April 2011 Issue by The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

April 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

Rocka Your Soul! Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Signature Work Revelations Turns 50 Hackensack’s New Hope B.C. Offers Hope for Members in Debt Eddie & Sylvia Brown Take Black Philanthropy to the Next Level

How To

Pastor & President Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Builds An Education Pipeline

Preserve Church History Part II

“I may not know about tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow.”

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Fresh Apples

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Celebrating Revelations at 50

Insertion date: aPril, 2011

Linda Celeste Sims. Body art by Dante Baylor. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

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April 2011

CONTENTS 42

COVER STORY: REV. DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III HIS EDUCATION, HIS FAITH AND HIS WORK COVER PHOTO: BOB GORE

Sections MONEY

Maryland Philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Union membership benefits black workers . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 New Hope B.C. Helps Members Become Debt Free! . . 26 EDUCATION

&also inside

Freshman Jante Bracey excels in varsity basketball. . . . . . . . . 29 UNCF Gala celebrates 40th anniversary of their motto . . . . . 30

From the Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . 10

GREEN

Guest Editorial: Rev. Robert Waterman . . 13

Flouride in our water: Good or Bad . . . 52

Guest Editorial: Bishop Donald Hilliard. . . 17

HEALTH

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Seeking a cure for Lupus . . . . . . . . . . 57

Dr. Liz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

CULTURE

In the Spirit and Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Celebrating 50 Years of Ailey’s Revelations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gertrude Jeannette: A Woman of Firsts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Preserving Your Church Heritage Part 2. . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 The Last Word. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

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St. Luke Baptist Church 139 AM. Tyler Place (Carroll Street) Paterson, NJ 07501 Phone (973) 345.4309 Fax (973) 345.9495 www.stlukebaptlst.org Kenneth D.R Clayton, Senior Pastor Rohin R. Beach, Associate Pastor of Youth/Young Adults

2011 Holy Week Worship Services

“On The Road to Calvary” Sunday, April 17th

7:30am and 10:50am Worship Services Palm Sunday Worship Service Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Keith Russell New York Theological Seminary

Monday, April 18—Wednesday, April 20, 2011 12:00 NOON Noonday Worship Service

Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. W. Darin Moore, Senior Pastor Greater Centennial AME Zion Church, Mount Vernon. NY

Thursday, April 21st

7:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship Service Guest Preacher. Rev. Dr. J.W. Mapson, Jr., Senior Pastor Monumental Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA

Friday. April 22nd • 12:00 NOON • Good Friday Worship Service "SEVEN WORDS ONE FRIDAY"

Rev. Rohin R. Beach St. Luke Baptist Church Paterson, NJ

Rev. John Teabout Greater Friendship Baptist Church Newark, NJ

Rev. Shon Adkins Antioch Baptist Church Harlem, NY

Rev. Dana Owens Messiah Baptist Church East Orange, NJ

Rev. Shawn T. Wallace Peoples Baptist Church Newark, NJ

Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Englewood, NJ

Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders Fountain Baptist Church Summit, NJ

A Church Determined to Know Christ and Make Him Known

Roll Call for PC_Oct_10.qxd:Roll Call for PC Document.qxd 1/14/11 9:10 AM Page 1

GREAT

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.00 each (one-third of the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunitycom

Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor

Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations

Archdiocese of New York

General Baptist Convention, NJ

Newark Dist. of AME Church, Newark, NJ

Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Howard Grant, Presiding Elder

125th St. BID

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY

Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ

African American Heritage Parade

Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

African American Muslims for Interfaith Relationships (AAMIR)

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY

Greater Allen Cathedral, Queens, NY

Paterson’s Pastor’s Workshop, Paterson, NJ

Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor

Revs. Floyd and Elaine Flake, Co-Pastors

Rev. Dr. James Kuykendall, President

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ.

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ

American Heart Association, Northern, NJ

Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor

Birdel’s Tapes & Audio, Brooklyn

Beulah B.C., Newark, NJ

Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY

St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ

Carver Federal Savings Bank

Rev. Gerald L. Dickson, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

City National Bank

Black Ministers Council of NJ

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI)

St. Albans, NY COGIC

Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Washington Lundy, President Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Kippie C. Brown, Pastor First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ

Lucille McEwen, President & CEO Manhattan District AME Churches, NY Rev. Harold Rutherford, Presiding Elder Masjid Imam Ali K. Muslim, Newark, NJ Imam Akbar Muhammad Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY Rev. Adolphus Lacey, Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. William L. Watley, Pastor

Rev. James E. Booker Jr., Pastor

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Inner City Broadcasting Medgar Evers College NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference*

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ

New Brunswick Theological Seminary

Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY

New York Theological Seminary

Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

New York Urban League

The Cathedral Int’l., Perth Amboy, NJ

Newark School of Theology

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ

Schomburg Center

Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

The Bozeman Law Firm

Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY

The College of New Rochelle

Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor

The United Way of Essex and West Hudson

United Black Clergy of Westchester, Inc.

