Winter 2021

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

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Winter 2021 Winter 2021 thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

COVER

Change Footer David Dinkins David Dinkins 1927–2020 1927–2020

We’re open every day, all day long.

Protect your child Healthcare Central

NOW OPEN

Healthcare Central

NJ FamilyCare Guidance Center Monday–Friday, 10 AM–6 PM 959-299-3102 (TTY: 711) Sign up for NJ FamilyCare Get assistance with finding a provider Understand the renewal process for NJ FamilyCare Understand your Aetna Better Health® benefits

Member Services We’re open every day, all day long.

1-855-232-3596 (TTY: 711)

Learn about lead testing Lead poisoning is a danger you need to know about.

Although a child may not look or feel sick, lead could be in their blood which could cause serious health problems.

All children are at risk for lead poisoning.

Children should be tested for lead at age 1 and again at age 2. Contact your child’s healthcare provider to talk about testing your child for lead. Your child’s healthcare provider can give you a doctor’s order for a lead test.

Our goal at Aetna Better Health® of New Jersey is to help you and your family maintain a healthy lifestyle. We know that keeping your child healthy and protected is important to you.

As a member, lead testing can be completed in the comfort of your home by a trained technician. This is a covered service at no cost to you for your family. Results will be sent directly to your child’s healthcare provider.

Members may be rewarded with a $15 gift card if your child gets a lead test.

AetnaBetterHealth.com/NewJersey NJ-21-01-23 | 097-20-69

METROPLUSHEALTH Celebrates BLACK HISTORY MONTH

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment” —Oprah Winfrey

From historic Harlem to lovely Laurelton to beautiful Bed Stuy and everywhere in between, MetroPlusHealth has been the best at addressing the health needs of NYC communities of color for over 35 years.

Now more than ever, we are here for you.

NYC’S 5-STAR RATED HEALTH PLAN • METROPLUS.ORG If you need support with food insecurity, access to benefits, unemployment, or health insurance during the COVID-19 crisis, call us. We’re here to help. 1-855-809-4073

MSA3142 Positive Community Ad.indd 1

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

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mmunity.com

CONTENTS ™

$2.95

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................12 HEALTH..................................18 EDUCATION.............................41 CULTURE ................................46

Features

26 40

David Dinkins 1927–2020

Photo Courtesy AACCNJ

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WINTER 2021

About the cover photo: Keynote Speaker Mayor David N. Dinkins September 15, 2012 at the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's “Passing the Torch” Humanitarian Awards Dinner; New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ.

SPECIAL SECTION:

Black History Gift for You ......................................... 10 Randal Pinkett: The Apprentice Becomes the Master ... 12 The Resurrection of Hinchcliffe Stadium .................. 16 Fighting COVID in Our Communities ......................... 18 Facts about COVID Vaccines .................................... 20 Newark Beth Israel Welcomes Dr. Montgomery ........ 22

2/21/21 2:49 PM

David Dinkins ...................................... 26−40

To Take or Not to Take the Vaccine? ......................... 24 Remembering David Dinkins .................................... 26

Remembering David N. Dinkins, New York City’s first African-American mayor and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant.

&

also inside

The Gang of Four ..................................................... 28 Jay Hoggard and David Dinkins ............................... 32 Dinkins: A Friend in Deed ........................................ 34 Friends Remember David Dinkins ............................ 38 Revisiting Dinkins’ 90th Birthday Party .................... 40 RU-Newark Joins Mission to Address Reparations .... 41 AACEO: We Thrive and Survive Together .................... 44

Guest Editorial: ..................................... 8 A Christian Hip-Hop Tribute to Mama ....................... 46 The Last Word .................................... 54 In Memory of Nellie Mae Suggs ............................... 49 4

The Positive Community Winter 2021

www.thepositivecommunity.com

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

NEW JERSEY HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE AGENCY

INVESTING IN PEOPLE

Changing Lives

Providing down-payment assistance to help NJ residents buy their first home Providing stable homes for seniors on fixed incomes Creating homes for families seeking affordable rental housing Developing independent living opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs

njhousing.gov NJHMFA is a self-sufficient agency of state government dedicated to offering New Jersey residents affordable and accessible housing.

“Together with Governor Phil Murphy and Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, medical experts and other local partners, we’ve set up a top-notch vaccine distribution program. Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are helping us save lives and begin to get life back to normal.”

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Putting Essex County’s Health First Important COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura Essex County Board of Commissioners

Vaccine supply is limited. As more vaccines are delivered, we will be able to increase the number of available vaccination appointments and expand vaccine eligibility per New Jersey State guidelines.

The vaccine requires two doses. When you sign-up, you will receive two appointments. It is critical that you attend both appointments.

Reside Residents will be asked to provide their medical insurance information. Their insurance provider will be billed $16.94 for the rst dose and $28.39 for the second dose. If a resident does not have insurance, the cost of the vaccine will be covered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. There will be no out-of-pocket expenses charged to residents.

Visit EssexCOVID.org or call 973-877-8456 to check your eligibility and to make an appointment.

Information is available in other languages.

Essex County Vaccination Centers Kmart West Orange 235 Prospect Ave. West Orange, NJ 07052 Municipalities Served: Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Montclair, Newark, Nutley, Verona & West Orange

Essex County College 303 University Ave. Newark, NJ 07102

Municipalities Served: Belleville, East Orange, Irvington, Newark & Orange

Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology 498-544 W. Market St. Newark, NJ 07105

West Caldwell Tech 620 Passaic Ave. West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Municipalities Served: Bloommeld, Caldwell, Fairreld, Glen Ridge, Newark, North Caldwell, Roseland & West Caldwell For Information in Other Languages: EssexCOVID.org

Municipalities Served: East Orange, Irvington, Newark, & Orange

Livingston Mall (Sears) 112 Eisenhower Pkwy.

Livingston, NJ 07039 Municipalities Served: Belleville, Livingston, Millburn, Maplewood, Newark, Orange & South Orange

Roll Call for_June_2020_Issue.qxp_Roll Call for PC Document.qxd 6/18/20 8:32 AM Page 1

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! MAKE MAKETHE THEDIFFERENCE! DIFFERENCE! MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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TO PROGRESS TO PROGRESS TOTOPROGRESS PROGRESS

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

Findofout more least least 50 50 magazines magazines per per month month at $1.50 at $1.50 each each or or they they support support this this publication publication through through the the purchase purchase of advertising. of advertising.

Find Find out out more more 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. by calling calling 973-233-9200 973-233-9200 or email email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. by by calling 973-233-9200 or or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Convent Convent Avenue Avenue Baptist Baptist Church, Church, New York, NY Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New New York, NY NY Rev. Dr. York, Jesse New York, NY T. Willams, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Jesse Dr. Jesse T. Willams, T. Willams, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. and JesseCrown T. Willams, PastorChurch, Cross Christian Cross Cross andNJ and Crown Crown Christian Christian Church, Church, Orange, Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, Orange, NJA.NJ Rev. Lula Orange, NJ Baker, Pastor Rev.Rev. LulaLula A. Baker, A. Baker, Pastor Pastor Rev. Lula A. B.C. Baker,ofPastor Ebenezer Englewood, NJ Ebenezer Ebenezer B.C.B.C. ofThompson, Englewood, of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Jr.,NJ Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev.Rev. Preston Preston E. Thompson, E. Thompson, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Patricia Perkins-Auguste Perkins-Auguste Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Empire Empire Missionary Missionary Baptist Baptist Convention Convention Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev.Dr.Dr.Carl CarlT.T.Washington, Washington, Jr.,Pastor Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, Evergreen Evergreen Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Palmyra, Palmyra, NJNJNJ Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr.Guy Guy Campbell, Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Guy Campbell, Campbell, Jr.,Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, Fellowship Fellowship Missionary Missionary B.C.,B.C., Newark, Newark, NJNJNJ Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr.Elton Elton Byrd Pastor/Founder Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Elton T.T.Byrd T. Byrd Pastor/Founder Pastor/Founder Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First B.C. Lincoln Gardens, Somerset First First B.C. B.C. ofofLincoln of Lincoln Gardens, Gardens, Somerset Somerset NJNJNJ First B.C. of Lincoln(Buster) Gardens,Soaries, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr.DeForest DeForest Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. DeForest (Buster) (Buster) Soaries, Soaries, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, FirstFirst Baptist Baptist Church, Church, EastEast Elmhurst, Elmhurst, NYNYNY First Baptist Church, East Pastor Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Rev. Rev. Patrick Patrick Henry Henry Young, Young, Pastor Pastor Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church First First Baptist Baptist Church Church ofofKenilworth, ofKenilworth, Kenilworth, NJNJNJ First Baptist Church of Jr., Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Pastor Rev. Rev. Nathaniel Nathaniel Bullock Bullock Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ FirstFirst Baptist Baptist Church Church of Teaneck, of Teaneck, NJ NJ First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr.Marilyn Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Monroe Harris, Harris, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Baptist Deptford, First First Baptist Baptist ofofJericho, ofJericho, Jericho, Deptford, Deptford, NJNJNJ First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek Gaitling, Pastor Rev. Rev. Derek Derek V.V.Gaitling, V. Gaitling, Pastor Pastor Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, First First Corinthian Corinthian Baptist Baptist Church, Church, NYNYNY First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Pastor Rev. Michael Walrond, Senior Rev. Rev. Michael Michael A.A.Walrond, A. Walrond, Jr.,Jr.,Jr., Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, First First Park Park Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJNJNJ First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Pastor Rev. Rev. Rufus Rufus McClendon, McClendon, Jr.,Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, South South Orange, Orange, NJNJNJ First Baptist Church, South Orange, First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Terry Richardson, Richardson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr.Terry Terry Richardson, Pastor Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Memorial, Memorial, B.C.,B.C., New New York, York, NY NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Memorial, B.C., New York, NYGardner, Rev. Rev. Dr. Renee Dr. Renee Washington Washington Gardner, Gardner, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr.Pastor Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Senior Pastor Senior PastorBaptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Messiah Messiah Messiah Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev.Rev. James James Logan, Logan, Pastor Pastor Rev. James Logan, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Messiah Messiah Baptist Baptist Church, Church, EastEast Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Rev. Dana Dana Owens, Owens, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Metropolitan Metropolitan B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Metropolitan B.C., Newark,Pastor NJ Rev.Rev. Dr. David Dr. David Jefferson, Jefferson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Mother Mother A.M.E. A.M.E. ZionZion Church Church Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Mother A.M.E. ZionJ.Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Malcolm Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, J. Byrd, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, Mt.Mt. Mt. Neboh Neboh Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Harlem, Harlem, NYNY NY Mt.Rev. Neboh BaptistGreen Church, Harlem, NY Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr.Dr. Johnnie Dr.Johnnie Johnnie Green Green Jr.,Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, Mt.Mt. Mt. Pisgah Pisgah B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY NY Mt.Rev. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Youngblood, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr.Dr. Johnny Dr.Johnny Johnny RayRay Ray Youngblood, Youngblood, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Mount Mount Olive Olive Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Hackensack, Mount Olive Baptist Hackensack, Hackensack, NJNJ NJ Church, Hackensack, NJJ. Jackson, Pastor Rev. Gregory Rev. Rev. Gregory Gregory J. Jackson, J. Jackson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Olivet B.C, Newark, Mt.Mt. Mt. Olivet Olivet B.C, B.C, Newark, Newark, NJNJ NJ Mt.Rev. Olivet B.C, Newark, Pastor NJ André Rev.Rev. André André W.W. Milteer, W.Milteer, Milteer, Pastor Pastor Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Zion AME Church, Trenton, Mt.Mt. Mt. Zion Zion AME AME Church, Church, Trenton, Trenton, NJNJ NJ Mt.Rev. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Justice, Pastor Rev.Rev. J. J. Stanley J.Stanley Stanley Justice, Justice, Pastor Pastor Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Zion B.C., Westwood, Mt.Mt. Mt. Zion Zion B.C., B.C., Westwood, Westwood, NJNJ NJ Mt.Rev. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Bernard Glee, Pastor Rev.Rev. Bernard Bernard Glee, Glee, Pastor Pastor Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor New Beginnings Agape New New Beginnings Beginnings Agape Agape New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, Christian Christian Center, Center, Freehold, Freehold, NJNJ NJ Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. McGuire, Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Andre Dr.Andre Andre McGuire, McGuire, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor New Garden State Jurisdiction New New Garden Garden State State Jurisdiction Jurisdiction New Garden COGIC COGIC COGIC NJNJ NJ State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon Bishop Bishop William William Cahoon Cahoon Bishop William Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church, Church, New Hope Baptist Metuchen, Metuchen, NJNJ NJ Church, Metuchen, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Ronald Dr.Ronald Ronald L. Owens, L.Owens, Owens, Pastor Pastor Rev. L. Pastor Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church Church of East ofEast East New Hope Baptist Church of General General Baptist Baptist Convention, Convention, NJ NJ Canaan Canaan B. C. B. of C. Christ, of Christ, Harlem, Harlem, NY NY GeneralBaptist BaptistConvention, Convention,NJNJ Canaan B. B. C. C. of of Christ, Christ,Harlem, Harlem,NY NY New Hope Baptist Church General Canaan Orange, Orange, East East Orange, Orange, NJNJ NJof East Orange, East Orange, Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester W.W.Taylor, W. Taylor, Jr.,Jr.,Jr., President President Rev. Thomas Thomas D. D. Johnson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr.Lester Lester Taylor, President Rev.Rev. Thomas D.Johnson, Johnson, Pastor Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Vernard Dr.Vernard Vernard E. E. Hinton, E.Hinton, Hinton, Pastor Pastor Rev. Pastor Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor Good Good Neighbor Neighbor B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJNJNJ Canaan Canaan B.C., B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJ Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJNJ Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church Church of ofof New Hope Baptist Church Rev. Rev. Dr. George Dr. George A. Blackwell, A. Blackwell, III, Pastor III, Pastor Rev. Rev. Barry Barry L. Graham, L. Graham, Pastor Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Rev.Dr.Dr.George GeorgeA.A.Blackwell, Blackwell,III,III,Pastor Pastor Rev. Barry Barry L.L. Graham, Graham,Pastor Pastor Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJNJ NJ Hackensack, Hackensack, Rev. Rev. Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Drew Dr.Drew Drew Kyndall Kyndall Ross, Ross, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Grace Grace B.B.C., B. C., Vernon, Vernon, NYNYNY Cathedral Cathedral International., International., Rev. Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor Grace C.,Mt. Mt.Mt. Vernon, Cathedral International., Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Cathedral International., Perth Perth Amboy, Amboy, NJ Perth Amboy, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Franklyn W.W.Richardson, W.Richardson, Richardson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr.Franklyn Franklyn Pastor Perth Amboy, NJ New New Life Life Cathedral, Cathedral, Mt. Mt. Holly, Holly, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Holly, Bishop Bishop Donald Donald Hilliard, Hilliard, Pastor Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt.Mt. Holly, NJNJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Rev. Rev. EricEric Eric Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor Greater Greater Zion Zion Hill B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NYNYNY Rev. Wallace, Pastor Greater Zion HillHill B.C., Harlem, Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Charity Charity Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Bronx, Bronx, NY NY Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Frank Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, J. Blackshear, Pastor Pastor Rev.Dr.Dr.Frank FrankJ.J.Blackshear, Blackshear,Pastor Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY New New Reid Reid Temple Temple COGIC COGIC Rev. New Reid Temple COGIC Rev. Reginald Reginald Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor New Reid Temple Rev.Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor East East Orange, Orange, NJNJ NJCOGIC Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor East Orange, Harlem Harlem Congregations Congregations forforfor East Orange, NJ Harlem Congregations Harlem Congregations for Bishop Bishop William William Cahoon Cahoon Community Community Improvement Improvement (HCCI) (HCCI) Christian Christian Love Love B.C., B.C., Irvington, Irvington, NJ Bishop William Cahoon Community Improvement (HCCI) Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJNJ Bishop William Cahoon Community Improvement (HCCI) Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Malcolm Malcolm A.A.Punter, A. Punter, President President & &CEO &CEO CEO Rev. Brandon Brandon Keith Keith Washington, Washington, Pastor Pastor Malcolm Punter, President Rev.Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor North North Selton Selton AME AME Church, Church, Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor North Selton AME Church, North SeltonNJ AME Piscataway, NJChurch, Piscataway, Imani Baptist Baptist Church, Church, East East Orange, Orange, NJNJNJ Piscataway, Clear Clear View View Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ Piscataway, NJNJ Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJNJ Imani Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Eric Dr. Eric and and Myra Myra Billips, Billips, Pastors Pastors Rev. Myra Billips, Pastors Rev. Rev. William William Derek Derek Lee, Lee, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Rev. Curtis Curtis W. W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr.Dr. EricEric andand Myra Billips, Pastors Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor Rev.Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Belle, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Paradise Paradise B. C., B. Newark, C., Newark, NJ NJ ItItIsIs ItWell Is Well Living Living Ministries, Ministries, Clark, Clark, NJNJNJ Community Community B.C., B.C., Englewood, Englewood, NJ Paradise Newark, Paradise B. B. C.,C., Newark, NJNJ Well Living Ministries, Clark, Community B.C., Englewood, NJNJ It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Rev. Jethro Jethro James, James, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Kahlil Kahlil Carmichael, Carmichael, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester Taylor, Taylor, Pastor Pastor Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Lester Lester Taylor, Pastor Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Park Ave Ave Christian Christian Disciples Disciples of Christ, Christ, Macedonia Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Lakewood, Lakewood, NJNJNJ Park Community Community Church Church ofofGod, of God, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ Park Ave Christian Disciples ofofChrist, Park Ave Christian of Christ, East East Orange, Orange, NJNJ NJDisciples Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, Community Church God, Plainfield, NJNJ Macedonia Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ East Orange, East Orange, NJ Dr. Edward Dr. Edward D. Harper, D. Harper, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Antonio Antonio Porter, Porter, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Harriet Harriet Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor Dr.Edward EdwardD.D.Harper, Harper,Pastor Pastor Rev. Antonio Antonio Porter, Porter,Pastor Pastor Dr. Rev. Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Mariners’ Mariners’ Temple Temple B.C., B.C., New New York, York, NYNYNY Concord Concord B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NYNY Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev.Rev. Dr. Henrietta Dr. Henrietta Carter, Carter, Pastor Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Gary Dr. Gary V. Simpson, V. Simpson, Pastor Pastor Rev.Dr.Dr.Henrietta HenriettaCarter, Carter,Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Dr. Gary Gary V.V.Simpson, Simpson,Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev.

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

Edward Newark, NJ Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Supt.

Supt.

Edward Edward Bohannon, Bohannon, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Supt.

