools Superintendent, Roger Leon

meet and chat with Bishop Hughes, the first African American to lead the Newark Episcopal Diocese.(See cover story in The Positive Community, October 2018 issue) Among those on hand to welcome Bishop Hughes at the December 6 event were John Schreiber, NJPAC president and CEO; and Roger Leon, Newark Public Schools Superintendent. —JNW L–R: Bishop Hughes, John Schreiber, NJPAC and Hon. Mildred Crump

L–R: Rev. Lauren Ackland; Diane Sammons, Esq.; Bishop Carlye Hughes; and Marilyn Monroe Harris, Newark Beth Israel www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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The String Queens, L–R: Violinist Kendall Isadore, Cellist Élise Cuffy, and Violist Dawn Johnson L–R: Lata Reddy, SVP Diversity Prudential; Prudential Vice Chair Mark B.Grier and his wife Kathy; Natalie and Obie McKenzie L–R: Ray and Vivian Chew L–R: Pastor Mary Searight and Bishop George

A Night of Inspiration All-Star Lineup/Sold-Out Performance

I

t was truly a Night of Inspiration at Carnegie Hall, the iconic concert hall in the heart of New York City.

In a collaboration that began nearly a decade ago, husband and wife team Ray and Vivian Chew presented a diverse, star-studded line-up. The venue was packed — every seat in the more than 2,804 capacity was filled.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to lead a group of world-renowned artists on the great stage of Carnegie Hall to perform inspired music, dance, and

spoken word” said Ray Chew. “Vivian and I are appreciative of the wonderful responses we’ve received. Thank you to our supporters and the staff at Carnegie Hall. We look forward to our next Night of Inspiration.”

Performers included Lukas and Katia Bartunek, Regina Belle, Shirley Caesar, Jenna Downs, Jessie Downs, Travis Greene, J J. Hairston, Koryn Hawthorne, Adrienne Bailon Houghton, Israel Houghton, Kenny Lattimore, Ledisi, Patricio Molina,

BeBe Winans and Kenny Lattimore

Kamri Peterson, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Richard Smallwood, Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, BeBe Winans, and The String Queens.

It’s always a thrilling experience to hear acclaimed composer, music director, and producer Ray Chew— along with his co-producer, Vivian Scott Chew—lead uplifting music by great soloists, outstanding instrumental ensembles, and unforgettable surprises. We can’t wait for next year’s concert. — JNW Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Richard Smallwood (at piano), Cantor Azi Schwartz, Iyanla Vanzant, Regina Belle, Shirley Caesar, and G. Keith Alexander

62

The Positive Community Winter 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

experience hendrix Fri, Mar 29 @ 8PM An all-star salute to the great Jimi Hendrix: Billy Cox, Joe Satriani, Jonny Lang, Dave Mustaine, Taj Mahal and others!

alvin ailey american dance theater may 10–12

valentine’s all-star comedy show with Michael Blackson, John Witherspoon, Luenell & Bill Bellamy Thu, Feb 14 @ 8PM Treat your sweetheart to a hilarious night of stand-up!

patti labelle with special guest Freddie Jackson Fri, Feb 15 @ 8PM A romantic Valentine’s weekend concert with soulful, GRAMMY-winning diva Patti LaBelle and R&B hitmaker Freddie Jackson.

chick corea trilogy

russell peters Deported World Tour Sat, Feb 16 @ 7 & 9:30PM Emmy—and Peabody Awardwinning stand-up superstar Russell Peters brings his brand-new tour to NJPAC!

with Christian McBride & Brian Blade and special guest Joey Alexander Fri, Apr 12 @ 8PM The GRAMMY-winning trio of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.