University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ

Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

WBGO-88.3FM

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY

WKMB-1070AM

Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Rev, Conrad B. Tillard, Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY

New Jerusalem B.C., Queens, NY

Essex County College, NJ

Mildred Crump, Newark City Council St. John AME Church, Harlem, NY

Nazarene Congregational Church Brooklyn, NY

Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ

Rev. Ben Monroe

American Diabetes Association

Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Pastor

H. Grady James III, Pastor

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

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ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Learning and understanding history is a function of education. Of what use to society or what kind of future could a young person have without an education?

On Education, Cultural Narrative and a Community Ideal

n March 26th The Positive Community hosted an education roundtable the first of three in our Newark Leadership Roundtable Series. Our future roundtables will be on business (June), health and public safety (September). The series will conclude with a town hall meeting on Leadership in November. Look for The Positive Community Awards Gala on King Holiday weekend in 2012 The education roundtable was a wonderful event with enlightening, engaging conversation and a positive result. It was a success because it introduced a different conversation about teaching and learning. This forum focused on values, ideals, parental and community involvement as real components of a quality education. The questions addressed to the panel are now posted on our website www.thepositivecommunity.com. We invite and encourage our readers—churches, community groups, social organizations, families and friends—to host their own education roundtables. Excerpts of the video are also available online.

A Crisis in Education Here’s an assessment of the dialogue that took place and the challenge before us: The quality of the home life, cultural orientation and the degree of community pride does impact a child’s self-esteem as well as his or

her desire and ability to learn. We all admit that there is a crisis in education. Looming large, however, is the greater cultural crisis. In less than two years, America will observe the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. From the date, January 1st 1863 thru January 1st 2013 as a group, we are blessed with the enormous opportunity to measure, assess and define our American journey, our claim on the American dream! Ultimately, we are accountable for the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture. It’s our God-given responsibility and our patriotic duty to be wise stewards of the talents entrusted to our care. Therefore, we must, without compromise, preserve, protect and promote our very best. Below is a cultural narrative—our story—an oral history, a brief presentation of our deep collective experience that dates back to before this nation’s founding. A Cultural Narrative: We’ve Come This Far by Faith African Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa as slaves in the early 1600’s our people toiled

The Education Roundtable was a wonderful event with enlightening, engaging conversation and a positive result. It was a success because it introduced a different conversation about teaching and learning. continued on page NA

The Positive Community April 2011

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Ultimately, we are accountable for the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture. It’s our God given responsibility and our patriotic duty to be wise stewards of the “talents” entrusted to our care. and suffered as captives, in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1st 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. 100 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 lead hundreds of thousands in a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full citizen rights for the people in what has been called “the second Emancipation.” 40 years after Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968, America elects its first black president, Barrack Obama (2008). In the one hundred years between the first and second emancipations, in the midst of bitter persecutions, humiliation, lynching and the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit shined brightly in religion, invention, sports and the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature and theater. Original American art forms and popular culture, which have become the envy of the world, were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people…And that’s our story! An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation and triumph! This is the story that we must tell our children and be ever remembered by the young and the old. We the people, the decedents of the Emancipation Proclamation, must tell our story to each other, reminding ourselves of the great, noble struggle and sacrifices of those who came before us, over and over and over again! This is our story, our cultural narrative, our springboard into the future! For the sake of our children, and our children’s children, this cultural narrative must be shared among one another from the pulpit to the street

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AP photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

corner—in public schools, private schools, Sunday schools, barbershops, beauty salons, restaurants, and club houses. Ideally, fraternities, sororities, community organizations and cultural groups should speak of it often. A Call to Action This is a call to action for every single forward-thinking African American man, woman and child of God! We will set a lofty, yet obtainable goal for ourselves. Let’s set a target date that by the year 2013, our children, regardless of place or status will know this cultural narrative before they enter into the third grade. It costs nothing for one to share the good news of this message of faith, hope and healing with a young person or a neighbor. All that is required is that we believe and care! I ask that you join me in this mighty exercise in teamwork, service and goodwill. Together, let us build upon a foundation of these life affirming values and ideals: self-acceptance, self-reliance and self respect! The Future: A Second Reconstruction The Reconstruction period was an attempt to rebuild the South and educate the freed slaves after the Civil War. Most of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) were founded during this time. As I see it, in the Second Reconstruction, we must rebuild from withinour families, our communities and our institutions. Now more than ever, there is a need to re-adjust our approach toward education, economics/industry, health and healthcare. Let us begin to create a sustainable vision for our next 150 years of freedom through an unwavering commitment to peace, progress and prosperity in this great nation of ours…Yes We Can!!