EdwardB.C., Bohannon, Jr.,NY Pastor Abyssinian Harlem, Abyssinian Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O.Harlem, Butts III, NY Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Rev.Rev. Dr. Calvin Dr. Calvin O. Butts O. Butts III, Pastor III, Pastor Rev. Dr. CalvinB.C., O. Butts III, Pastor Abyssinian Newark, NJ Abyssinian Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R.B.C., Miller, Pastor NJ Abyssinian Newark, NJ Rev.Rev. Barry Barry R. Miller, R. Miller, Pastor Pastor Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Aenon Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Vauxhall, Vauxhall, NJ RevAenon Alphonso Pastor NJ Aenon BaptistWilliams, Church, Sr., Vauxhall, NJ RevRev Alphonso Alphonso Williams, Williams, Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Agape Agape Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Agape Baptist Church, Pastor Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Rev.Rev. Craig Craig R. Jackson, R. Jackson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NYNY Antioch Antioch Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev.Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Waterman, Pastor Rev. Robert Robert M. M. Waterman, Pastor Pastor Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New New York Archdiocese Archdiocese of of New York York Archdiocese ofDavis, NewOffice York of Black Ministry Brother Tyrone Brother Brother Tyrone Tyrone Davis, Davis, Office Office of Black of Black Ministry Ministry Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference Baptist Baptist Ministers Ministers Conference Conference of Greater Greater NY NY Vicinity Baptist Ministers Conference of of Greater NY &&Vicinity & Vicinity of Greater NY & A. Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles Charles Curtis, President Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, A. Curtis, President President Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Berean Berean B.C.,B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev.Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr.,Jr., Pastor Rev. Arlee Arlee Griffin Griffin Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NYNY Bethany Bethany B.C.,B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NYSr. Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Adolphus Adolphus C.Lacey, Lacey, Rev. Dr. Dr. Adolphus C. C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Sr. Pastor Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJNJ Bethany Bethany B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ Bethany B.C.,E.Newark, NJ Rev.Rev. Timothy Jones, Pastor Rev. Timothy Timothy E. Jones, E. Jones, Pastor Pastor Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJNJ Bethlehem Bethlehem Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Roselle, Roselle, NJ Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev.Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Jeffrey Bryan, Bryan, Pastor Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJNJ Beulah Beulah Bible Bible Cathedral Cathedral Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Gerald Gerald Lydell Lydell Dickson, Dickson, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJNJ Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Garfield, Garfield, NJ Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev.Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Rev. Calvin Calvin McKinney, McKinney, Pastor Pastor Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Morristown, Morristown, NJ Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJNJ Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry Jerry M. M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Pastor Rev.Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Carter, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor

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

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

Church.

All All churches churches Positive Community magazine does outstanding work ininpromoting promoting the good works of of the Black Church.

AllAll churches “The The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work promotingthe the good works the Black Church. churches The The Positive Positive Community Community .

Please .

Please support support this this magazine, magazine, the the only only one and and businesses businesses should should subscribe subscribe to and to and advertise advertise in in . Please support this magazine, thethe only oneone and ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community . Please support this magazine, only one and businesses businessesshould shouldsubscribe subscribetotoand andadvertise advertiseininThe Rev.Rev. Buster Buster Soaries, Soaries, General General Baptist Baptist Revival, Revival, MayMay 20, 20, 2010 2010 that that features features good good news news about about thethe black black community.”— community.”— Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20,20, 2010 that Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 2010 that features featuresgood goodnews newsabout aboutthe theblack blackcommunity.”— community.”—

the the art art ++ science science of of learning learning DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DAVID DINKINS DINKINS || 1927–2020 1927–2020

Best Friends Forever

Best Friends Forever BY

BY CHARLES CHARLES RANGEL RANGEL

S S

BY CHARLES RANGEL

my trusted trusted advisor, advisor, because because II know know II can can always always expect expect ince ince his his beginnings beginnings with with the the Democratic Democratic Party Party my honesty honesty and and candid candid talk talk from from him. him.

I I am am grateful grateful for for his his in in Harlem, Harlem, itit was was clear clear to to everybody everybody that that my my unwavering unwavering friendship, friendship, from from literally literally standing standing by by my my side side dearest dearestfriend friendand andbrother, brother,David DavidDinkins, Dinkins,was was trusted advisor, because I know I can always expect ince his beginnings with the Democratic Party mythrough some of of the the darkest darkest periods periods in in my my life, life, to to being being destined destined for for greatness, greatness, as as his his intellect, intellect, charischaris- through some honesty and candid talk from him.

I am grateful for in Harlem, it was clear to everybody that my with with me me during during my my most most triumphant triumphant moments-moments-to to his ininma, ma, and and compassion compassion shined shined in in everything everything he he unwavering friendship, from literally standing by my side dearest friend and brother, David Dinkins, was clude clude when when my my most most recent recent primary primary win win was was announced announced pursued. pursued. II am am fortunate fortunate to to have have witnessed witnessed close close to tosome midnight midnight on June June 24, 24, 2014.

2014. in my life, to being of theon darkest periods firsthand firsthand many many of of his groundbreaking groundbreaking accomplishments accomplishments destined forhis greatness, as his intellect, charis- through Today Today at at age age 87, 87, he he is is more more active active and and vocal vocal as astoever, ever, over overhis his lifetime, lifetime, and andcannot cannotbe be more morein proud proud to torecognize recognize moments-inma, and compassion shined everything he with me during my most triumphant earning earning respect respect for for his his even-handedness, even-handedness, commitment, commitment, one one of ofpursued.

New New York’s York’sI greatest greatest public public servants, servants, who who has has been been clude when my most recent primary win was announced am fortunate to have witnessed and aa clear clear purpose,—which purpose,—which isis still still exhibited exhibited through through dedicated dedicated to to promoting promoting the the basic basic principles principles of of equal equal opop- and close to midnight on June at 24, 2014. University firsthand many of his groundbreaking accomplishments his his lectures lectures as as professor professor at Columbia Columbia University as as well well portunity portunity and and democracy democracy throughout throughout his his community. community.

Today at age 87, he is more active and vocal as ever, over hisOn lifetime, and cannot be more proud to recognize as as his his humanitarian humanitarian work work for for children children or or On the the very very last last airing airing of of his his radio radio earning respect for his even-handedness, commitment, one show of New York’s greatest public servants, who has been advocacy advocacy on on AIDS—not AIDS—not to to mention mention his his show “Dialogue “Dialogue with with Dinkins,” Dinkins,” David David incredible incredible love love for tennis.

David David isis truly truly is for stilltennis. exhibited through and and IItoreminisced reminisced about the theprinciples exciting exciting of equal op- and a clear purpose,—which dedicated promotingabout the basic one one of of the the most most remarkable remarkable men men I I have times timesand when when we we worked worked so so closely closelyhis with with his lectures as professor at Columbia University as have well portunity democracy throughout community. ever ever met. met.

Basil Basil Paterson Paterson and and Percy Percy Sutton Sutton to to keep keep as his humanitarian work for children or On the very last airing of his radio AA true true man man of of service, service, as as aa Marine Marine in in Dr. Dr. King’s King’s Dream Dream alive. alive. We We were were known known advocacy on IIAIDS—not to mention his showas “Dialogue with Dinkins,” David World World War War II to to his his tenure tenure in in the the New New as “The “The Gang Gang of of Four” Four” because because we we were were incredible for tennis. is truly and inseparable I reminisced the exciting York York State Statelove Assembly Assembly and and in inDavid City City Hall, Hall, DaDainseparable and andabout indefatigable indefatigable in in our our rereone of the most remarkable men I have timeslentless when we worked so closely with vid vid Dinkins’ Dinkins’ name name and and legacy legacy will will forevforevlentlessefforts effortsto tomake makeDr. Dr.King’s King’sDream Dream er er be be honored honored as as aa great great American American and and reality reality for for all.

The TheSutton civil civil rights rights movemoveever met.

BasilaaPaterson andall.

Percy to keep on on of of New New York York City’s City’s finest. finest.

I I wish wish David David ment’s ment’sDream pursuit pursuitalive. of of justice justice and and equality equality inA true man of service, as a Marine in Dr. King’s We were known inand and his lovely lovely wife Joyce, continuous continuous joy, joy, spired spired each each of of us us to to champion champion Dr. Dr. King’s King’s Worldhis War II towife hisJoyce, tenure in the New as “The Gang of Four” because we were health, health, and and fulfillment fulfillment through through the the good good legacy legacy to to help help pave pave the the path path in in which which York State and indoing City Hall, Dainseparable indefatigable in could our re-not work work they theyAssembly never never stopped stopped doing for for their their anybody, anybody,and regardless regardless of of race, race, could not vid Dinkins’ name and legacy will forevlentless to make Dr. King’s Dream friends friends and and community. community. only onlyefforts vote, vote, but but also also hold hold any any public public office office in in the the nation. nation. erthe be above honored as to atogreat American and Rangel Rangel wrote wrote the above tribute tribute Dinkins Dinkins in in2014.

2014.The The a realityDavid for all.

The civil rights moveDavid did did just just that that in in 1990 1990 when when he he became became the the first first following following was was penned penned in in February February 2021, 2021, a a few few months months afafAfrican-American African-American mayor mayor of New NewYork York City.Under UnderDavid’s David’s on of New York City’s finest. I wish David ment’s pursuit of justice andof equality in- City. ter ter the the passing passing of of his his dear dear friend: friend: leadership, leadership, the crime crime rate rateDr. in in New New York York City City fell fell signifisignifiand his lovely wife Joyce, continuous joy, spired each of usthe to champion King’s Along Along with with this this brief brief remembrance of of former former Mayor cantly, cantly, Times Times Square Square underwent underwent aa much-needed much-needed cleanup cleanup health, andremembrance fulfillment through theMayor good legacy to help pave the path in which David David Dinkins Dinkins I I would would recommend recommend his his memoir memoir AA Mayor’s Mayor’s and andrevitalization, revitalization,and andthe thecity’s city’shomeless homelesspopulation, population,livlivwork they never stopped doing for anybody, ofto race, couldpoint not in Life: Governing Governing New New York’s York’s Gorgeous Gorgeous Mosaic Mosaic with with Peter Petertheir KnoKnoing ing in inregardless shelters, shelters, fell fell to its its lowest lowest point in 20 20 years. years. During During Life: friends and community. only his vote, but also hold any public office in the nation. bler. bler.

One One of of the the comments comments that that standout standout for for me me is is one one his administration, administration, David David was was an an extraordinary extraordinary example example Rangel wrote the above tribute to Dinkins in 2014.

The he he often often delivered delivered in in his his many many eulogies. eulogies.

Invariably, Invariably, at at the the David did pioneer, just that who in 1990 when he the first of of ofaabold bold pioneer, who blazed blazed the thetrail trailbecame for foraageneration generation of end end of of his his remarks, remarks, as as he he did did for for Nelson Nelson Mandela, Mandela, he leaders, leaders, in in our ourmayor beautiful beautiful City City and and across across the the state. state. afAfrican-American of New York City. Under David’s following was penned in February 2021, a few months he would would comment comment on on the the recently recently departed departed and and their their conconIn In all, all,the David David has hasrate broken broken so so many many barriers, barriers, giving giving voice voice ter the passing of his dear friend: leadership, crime in New York City fell signifitributions, noting noting he he “left “left us, us, paid paid in in full. full. Let Let him him not not to to our our community community in in unprecedented unprecedented ways. ways. He He has has nevnev- tributions, Along with this brief remembrance of former Mayor cantly, Times Square underwent a much-needed cleanup look look down down and and find find any any of of us us in in arrears.” arrears.”

Those Those words words er er been been afraid afraid to to speak speak the the truth, truth, as as he he has has eloquently eloquently Dinkins would recommend his us memoir Afull Mayor’s and revitalization, and thepublished city’s homeless population, are are fitting fitting for forI Mayor Mayor Dinkins Dinkins who who left left us paid paid in in full and and done done in in his his recently recently published memoir, memoir, AA Mayor’s Mayor’slivLife: Life: David Life: Governing New York’s Gorgeous Mosaic with Peter Knoing in shelters, fell to its lowest point in 20 years.

During let let us us hope hope he he doesn’t doesn’t look look down down and and find find us us in in arrears. arrears.

Governing Governing New New York’s York’s Gorgeous Gorgeous Mosaic.

Mosaic. II rely rely on on David David as as

his administration, David was an extraordinary example Thepioneer, Positive Community Winter of a 8 bold who blazed the2021 trail for a generation of leaders, in our beautiful City and across the state.

bler. One of the comments that standout for me is one www.thepositivecommunity.com he often delivered in his many eulogies.

Invariably, at the end of his remarks, as he did for Nelson Mandela, he

America’s America’sBest BestMusic; Music;aaWorld-Class World-ClassSound!

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Streaming StreamingLive Live24/7: 24/7:“In “InClassic ClassicBlack” Black”

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hehePositive PositiveCommunity Communityhas hasintroduced introduceda abig bigdeal dealplayplaylist listthat thatroars roarswith withgood goodmusic; music;there thereare arenonocategories categories orordistinctions distinctionsbetween betweentheir theirflow: flow:Doowop, Doowop,bebop, bebop,hip hip hop hopare arefamily familymembers membersofofthe theBlack BlackDiaspora Diasporasharing sharing a acultural, cultural,historical historicaland andspiritual spirituallineage lineageofofmusic. music.“We “Wewant wanttotoplay play allallthe themusic musicold oldand andnew,” new,”said saidCOO COOand andco-founder co-founderJean JeanNash NashWells.

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“We “Wewant wantour ourmusic musictotoinfluence influenceyounger youngerpeople peopletotobroaden broadentheir theirmumusical sicalpalate palateand andget getexcited excitedabout aboutBlack Blackmusic musicininitsitsmany manycreative creative forms, forms,asaswell wellasasolder olderlisteners listenershearing hearingother othergenres genresofofBlack Blackmusic music they theywouldn’t wouldn’tordinarily ordinarilylisten listento.” to.”ItItisisa asimilar similarconcept concepttotoInner-City Inner-City Broadcasting Broadcastingearly earlyononwhen whenit itowned ownedand andoperated operatedWBLS-FM WBLS-FMknown known asas“The “TheTotal TotalBlack BlackExperience ExperienceininSound,” Sound,”a acatchphrase catchphraseused usedbybyitsits program programdirector directorFrankie FrankieCrocker.

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A Black History Month Gift for You: Great American Emancipation Day Wrap-Up

I

t was an awesome, life-affirming experience that the whole family, classroom, or congregation will enjoy.

This entertaining and enlightening series of videos could actually function as learning tools for Black History Month and beyond.

The theme for this year’s event: God Bless the Children. The objective: to address what we believe are the essentials:1) the progress of our children and 2) the integrity of our culture, values, and traditions--our collective soul. Remembering the past with a focus on the future.

Indeed, the virtual Great Emancipation Day videos showcase our very best: a full embrace of positive, community-building ideals: self acceptance, self-reliance and self respect. A celebration of the dignity of our humanity: The truth, beauty, and goodness of a loving and gifted race.

Shout-out to our sponsors—community partners of progress: McDonalds, United Airlines, RWJ Barnabas Health, PSE&G, Dfree Global Foundation, Berkeley College, and Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce—support businesses that support our communities! A very special “thank you” to our host and dear friend, Ambassador Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook.

—TPC Staff

10

The Positive Community Winter 2021

On behalf of The Positive Community family, thank you for your love and support over the years!

Visit our website: thepositivecommunity.com to access playlist of features from our January 1st Great American Emancipation Day Awards Celebration.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Here’s the buzz of what people are saying: I watched all of them and they are all great. Awesome!!! It was like actually being physically present. Congratulations to Adrian Council and The Positive Community family for such a fine and superb presentation. I take my hat off to you all.

Please keep me abreast of things like this. Thanks a million!!!

Rev. Allen Hand, African American Clergy and Elected Officials Brooklyn, NY Thank you, Dr. Soaries, for your commitment to financial literacy. Emmanuel Missionary BC and the larger Indianapolis community have benefitted greatly from Dfree. God Bless!

Congratulations to The Positive Community magazine and all the honorees. This is such a beautiful way to start our new year. Thank you, Adrian and Jean for your leadership, dedication, and vision of uplifting our community. God Bless you and the team…Happy New Year!

Janice Johnson, 100 Black Women of Bergen and Passaic Counties, NJ Oh what a fellowship; Oh what a joy divine…”

Rev. Cornell Edmonds, Covenant Church, NYC

Lorraine Blackman

An absolutely MAGNIFACENT program! I am honored to be one of your honorees Hon. Jeannine LaRue Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot about my own heritage and the importance of passing it along to my children and grandchildren. Love the Dance Party and Positive Community Radio!

Carlton Stephens, Raleigh, NC Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s fiery poetry definitely echoes the revolutionary voice and reflections of his father, Amiri Baraka Risasi Dais, Newark, NJ Congratulations, Positive Community for another wellorchestrated 2021 Emancipation Day Awards Celebration. We appreciated your sensitivity to enhance growth of church/community partnerships and heroes. Job well done!

Bishop William T. Cahoon New Garden State, Prelate Church of God in Christ www.thepositivecommunity.com

Yes, I missed the opportunity to break bread and fellowship with caring members of our community during the TPC 2nd Annual Awards Celebration. However, through the virtual experience, we were truly inspired and challenged by the achievements and testimonies of the outstanding award honorees.

Evans Spagner, Minister of Christian Education Fountain Baptist Church – Summit, NJ What a blessing! This program is so well put together!

Teska Frisby, Trenton, NJ Check it out for yourself! Let us know what you think.

Share “good news” amongst your network of family, friends, and associates: thepositivecommunity.com The Great American Emancipation Day Awards Celebration: Love, unselfish service, positive community change and the real power of soul!

“A positive community is everybody's business...

it really pays to care!”

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

11

BY R.L. WITTER

Money

business, finance + work

The Apprentice Becomes the Master

W

hen Dr. Randal Pinkett appeared on my computer screen via Zoom a few days before Christmas 2020, his megawatt smile and Kwame Jackson necktie let me know it was going to be an energetic and engaging interview. Clad in a three-piece suit with copies of his latest book, Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness displayed behind him, he was ready to discuss a variety of topics from economic justice to Donald Trump, to combatting the isolation some African Americans feel in their quest for achievement and excellence.

An Advocate for Economic Justice Pinkett’s face is likely familiar to you. A successful CEO, author, sought-after public speaker, and former college athlete, his accomplishments and appeal stretch across the spectrum of business, activism, and entertainment. It would be hard not to recognize him as he is seemingly everywhere, striving to do good for everyone.