#NJPAC 1.888.GO.NJPAC njpac.org/northjersey Groups of 9 or more 973.353.7561 One Center Street Newark, NJ

dance series

ladies night out! comedy tour Adele Givens, Sherri Shepherd, Loni Love, Janelle James & NeNe Leakes Sat, Mar 9 @ 8PM A hilarious evening with five of the funniest women in America!

duke ellington’s

sophisticated ladies

Sun, Mar 17 @ 3PM An interactive concert featuring your favorite Disney characters.

winter_NJPAC_ad_positive_community-3.indd 1

Mar 21–24 The high-style music of “The Duke” is the heart and soul of this Tony-winning hit, directed by André De Shields.

A co-production of NJPAC and Crossroads Theatre Company

1/31/19 2:21 PM

Black History Foot Soldiers in the Struggles For Black Equality and Empowerment In Newark, NJ.

—RiseUp Newark

Larrie West Stalks (1925 – 2015) Newark’s First Black Cabinet Member Director of Health & Welfare 1967

In 1966 Calvin West (1933- ) became Newark’s First Black Councilman-at-Large –1966

Calvin West and Larrie West Stalks Brother & Sister Who went above and beyond for Newark

Portrait of an Artist POSITIVEMUSIC

MATTERS

LAIONA MICHELLE

!

Little Girl Blue Is Feeling Good and She’ll Put a Spell on You

By R.L. Witter To Be Young, Gifted, and Black

Laiona Michelle warms up in rehearsal.

L

aiona Michelle owes me some hash browns. While that’s one of the strangest opening lines I’ve ever written, it’s absolutely true. While preparing breakfast prior to our interview and listening to her rendition of “Daybreak,” I turned up the volume and stepped outside for a moment. Transported by the lush vocals, I hadn’t realized I was not traveling solo. My neighbor had poked her head over the wall. “WHAT are you listening to and WHO IS THAT?!?!” We proceeded to marvel at and discuss the sounds of Laiona Michelle and I returned to my kitchen 20 minutes later to find burnt potatoes and onions in a skillet.

66 The Positive Community 66 The Positive Community

Winter 2019 Winter 2019

When not causing folks to burn a perfectly good meal, Laiona Michelle is burning up stages—doing what she was born to do. It all began in church; it all began with God. “That was my only platform at the time,” Michelle explained.

“My grandmother was the head missionary at our church.

Thank God I had a grandmother who recognized my love for performance. We’d put on plays in church and I’d sing,” she said with quiet reverence. “I was performing before I realized I was performing. I was singing in church—I was in charge of the ‘Sunshine Band’ for four to eight-year-olds.

I was singing lead and making up the routines and then I became group leader for the junior choir, and the teen choir—the older kids.” Laiona’s talent and energy were and still are both boundless. “I was often sat down in church for doing too much,” she chuckled.

That might have been the last time she sat down because Laiona Michelle has been busy on and off-Broadway. In addition to her stellar Broadway debut as Nanna in Amazing Grace, Michelle has played everything from Shakespeare’s Calpurnia to an American war veteran on stage. Television audiences might recognize her from parts in Law & Order, The Blacklist, and Sneaky Pete. Yes, if the beauty of her voice doesn’t get you, her stunning good looks will. But Laiona Michelle is far more than a pretty face.

Take My Hand Precious Lord

Later, when other avenues and opportunities were presented to her, Michelle recalled her grandmother’s sage words.

“She told me, ‘Whatever you do, do it for God. That’s all you’ve got to worry about, so lend your talent toward praise.’” Those words still resonate today as she pushes her own boundaries and auditions for secular roles. “I’ve done some pretty out there stuff,” she said with a laugh.

“I’ve done The Book of Mormon, which is quite racy. But I understood what she meant, and it takes away so much of the pressure. When I go to audition and I feel the judgment www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Laiona Michelle transforms into Nina Simone for Little Girl Blue.

and eyeballs on me telling me to prove myself—I don’t have to do that. You can’t teach what God gave you.”

God gave her plenty: talent, brains, beauty, and faith.