April 2011 The Positive Community

Mother AME Zion Celebrates Men’s Day

Presentation of award to Rev. Sharpton

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

n Sunday March 13, Mother AME Zion Church hosted its annual Men’s Day Service. The occasion also observed the 100-year anniversary of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, which was honored with the church’s Fredrick Douglas Award. Rev Al Sharpton was the guest preacher and the recipient of the Paul Robeson Award. The church pastor, Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith is the nephew of the late actor, singer and athlete, Paul Robeson.

L–R: Rev. Smith, Rev. Sharpton, renowned Egyptologist, Yosef Ben Jochannan “Dr Ben” and Henry Glover

L–R unidentified, Rev. Calvin Marshall, Rev. Robeson-Smith, Rev. Owens and Rev. Frank Jones

The Mother AME Zion Choir

NYSCAS New York School of Career and Applied Studies

TOURO

COLLEGE

www.touro.edu/nyscas

The Positive Community April 2011

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REV. DR. ROBERT WATERMAN GUEST EDITORIAL

Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, is pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. He is also president of African American Clergy and Elected Officials, Inc. of Brooklyn

Safe Surrender The Courts Come to Church f we were to take a morning stroll down our Brooklyn streets during Passion Week, passing the multitude of churches on Good Friday, we would see lines of people trying to get a seat in church. On this day, churches will be the setting of many battles that will take place. Pastors will battle against pastors; members against members; educators against non-educators; big churches against small churches; and cathedrals against store fronts. All will be battling for the title “Last of The Last Words.” Churches will be filled with people who go to these services year after year to hear the same old preachers, preaching in the same old way. They will be impressed by the style and articulation of these preachers, taking notes on how well the preachers do; the quality of the preachers’ speeches, the smoothness or roughness of their voices, and how good a motivator they are. What triviality! Have we forgotten that Good Friday commemorates the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross? It is during this time that we are encouraged to try to understand the power and significance of Jesus’ suffering and to take away from it as many lessons as possible on how to conduct our daily lives. Among the important lessons to learn are that we should bear the burdens of others and practice mercy as Jesus did during this holiest of times. In this spirit, Antioch Baptist Church will not offer the Seven Last Words, but will be participating in Project Safe Surrender on Good Friday and Holy Saturday (April 22 and 23, 2011). Project Safe Surrender (PSS) is a joint program with Mt. Pisgah, the Brooklyn District Attorneys’ Office, the New York State Office of Court Administration, the Legal Aid Society and the NYC Police Department that serves the community in a unique and merciful way. PSS allows individuals to

The Positive Community April 2011

resolve any outstanding C-summonses/warrants they may have against them in a safe environment without fear of arrest. These summonses are usually issued for quality of life infractions. It has been reported that there are currently over 80,000 outstanding C-summonses/warrants within the five boroughs of New York City, with Bedford Stuyvesant having the highest number of summonses. Therefore, just as Jesus gave people peace on this day, we too shall strive to give a fraction of that peace to people in our community who have been living in fear of arrest and confinement. As it is written in Luke 23: 38-48: There was a written notice above him, which read: “this is the king of Jews.” One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear GOD,” he said, “Since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

It is in keeping with these words that we wish to remove the burden of the summons/warrant from our fellow community members’ list of debts so that they too will be able to come into paradise. Please join us from 9:00am to 5:00pm at 828 Greene Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221 to follow in Jesus’ path in relieving the burden of others. It is my hope to follow in the path of our lord and savior Jesus Christ to allow peace and serenity to be given to the people of our community by releasing them from their acquired debt to society, allowing them to once again become contributing members of our community and society.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coming! nA

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The 45th Anniversary Celebration

African American Heritage

Statewide Parade & Festival Newark, New Jersey

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

The Positive Community April 2011

Premier Sponsor

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The Disconnect: History Must Have Legs By Donald Bernard, Sr. Chairman AAHPC, Inc.