Our conversation took place shortly after Dr. Pinkett’s passionate testimony before the New Jersey Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Opportunity. Pinkett was approached by Pastor David Jefferson of Metropolitan Baptist Church, who Pinkett described as “a dear friend, fraternity brother, and kindred entrepreneurial spirit for economic justice in NJ connected to Senator Ronald Rice.” He jumped at the opportunity to testify chuckling, “The topic of small business, minority business, women-owned business in New Jersey? You might have to shut me down!”

Pinkett’s passion for economic justice originated more than thirty years ago as a teenaged college student and entrepreneur. He and three Rutgers classmates

12

The Positive Community Winter 2021

Dr. Randal Pinkett on the Politics of Economic Justice “My advice: establish a strong identity and purpose…

We think of identity being your anchor; it grounds you. …being proud, rooted, and grounded in your Black identity and culture —seeing it as an asset, not a liability.

Identity is your anchor, it grounds you. Purpose is your compass, it guides you. So, when the winds are blowing, it’s one thing to be anchored, it’s another thing to say which direction are you going so when people say ‘No, you can’t go there,’ you say ‘Yes, I can go there.’”

— Dr. Randal Pinkett began what would become BCT Partners. “Our first venture was selling compact discs and donating the proceeds to high school outreach,” he recalled. “I think about the challenges we’ve experienced... I think about the extent some of those challenges, if not many of them, are particular to the state we all love and have great fondness and affinity for, I cannot help but make it easier and better for the next generation of entrepreneurs who have the same dream we did and that the trails we’ve attempted to blaze have not been blazed in vain.”

Well-versed in New Jersey’s history regarding minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), Pinkett aims to pick up the dragging feet of local politicians’ and hold them to the fire regarding broken campaign promises and an abysmal record of support for MWBEs. “I’ve witnessed governors McGreevey, Codey, Corzine Christie, and now Governor Murphy and all of them just watched,” he explained. “The New Jersey MWBE set aside program was disbanded in July, 2003 because a lawsuit was filed that deemed the set aside program unconstitutional www.thepositivecommunity.com

because there was no disparity study to prove minorities and women were disadvantaged. So, the disparity study was commissioned in September of 2003; they finished the study in June, 2005 — 15 years ago. Not a single governor has acted on that disparity study in 15 years.” He continued, “I’ve seen 17 years of talk. And I’m tired of talk. So, I continue to grind and as an entrepreneur create wealth, despite the circumstances in New Jersey.

My partners and I would’ve been better served to leave this state and we probably would’ve done even better someplace else than we’ve done in New Jersey. And that is a pitiful, sad statement.”

A Man with A Plan One part of Pinkett’s plan to bring about economic justice and parity is a matter of simple brilliance. “I think we give people the opportunity to walk the walk after they’ve talked the talk and if they don’t, we vote them out. If you don’t do the job, we’re going to call you out,” he said. “Black folk used to come to politicians and beg for stuff. Then they came to the table and started asking for stuff. Then they came to the table and started expecting stuff. And now Black people are coming to the table demanding stuff. We’ve seen Black women demand that Biden put more Black women in his cabinet. When was the last time you heard Black people say, ‘DEMAND’ to a politician? That’s maturity. That means we’re evolving.”

Pinkett’s solution also includes an increased focus on entrepreneurship in minority communities. “One study suggested 7 out of every 10 millionaires made their millions by owning a business, which means if we want more wealth in our communities, we need more business owners. That’s not just for the sake of creating wealth for the entrepreneur; it’s also creating wealth for their families, their descendants, and the job creation they’re going to engender…” Age also factors into Pinkett’s theories on entrepreneurship. He advocates for entrepreneurs starting as young as possible saying, “There are two benefits to starting young: you’ve got little to lose because you’re already broke. And second, you have a lot of runway to fail and fail again and again and succeed.” On the other hand, he calls on older people to step into entrepreneurship as a second act. “…Going into entrepreneurship, like at the age of 55-60 or 65 and still having 20 years to be an entrepreneur and leverage the relationships they had in corporate; or to take the money they made in corporate and invest in Black start-ups.”

A gifted public speaker and a man with ideas and ideals, a political future seems like a good fit for Pinkett. “I could see it down the road,” he said. “Maybe I’ll be like a Michael Bloomberg and once I’ve done all I want to do in business, I’ll parlay it into politics, but I can’t see it any time soon.”

Looking ahead to the work yet to be done, Pinkett reflects on the work that has brought him this far. “BCT’s mission is to provide diverse insights about people that lead to equity. BCT has been a 20-year experiment for the four of us… can you make a dollar and make a difference? Are we out here trying to do good or are we trying to do well?” He continued, “We’re the largest Black-owned business in Newark and second largest in NJ. But our mission has never been more relevant than it is in 2020 in the wake of the George Floyd murder. and we’ve never been stronger, more mission-driven, more striving.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Berkeley College, where the student always comes first, celebrates 90 years of preparing students for professional and personal success.

To learn more visit: https://berkeleycollege.edu/90Years

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

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Carver Bank Supports National Action Network Photo: Seitu Oronde

During a recent visit to National Action Network's (NAN) House of Justice in Harlem, Carver Federal Bank CEO Michael Pugh presented a check to NAN President Rev. Al Sharpton in support of the organization’s work. L-R Rev. Sharpton, Michael Pugh, and NAN Special Projects Advisor Carra Wallace.

Donald C. Notice, Executive Director Remembering Mayor David Dinkins

West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. celebrates the late Mayor David Dinkins.

The First African-American Mayor of the City of New York.

We applaud his life, accomplishments and his support to the Harlem Community as the 106th Mayor of New York City.

1652 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC 10031 (212) 862-1399 www.whgainc.org

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Resurrection of Hinchcliffe Stadium Brings New Life to Paterson

BY HELENE FOX

O

n Thanksgiving Day, football fans from across Paterson, NJ used to crowd into Hinchcliffe Stadium for the annual game between Paterson Eastside and John F. Kennedy (JFK) high schools. Prior to that, Hinchcliffe Stadium was the home of storied Negro League Baseball games. Hinchliffe was the home of the New York Black Yankees for more than a decade and even hosted the Colored Championship of the Nation, the Negro Leagues equivalent of the World Series. A far cry from its glory days, Hinchliffe Stadium now serves mostly as a parking lot and a canvas for aspiring graffiti artists. But there’s hope on the horizon.

Real estate developer and Paterson native Baye Adofo-Wilson of BAW Development and Edward Mar-

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

togolio of RPM Partners have partnered with the City of Paterson and the Paterson Public School District to develop an ambitious neighborhood redevelopment project centered around the preservation and restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium. The Hinchliffe Stadium Neighborhood Restoration Project (HSNRP) aims to restore the glory and functionality of the stadium named for Paterson Mayor John Hinchcliff, whose persistence is credited with bringing the structure to fruition in 1932.

Hinchliffe Stadium is located within Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park and only hundreds of

www.thepositivecommunity.com

feet away from the majestic Paterson Great Falls. Built in 1932 as a Great Depression Works Progress Administration project, Hinchliffe Stadium soon began renting to Negro League Baseball teams. Hinchliffe is a horseshoe shaped, cast concrete, classical amphiteather stadium that originally held10,000 people and is a National Historic Landmark because it is one of two remaining stadium structures where Negro League Baseball teams played.

Renovation plans for Hinchliffe Stadium include preserving the historic seating bowl for 7,800 seats, making Hinchliffe Stadium Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and increasing the number of restrooms. Also planned are new locker rooms, a weight room, a concession area, and offices for coaches, staff and referees. Hinchliffe Stadium will also have a stateof-the art, synthetic field with new lighting and a new scoreboard. Once renovated, Hinchliffe Stadium will be used as JFK High School’s home field for football, soccer, track and field, softball, and baseball. It will also host concerts, festivals, sports camps, and other semi-pro and professional sporting events.

A 12,000-square-foot exhibition space and restaurant dedicated to Negro League Baseball will also have a home at Hinchcliff. Both the New York Black Yankees and the New York Cubans called Hinchliffe Stadium home during the 1930s and 1940s, and Paterson’s own Larry Doby, the first African-American to play in the American Baseball League and break the color barrier,

www.thepositivecommunity.com

was discovered at Hinchliffe Stadium. Other legendary Negro League baseball players and teams played at Hinchliffe Stadium including Monty Irvin, Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson, and the Homestead Greys.

An exhibiton space will develop in-person and virtual exhibitions centered around the lore of Negro League Baseball players and teams while addressing issues such as Jim Crow and white supremacy, which spurred the creation of the Negro Baseball Leagues. In addition, there will be temporary and permanent exhibition spaces celebrating Negro League Baseball and local Paterson athletes.

HSNRP will bring Hinchliffe Housing, a seventyfive unit, six-story building located at the northwest corner of Hinchliffe Stadium for the fifty-five and older population, to the local Paterson community.

It will provide affordable housing for individuals making 60% or less of the area’s median income and the building will be USGBC LEED Plantium. A 5,200-square-foot pre-school will occupy the first floor and there will be a 314-space parking deck for residents and Hinchliffe Stadium attendees.

The total development budget for HSNRP is $94 million dollars, which includes financing through New Jersey State Tax Credits (ERG); New Market Tax Credits; Federal Historic Tax Credits; Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; and federal, state, county, and foundation grants.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 29, 2021.

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

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Health ideas for wellness

Fighting COVID-19 in Our Communities

BY DR. ROBERT L. JOHNSON

I

t’s no secret that Black Americans are hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the tragic reality is that SARS-CoV-2, known more commonly as the novel coronavirus, is making us ill and killing us at alarmingly higher rates than our white peers.

I understand the rightly placed distrust our community has in the medical profession because of the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis and other unethical experiments and mistreatment.

As the dean of Rutgers University’s New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) in Newark and interim dean of its Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) in New Brunswick, I know the vaccine is an enormous step in the right direction as we continue to battle the devastating impact of COVID-19 in our communities.

Collectively, we’ve mourned. We’re mourning the loss of our loved ones. We’re mourning the loss of our prepandemic way of life. And while nothing can bring back our friends, family, and full sense of normalcy, the vaccine will allow us to stem the spread of this virus and help keep one another safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are 1.4 times more likely to be infected by the virus, 3.7 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 2.8 times more likely to die from Covid 19.

The statistics are staggering, in large part, because many of us are essential and front-line workers – nurses and nurse’s aides, hospital orderlies, service workers – who put our lives on the line every day in jobs that place us at the greatest risk. The data only tells one part of the story. No chart, graph, or statistic can truly represent the deeply personal toll this pandemic has taken on our families.

To lessen the damage to our communities, it’s imperative that we seriously consider getting the vaccine.

As a practicing physician working in Newark, I have had direct experience with patients who have contracted the deadly virus.

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

I was the second person in the state of New Jersey to receive the Pfizer vaccine. I did not hesitate to get the vaccine, and even though I’m a septuagenarian, I had no adverse effects. While it’s true some people will experience some minor discomfort such as slight pain and swelling at the injection site and a low-grade fever, of the more than 10 million Americans who have been vaccinated to date, there have been no reports of patients experiencing longterm serious effects.

People often ask me whether they can get the vaccine even if they have pre-existing medical conditions; the answer is an unqualified yes. Advanced age also is not a factor.

Currently, there are two vaccines available in the United States – Moderna and Pfizer – and their effectiveness is ranked at 94 to 95 percent, which puts them far ahead of the flu vaccine, which only reaches the 60s. More are in development and will be available soon.

It’s important to note these vaccines are based on solid research and were tested in tens of thousands of people during clinical trials, including ones that took place at NJMS and RWJMS. These clinical trials showed there was no higher risk to people from any one ethnic or racial or age group.

Indeed, the only people who have shown increased risk are those who are allergic to some of the specific components of the vaccine. But this number is minute, and each person’s medical history is discussed before the vaccine is given.

Although these vaccines are new, they have a dependable track record: versions were used to treat people who contracted the Ebola virus in the 2014-16 outbreak in West Africa. The COVID-19 vaccines represent a new, safe way to fight deadly diseases.

To help end the pandemic, and its scourge on our community, I encourage us all to get vaccinated as soon as possible. For the latest information on the status of the vaccine rollout and to find out how you can sign up to get one, visit the New Jersey Department of Health website at: https://www.nj.gov/health/. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP Dean, NJ Medical School

Community Engagement Patient Care Research Education Discover the ways Rutgers New Jersey Medical School supports and informs the community.

Visit us at njms.rutgers.edu.

FACTS about COVID Vaccines

BY AUSTIN FENNER

T

he public has many questions about the coronavirus and the vaccine. The news on the global pandemic virus and the vaccine can deliver a mind-bending punch on how we cope today and in the future as people struggle to breathe, work, and maintain social distance protocols.

Henry Redel, MD, chief of Infectious Disease at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, provided answers to questions facing the nation during this public health crisis giving our readers a coronavirus vaccine primer.

Q. What is your opinion of the effectiveness of the rollout of the vaccine?

A. The rollout has been slower than most of us would have hoped, but it’s a major undertaking vaccinating an entire population.

Q. Should we be alarmed? Can things get worse and why?

A. Things can always get worse, but right now, I think they will improve as there are no major holidays that involve large gatherings in the next two months.

Q. What does everyone have to do daily in order for the country to win the fight against the virus?

A. Everyone must social distance, wear masks, and get vaccinated. It is also important to participate in contact tracing if positive or suspected cases are known to be in the community.

Q. Are Black and Brown people skeptical about taking the vaccine or are they more cautious? Is cautious a more accurate phrase to use? Why is this so and who is responsible to educate people to win their confidence?

A. Some people are skeptical; there has been a lower uptake of the vaccine in these communities with only 3% of New Jersey’s vaccine recipients identifying as Black and 5% identifying as Latinx. I would want to reassure everyone that these vaccines have passed the same rigorous vaccine trials that all FDA approved vaccines go through, and the trials included approximately 30% Black and Latinx people in the studies. It is important to educate everyone about how the studies were done and how they can help protect people’s lives and keep their families and communities safe.

Q. What is in the vaccine and why does it work?

A. The vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, meaning it is not a live virus or a gene. It is a genetic code that is read by some of our cells which then produce a protein (the same one that coronavirus produces). Then our body makes antibodies to identify and launch an immune response against that protein, which protects us if we are ever exposed to the coronavirus in the future.

Q. What is herd immunity and what happens to society if we never approach that threshold?

A. Herd immunity is a concept that if a certain amount of people are immune to a disease, then it is hard for the disease to spread among people. For COVID-19, experts estimate that 70-80% of the population need confirmed protection (either vaccinated or recently infected) to achieve herd immunity.

Q. How does the medical community’s experience with HIV/AIDS inform our fight with COVID? A. Many researchers and advocates from the HIV pandemic have used their skills and experiences to help us in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic with one of the most prominent being Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Q. We have heard of SARS and Ebola and now COVID. Do we have to worry about a new and unknown threat?

A. The medical and scientific communities are always looking for the next threat. It is important to remain vigilant and aware, but for right now, the public should focus on this pandemic and what each one of us individually can do to prevent its spread.

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Beth Israel Welcomes Matthew Montgomery DO, MBA, MPH to the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Team

M

atthew Montgomery, DO, MBA, MPH, has joined the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

“Dr. Montgomery is a welcome addition to our team. His expertise in the growing field of interventional heart failure will enhance our ability to deliver advanced minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments to heart failure patients,” said Sergio Waxman, MD, MBA, director of Cardiology, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dr. Montgomery is a cardiologist whose specialties include advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation, and coronary interventions.

“I am honored to join a team with such a rich history of providing advanced heart failure treatments to Newark and the surrounding communities. I look forward to partnering with our patients as we work together to aggressively battle advanced heart failure,” said Matthew Montgomery, DO, MBA, MPH, cardiologist with the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Prior to coming to Newark Beth Israel, Dr. Montgomery was an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at Morristown Medical Center, Aria-Jefferson Health, and Nazareth hospitals in Philadelphia. He completed his Interventional and General Cardiology fellowships at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and his fellowship in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dr. Montgomery holds a master’s in Public Health from Yale School of Public Health and a master’s in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University.

He completed his medical education at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and his internal medicine residency at Aria-Jefferson Health.

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

Innovation in Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant

N

ewark Beth Israel Medical Center has been at the forefront of cardiac care and heart transplant.

The first heart transplant in New Jersey was performed at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in 1986.

In 1992 Newark Beth Israel became the first center in New Jersey to employ Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

Newark Beth Israel was the first hospital to use Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) in New Jersey.

For more than a decade the Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant program at Newark Beth Israel has been ranked among the top ten heart transplant programs in the nation.

The team has performed more than 1,100 heart transplants, to date.

To make an appointment with Dr. Montgomery, please call 973-926-7205 or visit rwjbh.org/heart.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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

New Jersey’s top heart surgery program.

New Jersey’s top heart surgery program.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has a passion for heart health. In fact, we’re home to the most Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has program a passioninfor fact, we’remore homethan to the most comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery theheart state.health.

We’veInperformed 1,100 heart comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery program in the state.

We’ve performed more than 1,100 heart transplants in our nationally-ranked transplant program, and have New Jersey’s only pediatric cardiac transplants in our nationally-ranked transplant andfor have New Jersey’s only cardiac in surgery program Our cardiac specialists areprogram, recognized their innovation andpediatric advancements surgery program Our cardiac specialists are recognized for their innovation and advancements transcatheter aortic valve replacements, ventricular assist devices and aortic aneurysm repair. It’sinall transcatheter aortic valve replacements, ventricular assist devices and aneurysm repair. It’s all part of our dedication to every heart in our community.

Learn more at aortic rwjbh.org/heart part of our dedication to every heart in our community. Learn more at rwjbh.org/heart

RWJ-120 Cardiac_Father_Son_NBI_8.25x10.75.indd 1

1/25/21 12:21 P M

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. taken every precaution to keep you safe.

So if you’ve put off We’ve any medical care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

So if you’ve put off any medical care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

To Take or Not to Take?

Clergy Leaders Advocate for Coronavirus Vaccine

BY AUSTIN FENNER

R

ev. Calvin Butts took a shot in the arm for the community. The Harlem pastor rolled up his sleeve and a nurse injected him with the coronavirus vaccine. The serum will inoculate his immune system and protect his body from the invisible, killer virus projected to claim over 500,000 American lives by March 1, 2021.

“I took the injection. We want to save lives,” Butts told The Positive Community. “The first line of defense in the Black community against any crisis is the Black Church.”

The first signs of people falling ill to the contagion emerged just over one year ago in January 2020. The virus, also known as COVID-19, has ravaged Black and Brown communities in the New York metropolitan region. Butts’ Abyssinian Baptist Church spearheads an effort with Rev. Al Sharpton to create 50 pop-up vaccine stations in five cities to get people vaccinated against the deadly virus — New York; Newark; Baltimore; Washington, DC; and Detroit. Ten churches in each city will host a pop-up vaccine station. More than 500 people recently received the vaccinations at the venerated Harlem church.