And Laiona Michelle is both grateful and acutely aware of the moment when that became crystal-clear to her. “It was in church,” she recalls. She was about 13 and her voice was changing so she wasn’t hitting every note just right. “I could see and hear people in the congregation laughing at me.”

After singing she retreated to the church bathroom; she cried and prayed. “I loved singing, but I couldn’t get control of my voice. So I prayed. And I remember God speaking to me. He said, ‘Just give it over to me. You’ve got to surrender ALL.’” So she surrendered and came to a realization at 13 years old, alone in a church bathroom. “No matter how my voice sounds, no matter how my feet will or won’t dance the moves, as long as I do it purely and do it for God, I’m good. I can own that. God has carried me with that and he has been my greatest teacher. I feel that God planted a seed inside me that day.”

Let It Be Me

Having stepped into the shoes of various characters and historical figures including Dinah Washington and Ida B. Wells, Michelle has recently undertaken her most grand project. “I found myself being at the table where my story is being written, but not by anybody who looks like me and feeling compelled to be an advisor across the table saying, ‘Maybe I could change that line to this or say it like that…’”

More often than not, her suggestions were overlooked and unappreciated, so one day while venting her frustration her manager said, “Then Laiona, why don’t you just start writing?” Neither one to back away from an artistic challenge, nor one to disappoint—Michelle began writing and the result, Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical, is now on stage at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ. “It’s so important that we write our own stories,” she stressed.

“And thank God there’s finally room at the table for people who’ve been asking for it.”

Little Girl Blue

Michelle grew up with Nina Simone’s music, “My mom had her records and I’d get in trouble for trying to play them because I might scratch them,” she remembers. “I knew her songs, but I recall hearing ‘Mississippi Goddam’ in college and really understanding what it was saying for the first time.” She also felt a vocal kinship with the late High Priestess of Soul, “Her texture… our voices have a similar www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

An iconic photo of Nina Simone

texture,” she said wistfully. “I was fascinated by how she sang the rough edges and how she phrased music as well.” She chuckled as she explained how some of the similarity ended there. “She showcased her classical training. I had piano lessons, too; and I can recall ruining Bach and the classics. As I got older and listened to Nina I realized what she was doing with her musical vocabulary, I was amazed by how incredibly brilliant she was. She hid all that classical training in what some would think is a simple, bouncy song like ‘Love Me or Leave Me’—but I hear it! I hear her sneak some Bach in her playing and I love it!” Michelle lights up as she discuss Simone’s music and her excitement is unmistakable. “She was both a musical and civil rights trailblazer!”

God knew what he was doing when He put it on Michelle’s heart to write and perform Little Girl Blue. “I know I was called to write this piece, and I feel really honored to perform it as well,” she said. “She did a lot of covers and made every one of them her own. Randy Newman’s ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today’ has been done so many times. But the heartache she brings to it, that’s Nina’s song,” Michelle declared. “She was so good at bringing her life to a song; her whole world came with her when she sang. She gave a master class every time she performed, and that’s the kind of artist I aim to be… She was so brave.”

Take Care of Business

Before she even took the stage as Nina, Michelle was already working on her next project. While others might have opted to slow down a bit, maybe do something less strenuous, and rest on their laurels for a bit, that thought never crossed her mind. And as a truly gifted artist, she’s aiming high with this one, too. “I’m working on a musical about Nelson Mandela,” she said nonchalantly as only a humble, nascent superstar can. “Wait for this one and it’s coming fast. It’s a big ol’ musical and I have a great team—I’m really excited.”

When she’s not ruining breakfast, gracing stages, or writing musical tributes to our cultural icons and heroes, does Laiona Michelle have the energy to do anything more than sleep? But of course. She loves her dog and even has a line of custom-made doggy bow ties. She’s also an avid tennis player, although she admits, “My game could use some improvement.” She loves vinyl records and checking out thrift stores, and she’s trying to make more time to date. “I want a love story,” she sighed as our time together neared its end.