We Need our Celebrities, Entertainers and Athletes on Parade Day!

t has been nearly two decades since the leadership was batoned and luckily for us there was someone coming down the track who knew that our heritage needed to continue marching down Newark’s bustling Broad Street. In 1770, when that first bullet pierced the skin of Crispus Attucks in Boston, Massachusetts and he lay dead as the first black man killed in the American Revolution, who knew there would be a parade in Newark that would honor his courage? Yes, 45 years ago a group of local Newarker’s saw to it that history must have legs and that those legs were made to march to honor a legacy rich in leadership and sacrifice. Our greatest challenge over the years has been and continues to be, getting our artists, celebrities, and prominent folk to take a stance. We all know that our young people would be apt to partake of any experience if their favorite star were to make an appearance. We know how well our youth listen to the lyrics of today’s music. We all know how exciting it is to see pro-athletes off the courts and fields of play. More than anything, we know that history has made it possible for stars to shine. Our youth need to acknowledge and respect our heritage and one way of ensuring their presence is to know that celebrities also participate, acknowledge and speak on the importance of Black History. With this in mind, consider this an open invitation to show up, inspire, and enjoy the 3rd largest Black parade in the country. On Sunday, May 29, 2011 from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m., be a part of a meaningful event forty-five years in the making, the African American Heritage Parade in Newark, New Jersey. Consider this a “Call to Service” to our celebrities, entertainers, and professional athletes. As chairman of the African American Heritage Parade Committee for the past nineteen years, I can attest to the fact that celebrities, entertainers and professional athletes have not been supporting, attending or making guest appearances at our annual celebration. The AAHPC Inc. struggles each year to raise adequate underwriting/sponsorship to implement the largest, most

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celebrated black cultural event held annually in the state of New Jersey. The event includes a four-day festival and a five-hour statewide parade, both of which are FREE FOR OUR COMMUNITY! While these events provide an economic opportunity for local vendors and small businesses to display their wares, there is no admission cost for residents; however, there is a small fee for carnival ride tickets. As you are keenly aware, arts and culture organizations throughout America have a difficult time surviving. The AAHPC is no different. Each year we must be creative, persistent and relentless in our effort to maintain and grow. We are requesting help from those whom our children and community revere and from those whose success emanates from said community. This void could easily be filled with the large number of celebrities who hail from Newark as well as those who reside in Essex and Bergen County or other cities in New Jersey. We fully recognize that many of our celebs and pro athletes have wonderful foundations and participate in community service sponsored by the associations they partner. We also recognize their freedom of choice to support the programs, organizations and events with whom they choose to affiliate themselves. Our appeal and perplexity are based upon our 45-year-old grassroots institution, which draws hundreds of thousands of black folk each year, not being on anyone’s radar. “Each generation has a duty to find out what their responsibility is to their people and either fulfill it or betray it,” said Frantz Fanon, author of The Wretched of the Earth. Kwame Nkrume once remarked, “There can be no revolution unless there is a cultural revolution.” If today's popular entertainers and athletes betray their commitment to their people, history and culture they betray their ancestors, themselves and future generations of unborn African Americans. Come on Brothers and Sisters who have been blessed by Almighty God and your community, we need you to GIVE BACK! We will continue to reach out to you. We are prayerful that this plea may motivate our blessed and talented celebrities to respond. We can be reached at 973-642-8760 or email us donb10@aol.com. April 2011 The Positive Community

Black Ministers meet in New Jersey Photo: Joseph Allen

The Reverends William D. Watley, Ph.D, St. James A.M.E. Church; Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Metropolitan B.C.; Rev. Dr. Stanley Justice, Mt. Zion AME Church; Rev. Reginald T. Jackson.

ocusing on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Economics, Education & Energy: The Big 3â&#x20AC;? as the theme, the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey (BMC) hosted its annual conference March 2nd through 4th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. BMC represents more than 600 African American inter-denominational Christian churches in New Jersey. The council became prominent in the news when members insisted that racial profiling by law

enforcement agencies was widespread in New Jersey and other states. The council's activism helped goad investigations and admissions concerning the practice. The council has selected education, health care, inner-city revitalization and economic development, and political education and empowerment as special interests. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, senior pastor ot St. Matthew A.M.E. Church serves as executive director of the BMC.