“We are advocating for people to take the vaccine,” said Butts. “We are advocating people get tested.”

The Black Church had to unveil the old playbook for fighting AIDS to combat the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus.

“We had a major virus claiming lives. It was AIDS,” Butts said, reflecting on that dark period of American life.

He explained that more than 30 years ago a colleague named Deborah Frazier Howze organized a coalition called “Choose A Healthy Life.” The name comes from Deuteronomy 30:19, which says, “I’ve sat before Heaven and Earth... choose life so you and your seed may live.”

“We are advocating for people to take the vaccine,” said Butts. “We are advocating people get tested.”

Choose A Healthy Life led to the formation of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. That

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

L–R: Debra Fraser-Howze, Rev. Calvin O. Butts III and Rev. Al Sharpton

framework is now in use to combat the coronavirus. “We changed attitudes. We stemmed the tide on AIDS,” said Butts. “We took that model to fight COVID. We encourage people to be tested.”

The organization will be adding 16 cities to the popup vaccine program through the Black Church network.

“It’s killing more of us than anybody else,” Butts said.

“We are catching fire.” Butts is a member of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Vaccine Equity Task Force.

“We were able to convince the governor we need to do more to get the vaccine to the community,” he explained.

Gov. Cuomo spelled out the unmitigated truth about the killer virus when he said Black and Latino communities die at higher rates than the white community. “Take the vaccine. It will save lives and it can save your life,” said Cuomo at a pop-up vaccine station in a Brooklyn public housing development.

Cuomo teamed up with Democratic Brooklyn Congressmembers Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke to encourage participation. “We will make it accessible, but you need to take it,” the Governor added.

More than 4,200 seniors and eligible New Yorkers received their first vaccine dose at churches and New York City Housing Authority developments at a weekend campaign. Somos Community Care is managing the scheduling process and providing healthcare workers to administer the vaccines. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The first signs of people falling ill to the contagion emerged just over one year ago in January 2020.

The virus, also known as COVID-19, has ravaged Black and Brown communities in the New York metropolitan region.

doctors, nurses, and researchers,” Butts asserted. “We have been used as guinea pigs. I understand why Black people are concerned.”

Today we have black doctors, nurses, and researchers who are part of the medical process and encourage the community to understand the science.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the vaccines have been thoroughly vetted and are safe.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials.

Butts’ Abyssinian Baptist Church spearheads an effort with Rev. Al Sharpton to create 50 pop-up vaccine stations in five cities to get people vaccinated against the deadly virus “Being able to reach those most in need in the languages they speak and by the family doctors they know is the only way we are going to get the shots in arms necessary to bring long-term health to our communities,” said Somos Vice President Henry Munoz, III. “And it is only through partnerships with Governor Cuomo, Congressman Jeffries, Congresswoman Clark, and officials like them that we have the support and supplies to protect those who need us and to ensure our communities are cared for.”

The second round of vaccines is slated for pop-up clinics in mid-February.

“We are urging everyone to trust science and get vaccinated,” said Jeffries. “COVID-19 can kill you, and we have seen that, particularly with devastating consequences in Black communities, in low income communities, and in traditionally underserved communities.”

Butts said the shameful Tuskegee Syphilis Study conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1932, better known as the Tuskegee Experiment, should make people skeptical of government medical care. During the 40-year Tuskegee Experiment, Black men, mostly sharecroppers, were duped into understanding they were getting free health care. Never correctly treated, they were monitored as human guinea pigs to “study” the effects of the disease.

“At the time of the Tuskegee Experiment, we did not have the civic representation. We did not have as many www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Robert Fullilove

Dr. Robert Fullilove, an expert in fighting HIV/ AIDS and minority health issues, says everyone, especially Blacks and Latinos, should take the vaccine. “The [pandemic] will not be completely corrected by the vaccine, but the vaccine will slow down its progression,” said Fullilove, a professor who has taught physicians at Columbia University for over three decades. Fullilove, 77, apparently practices what he preaches. He took the vaccine in late January. “Yes, I got the vaccine and I am encouraging others like me to do the same,” he said. A third-generation physician, his grandfather; Robert Fullilove, Sr.; practiced medicine in the Mississippi Delta, treating Spanish flu victims in 1918.

Fighting pandemics is a personal mission for the Fullilove clan. The Columbia professor’s grandmother, Maggie Shaw Fullilove, fell victim to the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Butts touted Black scientist Kizzmekia Corbett, a member of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s team; and Dr. Barney Graham, who helped develop a vaccine with a 94 percent effectiveness rating.

“We have many more trusted voices,” he said. “We have every reason to trust our voices. This [vaccine] can save your life.”

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

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DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

Remembering David Dinkins

By R.L. Witter

S

ince I interviewed the first (and thus far, only) African-American Mayor of New York City, Honorable David N. Dinkins in 2014, the former mayor received numerous awards and accolades, including the renaming of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building on October 15, 2015.

At 91-years-old he stepped down from teaching his popular course at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). But true to his lifelong, strong work ethic, Dinkins wasn’t finished leaving his mark on New York City and the world. He continued to play an active role at Columbia University and served a variety of civic and charitable organizations and Boards that included the Association to Benefit Children, Children’s Health Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, Jazz Foundation of America, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and Posse Foundation, among others.

Beginning in 1995, Dinkins oversaw and hosted the annual David N. Dinkins Leadership & Public Policy Forum, discussing and dissecting challenging issues such as education, criminal-justice reform and race, the environment, immigration, voting rights, and gun control.

Keynote speakers included Vice President Al Gore; then Senator Hillary Clinton; U.S. Rep. John Lewis, the late civil rights icon; and in 2020 Van Jones.

As I reflect upon the man, his life, and his legacy, only now have I fully processed the weight of losing him and why the loss affected me profoundly. My first recollection of Mayor Dinkins is the fuzzy, childhood memory of him and his wife attending a party my parents hosted at our home in the mid-1970s. No more than 5 or 6 years old at the time, I was “helping” take guests’ coats as they arrived. I can still recall how sweetly and gently he whisked the fur coat from his wife’s shoulders in one, smooth motion. He handed me the heavy coat and with a skeptical smile asked, “Have you got it? Are you sure?” He was sharply dressed and his eyes were so kind; I walked carefully so as not to trip over or drop that coat.

I wanted to impress this man.

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

My dad was an attorney in New York and active in social and legal circles, so our families’ paths crossed many times over the years. I was a student at Howard University when Dinkins ran for and became mayor of New York City. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not only because my family knew Mayor Dinkins personally, but also because we were both Howard Bison.

The former mayor’s decency and transparency were hallmarks of both his way of life and his legacy.

He considered his marriage and family his two greatest accomplishments. He often spoke of his “bride,” Joyce and how their love story began as students at Howard University in 1953. “You have to be lucky and you have to pick the right one,” he once told me regarding marriage. “It just happened for us that it worked out.” It almost seemed both melancholy and apropos that he left this earth barely six weeks after she did. It was odd www.thepositivecommunity.com

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

to think of one of them without the other. Their marriage inspired many couples and interestingly enough, current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio met NY First Lady Chirlane McCray while they were both working Dinkins’ mayoral campaign. to think on of one of them without the other. Their marriage inspired As history back over Mayor Dinkins’ years in office andMayor all he many coupleslooks and interestingly enough, current New York City brought to New City Lady fromChirlane the USTA National Tennis Center to Bill de Blasio metYork NY First McCray while they were both the Times makeover NY Fashion Week, I am hopeful he and working onSquare Dinkins’ mayoraltocampaign. hisAs legacy willlooks receive their proper He was instrumental in lifting history back over Mayordue.

Dinkins’ years in office and all he and changing cityUSTA many National wouldn’tTennis recognize today brought to Newwhat Yorkwas Cityonce froma the Center to into the “gorgeous mosaic” Mayor Dinkins Week, alwaysIsaw. the Times Square makeover to NY Fashion am hopeful he and last saw Mayor Dinkins in September, He was seated in the hisIlegacy will receive their proper due. He2018. was instrumental in lifting second row at Harlem’s Church on the day of my and changing what was Abyssinian once a cityBaptist many wouldn’t recognize today dad’sthe memorial service.

HeMayor was dapperly dressed, as always, with a into “gorgeous mosaic” Dinkins always saw. lovely bow By then he was his ensembles with ain cane.

I last sawtie.

Mayor Dinkins inaccessorizing September, 2018.

He was seated the The church wasHarlem’s packed; Abyssinian there were Baptist more than 1,100on people in of attensecond row at Church the day my dance and the service was two hours long.

At the end dad’s memorial service.

Hemore was than dapperly dressed, as always, withofa the service, people formed a line and beganhis filing by to express their lovely bow tie.

By then he was accessorizing ensembles with a cane. condolences to our family.

Mayor Dinkins paid 1,100 his respects as he The church was packed; there were more than peopleand in attentook hand, was awas bit more shaky, than his eyes, as they metend mine, dancemy and the his service two however, hours long.

At the of still seemed people so incredibly kind. the service, formed a line and began filing by to express their condolences to our family. Mayor Dinkins paid his respects and as he took my hand, his was a bit shaky, his eyes, however, as they met mine, still seemed so incredibly kind.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

27

3

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

The Famous

Gang of

Four

By Lloyd Williams, President The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

F

or nearly two decades a few Black men--four friends to be exact, held power and influence in New York politics, particularly anything that had to do with Harlem. Such was their bond that in 1973, a disgruntled Herman Badillo, who they did not support on his second attempt to become Mayor of New York City, dubbed them the “Gang of Four.” Meant to be an insult, the moniker likened them to the infamous four radical political elites of the Chinese Communist Party. Instead, they

turned a negative into a positive and David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, Charles Rangel, and Basil Paterson went on to reign as the Gang of Four in politics, community service, business, media, and civil rights—always remaining close friends.

Together and singularly, the legendary “Gang of Four” amassed a record of historic political success, boundless civic service, and achievements in business. They never forgot where they came from, and their deep love and concern for their Black brothers and sisters propelled them to greatness.

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DAVID DAVID DAVIDDINKINS DINKINS DINKINS|| |1927–2020 1927–2020 1927–2020

DAVID DAVID DAVIDN. N. N.DINKINS DINKINS DINKINS (July (July (July10, 10, 10,1927 1927 1927–––November November November23, 23, 23,2020) 2020) 2020) Born Born Bornin ininTrenton, Trenton, Trenton,New New NewJersey, Jersey, Jersey, David David DavidDinkins Dinkins Dinkinsenlisted enlisted enlistedin ininthe the the US US USMarine Marine MarineCorps Corps Corpsin inin1945 1945 1945 and and andlater later laterattended attended attendedHoward Howard Howard University University University on on on the the the GI GI GI Bill.

Bill.

Bill.

At AtAtHoward, Howard, Howard,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinsstudied studied studied Mathematics Mathematics Mathematicsand and andgraduated graduated graduated cum cum cumlaude laude laudein inin1950.

1950.

1950.It ItItwas was wasat atat Howard Howard Howardthat that thathe he hemet met methis his hisfufufuture ture turewife, wife, wife,Joyce Joyce JoyceBurrows.

Burrows.

Burrows.

After After After graduating graduating graduating from from from Brooklyn Brooklyn BrooklynLaw Law LawSchool, School, School,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinsbecame became becameinvolved involved involvedin ininNew New New York York Yorkpolitics. politics. politics.He He Hewas was waselected elected electedto totothe the theState State StateAssembly Assembly Assemblyin inin 1965; 1965; 1965;NY NY NYCity City CityClerk Clerk Clerkin inin1974; 1974; 1974;and and andManhattan Manhattan ManhattanBorough Borough Borough President President Presidentin inin1985.

1985.

1985.In InIn1989 1989 1989Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinswon won wonthe the thedemocratdemocratdemocratic icicprimary primary primaryfor for forNYC NYC NYCMayor Mayor Mayordefeating defeating defeatingEd Ed EdKoch’s Koch’s Koch’sbid bid bidfor for for aaafourth fourth fourthterm. term. term.He He Hethen then thendefeated defeated defeatedRepublican Republican Republicancandidate candidate candidate former former formerUS US USAttorney Attorney AttorneyGeneral General GeneralRudy Rudy RudyGiuliani, Giuliani, Giuliani,to totobecome become become the the thefirst first firstAfrican African AfricanAmerican American AmericanMayor Mayor Mayorof ofofthe the theCity City Cityof ofofNew New NewYork.

York.

York.

While While WhileMayor, Mayor, Mayor,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinsdesigned designed designedkey key keydevelopment development development deals deals dealsto totorevitalize revitalize revitalizethe the thecity’s city’s city’seconomy, economy, economy,and and andfostered fostered fosteredthe the the renovation renovation renovationof ofofTimes Times TimesSquare Square Squareand and andthe the theUS US USOpen Open Openin ininQueens Queens Queens with with with the the the United United United States States States Tennis Tennis Tennis Association.

Association.

Association. Dinkins Dinkins Dinkins also also alsorevitalized revitalized revitalizedand and andreorganized reorganized reorganizedthe the theNew New NewYork York YorkCity City CityPoPoPolice lice liceDepartment Department Departmentand and andfostered fostered fosteredincreased increased increasedcommunity community community NYPD NYPD NYPDinvolvement. involvement. involvement.

After After Afterleaving leaving leavingCity City CityHall, Hall, Hall,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinshosted hosted hostedaaaradio radio radioproproprogram gram gramon on onWBLS.FM/WLIB.AM WBLS.FM/WLIB.AM WBLS.FM/WLIB.AMcalled called calledDialogue Dialogue Dialoguewith with withDinDinDinkins. kins. kins.He He Hejoined joined joinedthe the thefaculty faculty facultyof ofofColumbia Columbia ColumbiaUniversity University UniversitySchool School School of ofofInternational International Internationaland and andPublic Public PublicAffairs Affairs Affairsand and andin inin2012 2012 2012received received received the the theCongressional Congressional CongressionalMedal Medal Medalof ofofHonor Honor Honorfor for forhis his hisservice service servicewith with with the the theMarines.

Marines.

Marines.The The Thefollowing following followingyear year yearhe he hepublished published publishedhis his hismemmemmemoir, oir, oir,AAAMayor’s Mayor’s Mayor’sLife: Life: Life:Governing Governing GoverningNY’s NY’s NY’sGorgeous Gorgeous GorgeousMosaic.

Mosaic.

Mosaic.One One One of ofofthe the thehighlights highlights highlightsof ofofhis his histerm term termoccurred occurred occurredwhen, when, when,in ininJune June Juneof ofof 1990, 1990, 1990,Nelson Nelson NelsonMandela, Mandela, Mandela,following following followinghis his hisrelease release releasefrom from fromprison prison prison in ininthen then thenApartheid Apartheid ApartheidSouth South SouthAfrica, Africa, Africa,made made madeNew New NewYork York YorkCity City Citythe the the first first firststop stop stopon on onhis his hisFreedom Freedom Freedomtour. tour. tour.Mayor Mayor MayorDinkins Dinkins Dinkinsgreeted greeted greetedand and and hosted hosted hostedthe the theheroic heroic heroicfreedom freedom freedomfighter fighter fighterat atatGracie Gracie GracieMansion Mansion Mansionand and and throughout throughout throughouthis his hisvisit visit visitin ininthe the thecity. city. city.Along Along Alongwith with withCongressman Congressman Congressman Rangel, Rangel, Rangel,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinsfor for formany many manyyears years yearshad had hadpublicly publicly publiclyopposed opposed opposedthe the the inhuman inhuman inhumanapartheid apartheid apartheidsystem system systemin ininSouth South SouthAfrica.

Africa.

Africa.Mandela Mandela Mandelabebebecame came camethe the thefirst first firstBlack Black Blackpresident president presidentof ofofSouth South SouthAfrica.

Africa.

Africa.

In InIn2015, 2015, 2015,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinswas was washonored honored honoredfor for forhis his hisdecades decades decadesof ofofpubpubpublic lic licservice. service. service.Mayor Mayor MayorBill Bill Billde de deBlasio Blasio Blasioand and andthe the theCity City Cityof ofofNew New NewYork York York renamed renamed renamedthe the theManhattan Manhattan Manhattanarchitectural architectural architecturallandmark, landmark, landmark,the the the Municipal Municipal MunicipalBuilding, Building, Building,in ininhonor honor honorof ofofDavid David DavidN. N. N.Dinkins.

Dinkins.

Dinkins.

Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinswas was wasaaaco-founder co-founder co-founderof ofofHARLEM HARLEM HARLEMWEEK; WEEK; WEEK;an an anexecexecexecutive utive utivemember member memberof ofofThe The TheGreater Greater GreaterHarlem Harlem HarlemChamber Chamber Chamberof ofofComComCommerce; merce; merce;aaafounding founding foundingmember member memberof ofofOne One OneHundred Hundred HundredBlack Black BlackMen Men Men of ofofNew New NewYork; York; York;aaafounding founding foundingmember member memberof ofofthe the theNew New NewYork York YorkState State State Black Black Black& &&Puerto Puerto PuertoRican Rican RicanLegislative Legislative LegislativeCaucus; Caucus; Caucus;and and andaaasenior senior senior executive executive executiveof ofofthe the theNAACP, NAACP, NAACP,to totoname name nameaaafew. few. few.Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinshad had hadtwo two two children children childrenDavid David DavidDinkins, Dinkins, Dinkins,Jr. Jr.Jr.and and andDonna.

Donna.

Donna.

PERCY PERCY PERCYELLIS ELLIS ELLISSUTTON SUTTON SUTTON (November (November (November24, 24, 24,1920 1920 1920–––December December December26, 26, 26,2009) 2009) 2009) A AAprominent prominent prominentAmerican American Americanpopopolitical litical liticaland and andbusiness business businessleader, leader, leader, Percy Percy PercySutton Sutton Suttonwas was wasalso also alsoan an anacacactivist tivist tivistin ininthe the thecivil civil civilrights rights rightsmovemovemovement, ment, ment,aaalawyer, lawyer, lawyer,and and andaaa“Free“Free“Freedom dom domRider.”

Rider.”

Rider.”Sutton Sutton Suttonwas was wasborn born born in ininSan San SanAntonio, Antonio, Antonio,Texas, Texas, Texas,the the the youngest youngest youngestof ofof15 15 15children. children. children.His His His father, father, father,“S.J.” “S.J.” “S.J.”Sutton Sutton Suttonwas was wasaaacivcivcivilililrights rights rightsadvocate advocate advocateand and andone one oneof ofof the the thefirst first firstBlack Black Blackcivil civil civilservants, servants, servants, teachers, teachers, teachers,and and andcivil civil civiladministrators administrators administratorsin ininTexas.