Somehow, I get the feeling she just might write her own love story… If and when she does, it’ll be lush, beautiful, and filled with music.

Winter 2019 The Positive Community Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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L–R: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Saunders, Host Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter, and NJ Gov. Phil Murphy

L–R: Bishop William L. Cahoon, NJ Gov. Phil Murphy, Bishop Anthony Gilyard, and Dianne Keel Atkins

NJ Governor Phil Murphy Speaks At St. James A.M.E.

“I

promised that I would be your governor, not the governor of special interests,” Murphy told t he audience gathered at St. James A.M.E Church in Newark on December 19, 2018.

In discussing his successes on specific policies his administration has had in the nearly a year since his inauguration, the Governor mentioned the state’s new equal-pay provision and his own free community college program, among others.

Photos: Raymond Hagans

“We gave every worker in our state the peace of mind that they can take a day off when they are sick or need to tend to a sick family member without fear of losing a day’s pay,” Murphy said. “A paid sick day shouldn’t just be a benefit given to some workers, but to everyone.”

Other measures such as minimum wage and marijuana, have run into roadblocks on their way to legalization.

In addition to the St. James congregation members, the interfaith event attracted members from other churches and denominations. —JNW

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce End of Year Gala Salutes Women Photos: Seitu Oronde

L-R: Dr. Hazel Dukes, Jackie Roe Adams, and Elinor Tatum

L–R: Patricia Ricketts, Honoree Marci McCall, and Voza Rivers

he Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) chose the iconic Alhambra Ballroom to host their year-end gala on December 18, 2018. Along with the merriment and holiday cheer, awards and honors were presented to NYPD Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison and Entrepreneur Marvin Kelly of Art of Leather. Introduced

by GHCC President Lloyd Williams as “three amazing women transforming our world: Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, NAACP NYS Conference president; Elinor Tatum, Amsterdam News publisher; and Jackie Rowe-Adams, co-founder of Harlem

Mothers S.A.V.E.; received special awards.

The annual Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce End of the Year Gala serves as an opportunity for our members, friends, and supporters to assist deserving children, youth, and seniors in the Greater Harlem area.

“Each year, we collect warm winter clothing items for our beloved seniors and educational items and toys for our children and youth. We are thankful you have joined with us in this special effort, and are truly appreciative of your donations!” —TPC Staff

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The Positive Community Winter 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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$7 Lunch Specials

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Little Girl

THRU FEB. 24

Blue

The Nina Simone Musical

by Jiréh Breon Holder directed by LA Williams

for your

pocket

by Laiona Michelle music by Nina Simone & others directed by Devanand Janki

too heavy

An award-winning new play about the Freedom Rides of the American civil rights movement

APRIL 23 - MAY 19 SAVE 35% OFF TICKETS! USE CODE: TH35*

Hurry — offer ends April 1! *Valid only on premium tickets for Too Heavy for Your Pocket.

Subject to availabilty, not valid on previous purchases, and may not be combined.

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE TIX | GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org • 732-246-7717 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

David Saint, Artistic Director • Kelly Ryman, Managing Director

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

Winter 2019 The Positive Community

71

BOOK Release NEW

from Leary Bonnett

Pick up your copy today. Available in paperback at Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bookstores

“This book is nott about fformulas, even evven though we we of oft oftentimes entimes wish that w we had a fail-safe method that might be employed to insulate us from the harsh realities of life that grate at the core of our being; it is a book about faith. Not a sentimental or simplistic whistling in the dark kind of faith, but the kind of faith that is anchored in a God that empowers us to move on up the rough side of the mountain even when all the external evidence tell us that we should give up.�

For more information or to schedule a book signing contact Leary Bonnett at bonnettleary@gmail.com.

# L AT E T H U R S D AY S

ART ART REMIX: REMIX:

The

NINA SIMONE Edition

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2019

at the Newark Museum

FREE for members and Newark residents.