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BISHOP DONALD HILLIARD, JR. GUEST EDITORIAL

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr is pastor of Cathedral International the Historic Second Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, Asbury Park and Plainfield, NJ

Holding On to the Faith very leader, I believe, must experience a particular irony that cannot be avoided or prevented. We must simply learn to adjust to it. You see this irony in virtually every endeavor, and I’ve seen it clearly in my calling as a minister. The irony is this: Ministry is a young person’s game. However, it’s not until you get older that you really figure out how to navigate its sharp curves, high-speed passages, and patience-building delays and disappointments. A church leader needs the energy of youth to break barriers and conquer new territory in the name of the Lord. Yet, it is only through a significant amount of “OJT” (onthe-job-training) that he or she acquires the wisdom and finesse needed to reach the depths and heights of truly effective ministry. I came to Cathedral International (formerly the historic Second Baptist Church) as a 26-year-old, wet-behind-theears pastor trying to love, liberate, and lift God’s people. I can tell you that church and leadership in it was much different then because the world was different. After serving 27 years as a senior pastor and 15 years as a bishop, I have learned how to navigate the terrain and at the same time re-learn and revise my methods for a changing cultural climate. Believe me, the landscape of ministry has truly changed over the last three decades. Many factors have contributed to this change, but I will concentrate on three of them. First, a post-modern mindset strongly influences our society today. It may be loosely defined as the cultural and intellectual developments that boast of their collective mistrust of supposed universal rational principles. This phrase may not show up on the front page of your local newspaper

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or favorite magazine everyday, but the mindset these influences have produced in intellectual, artistic, and educational circles has affected popular society. In the end, it encourages people who have never heard of such ideas to live their lives steeped in suspicion and to embrace pluralistic worldviews. Listen my ministry friend: This mindset influenced by Nietzsche, Foucault, and Derrida has had a lasting if indirect effect on the people whom we are called to reach and minister. As leaders, we must be able to engage and navigate the antagonistic streams of this post-modern mindset if the church is to remain faithful to its mission to make disciples. Second, recent scandals in Roman Catholic and Protestant church circles trumpeted in the national media have revealed a shocking and significant cultural shift in the consequences of public scandal. When I began ministering, such a scandal was guaranteed to harm one’s ministry. Any remotely serious indiscretion meant a pastor had to step down from his or her position with only a faint hope of recovery. Times change! Today, many ministers, as well as professional athletes, politicians and business leaders caught in a scandal actually leverage their indiscretions to help grow their ministries or careers! Scandals seem to give fallen but media-savvy ministers fresh national exposure and may open up avenues that were previously closed. It is almost as if people are drawn to controversy in the house of God—think of it as “reality television with a Christian spin.” A minister may easily become a performer before an adoring audience at the expense of setting an example as a servant/shepherd before the people entrusted to them by God. Is it any wonder that the outside world’s perception of the preacher/teacher and of the Church has drastically changed? In light of the events playing out on the world stage, and with all that is bombarding church leaders, I propose that we must hold on to the apostolic faith that has been passed down through the centuries. Cultural issues may sometimes discourage compassionate pastors for it is easy to see the issues as larger than God. continued on page 80 April 2011 The Positive Community

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

LISTEN TO THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY HOUR ON WKMB 1070 AM HARVEST RADIO, MONDAYS, 1:30–2:30 P.M. WITH HOST THERESA NANCE.

The Visit Exhibit Remembers Dr. King’s Visit to Paterson, NJ

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Community Baptist Church of Love in Paterson, New Jersey

eturn of a King,” an exhibition housed at the historic, refurbished Lambert Castle in the city of Paterson, was a smashing success, according to those who trekked to the site during the blustery month of February. The exhibit, created by the fertile mind of James Richardson Jr., was stunning, especially the black and white archival photos adorning the walls of the castle. The project was designed as a continuation of Richardson’s “Freedom Boulevard” project, which hung in the Paterson Museum during Black History Month a year ago. But this time, onlookers were graced with pictures recalling the visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the Silk City in March 1968, only eight days before his assassination. As one looked at each photo, that era when black consciousness was more than a metaphor or empty rhetoric touted by activists donning African garb came alive, yet again. Richardson, the animated and sometimes scatterbrained genius, said he worked on the project for more than three years in an attempt to bring about a comprehensive pictorial exhibition so the seasoned visitors could vicariously relive that time and so school children would