Texas.

Texas.His His Hisfamily family familywas was was committed committed committedto totocivil civil civilrights. rights. rights.Sutton Sutton Suttonbristled bristled bristledat atatprejudice. prejudice. prejudice.

Percy Percy PercySutton Sutton Suttonand and andLeatrice Leatrice LeatriceO’Farrel O’Farrel O’Farrelmarried married marriedin ininNew New New York York YorkCity City Cityin inin1943.They 1943.They 1943.Theyhad had hadtwo two twochildren, children, children,Pierre Pierre Pierreand and and Cheryl.

Cheryl.

Cheryl.During During DuringWorld World WorldWar War WarII, II,II,he he heserved served servedas asasan an anintelligence intelligence intelligence officer officer officerwith with withthe the theTuskegee Tuskegee TuskegeeAirmen, Airmen, Airmen,the the thefamous famous famousgroup group groupof ofof African African AfricanAmerican American Americanpilots pilots pilotswho who whoflew flew flewwith with withgreat great greatdistinction distinction distinction during during duringWorld World WorldWar War WarII. II.II. In InInthe the the1950s 1950s 1950sand and and60s, 60s, 60s,Sutton Sutton Suttonbecame became becameone one oneof ofofAmeriAmeriAmerica’s ca’s ca’sbest-known best-known best-knownlawyers. lawyers. lawyers.He He Herepresented represented representedmany many manyimportimportimportant ant antand and andcontroversial controversial controversialfigures figures figuresincluding including includingMalcolm Malcolm MalcolmX. X.X.A AA longtime longtime longtimeleader leader leaderin ininHarlem Harlem Harlempolitics, politics, politics,he he hewas was wasaaaprincipal principal principalof ofof the the theHarlem Harlem HarlemClubhouse—also Clubhouse—also Clubhouse—alsoknown known knownas asas“The “The “TheHouse House Houseof ofof the the theGang Gang Gangof ofofFour.”

Four.”

Four.”He He Hewas was wasaaamember member memberof ofofthe the theNew New NewYork York York State State StateAssembly Assembly Assemblyin inin1965 1965 1965and and and1966.

1966.

1966.In InIn1966, 1966, 1966,Sutton Sutton Suttonwas was was elected elected electedBorough Borough BoroughPresident President Presidentof ofofManhattan.

Manhattan.

Manhattan.He He Heserved served served in ininthat that thatpost post postuntil until until1977 1977 1977when when whenhe he heran ran ranfor for forthe the theDemocratDemocratDemocratic icicnomination nomination nominationfor for forNew New NewYork York YorkCity City CityMayor Mayor Mayoragainst against againstBelBelBella lalaAbzug, Abzug, Abzug,Herman Herman HermanBadillo, Badillo, Badillo,Mario Mario MarioCuomo, Cuomo, Cuomo,Ed Ed EdKoch, Koch, Koch, and and andincumbent incumbent incumbentMayor Mayor MayorAbraham Abraham AbrahamBeame.

Beame.

Beame.Koch Koch Kochwon won wonthe the the nomination nomination nomination and and and the the the general general general election. election. election. However, However, However, the the the favorable favorable favorableresponse response responseto totoSutton’s Sutton’s Sutton’scandidacy candidacy candidacyfirmly firmly firmlydemondemondemonstrated strated stratedthat that thatNew New NewYork York YorkCity City Citywould would wouldsoon soon soonbe be beready ready readyfor for for aaaBlack Black Blackmayor, mayor, mayor,thereby thereby therebypaving paving pavingthe the theway way wayfor for forthe the thefuture future future election election election of ofof David David David Dinkins.

Dinkins.

Dinkins. Sutton Sutton Sutton later later later became became became an an an outstanding outstanding outstanding entrepreneur entrepreneur entrepreneur whose whose whose key key key investments investments investments ininincluded cluded cludedthe the theNY NY NYAmsterdam Amsterdam AmsterdamNews, News, News,and and andthe the theworld-famous world-famous world-famous Apollo Apollo ApolloTheater.

Theater.

Theater. cont’d cont’d cont’don ononnext next nextpage page page

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DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

GANG OF FOUR cont’d cont’d from from previous previous page page

Sutton Sutton co-founded co-founded Inner Inner City City Broadcasting Broadcasting CorpoCorporation, ration, and and purchased purchased New New York York City’s City’s WLIB-AM, WLIB-AM, raradio dio station station which which became became the the city’s city’s first first African African AmerAmerican ican owned owned station. station. He also produced It’s Showtime at the the Apollo, Apollo, aa syndicated syndicated music music television television show show broadcast broadcast nationally. nationally. He He also also co-founded co-founded Blackfrica Blackfrica Promotions Promotions in in 1970; 1970; HARLEM HARLEM WEEK WEEK in in 1974; 1974; and and served served as as chairman chairman of of The The Greater Greater Harlem Harlem Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce from from 2005 2005 to to 2009.

2009.

CHARLES CHARLES B. B. RANGEL RANGEL June June 11, 11, 1930 1930 –– Born in in Harlem, Harlem, Charles Charles Born Rangel still still makes makes his his home home Rangel there. His His father, father, Ralph Ralph RanRanthere. gel, emigrated emigrated from from Puerto Puerto gel, Rico; Rico; his his mother, mother, Blanche Blanche Mary Mary Wharton, Wharton, was was from from New New York York City.

City. Rangel Rangel enenlisted listed in in the the US US Army Army and and served served from from 1948 1948 to to 1952, where where he he was was an an artillery artillery operations operations specialist specialist in in the the all Black 503 Field Artillery Battalion. Those in Rangel’s Rangel’s unit looked up to him as a natural leader and although he was only a private first class, he gained the nickname nickname “Sarge.” Rangel received a Purple Heart for his wounds wounds in Korea; the Bronze Bronze Star Star with with Valor Valor for for his his actions actions in in the face of death; as well as three battle stars. He left left the the Army in 1952 with an honorary discharge and the rank of Rangel atatstaff sergeant. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Rangel graduated from from New New York York University University tended college and graduated in 1957 and St. John’s University School of Law in 1960.

AttorRangel worked as a private lawyer, Assistant US Attorserved ney, and legal counsel during the early 1960s. He served two terms in the NY State Assembly from 1967 to 1971 long-time incumbent incumbent Congressman Congressman and then defeated long-time Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in a tightly contested primary Representatives. challenge on his way to the US House of Representatives.

Once there, Rangel rose rapidly in the Democratic ranks pragmatic apapcombining his solidly liberal views with a pragmatic finding political political and and legislative legislative comprocomproproach toward finding mises. He became chair of the House Committee on Narcotics and helped define national policies on the issues during the 1980s. Rangel rose to the historic rank of

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Chairman of of the the House House Committee Committee on on Ways Ways and and Means, Means, Chairman the most most powerful powerful committee committee in in Congress.

Congress. the As one one of of Harlem’s Harlem’s “Gang “Gang of of Four,” Four,” he he became became a As groundbreaker in in city, city, state, state, and and national national politics. politics. He He groundbreaker played the the lead lead role role in in the the 1995 1995 creation creation of of the the Upper played Manhattan Empowerment Empowerment Zone Zone Development Development CorporaCorporaManhattan tion and and the the National National Empowerment Empowerment Zone Zone Act, Act, which which tion helped permanently permanently change change the the economic economic face face of of HarHarhelped lem and and many many other other inner-city inner-city areas areas across across the the nation. nation. lem Rangel has has long long been been outspoken outspoken about about his his views views and and Rangel has been been arrested arrested several several times times as as part part of of political, political, interinterhas national, civil civil rights, rights, and and human human rights rights demonstrations. demonstrations. national, During the the 2012 2012 and and 2014 2014 Congressional Congressional elections, elections, he he During faced two two strong strong primary primary challenges challenges but but prevailed. prevailed. He He faced chose not not to to run run for for reelection reelection in in 2016 2016 and and retired retired from from chose Congress in in January January of of 2017.

2017.

Congress Rangel, fondly fondly known known as as the the “Lion “Lion of of Lenox Lenox Avenue,” Avenue,” Rangel, is aa co-founder co-founder of of HARLEM HARLEM WEEK, WEEK, Harlem Harlem Urban Urban DeDeis velopment Corporation, Corporation, and and The The Apollo Apollo Theater Theater FounFounvelopment dation. He He served served as as an an executive executive in in the the NAACP, NAACP, One One dation.

Hundred Black Black Men Men of of New New York, York, and and many many other other key key Hundred organizations in in New New York, York, nationally, nationally, and and internationalinternationalorganizations ly. He He is is married married to to the the love love of of his his life, life, Alma.

Alma. They They have have ly. two children, children, Alicia Alicia and and Steven.

Steven. two BASIL ALEXANDER ALEXANDER BASIL PATERSON PATERSON April 27, 27, 1926 1926 –– ((April April April 16, 16, 2014) 2014) He was was born born in in Harlem.

Harlem.

He His mother, mother, Evangeline Evangeline RonRonHis don, worked worked as as aa secretary secretary to to don, the activist activist Marcus Marcus Garvey.

Garvey. the After two two years years in in the the army, army, After Paterson entered entered St. St. John’s John’s Paterson Law School School and and received received his his Law degree in in 1951.

1951. He He then then began began his his professional professional career career as as degree lawyer in in Harlem Harlem where where he he soon soon became became law law partners partners aa lawyer with David David Dinkins.

Dinkins. They They formed formed the the famous famous law law firm, firm, with Paterson, Michael, Michael, Dinkins Dinkins and and Jones Jones LLP. LLP. Paterson, Paterson and and Dinkins Dinkins became became heavily heavily involved involved in in HarHarPaterson lem politics politics along along with with Manhattan Manhattan Borough Borough President President lem Percy Sutton Sutton and and Congressman Congressman Charles Charles Rangel—the Rangel—the Percy “Gang of of Four.”

Four.” He He was was elected elected to to the the NY NY State State Senate Senate “Gang in 1965 1965 where where he he remained remained until until he he won won the the primary primary in www.thepositivecommunity.com

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

and became the Democratic nominee for New York State Lieutenant Governor in 1970. The Democratic ticket, led

by Arthur Goldberg, lost to incumbent Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Nevertheless, Basil immediately became a national political icon.

Paterson became president and CEO of the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution in 1972. He was the first elected African American vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1972. In 1978, Mayor Ed Koch appointed him Deputy Mayor and in 1979, Governor Hugh Carey appointed him NY State Secretary of State, making him the first African American to hold

that most prestigious position. Paterson’s son, David Paterson, who also served as NY State Senator from Harlem, won the election for New York State Lieutenant Governor in 2006. In 2008, David became governor when Elliott Spitzer resigned.

After leaving public office, Paterson became a senior partner at the prestigious firm of Meyer, Suozzi, and English & Klein.

Basil and the love of his life, Portia, married in 1953. They had two sons, Daniel and David. Wherever he went, no matter how near or far, Basil was known as “Mr. Harlem.”

A brief accounting of some the high points of their accomplishments includes: • NY City Clerk

• Founder of WBLS.FM and WLIB.AM, Inner City Broadcasting Corporation

• NYC Mayor

• Co-Founder One Hundred Black Men of New York

• Manhattan Borough President • Member of Congress

• Graduate of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• NY State Senator • NY State Assembly Member • Vice Chairman of Democratic National Committee

• Chairman and executive member The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce • Tuskegee Airman.

• Founding member of Congressional Black Caucus

• Founders of NY State Black & Puerto Rican Caucus

• Senior Executive of the NAACP

• Responsible for Harlem’s revitalization

• NY Amsterdam News Owner

• Revitalization of US Tennis Center and the building of Arthur Ashe Stadium,

• The Apollo Theater Foundation Founder • HARLEM WEEK Co-Founders

•

Hosting Hon. Nelson Mandela at Gracie Mansion and in Harlem,

• Founders of Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone

WHAT A GANG! www.thepositivecommunity.com

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DAVID DAVID DAVIDDINKINS DINKINS DINKINS| |1927–2020 | 1927–2020 1927–2020

jay jay hoggard hoggard david dinkins dinkins & & david

Gerald Peart Gerald Peart Gerald Peart

By By By Ron Ron Ron Scott Scott Scott

J

azz azz azz Jazz Jazz Jazz isisis my my my beat beat beat and and and when when when I Ilearned Ilearned learned Mayor Mayor MayorDavid David DavidDinkins Dinkins Dinkinswas was wasthe the thefatherfatherfatherin-law in-law in-lawofofofvibraphonist, vibraphonist, vibraphonist,composer, composer, composer,and and and educator educator educator Jay Jay Jay Hoggard, Hoggard, Hoggard, I Ijumped Ijumped jumped atatat the the the opportunity opportunity opportunity tototo talk talk talk with with with Jay. Jay. Jay. What What What resultresultresulted ed ed was was was an an an engaging engaging engaging Zoom Zoom Zoom conversation conversation conversation about about about their their their relationship relationship relationship and and and Jay’s Jay’s Jay’s music. music. music.

“When “When “Whenwe we wefirst first firstmet, met, met,he he hewas was wasmore more moreconcerned concerned concerned about about aboutmy my mybeing being beingable able abletotototake take takecare care careofofofDonna Donna Donna[his [his [his daughter] daughter] daughter]and and andkeep keep keepher her herhappy. happy. happy.AtAt Atthat that thattime, time, time,he he he wasn’t wasn’t wasn’t mayor. mayor. mayor.

I Ithink Ithink think he he he was was was Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan Borough Borough Borough President,” President,” President,” Hoggard Hoggard Hoggard reminisced. reminisced. reminisced.

Fortunately, Fortunately, Fortunately,Dinkins Dinkins Dinkinsdidn’t didn’t didn’tseem seem seemtototomind mind mindthat that that Hoggard Hoggard Hoggard was was was aamusician. amusician. musician.

Actually, Actually, Actually, Hoggard’s Hoggard’s Hoggard’s musimusimusicianship cianship cianship may may may have have have worked worked worked ininin his his his favor favor favor since since since Mayor Mayor Mayor Dinkins Dinkins Dinkins was was was aapure apure pure jazz jazz jazz connoisseur. connoisseur. connoisseur.

“He “He “He was was was organically organically organically into into into jazz jazz jazz ofofof his his his era; era; era; he he he was was was aajazz ajazz jazz guy guy guy listening listening listening tototo Count Count Count Basie; Basie; Basie; Duke Duke Duke Ellington; Ellington; Ellington;Johnny Johnny JohnnyHartman; Hartman; Hartman;Billie Billie BillieHoliHoliHoliday; day; day;Ella Ella EllaFitzgerald; Fitzgerald; Fitzgerald;Dinah Dinah DinahWashington; Washington; Washington; Sammy Sammy Sammy Davis, Davis, Davis, Jr.; Jr.; Jr.; and and and Nat Nat Nat King King King Cole,” Cole,” Cole,” said said said

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

Hoggard.

Hoggard.

Hoggard.

“He “He “He was was was close close close friends friends friends with with with Dizzy Dizzy Dizzy GillesGillesGillespie, pie, pie, Dr. Dr. Dr. Billy Billy Billy Taylor, Taylor, Taylor, and and and Lionel Lionel Lionel Hampton.”

Hampton.”

Hampton.”

Their Their Their separate separate separate bonds bonds bonds with with with the the the same same same musicians musicians musicians added added added tototo the the thecohesiveness cohesiveness cohesivenessofofoftheir their theirrelationship. relationship. relationship.Hoggard Hoggard Hoggard met met met Hampton Hampton Hampton ininin the the the early early early 80s 80s 80s but but but ititwas itwas was during during during aaa 1988 1988 1988 duo duo duo gig gig gig with with with Bobby Bobby Bobby Hutchinson Hutchinson Hutchinson atatat Fat Fat Fat TuesTuesTuesday’s day’s day’s ininin New New New York York York City, City, City, when when when he he he got got got the the the opportuopportuopportunity nity nity tototo jam jam jam with with with the the the master. master. master.

The The The elder elder elder vibraphonist vibraphonist vibraphonist eventually eventually eventually became became became aamentor amentor mentor and and and friend. friend. friend.

Hampton’s Hampton’s Hampton’s health health health began began began tototo deteriorate deteriorate deteriorate and and and he he he asked asked asked the the the then then then young young young gun gun gun tototo sitsit sit ininin for for for him him him atatat varivarivarious ous ous gigs. gigs. gigs.

Hoggard’s Hoggard’s Hoggard’s most most most memorable memorable memorable gigs gigs gigs include include include the the the Carnegie Carnegie Carnegie Hall Hall Hall Tribute Tribute Tribute tototo Ella Ella Ella Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald and and and playing playing playing atatat Jazzmobile’s Jazzmobile’s Jazzmobile’s summer summer summer festival festival festival atatat Grant’s Grant’s Grant’s Tomb.

Tomb.

Tomb.“Hamp “Hamp “Hampwas was wasactually actually actuallyatatatthat that thatgig gig gigand and andsat sat sat next next next tototo me me me asasas I Iplayed.

Iplayed. played.

He He He eventually eventually eventually got got got up up up and and and played. played. played.

ItItwas Itwas was an an an incredible incredible incredible gig gig gig I Iwill Iwill will never never never forget,” forget,” forget,” Hoggard Hoggard Hoggard said said said with with with aabig abig big smile. smile. smile.

Dinkins Dinkins Dinkins often often often atatattended tended tended his his his son-in-law’s son-in-law’s son-in-law’s concerts, concerts, concerts, including including including several several several when when when Hoggard Hoggard Hoggard subbed subbed subbed for for for Hampton.

Hampton.

Hampton.

“I“I“I am am am sure sure sure he he he came came came tototo the the the Jackie Jackie Jackie Robinson Robinson Robinson Jazz Jazz Jazz Festivals Festivals Festivals ininin Connecticut, Connecticut, Connecticut, where where where I Iplayed Iplayed played and and and Robin Robin Robin Bell Bell Bell SteSteStevens vens vens was was was the the the producer,” producer,” producer,” recalled recalled recalled Hoggard.

Hoggard.

Hoggard.

Hoggard’s Hoggard’s Hoggard’s album album album Swing’em Swing’em Swing’em Gates Gates Gates isisis aatribute atribute tribute tototo Hampton, Hampton, Hampton, the the the iconic iconic iconic master master master vibraphonist. vibraphonist. vibraphonist.