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES MAKERSPACE THE BLACK SCHOOL CREATIVE PLAY FAMILY GALLERY PROGRAM

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Feb 21 6-9 pm; Doors open at 5 FREE ADMISSION

LATE THURSDAYS February 21 | 6-9 pm ART REMIX II: THE NINA SIMONE EDITION

For more details: newarkmuseum.org/BHM

Live Art Battle | Live Entertainment VR Experience | Headwrap Demos Art-making | Guided Tour www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Newark Gets New Official Historian Mayor Appoints Junius Williams L–R: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with Historian Junius Williams

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ewark native, educator, lawyer, activist, and author Junius Williams has worn many hats in his lifetime. On December 10, 2018, Williams was named official historian for the city of Newark by Mayor Ras Baraka.

Williams recently retired as director of the RutgersUniversity Abbott Leadership Institute (ALI) which he founded in 2003. Designed to teach parents, students, teachers, and community members how to make public schools better by improving the public school system, ALI’s programs have helped more than 4,500 parents become enlightened advocates for their children.

Born and raised in Newark,Williams graduated from Amherst College and Yale Law School. He worked in the front lines of the Civil Rights era, with Tom Hayden and the Students for a Democratic Society, and in 1978, became the youngest person ever elected president of the National Bar Association.

Working to change the way the city provided housing and commercial development for its residents, Williams served as director of Community Development and the Model Cities Program for the City of Newark,. His memoir, “Unfinished Agenda, Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power,” is a must read and regarded as a road map for addressing poverty, failing schools, and crime.

Newark had been without an official Historian since the death in 2014 of Clement Alexander Price. Price, an award-winning historian and scholar whose class on Newark’s history was one of the most popular at Rutgers was named to City Historian in 2014. He chaired the planning committee for Newark’s 350th anniversary celebrations to be held in 2016. Tragically, Clement Price died in 2014.

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Previous to Price, Charles Cummingsheld the position beginning in 1988, and served concurrently as head of the Newark Public Library’s New Jersey Information Center. He led walking tours of the city and wrote a weekly column on Newark’s history in the Star-Ledger until his death in 2005. —JNW

Junius Wil liams on th e cover o TPC Octo f ber 2015 www.thepositivecommunity.com

2019!

FEB 2 Oliver Lake

MARCH 2 Catherine Russell APRIL 6 Reggie Workman MAY 4 Don Braden w/ Vanessa Rubin

JUNE 1 NJPAC Wells Fargo Jazz For Teens hg

Admission is Free! Secured onsite parking is Free!

Jazz At Bethany is co-sponsored by NJPAC. For more info visit www.bethany-newark.org/jazz.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Beulah Bible

Cathedral Church

80th Anniversary “A Faithful God & A Faithful Church” The Cosmopolitan

1377 NJ-23, Wayne, NJ 07470 (973) 633-5111

APRIL 7, 2019 5:00–9:00PM Tickets: Adult $175 Children: Ages 13–15 $75 • Ages 5–12 $45 Reverend Dr. Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor www.thebeulahbiblecathedralchurch.org 973.642.4817

Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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John B. Houston Funeral Home, Inc.

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W W W. JOH N B H O U S TON F U N E R A L H OM E . C OM

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Doing Unto Other Nationalities “You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”

—Exodus 22:21 New Revised Standard Version “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

—Matthew 5:17 New International Version

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s I write this column, components of the U.S. government continue to argue with each other over whether to build a physical wall between the United States and Mexico. The U.S. President seeks approval to build the wall to keep Mexicans and Central and South Americans out of the United States, but Democratic members of Congress oppose it.

To pressure his opponents, President Trump has instituted a government shut-down, ceasing to pay salaries to 800,000 U.S. government employees.

Hopefully, by the time you read this column during or after February 2019, the issue will have been resolved in accordance with God’s will that we help people in need.

But whether or not it is resolved, we should continue to seeking God’s instruction as expressed in the Bible.