“R

The Positive Community April 2011

have an eyewitness’ view of the price paid for their freedom. Here! Here! In addition to the exhibit and the opening reception, keynote speaker Rabbi Israel “Sy” Dresner recalled the times that both he and Dr. King were hauled off to jail for their nonviolent protests. It was a mesmerizing presentation and a profile in courage. The event was jam-packed and, as the emcee, I marveled at those who came out that day to say “thank-you” to the drum major for justice. And, “thank you,” to a local young man who didn’t forget from whence he came. But that’s not all. When King came to Paterson that day in ’68, he was the guest speaker at The Community Baptist Church of Love, the church where I was raised under the tutelage of the late Rev. Floville LaGarde. Rev. LaGarde’s son, the late Rev. Frederick LaGarde was a King disciple when he pastored in South Carolina and brought his activism chops to the Silk City. He orchestrated King’s visit. The church is no longer housed on Auburn Street and instead has moved to Broadway. The Bethel AME Church took over the building a number of years ago and both churches, thanks to the tenacity of Richardson and the wisdom of the town fathers, were recently given landmark status in response to a resolution adopted by the City of Paterson Historic Preservation Commission. That’s a good thing, no? Rev. Kenneth Clayton, pastor of the St. Luke Baptist Church, also in Paterson, gave the invocation on the official King Holiday observance and will likely continue the “agitate, agitate, agitate” dogma implemented by the late silver-tongued orator oh-so-many years ago, now that he’s the newly elected president of the Paterson chapter of the NAACP. The Return of the King exhbit will be up through April. As for the prolific James Richardson, he has many other surprises in his bag of tricks, i.e., a documentary coming out next year that features the city’s civil rights players from back in the day, and a plan to take his exhibit on the road. Whew! I can’t keep up. The saga continues. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Money B u s i n ess , M o n e y & w o r k

Eddie and Sylvia Brown are Marylanders of the Year Couple makes Generous Gifts of over 22 Million to Local Causes By Marc Apter The President of the Maryland Historical Society (MdHS), Burt Kummerow (left) led the Friday ceremony for Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown as the Society’s “Marylanders of the Year.” Kummerow presented them with a copy of the Patent of Nobility received by George Calvert in 1624, which led to his launching the Maryland colony. MdHS has the original document in its collection.

altimore, Maryland (March 25, 2011) - Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown have a talent for using philanthropy as a tool to battle inequality. They and their family have contributed more than $22 million to various charitable causes over the past fifteen years. The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) announced today that Eddie and Sylvia have been selected as the society’s “Marylanders of the Year,” an award whose recipients have included Ben Bradlee, Tom Clancy and R. Sargent Shriver. Maryland Day commemorates the founding of Maryland. On March 25th, 1634 settlers stepped from two small sailing ships, the Ark and the Dove, onto Maryland soil. They landed at St. Clements’s Island on what is now St. Mary’s County, Maryland. MdHS leads the commemoration in Baltimore each year with a patriotic celebration and the naming of the Marylander of the Year. At the awards luncheon, Burt Kummerow, MdHS president said, “Eddie and Sylvia have generated spectacular dividends for impoverished inner-city residents and leveled playing fields across the country in the realms of education, healthcare and art. However, a number of their gifts have been targeted to improving the quality of life in the broader Baltimore community.” Brown was born impoverished in rural Apopka,

Florida. Always a superb student, his academic prowess prompted a local businesswoman to fully subsidize his education at Howard University, where he earned an electrical engineering degree in 1961. He never met his benefactor, but knew he wanted to do the same for other poor black youngsters. Sylvia was born in King William, Virginia (the daughter of educators) and as a former educator shares Eddie’s vision about the importance of education as an equalizer. At the Maryland Day awards luncheon held at MdHS in Mount Vernon, Eddie Brown said, “We have tried to create a model of philanthropy that spurs other African Americans of means to become more involved with charitable giving to our community. Most of our grants require that other African Americans give up to a third of our gift. Both of us have been very pleased with the results achieved.” After college, Eddie joined IBM as an engineer, earned an MBA and worked as an investment manager for T. Rowe Price, before founding Brown Capital Management in 1983. His Baltimore-based business was soon able to amass more than $6 billion in assets under management. The Brown’s established their charitable foundation (C. Sylvia and Eddie C. Brown Family Foundation) in 1996. Continued on next page

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April 2011 The Positive Community

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Continued from previous page The Brown’s $1 million challenge grant gift to the Enoch Pratt Free Library is the largest donation extended to the institution in its 129-year history. Its purpose was to make widely available the library's collection of African American literature, then stored in a basement area. Their largest overall gift was the $6 million that helped fund construction of the $20 million Brown Center, located on the urban campus of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore. They also underwrote a number of full scholarships for African American students to attend MICA. Their second largest single gift of $5 million was for the Turning the Corner Achievement Program (TCAP) that guides inner city Baltimore youth toward success. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is another educational institution that has received the Browns assistance. They provided $1 million to form the Brown Capital Management Faculty Institute of Entrepreneurship to provide faculty training and activities that help kindle the spirit of entrepreneurship in UMBC students. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture received a $1 million challenge grant from the Browns for the purpose of helping the museum establish an endowment. The Brown’s mission in the realm of the arts has been

two-pronged: to provide more opportunities for African Americans in the arts, while simultaneously helping to expose their talents and skills to a wider audience. Their first gifts went to The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art to provide more art created by African American artists to be added to their permanent collection. Some other recipients of the Browns’ philanthropy include; Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University; Center for Urban Families (CFUF) that develops career paths and strong family models; Baltimore School for the Arts; Howard University; Middle Grades Partnership in Baltimore City and the Soulful Symphony/Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Partnership. The Maryland Historical Society was founded in 1844 and is the world’s largest museum and library dedicated to the history of Maryland. Occupying an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore, the society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” More information about the Maryland Historical Society can be found online at http://www.mdhs.org/