“Eight “Eight “Eight ofofof the the the compositions compositions compositions on on on this this this recording recording recording are are are tunes tunes tunes that that that I Iplayed Iplayed played when when when Hamp Hamp Hamp sent sent sent me me me tototo sub sub sub for for for him him him with with withhis his hisband band bandinininthe the the90s,” 90s,” 90s,”Hoggard Hoggard Hoggardexplained. explained. explained.

“Once “Once “Oncewhen when whenHamp Hamp Hampcalled called calledme me metototoplay play playfor for forhim, him, him, I Iasked Iasked asked what what what tunes tunes tunes he he he wanted. wanted. wanted.

He He He replied, replied, replied, ‘Just ‘Just ‘Just swing’em swing’em swing’em gates.’” gates.’” gates.’”

That That That conversation conversation conversation inspired inspired inspired the the the composition/album composition/album composition/album title title title and and and direction direction direction ofofof this this this mumumusical sical sical tribute tribute tribute with with with Hoggard’s Hoggard’s Hoggard’s own own own interpretations. interpretations. interpretations.

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DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

POSITIVEMUSIC POSITIVE MUSIC

MATTERS

!

™

jayhoggard.com

The recording features a guest appearance by composer and pianist Dr. Billy Taylor on three tunes. It was recorded on his own label, JHVM, in 2007. He credits Hampton for influencing him to start his own record label in 2001 and has recorded seven albums on the label thus far.

He has recorded 22 CDs as a leader and over 50 as a collaborator. His most recent CD, 2016’s Harlem Hieroglyphs, a two-disc JVHM recording, features the often underrated but accomplished alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Gary Bartz; pianists/organists James Weidman and Nat Adderley, Jr.; bassistBelden Bullock; and drummer Yoron Israel.

When Dr. Taylor co-founded Jazzmobile in the 60s, Dinkins was one of its first board members. Hoggard not only played on the original Jazzmobile, the same one where Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Clark Terry performed, but he also taught there. He recalls the summer day he arrived at Jazzmobile’s office in Harlem, parking in front momentarily to take his vibraphone out of the car. A man standing there helped him, but after finding a parking space and returning, the kind man was gone.

He inquired about the person who helped him and was told, “Oh, Lee Morgan, he left.”

To this day Hoggard remains almost lost for words when he thinks about that incident, “Wow, Lee Morgan helped me with my vibes, that’s incredible.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Beginning in 1993, former Mayor Dinkins hosted a local talk show with guests on WLIB-AM a. His theme song was “The Little Tiger,” a composition that Hoggard had penned a few years prior for his young son, Jamal, who was about six years old at the time. On the album by the same title (Muse Records 1991), Hoggard is accompanied by bassist Marcus McLaurine, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Yoron Israel. What proud grandfather wouldn’t want to have a theme song written by his son-in-law for his only grandson?

That sounds like a double-plus to me. Donna and Jay also have a daughter, Kalila.

Hoggard said he hasn’t had a gig since last March, the same horrendous situation all musicians are in since the pandemic. Fortunately, he is a tenured professor of music at his alma mater, Wesleyan University. For over 25 years he has been the director of the Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra and has been conducting both live and Zoom classes. Jay is hoping to get back into the studio by summer; only time will tell.

“I’ve lived long enough and have access to such a large reservoir of music to share,” Hoggard reflected. He continued in his self-deprecating way, “I know a little bit more of what I’m doing, not much but a little.” Jay Hoggard’s music covers the spectrum of music of the African diaspora.

A memorial for David Dinkins is planned for August 2021. You can bet “The Little Tiger” played by Jay Hoggard, will be part of the program.

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

33

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DAVID DAVIDDINKINS DINKINS DINKINS|| |1927–2020 1927–2020 1927–2020

Dinkins: Dinkins: Dinkins: AAFriend Friend in Deed A Friendin inDeed Deed

By Moikgantsi Kgama By ByByMoikgantsi Moikgantsi MoikgantsiKgama Kgama Kgama

III

Mayor Dinkins and his wife, Mrs. Joyce Dinkins Mayor Dinkins and his wife, Mayor Mayor Dinkins Dinkins and and his his wife, wife, Mrs. Joyce Dinkins Mrs. Mrs. Joyce Joyce Dinkins Dinkins

n 1986, a group of Harlem clergy formed Harlem forof Community Improvement, Inc. n n1986, 1986, 1986,aa agroup group group ofof Harlem Harlemclergy clergy clergy formedHarlem Harlem nCongregations Harlem formed (HCCI) in an effort to revitalize Harlem.

Their initial Congregations Congregationsfor for forCommunity Community CommunityImprovement, Improvement,Inc. Inc. Congregations focus would be the 40-block north Harlem. central Harlem area (HCCI) (HCCI) inin anan effort effort toto revitalize revitalize Harlem.

Theirinitial initial (HCCI) in an effort to revitalize Their known as Bradhurst.

In direct response toHarlem the cries of focus focus would would bebe the the 40-block 40-block north north central Harlem area focus would be the 40-block north central area Harlem’s poor and struggling middle-class residents, known known asasBradhurst.

Bradhurst.

Bradhurst.In InIndirect direct directresponse response responsetotothe thecries criesofof known as men and women ofand faith walked hand-in-hand electHarlem’s Harlem’s poor poorand and struggling struggling middle-class middle-classwith residents, Harlem’s poor struggling middle-class residents, ed officials, community activists, educators, and engaged men men and and women women ofof faith faith walked walked hand-in-hand hand-in-hand withelectelectmen and women of faith walked hand-in-hand with residents tocommunity remove blight and rebuild the Harlem comeded officials, officials, community community activists, activists, educators, educators, andengaged engaged ed officials, activists, educators, and munity.

From the birth of and HCCI until his death latecomlast residents residents toto remove remove blight blight and and rebuild rebuild the Harlem comresidents to remove blight rebuild the Harlem year, the beloved Mayor David N. Dinkins remained one munity. munity.From From From the the birth birth ofof HCCI HCCI until untilhishisdeath deathlate latelast last munity. the birth of HCCI until of HCCI’s strongest allies. year, year, the the beloved beloved Mayor Mayor David David N.N. Dinkins Dinkinsremained remainedone one year, the beloved Mayor David N. Dinkins Borough President David N. Dinkins supported fundofof HCCI’s HCCI’s strongest strongest allies. allies. of HCCI’s strongest allies. ingBorough the institution, then, as the first Black Mayor offundNew Borough Borough President President David David N.N. Dinkins Dinkins supported fundPresident David N. Dinkins supported York City, Dinkins leveraged his position to implement ing ing the the institution, institution, then, then, asas the the first first BlackMayor MayorofofNew New ing the institution, then, as the first Black HCCI’s blueprint for the revitalization of Bradhurst.

York York City, City, Dinkins Dinkins leveraged leveraged his hisposition position position implement York City, Dinkins leveraged his totoimplement Mayor Koch, whom Dinkins succeeded, didn’t believe HCCI’s HCCI’s blueprint blueprint for for the the revitalization revitalization Bradhurst.

HCCI’s blueprint for the revitalization ofof Bradhurst.

Black churches had the capacity to pull off the massive Mayor Mayor Koch, Koch, whom whom Dinkins Dinkins succeeded, succeeded,didn’t didn’t didn’tbelieve believe believe Mayor Koch, whom Dinkins succeeded, plan.

His thrust was to exclude HCCI and take the plan to Black Black churches churches had had the the capacity capacity to to pull pull off off the the massive massive Black churches had the capacity to pull off the massive an outside developer.

However, Mayor Dinkins set aside plan. plan.

His His thrust thrust was was toto exclude exclude HCCI HCCI and and take take the the plan plan toto plan.

His thrust was to exclude HCCI and take the plan to an an outside outside developer. developer.

However, However, Mayor Mayor Dinkins Dinkins set set aside aside an outside developer. However, Mayor Dinkins set aside

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

$18.4 million in the capital budget for the Bradhurst community at ainin time hebudget was striving to $3 bil$18.4 $18.4million million the thewhen capital capital budget for forthe thecut Bradhurst Bradhurst capital budget for the Bradhurst lion from the budget. community communityatata atime timewhen whenhe hewas wasstriving strivingto cut$3 $3bilbilwhen he was striving totocut cut $3 bilDinkins made grassroots neighborhood revitalization lion lion from fromthe thebudget. budget. andDinkins the Bradhurst Plan a cornerstone of revitalization his adminisDinkins made madegrassroots grassroots neighborhood neighborhood revitalization grassroots neighborhood revitalization tration.

The project—which represented pioneering, and andthe theBradhurst BradhurstPlan Planaa acornerstone cornerstoneof hisadminisadminisPlan cornerstone ofofhis his adminisunprecedented social engineering by a municipal govtration. tration.The Theproject—which project—which represented represented pioneering, pioneering, project—which represented pioneering, unprecedented unprecedentedsocial socialengineering engineeringby municipalgovgovsocial engineering bybyaa amunicipal municipal gov-

HCCI Board Chair Joan O. Dawson with Mayor Dinkins at 15th Annual HCCIwith Gala HCCI HCCIBoard BoardChair Chair Joan Joan O. Dawson with HCCI Board Chair Joan O.O.Dawson Dawson with Mayor Mayor Dinkins Dinkins at at 15th 15th Annual Annual HCCI HCCI Gala Gala Mayor Dinkins at 15th Annual HCCI Gala www.thepositivecommunity.com

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DINKINS 1927–2020 DAVID DAVID DAVID DINKINS DINKINS DINKINS | 1927–2020 | ||1927–2020 1927–2020

ernment—envisioned the creation of 2,200 apartments mer member of the Dinkins administration, documents and single-family homes, as well as 300,000 square feet of much of this history in his book Double Trouble: Black ernment—envisioned the creation of 2,200 apartments mer member of the Dinkins administration, documents ernment—envisioned ernment—envisioned ernment—envisioned thethe the creation creation creation of of 2,200 of2,200 2,200 apartments apartments apartments mer mer mer member member member of of the ofthe the Dinkins Dinkins Dinkins administration, administration, administration, documents documents commercial space over a decade.

Mayors, Black Communities, and the Call for a documents Deep Democracy. and single-family homes, as well as 300,000 square feet of much of this history in his book Double Trouble: Black and and and single-family single-family single-family homes, homes, homes, as as well as well well as as 300,000 as 300,000 300,000 square square square feet feet feet of of of much much much of of this of this this history history history in in his in his his book book book Double Double Double Trouble: Trouble: Trouble: Black Black Mayor Dinkins’ confidence regarding what the orHCCI Chair Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D. spoke ofBlack Honorcommercial space over a decade.

Mayors, Black Communities, and the Call for a Deep Democracy. commercial commercial commercial space space space over over over a decade. a a decade. decade.

Mayors, Mayors, Mayors, Black Black Black Communities, Communities, Communities, and and and the the Call the Call Call for for a for Deep a a Deep Deep Democracy.

Democracy.

Democracy. ganization could accomplish produced results. Today, able Dinkins as a friend colleague who supported Mayor Dinkins’ confidence regarding what the orHCCI Chair Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D. spoke of HonorMayor Mayor Mayor Dinkins’ Dinkins’ Dinkins’ confidence confidence confidence regarding regarding regarding what what what the the the or-oror- HCCI HCCI HCCI Chair Chair Chair Joan Joan Joan O.years, O. Dawson, O.Dawson, Dawson, Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. spoke spoke spoke of HonorofHonorHonorHCCI’s achievements continue to mount and HCCI has HCCI through the providing access toof funding as ganization could accomplish produced results.

Today, able Dinkins as a friend and colleague who supported ganization ganization ganization could could could accomplish accomplish accomplish produced produced produced results. results. results.

Today, Today, Today, able able able Dinkins Dinkins Dinkins as as a as friend a a friend friend and and and colleague colleague colleague who who who supported supported supported become a world-renowned model for community revital- Mayor and Borough President and the many contacts he HCCI’s achievements continue to mount and HCCI has HCCI through the years, providing access to funding HCCI’s HCCI’s HCCI’s achievements achievements achievements continue continue continue to mount tomount mount and and HCCI HCCI HCCI hashas has HCCI HCCI HCCI through through through thethe the years, years, years, providing providing providing access access access to to funding tofunding funding as asas as ization with a portfolio thattoboasts 80and buildings—comprovided.

“His invaluable presence at every major fundbecome a world-renowned model for community revitalMayor and Borough President and the many contacts he become become become a world-renowned a a world-renowned world-renowned model model model for for community for community community revitalrevitalrevitalMayor Mayor Mayor and and and Borough Borough Borough President President President and and and the the the many many many contacts contacts contacts he he he prising more than 4,000 units of housing, 70 commercial ing gala held since the founding of HCCI will be missed,” ization with portfolio that boasts 80 buildings—comprovided.

“His invaluable presence at every major fundization ization ization with with with a portfolio a aaportfolio portfolio that that boasts boasts boasts 8080 buildings—com80 buildings—combuildings—comprovided. provided. provided.

“His “His “His invaluable invaluable presence presence at at every at every every major major major fundfundspaces (including a that 45,000 square foot supermarket), she said.

“He isinvaluable fondly presence remembered for his words offundwisprising more than 4,000 units of housing, 70 commercial ing gala held since the founding of HCCI will be missed,” prising prising prising more more than than than 4,000 4,000 4,000 units units of of housing, of housing, housing, 7070 commercial 70commercial commercial inging gala ing gala gala held held held since since since the the founding the founding of of HCCI of HCCI HCCI willwill will bebe missed,” bemissed,” missed,” andmore the revitalization ofunits the previously blighted Jackie dom that guided us allfounding in helping the Harlem community. spaces (including 45,000 square foot supermarket), she said.

“He fondly remembered for his words of wisspaces spaces spaces (including (including (including 45,000 a aa45,000 45,000 square square foot foot foot supermarket), supermarket), supermarket), sheshe she said. said. said.

“He “He “He isindebted fondly is is isfondly fondly remembered remembered forfor his for his words hiswords words of of wisofwiswisWe are all toremembered him as a great leader.”

Robinson Park.a Author J. square Phillip Thompson III, a forand the revitalization of the previously blighted Jackie dom that guided us all in helping the Harlem community. and and and thethe the revitalization revitalization revitalization of of the ofthe the previously previously previously blighted blighted blighted Jackie Jackie Jackie dom dom dom that that that guided guided guided us us allusall inallin helping inhelping helping thethe Harlem theHarlem Harlem community. community. community. cont’d on next page Robinson Park.

Author Phillip Thompson forWe are all indebted to him great leader.”

WeWe are Weare all areall indebted allindebted indebted to to him tohim him as as a as as great a aagreat great leader.” leader.” leader.”

Robinson Robinson Robinson Park.

Park.

Park.

Author Author Author J. Phillip J. J. J.Phillip Phillip Thompson Thompson Thompson III,III, aIII, III, fora aaforforcont’d on next page cont’d cont’d cont’d on on next onnext next page page page

Exclusive!

View The Positive Community and Greater Harlem Chamber of ComExclusive!

Exclusive!

Exclusive!

Exclusive! merce’s heartfelt, special video tribute to the Dinkins’ legacy: View The Positive Community and Greater Harlem Chamber of ComView View View The The Positive Positive Positive Community Community Community and and and Greater Greater Greater Harlem Harlem Harlem Chamber Chamber Chamber of of ComofComComA The Class of His Own. Visit thepositivecommunity.com. merce’s heartfelt, special video tribute to the Dinkins’ legacy: merce’s merce’s merce’s heartfelt, heartfelt, heartfelt, special special special video video video tribute tribute tribute to to the tothe the Dinkins’ Dinkins’ Dinkins’ legacy: legacy: legacy: A Class of His Own. Visit thepositivecommunity.com.

A Class A AClass Class of of His ofHis His Own. Own. Own. Visit Visit Visit thepositivecommunity.com. thepositivecommunity.com. thepositivecommunity.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_Winter_2021_WF.indd 17

Winter 2021 The Positive Community

35 2/21/21 2:49 PM

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DAVIDDINKINS DINKINS| |1927–2020 1927–2020

FRIEND IN DEED cont’d from previous page FRIEND FRIEND INDEED DEED cont’d fromIN previous page cont’d cont’d from from previous previous page page

Dinkins Dinkins and and HCCI HCCI President and CEO Dinkins Dinkins and HCCI HCCI President and CEO Dr. Malcolm A. Punter President and and CEO Dr.President Malcolm A.CEO Punter Dr.Dr. Malcolm Malcolm A.A. Punter Punter

In tribute to the mayor and his undying belief and New to York City’s first affordable, green housing InIntribute tribute tothe the mayor mayor and and hishisundying undying belief belief and and support, complex, built by HCCI infirst partnership with Jonathan support, support,New NewYork York City’s City’sfirst affordable, affordable,green green housing housing Rose Companies, isHCCI named David & Joycewith Dinkins Garcomplex, complex, built builtbyby HCCIinin partnership partnership withJonathan Jonathan dens.

The 85-unit building completed inJoyce 2008 consists of Rose RoseCompanies, Companies, is isnamed named David David& &Joyce Dinkins Dinkins GarGar28 studios, 24 one-bedroom, and 33 two-bedroom apartdens. dens.

The The 85-unit 85-unit building building completed completed inin 2008 2008 consists consists ofof ments.

Built24on formerly city-owned property, the build2828 studios, studios, 24 one-bedroom, one-bedroom, and and 3333 two-bedroom two-bedroom apartaparting design meets the community’s critical social and enments. ments.

Built Built ononformerly formerly city-owned city-owned property, property, the the buildbuilding ingdesign designmeets meetsthe thecommunity’s community’scritical criticalsocial socialand andenen-

vironmental needs. A key element of the Bradhurst plan, vironmental vironmental needs. needs.

AA key key element element ofof the the Bradhurst Bradhurst plan, plan, the project boasts green building innovations and matethe the project project boasts green green building building innovations innovations and matematerials such as:boasts the use of non-toxic and recycledand material rials rials such suchas:as:the the use useofofnon-toxic non-toxicand andrecycled recycled material material in construction, EnergyStar-rated appliances and light ininconstruction, construction, EnergyStar-rated EnergyStar-rated appliances appliances and and light light fixtures, a green roof with a rainwater harvesting system, fixtures, fixtures, a green apaving, green roof roof with with aday rainwater a rainwater harvesting harvesting system, system, permeable natural lighting, sun shading on permeable permeable paving, paving, natural natural day daylighting, lighting,sun sunshading shading onon the south-facing exposure, and energy-efficient lighting. the the south-facing south-facing exposure, and and energy-efficient energy-efficient lighting. lighting.