After Christopher Columbus’s 1492 “discovery” of the “New World,” what we now call Mexico became a colony of Spain, along with much of the “New World” south and north of present-day Mexico. These areas included much of what became the southwestern United States, including Texas and California.

During the 1800s, the United States expanded its western border to the Pacific Ocean, essentially via conquests of Native American peoples and purchases from European colonial powers.

The southwestern United States, including Texas, California, and much of the area in between, was formerly part of Mexico. During the 1800s, American settlers in Texas rebelled against Mexico and achieved independence. Separately, the United States fought against Mexico (the “Mexican War”), and thereby gained control of what now constitutes the American Southwest, and includes many states, stretching from Texas to California. Within present day Mexico, “mestizos” (persons of

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mixed Native-American and European-American blood) comprise a significant component of the Mexican population.

Interestingly, General Robert E. Lee commanded the U.S.A. army forces that won the Mexican War. This was the same Robert E. Lee who, later, in the 1860s, commanded the Confederate army that lost to the Union army in the American Civil War. I believe Christians should work to neither repeat nor build upon the evils of the past. Instead, we should strive to be agents of God’s will in the present and future.

Building a wall to prevent Mexicans from entering the United States is inconsistent with “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. People from all over planet earth travel to America. Is it God’s will that we exclude our next door neighbors? Is it God’s will that we cut off the incomes of U.S. government workers? I don’t think so. “. . . The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”— Matthew 25:40 New International Version Winter 2019 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 77

Photos: Raymond Hagans, Nina Nicholson, Cynthia L Black

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2018

™

Vol. 19 No. 10

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW, AGAIN

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

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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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M

y grandma always said, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” I scoffed as a child and teenager, but as I matured I had to admit she was right. It might look a little different and we might call it by a new name, but nine times out of ten, it’s just more of the same.

As I celebrate Black History Month 2019, that realization frightens, saddens, and angers me. As a child in the 1970s, we envisioned flying cars, robot servants, and teleportation by the year 2,000. Okay, so we aren’t quite there yet, but why in the world does 2019 America seem eerily similar to 1959 America? Is this what we’re doing now? We’re going backward in time?

We have “smart” phones and televisions, Alexa and Siri. But why are the trappings of Jim Crow and segregation seemingly the latest style? Sure, they were always there, but many believed they had been painted over or tossed out with the trash after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Judging by the way things are going today, it’s more likely they were simply put away in the attic, basement, or garage— stored neatly beneath a tarp, awaiting the moment they’d be back in fashion.

We have Nazis marching in America; police beating and killing black folks in the streets AND their own homes, seemingly with impunity; white people calling the police on black people who have the audacity to mind their own business while sharing public spaces; white men elected to office being permitted to remain in office despite having admitted to committing sexual assault while black men who are merely accused are being urged to resign and step aside; and photos of white men elected to hold office wearing blackface.

Some say that last thing is just “youthful indiscretion” committed by young, white kids who neither knew better nor meant any harm. They should be given the grace to apologize, overcome their shortcomings, and move forward with their lives— untarnished and unencumbered by their formerly errant behavior, despite being full-grown adults at the time of the actions. I say they can move forward when Tamir Rice, Kalief Browder, Laquan McDonald, and all of the other black boys and men can, too. Oh, but they never will; dead folks don’t get second chances here on Earth.

The tarps have been removed, hatred and bigotry have been cleaned and polished, and America has that new racism smell. The words of “Mississippi Goddam” ring in my ears as relevant today as they were in 1964. We cannot allow ourselves to go back there. Faith without works is dead. We must, instead, return to the time when we protested and boycotted collectively in solidarity. Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. Let’s educate ourselves and move forward, not backward. www.thepositivecommunity.com Winter 2019 The Positive Community

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BLACK HISTORY MATTERS

NYACK ALUMNI SINCE 1882

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Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month.