Union Membership Plays Valuable Role in Countering Economic Inequality By Jeffrey H. Keefe

n April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had traveled to support city sanitation workers who were striking for better pay and working conditions. More than four decades after King's death, unionized African Americans continue to make more money and have better benefits than their non-union counterparts. A 2008 study "Unions and Upward Mobility for African American Workers," found that unionized black workers earned, on average, 12 percent more than their non-union peers and overall were much more likely to have health-insurance benefits and a pension plan. "The data demonstrates that unions raise wages and increase access to health insurance and pensions," said John Schmitt, a senior economist at CEPR and the author of the study. "Unions continue to be a central element of any plan to improve economic equality in this country." The report, which analyzed data from the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS), found that unionization raises the pay of African American workers by about $2.00 per hour. And black workers in unions were also 16 percent more likely to have employerprovided health insurance and 19 percent more likely

The Positive Community April 2011

to have an employer-provided pension plan than black workers who were not in unions. According to the study, among African American workers in the 15 lowest-paying occupations, union members earned 14 percent more than those workers who were not in unions. In the same low-wage jobs, unionized black workers were 20 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and 28 percent more likely to have a pension plan than their non-union counterparts. Of all public sector workers 14.5 percent are black, making the sector second only to health and education services as the most heavily black workforce. In all other sectors, black workers hover around or below 10 percent. Again, if you took out states with disproportionate white populations or even focused on states with budget crises, there is an even greater disparity. More than one in five black workers are employed in public administration, as are 23.3 percent of black women in the workforce. That compares to just under 17 percent of all white workers. Black women in the public sector make significantly less than everyone else. Their median wage is $15.50 an hour; the sector’s median wage overall is $18.38. White men make $21.24. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Everyday Heroes

We Serve New York

DC 37 Executive Board

Lillian Roberts Executive Director

Clifford Koppelman Secretary & Acting President

Oliver Gray Associate Director Henry Garrido, Associate Director

Maf Misbah Uddin Treasurer

New York City’s largest public employee union with 125,000 members and 50,000 retirees District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO • 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007 212-815-1000 • www.dc37.net

The Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action is committed to promoting business opportunities for small, women and minority-owned vendors. Essex County’s Bonding Readiness Program is the first-ever multiple county bonding program geared to helping SBE, DBE, MBE and WBE businesses gain the necessary credentials to apply for government contracts. We encourage you to sign up for this FREE program. - Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Bonding Readiness Program Free Development Course for Small Businesses Presented by Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action The County of Essex has partnered with The Surety & Fidelity Association of America to provide a Bonding Readiness Program to SBE, DBE, MBE and WBE vendors in New Jersey.

Session Begins Apr. 14, 2011 The program is FREE but registration is required. Contact us for more information and to RSVP - 973.621.5420 bondingreadiness@essexnj.org

Workshops Include: • Business Planning and Management for Construction • Construction Accounting and Financial Management • Banking and Financing for Contractors • Bonding and Insurance for New and Emerging Contractors • Marketing, Estimating and Bidding • Project Management and Field Operations • Claims and Dispute Resolution • Managing Growth Ideal Candidates Should Possess the Following: • Minimum of 2 years business experience • Financial records covering Profit and Loss • History of successful project experience • Commitment to complete the program

This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested two weeks in advance. Contact Deborah E. Collins, Esq., Director, Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, Hall of Records, Room 449A, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark NJ 07102. Telephone: (973) 621-2010.

“We invite all small, women and minority business owners and prospective entrepreneurs to visit our new Small Business Development Resource Center and Reference Library. It will provide entrepreneurs with information to transform their ideas into new businesses and help current vendors to expand their companies. This is another opportunity we are offering to empower small, women and minority vendors and help them succeed in today’s competitive market.” Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive The Board of Chosen Freeholders And the Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action

Essex County Small Business Resource Center & Reference Library Essex County Hall of Records Fourth Floor, Room 447 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

RESOURCE CENTER HIGHLIGHTS: •Specialized 500-Book Business Library •Computer/Internet Access •Daily Newspapers & Business-Related Periodicals

OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BYAPPOINTMENT ONLY Call 973-621-2011 to schedule yours today! This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested two weeks in advance. Contact Deborah E. Collins, Esq., Director, Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, Hall of Records, Room 449A, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark NJ 07102. Telephone: (973) 621-2010.