In addition to a exposure, roof terrace and backyard garden, inInInaddition addition totoa aroof roof terrace and backyard backyard garden, garden, in-integral components of terrace David &and Joyce Dinkins Gardens, tegral tegralcomponents components ofofDavid David & &Joyce JoyceDinkins DinkinsGardens, Gardens, residents enjoy the now vibrant Jackie Robinson Park a residents residents enjoythe now now vibrant vibrant JackieRobinson RobinsonPark Parka a short walkenjoy away.

Itthe also includes aJackie 2,500-square-foot comshort short walk walk away. away.

It It also also includes includes a 2,500-square-foot a 2,500-square-foot comcommunity facility.

HCCIfacility.

President munity munity facility. and CEO Dr. Malcolm A. Punter recalls Mayor Dinkins’and impact onDr. his youth.

Born and raised HCCI HCCI President President andCEO CEO Dr.Malcolm Malcolm A.A.Punter Punter re-rein Harlem, Punter said, “I was inspired byBorn seeing a raised Black calls calls Mayor Mayor Dinkins’ Dinkins’ impact impact onon hishis youth. youth.

Born and and raised man serve as Mayorsaid, of NYC. HCCI transformed blocks I inin Harlem, Harlem, Punter Punter said, “I “I was was inspired inspired byby seeing seeing a Black a Black was forbidden to walk down as a kidtransformed into vibrantblocks sectors man man serve serveasasMayor Mayor ofof NYC. NYC. HCCI HCCI transformed blocksI I of the community.

As president and CEO atvibrant HCCI, I sectors have was was forbidden forbidden totowalk walk down downasas a kid a kid into into vibrantsectors had the honor of As hosting Mayor Dinkins and hisI wife, ofof the the community. community.

As president president and and CEO CEO atat HCCI, HCCI, have I have Joyce at our galaofyear after Mayor year.

Knowing his impact on had hadthe the honor honor ofhosting hosting Mayor Dinkins Dinkins and and hishiswife, wife, HCCI made those moments precious.

Harlem will always Joyce Joyceat atour our gala galayear yearafter afteryear. year.Knowing Knowing hishisimpact impact onon cherish the memory of our beloved Mayor.”

HCCI HCCI made made those those moments moments precious. precious.

Harlem Harlem will will always always cherish cherish the the memory memory ofof our our beloved beloved Mayor.”

Mayor.”

Terry English President & CEO, Prime Protective Bureau

36

The Positive Community Winter 2021

www.thepositivecommunity.com

HARLEM FOR HARLEM CONGREGATIONS CONGREGATIONS FOR HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, IMPROVEMENT, INC. COMMUNITY INC. Serving with the ServingHarlem HarlemSince Since 1986, 1986, in Serving Harlem Since 1986, in partnership partnership with with the the faith community and dedicated members. faith community and members. faith community and dedicated members.

Ephesus Abundant LifeLife Tabernacle, Inc.Inc. EphesusSeventh SeventhDay DayAdventist AdventistChurch* Church* Abundant Tabernacle, Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church* Abundant Life Tabernacle, Inc. Faith Mission All All Soul’s Episcopal Church Faith MissionBaptist BaptistChurch, Church,Inc. Inc. Soul’s Episcopal Church Faith Mission Baptist Church, Inc. All Soul’s Episcopal Church Pentecostal American Baptist Churches of Metro NYNY Faith Faith PentecostalApostolic Apostolic American Baptist Churches of Metro Pentecostal Apostolic American Baptist Churches of Metro NY Faith Healing Temple Angels of Mercy Prison Ministry Healing Temple Angels of Mercy Prison Ministry Healing Temple Angels of Mercy Prison Ministry First Antioch Baptist Church Corinthian Baptist Church FirstCorinthian CorinthianBaptist BaptistChurch Church Antioch Baptist Church First Antioch Baptist Church Antioch Church of God in Christ First Grace Baptist Church FirstGrace GraceBaptist BaptistChurch Church Antioch Church of God in Christ First Antioch Church of God in Christ Baptist House of Prayer Friendship Baptist Church FriendshipBaptist BaptistChurch Church Baptist House of Prayer Friendship Baptist House of Prayer Baptist Temple Church* George GeorgeH.H.Weldon WeldonFuneral FuneralHome, Home,Inc.* Inc.* Baptist Temple Church* George H. Weldon Funeral Home, Inc.* Baptist Temple Church* Bethany Baptist Church Glendale GlendaleBaptist BaptistChurch Church Bethany Baptist Church Glendale Baptist Church Bethany Baptist Church Bethel AME Church Glover GloverMemorial MemorialBaptist BaptistChurch Church Bethel AME Church Glover Memorial Baptist Church Bethel AME Church Bethel HolyHoly Church of Deliverance, Inc.Inc. Grace GraceUnited UnitedMethodist MethodistChurch Church Bethel Church of Deliverance, Bethel Holy Church of Deliverance, Inc. Grace United Methodist Church Canaan Baptist Church of Christ GreaterCentral CentralBaptist BaptistChurch Church Canaan Baptist Church of Christ Greater Greater Central Baptist Church Canaan Baptist Church of Christ Cathedral Church of St. John Divine Greater GreaterFile FileChapel ChapelBaptist BaptistChurch Church Cathedral Church of St. John thethe Divine Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine Greater File Chapel Baptist Church Chambers Memorial Baptist Church GreaterHoly HolyTabernacle TabernacleChurch, Church,Inc. Inc. Greater Chambers Memorial Baptist Church Greater Holy Tabernacle Church, Inc. Chambers Memorial Baptist Church Childs Memorial Church of God GreaterHood HoodMemorial MemorialAME AMEZion Zion Greater Childs Memorial Church of God in in Childs Memorial Church of God in Greater Hood Memorial AME Zion Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) GreaterRefuge RefugeTemple TempleChurch Church Greater Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) Greater Refuge Temple Church Christ Jesus Baptist Church, Inc. GreaterTabernacle TabernacleBaptist BaptistChurch* Church* Greater Christ Jesus Baptist Church, Inc. Christ Jesus Baptist Church, Inc. Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church* Christ Temple Baptist Church GreaterZion ZionHill HillBaptist BaptistChurch Church Greater Christ Temple Baptist Church Christ Temple Baptist Church Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church Church of the Intercession HarlemTabernacle TabernacleChurch Church Church of the Intercession Harlem Church of the Intercession Harlem Tabernacle Church Church on HealingFrom FromHeaven HeavenTemple Temple the Hill AME Zion Church on the Hill AME Zion Healing Church on the Hill AME Zion Healing From Heaven Temple LaGreeBaptist BaptistChurch Church Convent Avenue Baptist Church* Convent Avenue Baptist Church* LaGree Convent Avenue Baptist Church* LaGree Baptist Church MacedoniaBaptist BaptistChurch Church Deliverance Temple of Faith Deliverance Temple of Faith Macedonia Deliverance Temple of Faith Macedonia Baptist Church MacedoniaPentecostal PentecostalChurch, Church,Inc. Inc. Emanuel AME Church Emanuel AME Church Macedonia Emanuel AME Church Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc.

Masjid Malcolm Shabazz MasjidMalcolm Malcolm Shabazz Shabazz Masjid Masjid Khalih Rauf Abdullah MasjidKhalih Khalih Rauf Rauf Abdullah Masjid Memorial Baptist Church, Inc. MemorialBaptist Baptist Church, Church, Inc. Memorial Metropolitan AME Church Metropolitan AME Church Metropolitan AME Church Metropolitan Baptist Church MetropolitanBaptist Baptist Church Church Metropolitan Metropolitan MetropolitanCommunity Community United Metropolitan Community United Methodist MethodistChurch Church Methodist Church Mother MotherAME AMEZion Zion Church Church Mother AME Zion Church Mosque Mosqueofofthe theIslamic Islamic Brotherhood* Brotherhood* Mosque of the Islamic Brotherhood* Mt. Mt.Bethel BethelBaptist Baptist Church Church Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Mt. Mt.Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Mt.Calvary Calvary United United Methodist Church Mt. Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church Mt.Lebanon Lebanon Baptist Baptist Church Mt. Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Mt.Nebo NeboBaptist Baptist Church Church Mt. Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Mt.Olivet Olivet Baptist Baptist Church* Church* Mt. Mt. Olivet Baptist Church* Mt.Pisgah Pisgah AME AME Church Church Mt. Mt. Pisgah AME Church Mt.Sinai SinaiBaptist Baptist Church Church Mt. Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Mt.Zion ZionLutheran Lutheran Church Church Mt. Mt. Zion Lutheran Church NewEbenezer EbenezerBaptist Baptist Church Church New New Ebenezer Baptist Church NewHope HopeCommunity Community Church Church New New Hope Community Church NewMt. Mt.Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church New New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church NewMt. Mt.Zion ZionBaptist Baptist Church Church New New Mt. Zion Baptist Church OldBroadway BroadwaySynagogue Synagogue Old Old Broadway Synagogue

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JOAN O. DAWSON, DAWSON, PH.D. JOAN JOAN O. O. DAWSON, PH.D. PH.D. Chairperson of the Board Chairperson of the Board Chairperson of the Board

St.Mark’s Mark’s United Methodist Church St.St. Methodist Church Mark’sUnited United Methodist Church St.Mary’s Mary’s Manhattanville St.St. Mary’sManhattanville Manhattanville Episcopal Church Episcopal EpiscopalChurch Church St.Matthews Matthews Baptist Church St.St. MatthewsBaptist BaptistChurch Church St.Paul PaulBaptist BaptistChurch Church St.St. Paul Baptist Church St.Paul PaulCommunity CommunityChurch Church St.St. Paul Community Church Phillip’sEpiscopal Episcopal Church St.St. Church St.Phillip’s Phillip’s Episcopal Church SamuelChurch Churchof of God Christ St.St.Samuel God in in Christ St. Samuel Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) (C.O.G.I.C.) (C.O.G.I.C.) TabernacleofofDeliverance Deliverance Tabernacle forfor Tabernacle of Deliverance for People, AllAllPeople, Inc.Inc. All People, Inc. The Borders TheChurch ChurchWithout Without Borders The Church Without Borders The Inc.Inc. TheChurch Churchof ofRestoration, Restoration, The Church of Restoration, Inc. The Baptist Church TheGreater GreaterUniversal Universal Baptist Church The Greater Universal Baptist Church Triumph Church TriumphBaptist Baptist Church Triumph Baptist Church Union UnionBaptist BaptistChurch Church Union Baptist Church United Society UnitedMethodist MethodistCity City Society United Methodist City Society United UnitedMoravian MoravianChurch Church United Moravian Church

MALCOLM A. PUNTER, ED. D.D. MALCOLM MALCOLM A. A. PUNTER, PUNTER, ED. ED. D. President & CEO President President & & CEO CEO

EMPOWERING HARLEMITES EMPOWERING HARLEMITES EMPOWERING HARLEMITES REBUILDING COMMUNITIES REBUILDING REBUILDING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES Victory PlazaSenior Senior Housing,Completion Completion Date2021 2021 Victory Victory Plaza Plaza Senior Housing, Housing, Completion Date Date 2021

WWW.HCCI.ORG WWW.HCCI.ORG

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

Friends and Colleagues Remember As a little girl growing up with the greats like David Dinkins and my dad, Bill Lynch, I was inspired to serve. The historic place Mayor Dinkins holds in this city is undeniable, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

His passion and dedication to our great city are the blueprint for effective public service, and I hope that I am making him proud as I run for New York City Council in District 7 Stacy R. Lynch Candidate for NYC City Council, 7th District Those forces that have always been antithetical to the progress of the Black community rewrote history to reflect that the homelessness and high crime numbers of the 80s were the responsibility of one Mayor David Dinkins. In fact, Mr. Dinkins took office on January 1, 1990, cut crime by 29% in his term, obtained resources from Washington to hire 6,000 new police officers, and was the only mayor to leave office with a budget surplus.

The cover up regarding the true achievements of great Black innovators is as historic as the amazing success they achieved. I am thankful this news organization will not allow the truth of Mayor Dinkins work to be crushed to the earth. We are rising with gratitude for the man who made the city a better place through his service; David N. Dinkins.

Governor David Paterson As our nation continues to reckon with the insurgency at the U.S. Capitol last month, I’m reminded of the legacy that the late Honorable Mayor David Dinkins left behind through his outlook of New York City as a “gorgeous mosaic.” He was always a unifier as he fought for fairness for those at the bottom rung of the ladder and helped those at the top of it understand their struggle. Despite so much negativity thrown his way, he never answered with ugliness. What you saw in public, was what I saw in private: a principled, calm, healing man who wanted to move society forward for everybody.

Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

“New York City lost a hero with a big heart with the passing of Mayor David Dinkins. He cared so deeply about every one in and every aspect of this great city, reflecting his deeply felt humanity and humility. He was a great friend and teacher, who never pulled a punch when giving advice. I miss him terribly, a sentiment I know I share with all New Yorkers and so many throughout the world.”

Cy Vance, Jr. Manhattan District Attorney David Dinkins was among the most underrated politicians in recent times, but he rarely expressed publicly the resentment that many of us loyalists felt-- his achievements as mayor were never given the recognition they deserved.

Maybe he was too decent, not loud enough, unwilling to exploit fears and division to score political points to gain attention. But those of us who loved and respected him will never forget the pioneer and role model he was for generations of his disciples.

Ken Sunshine Sunshine Sachs Consultants I can’t remember a time in my life not knowing David N. Dinkins. He was a mentor, a friend, a grandfather to me.

When I was ten he made a promise to me. He promised to be there for me if for some reason, later in my life my father was unable to be. He kept that promise. His loss is so profound it shakes me and so many others, to the core.

He was our mayor, our leader, and our friend. His kind smile and reassuring eyes made all of under his watch know we would be alright.

Elinor Tatum Publisher, New York Amsterdam News I often feel privileged when I think about growing up in the greatest community in the City of New York. The Village of Harlem is not just a special place to me, but the other New Yorkers that call it home. We have been fortunate enough to live among giants within the African-American community and one of those giants was Mayor David Dinkins. Our former mayor was an icon among intellectuals. He was a trailblazer for people of color, building bridges and pathways of opportunities for

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DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020 DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

David Dinkins, Janet Jackson with an overDavid Dinkins, whelmed young Stacy Lynch Ken Sunshine and and Stacy’s Dad, Bill Lynch Rev. Al Sharpton David Dinkins, Janet Jackson with an overDavid Dinkins, whelmed youngtoo Stacy others.

Never bigLynch to shine the light on those whoKen deserved recogniSunshine and and as Stacy’s Bill Lynch to our great society. He willRev. Al Sharpton tion true Dad, contributors always be remem-

bered for his ambition, ingenuity and forward thinking and for that we others. Never too big to shine the light on those who deserved recognithank him, we appreciate him, and we honor him. tion as true contributors to our great society. He will always be rememInez E. Dickens bered for his ambition, ingenuity and forward thinking and for that we NYS Assembly 70th District thank him, we appreciate him, and we honor him.

Inez E. Dickens Mayor Dinkins, my “Uncle Dave” until he became “My Mayor,” was simNYS Assembly 70th District ply the loveliest man. Some lead with fear; others with grace. My Mayor was the latter. While busting open the door my grandfather (Percy Mayor Dinkins, my “Uncle Dave” until he became “My Mayor,” was simSutton) cracked open—New York City Mayor’s Office at City Hall, he ply the loveliest man. Some lead with fear; others with grace. My Mayled with a full heart. I felt his love personally, especially when eighteen or was the latter. While busting open the door my grandfather (Percy years ago he officiated my marriage! He left me with a deep affection Sutton) cracked open—New York City Mayor’s Office at City Hall, he for him, and a determination to break barriers and love fully. led with a full heart. I felt his love personally, especially when eighteen Keisha Sutton-James years ago he officiated my marriage! He left me with a deep affection Political Consultant for him, and a determination to break barriers and love fully.

Keisha Sutton-James I joined the Dinkins administration as director of the Federal Office in Political Consultant NYC. My role was to bring in federal grants; we won $90 million over 4 years. Every day, I witnessed him grappling with the challenge of being I joined the Dinkins administration as director of the Federal Office in the first Black mayor of New York, never failing to be gracious. I stayed NYC. My role was to bring in federal grants; we won $90 million over 4 close to Mayor Dinkins. On July 10, 2019, when he turned 92, his Boryears. Every day, I witnessed him grappling with the challenge of being ough President and Mayoral staff organized a birthday celebration at the first Black mayor of New York, never failing to be gracious. I stayed the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. He sat in a “throne” chair close to Mayor Dinkins. On July 10, 2019, when he turned 92, his Borfrom the old Board of Estimate next to his “brother,” Congress Memough President and Mayoral staff organized a birthday celebration at ber Rangel, and greeted hundreds of adoring guests. At Columbia, he the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. He sat in a “throne” chair is remembered for bringing in guest lecturers of national stature; chilfrom the old Board of Estimate next to his “brother,” Congress Memdren always knew he loved them; and we all felt his desire to improve ber Rangel, and greeted hundreds of adoring guests. At Columbia, he the lives of New Yorkers. is remembered for bringing in guest lecturers of national stature; chilGale A. Brewer dren always knew he loved them; and we all felt his desire to improve Manhattan Borough President the lives of New Yorkers.

Gale A. Brewer As we pause to celebrate 2021 Black History Month, it is fitting we Manhattan Borough President remember and reflect on those who contribute and participate in making democracy a reality. New York City’s 106th mayor, David N. Dinkins As we pause to celebrate 2021 Black History Month, it is fitting we was my mentor and confidant. Dinkins embodied the word gentleman. remember and reflect on those who contribute and participate in makAn extraordinary man, gentle and kind, he was considerate of all pering democracy a reality. New York City’s 106th mayor, David N. Dinkins sons. A great husband and father not only for his family but for many was my mentor and confidant. Dinkins embodied the word gentleman. others he had contact with. His favorite saying, “The service we provide An extraordinary man, gentle and kind, he was considerate of all perto our communities is the rent we pay here on earth.” I hope the service sons. A great husband and father not only for his family but for many I give trying to get justice and equality for all people emulates his good others he had contact with. His favorite saying, “The service we provide works during his years in service to the people. to our communities is the rent we pay here on earth.” I hope the service Hazel Dukes I give trying to get justice and equality for all people emulates his good President of the NAACP New York State Conference works during his years in service to the people.

Hazel Dukes www.thepositivecommunity.com President of the NAACP New York State Conference

Assemblywoman Inez Dickens with Mayor David N. Dinkins Assemblywoman Inez Dickens with Mayor David N. Dinkins

Keisha Sutton-James with her Mayor on his 90th birthday Keisha Sutton-James with her Mayor on his 90th birthday

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer with David N. Dickents Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer with David N. Dickents

Elinor Tatum, David Dinkins, Hazel Dukes Elinor Tatum, David Winter 2021 The PositiveHazel Community Dinkins, Dukes

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7–2020

de Blasio Hosts Dinkins’ 90th Birthday Party

Photos: Seitu Oronde

L–R: David and Joyce Dinkins with Chirlane McCray

N

YC Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray hosted a 90th birthday party for former Mayor David Dinkins at Gracie Mansion in 2017. Joined by celebrities, movers and shakers in business and community service, and the who's who in NYC Black life and culture, it was a heartfelt tribute to a beloved leader. —TPC Staff

L–R: NY Mayor de Blasio; Dinkins; and Michael Garner, MTA executive and past president, One Hundred Black Men of NY, an organization that Mr. Dinkins co-founded.

V

iew TPC’s and Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce’s special and touching video R.L. Witter legacy, tribute to theByDinkins’

ring David Dinkins

“A Class of His Own.”

st (and thus far, only) of New York City, Hon2014, the former mayd accolades, including nkins Municipal Build-

own from teaching his ersity’s School of InterA). But true to his lifewasn’t finished leaving the world. He continlumbia University and able organizations and iation to Benefit Chiloalition for the Home, The Nelson Mandela ndation, among others. versaw and hosted the hip & Public Policy Fohallenging issues such orm and race, the envights, and gun control.

President Al Gore; then My dad was an attorney in New York and active in p. John Lewis, the late social and legal circles, so our families’ paths crossed Jones. many times over Community the years. I was a student Howard The Positive Winterat 2021 ife, and his legacy, only University when Dinkins ran for and became mayor of eight of losing him and New York City. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, ndly. My first recollec- not only because my family knew Mayor Dinkins person-

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Education the art + science of learning

Rutgers University-Newark Joins Mission to Address Reparations Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor

A

t the invitation of the University of Michigan Center on Social Solutions, Rutgers University – Newark has joined as a partner in a major new grant-funded project sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. As part of the foundation’s Just Futures initiative, the center is creating “Crafting Democratic Futures: Situating Colleges and Universities in Community-Based Reparations Solutions.”

The goal of the project is to construe reparations as forms of compensation, which, depending on the community, may include a national apology; educational, housing, and healthcare programs; and financial redress from the U.S. government for the historic and persistent effects of systemic racism.

In collaboration with community partners, nine colleges and universities in the eastern half of the United States, with representation in the Midwest and Central North regions, will conduct a public history accounting designed to yield tangible, community-based racial reparations solutions reflecting the specific histories and contemporary circumstances of each community.

Rutgers-Newark will work with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) and Newark Community Development Network (NCDN) over the three-year project engaging Newarkers in this racial reckoning.

The process will be founded on the understanding that today’s Newark was built on centuries of oppression that continue to constrain opportunity for Newarkers, even as the city’s vibrant tradition of community activism and innovation fuel the city’s ascendancy.

Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor says Newark is an ideal place to engage in this work. “This is a front-line community built by waves of migration and immigration by people who, in pursuit of opportunity, continually have met the walls of systemic

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

racism, embedded in red-lining practices, in toxic environmental dumping, in school segregation, and in economic marginalization,” said Cantor. “Even so, their dreams never died, evident in the activism of community-based organizations that still center the struggle in every ward of Newark, more than fifty years after the Newark rebellion. This city has a strong right to reparations and with a strong, well-organized collective committed to seeing racial equity, realized that encompasses community-based organizations, Fortune 500 companies, ‘Eds and Meds,’ and City Hall. Rutgers-Newark is both honored and obligated as a major anchor institution in this city to be a fulsome partner in imagining reparations that reflect Newark’s history and Newark’s priorities.”

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka sees this new collaboration as building on a great deal of work already being done in Newark to realize racial equity. “In Newark, we have been methodically working to level the playing field by dismantling core elements of persistent racial oppression,” said Baraka. “Among many other initiatives, we introduced an inclusive zoning ordinance; created a Commission on Equitable Growth; established priorities to invest in small business development and local real estate developers; and sought commitments from Newark’s largest employers to hire more Newarkers, increase purchasing of Newark-based goods and services, and encourage more of their employees to live in Continued on next page

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Winter 2021 The Positive Community

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Continued from previous page Newark. Initiating a community-based discussion about reparations is an important next step, recognizing how essential it is that visions for truly achieving equity must come from our community.”

Rutgers-Newark faculty members and students will work with designated community fellows from both NJISJ and NCDN. Ryan Haygood, president and CEO at NJISJ, will serve as its community fellow. He sees the project as a natural extension of the civil rights organization’s work.

“The public health and economic crises we are currently experiencing have exposed the cracks of structural racism deeply embedded in our foundation—generations upon generations of cracks that have erupted into earthquakes in communities of color in New Jersey,” said Haygood. “It is time we finally repair these cracks and build reparative systems that create wealth, justice, and power—from the ground up—for Black, Latinx, and other people of color in the Garden State.”

NCDN Community Fellow Richard Cammarieri noted, “In Newark, resident-driven community development groups have been modeling service and advocacy work deeply rooted in principles of equity and social justice for over 50 years.” NCDN, a group of Newark’s neighborhood-based community development corporations, has provided essential services and programs to Newark residents for decades. “We understand the moral imperative and critical, real-world need for addressing the challenge of community-based reparations solutions

to address the systemic racism embedded in our society,” said Cammarieri. Quoting James Baldwin, Cammarieri said, “‘History does not refer merely to the past; history is literally present in all that we do.’ We know this work is not just about repairing what happened in the past, but learning from our history and building upon it in order to realize a future that is collectively racially just and equitable.”

Together, Haygood and Cammarieri will take the lead in organizing community dialogues on reparative solutions for Newark reflecting the historical record and narrative documented by the interdisciplinary RutgersNewark team of scholars and students in collaboration with Mayor Baraka’s team in City Hall.

Newark’s local-history community, which includes research institutions such as the Newark Public Library and the New Jersey Historical Society as well as citizen groups such as the Newark History Society and the Newark Schools Historical Preservation Committee, will be part of the collaborative work.

Other higher education institutions working on this geographically diverse project under the Center for Social Solutions’ leadership will be Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA; Emory University in Atlanta, GA; Spelman College in Atlanta, GA; Concordia College in Moorhead, MN; Connecticut College in New London, CT; Wesleyan College in Macon, GA; and Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.

19 Black Elected Officials Unite for Change in New Jersey

New Jersey’s 19 Black county officials formerly known as “Freeholders,” stood united to remove this term from the state’s governmental and political lexicon in 2020. Forming NJNineteen (NJ19) as an alliance seeking equal opportunities and political representation that accurately reeects the diversity of the populace, they organized a successful campaign, with allies, to change the title of “Freeholders” to “Commissioners.” It became a state law on January 1, 2021. The change itself symbolizes who we are and what we believe in as a people. It is a symbol of our revolution. Not only was New Jersey the last, and only state to use this offensive term, but we must not forget that our state was also the last of the northern states to abolish slavery.

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

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We believe in making learning fun by offering arts, science, sports and a variety of extracurricular activities to build wellrounded kids. Students also have daily access to technology as tools to help them have fun while learning.

Our free, high-performing, public charter schools are open to all students, including those with special needs and varied abilities. Our schools provide a safe, positive learning environment for all students.

“KIPP exceeded expectations. The school is very attentive to my child’s needs and follow through on his IEP. The teachers care about his wellbeing and progress as a student and a person.”

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AACEO: We Thrive and We Survive Together.

D

Rev. Dr. Robert Wateman and Chief Judith Harrison, NYPD Brooklyn North

Photos: Seitu Oronde

uring its monthly Breakfast Conference on Friday, January 6, 2021 with the theme “We Thrive & Survive Together,” African American Clergy and Elected Officials Coalition (AACEO) member Attorney General Tish James participated in an in depth conversation with Pfizer representatives and AACEO members around myths and concerns regarding Covid-19 vaccination in communities of color.

In an effort to ensure access to a vaccination for all who require one, AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman and the NYPD Community Affairs Division led by Chief Jeffrey Maddrey established borough-wide transportation for seniors. Led by Chief Judith Harrison and partnerships with Interfaith Hospital, Kings County Hospital, the Watchful Eye, and Crown Heights Local Development Corporation, they arranged registration and transportation for seniors to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. NYPD Community Affairs provided transportation and the AACEO Executive Board, together with a number of clergy and community leaders, escorted each senior through the process.

Special thanks to AACEO Chief of Operations, Divinah “Dee” Bailey and Community Outreach Specialist Carmen Martinez, along with Interfaith Medical Center CEO LaRae Brown. –TPC Staff

AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman ensuring seniors receive the VIP treatment while waiting to get vaccinated

NYPD Community Affairs officers assist seniors in getting vaccinations

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

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Culture

music, art + literature

e t u b i r T p o H p i H n a i t s i r h AC

BY FERN GILLESPIE

M

to Mama

ama” by gospel rapper Talena Skye (Cherese Bracey) and gospel singer BeCleare Allen (Bernadette Allen) is a moving tribute to their mothers who died exactly one year apart from cancer.

Skye wrote the single with additional lyrics by Allen from her poem “Raw Blue Hue.” “It was important to show others devastated by tremendous losses that with God’s help, you still have purpose, even though you feel hopeless,” said Allen.

“Talena Skye and I took a few steps forward in the midst of immense pain. I want people to understand I am not 100 percent. This grieving process is one day at a time.”

“What I like about the song and video is the story line,” explained Diana King. The gospel and Christian hip hop radio personality launched KISS-FM’s “Kiss Inspirations,” and was WWRL’s gospel afternoon drive host. “In this case it's a narrative by Talena Skye rapping about her mother, the advice her mother imparted to her, and the pain she is feeling about losing her. She thinks of her and wishes she were here ‘just another day.’ I hear a young LL Cool J in her style.”

“BeCleare reminded me of some of the vocal divas from the 80s. She’s got unbelievable vocal skills,” said King, currently on iSoul.com radio on Sundays. “You can hear the conviction in BeCleare’s singing coupled with Talena’s rapping, it’s dynamic.”

Skye survived a childhood brain tumor that almost left her blind, a car accident, and domestic violence from her alcoholic father. Some refer to Skye as a lyrical

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The Positive Community Winter 2021

preacher and a radical for Christ. She is on a mission to spread the Word of God with bold lyrics and delivery transparent to daily struggles.

“God had to really revive me because I was in such a dark place that I needed the gumption to continue writing. The Lord helped me with that. I had an epiphany one day around the time the ‘Mama’ song was written,” said Skye. “God revealed to me ‘what I put in you is not is not going to lie dormant and it’s not going to end just because you lost your mom.’”

One way she spreads inspiration and positive energy is her day job as an early education music teacher. A songwriter since the age of eight, she is a licensed music educator and teaches in New Jersey schools. Skye has written a series of children’s books called “The Reesie Reader & Bookie Literacy Club.” The books deal with bullying, reading, and entrepreneurship. She created a life-size Black doll-- Reesie Reader (the girl who loves to read), who visits schools and programs. Her third book, Reesie Reader Little Entrepreneur, teaches children how to start their own business. Ten thousand books have been distributed to children in Hudson County.

“I’m a Christian and I love music in all forms. I love some forms of hip-hop--clean hip-hop of course,” said Skye. “I call myself a lyrical preacher. I minister to my family members and friends. I always find myself talking about God and I just love rapping the gospel.”

View the video directed by cinematographers Stephen and Morgan Council of The Positive Black Dad Productions on The Positive Music Hub. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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• Help families make well-planned preparations in their time of need.

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

• Preserve longstanding traditions and customs.

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In Memory of Nellie Mae Suggs

N Nellie Mae Suggs 1944- 2021 ���

.

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ellie Mae Suggs was born on November 11, 1944 in Grenada, MS. Her high school and college education were completed in Mississippi.

Nellie was a proud graduate of Tougaloo College and believed in the importance of education and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Early employment included the US Department of Labor Statistics and the Veterans Administration in Chicago, IL. After a long career in government, Nellie retired from the US Department of Homeland Security (Customs) as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist.

Nellie met her beloved husband Ronald in Chicago, IL in 1969. The family relocated to New Jersey in 1978. Shortly afterward, she joined and became an active member of St. John's Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ, where she faithfully served as treasurer, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and coordinator of the Women's Ministry. In addition, Nellie was a past president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Middlesex Central Baptist Association and past financial secretary of the Women's Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Petite in stature, she served the Lord with grace and dignity. She was all about SERVICE. Nellie's community and civic participation included the American Association of University Women (AAUW); The Obsidians Civic Club, an affiliate of the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women's Clubs; The Scotch Plains Chapter of the New Jersey Orators; Phi Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and many other service and community focused organizations.

Nellie is survived by her husband Ronald and two sons, Robin (Lynada) and Rory; her granddaughters, Alaysha, Jailyn, and Tahlia; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and a sister.

Donations may be made to the Nellie M. Suggs Scholarship Fund at ivydreamfoundation. org/donate.

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HISTORIC PHOTO

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka is quick to point out that he stands on the shoulders of those who came before him. In this circa 1972 photo, baby Ras J. Baraka rests on the shoulder of Newark's first African American mayor, Kenneth Gibson (1970-1986). Given the serious look on young Ras’ face, he might have been contemplating his future even then. Mayor Baraka along with the Newark Municipal Council, led two public tributes to Mr. Gibson upon his death on March 29, 2019.

In May, 2019, Mayor Baraka presided over the renaming of the city of Newark’s main thoroughfare to “Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard.”

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Dinkins Honored at NTAC Gala

I

n the summer of 2019, executives of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakeries, the Hawthorne brothers, took a moment to salute Honorable David N. Dinkins along with Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC) President Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah and Adrian A. Council, Sr. Mayor Dinkins received a Lifetime Achievement Award at NTAC' s annual gala in Brooklyn, “A Salute to NYC ‘s Nonprofits and the Neighborhoods They Serve.” Golden Krust supported this event by providing a “Taste of the Caribbean.” The mission of NTAC is to serve the needs of philanthropic individuals and organizations in their efforts to develop support and maintain effective community-based programs.

Photo: Zella Jones, MarketbyMarket

thepositivecommunity.com

Come to the Website, Featuring TPC Radio

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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 Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).

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

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

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

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

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

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…!

© 2019 The Positive Community Corporation. All rights reserved.

Graphic Design: Penguin Design Group, Newark, NJ

—Adrian A. Council, Sr.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2021

Vol. 21 No. 1

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

Publisher

LIFE GOES ON

Editor-in-Chief

“Sometimes we must be strong/You know that life goes on for us if we can’t be together/Don’t cheat yourself/Happiness is ‘round the corner/It will come to you/So have faith in future love ‘cuz there’s heaven up above/When we think we’ve reached the end/The World keeps on spinning” — The Brand New Heavies

Adrian A. Council, Sr. Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

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

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

Photographers

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

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC

Production Assistant April Davis

The Positive Community Corp.

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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.

54

The Positive Community Winter 2021

I

have found myself struggling.

March will mark one year since the addition of COVID-19 to my usual germaphobia and neuroses turned everything upside down. The first several months were okay for me. Truth be told, I don’t enjoy large groups or gatherings. So, staying home wasn’t much of a struggle or imposition. We’ve been seeing friends and family via Zoom, FaceTime, and Facebook Rooms, and are grateful for the technology that allows us to keep in contact.

We’ve been blessed to remain healthy; but that has meant almost total isolation. We’ve watched more television than we care to admit and completed at least 50 jigsaw puzzles. Hubby honed his already-stellar cooking skills, so we’ve also gained some weight. I think we’ve gotten take-out food three times in the past year, and each time it has paled in comparison to Hubby’s creations.

By September I was in need of more stimulation and interaction.

We met a couple of friends at a lake about 90 minutes from home.

We maintained social distance and were able to enjoy an afternoon of in-person conversation accompanied by beautiful scenery and a spectacular sunset. Toward the end of October, we visited those friends in their backyard around their fire pit. I began to see cracks in my façade in November when I real-

ized it would be too cold to continue our social, outdoor evenings.

Soon after, I found myself feeling listless and disinterested in any and everything. I wasn’t ready to gather indoors with people, but how else would we maintain our limited interactions with the two people who were now our entire in-person social circle?

After months without hair and nail appointments, massages, travel, dining out, filling the gas tank, etc., I had a little money saved for a rainy day. I decided to invest it in the next sunny day and renovated some outdoor space to make in-person gatherings a possibility. Thanks to some new patio furniture and a few patio heaters, we’re able to enjoy socially-distant socializing on warmer weekend afternoons. It’s just the four of us, but we enjoy a little slice of normalcy as we sip hot tea or cocoa. Hubby has even fired up the grill a few times. I can also revel in the quiet beauty of nature, read a book, pray, or crochet a bit.

I have to make a blanket for a new addition to the family who will be arriving in May. I guess as long as the sun comes up each morning, birds continue to sing, and babies are being born, life goes on. Like everything else, this, too shall pass. The world keeps on spinning. www.thepositivecommunity.com

CELEBRATES

A TRIBUTE TO OUR HISTORY AND A REMINDER

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

OF THE WORK THAT LIES AHEAD IN THE MONTHS TO COME !

Please take a moment to make a donation in honor of Black History Month so that we may focus our energy and resources on supporting our community in this time of need, including initiatives that:

HARLEM

PLEASE

SUPPORT

• Counter the consequential affects of Food Insecurities.

We now currently feed over 2000 persons per day, 6 days a week • Address the need for PPE - Personal Protection Equipment – distributing masks, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer & thermometers

NOW!

• Reduce the deepening chasm of the Digital Divide by providing devices, connectivity, and digital literacy to children, families, & seniors • Provide strategies & information that help to prevent small business closures and link businesses to PPPPaycheck Protection Programs that secure jobs

MORE THAN EVER

HELP

YOUR IS NEEDED

NOW! NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL OR TOO GREAT PLEASE MAIL CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS TO:

GHCC COMMUNITY FUND

200A WEST 136TH STREET NEW YORK,10030 YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE: SUPPORTHARLEMNOW.ORG OR TEXT SUPPORT21 TO 474747 FOR INFORMATION CALL: (212) 862-­‐7200

Our Commitment to Antiracism

Photo by Eileen Barroso

“Ever since the killing of George Floyd, the nation and the world have been moved to a heightened state of consciousness about the destructiveness of racism, and of antiBlack racism specifically. No matter how committed one has been to challenging these deep injustices and providing remedies, whether as a person, an institution, or a society, we are all rightly being called upon to do more and to begin again, with a great sense of honesty and new purpose. I am committed to that task, but, more importantly, Columbia is committed to it.”

—Lee C. Bollinger, President, Columbia University For more information, please visit: neighbors.columbia.edu/antiracism