100 Black Men of America Ring NASDAQ Closing Bell

ASDAQ recently recognized the accomplishments of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Leaders of the international organization who were on hand to ring the closing bell in recognition of Black History Month were chapter presidents, Jerrid Douglas of New Jersey and Phillip Andrews, Long Island. During their visit to the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York City's Times Square, they were joined by Warren Woodberry Jr., Long Island chapter publicity chair; William B. Wise, Long Island chapter board member and NASDAQ senior executives. The February 26 event was broadcast on major business and cable television news networks worldwide. 100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. Today, under the direction of Albert E. Dotson, Jr., the organization has 116 chapters in the United States, England and the

The Positive Community April 2011

Left to Right: Long Island 100 Black Men chapter members Warren Woodberry Jr. and Hon. William B. Wise; Jerrid Douglas, NJ Chapter president; NASDAQ Vice President David Wicks and Phillip Andrews, Long Island Chapter President

Caribbean. The 100 serves as an international coalition focused on creating educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, addressing health disparities and creating positive mentoring relationships. NASDAQ OMX is the largest electronic screen-based equity securities trading market in the United States. With approximately 3,700 companies and corporations, it has more trading volume than any other stock exchange in the world. To view the video visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/ NASDAQ-OMX/108167527653

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Plainfield Chamber of Commerce Robert Graham, VP of IT Committee of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce; Annie McWilliams, Plainfield City Council president and Jeffery Dunn, president of Plainfield Chamber of Commerce.

he Plainfield Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a State of Business meeting to share plans to support and attract businesses to the Plainfield area. Speakers included Assemblyman Jerry Green, Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Union County Freeholder Linda Carter and members of the Plainfield City Council. At the meeting, the new officers of the Chamber of Commerce were sworn in, including president Jeff Dunn. The oath of office was administered by Mayor Briggs.

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The Mayor of Plainfield, Sharon Robinson Briggs swearing in officers and Board of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce.

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April 2011 The Positive Community

Laying a foundation for financial success Hackensack’s New Hope BC debt elimination program helps members regain economic footing By g.r. mattox

he times are difficult for many of us. Young adults, single parents, married couples and retirees have felt the sting of mounting debt and know how hard it is to get their finances under control. Banks and credit unions offer a variety of programs to help those who struggle with their financial responsibilities. But in recent years, some churches have offered programs to help members receive some debt relief. New Hope Baptist of Hackensack, NJ is one. Their debt-free program was initiated in June of 2002 under the leadership of its senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. M. Frances Manning-Fontaine. Working with the vision “to advance God’s kingdom on earth through having all members free from revolving credit debt,” the financial stewardship program started after the congregation paid off its long-term mortgage in 1995. One year later the Business and Economic Empowerment Ministry (BEEM) was established to offer sound financial information to the congregation and established a series of workshops to educate and liberate from debt, and help them better manage the money they have. That a debt-free program for New Hope could be effective was confirmed in an article from the Wall Street Journal about a Virginia Beach, VA Rev. Dr. M. Frances church that institutManning-Fontaine ed a program of congregants contributing to a fund to pay off the credit card debt of its congregants. Soon after the New Hope fund was established through weekly free-will offerings and within three

The Positive Community April 2011

months the first debt-free award was given. “I was greatly encouraged by the generous response of the congregation and that it came so quickly,” Dr. Manning-Fontaine said, “that assured me we were on the right track.” In addition to award candidates being members of the church for at least two years and maintaining regular attendance or being active in the church, members must attend mandatory BEEM classes established through a partnership with B. Lifted UP!, a financial consulting firm established by New Hope member Gwen Franklin. Here they learn effective money management strategies and budget procedures. Recipients must also destroy paid-off credit cards, pledge to remain free of that kind of debt and assume responsibility for any tax ramifications as a result of the award. To date, 12 people have received over $40,000 in financial awards, relieving them from stress and worry, and enabling them to focus more on family and expend more energy seeking the kingdom of God. One who has benefitted from the program is member Jamel Walker. A member for eight years and president of the male choir called the Master’s Men, Walker received $3,000 to eliminate his credit card debt. “The program has made me much wiser as far as how I spend, and learning how to save my money rather than spending it on things I don’t really need,” he said. “In laying the foundation for financial success it is most important to understand the principles of God’s ownership—that ‘the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,’” Dr. Manning-Fontaine said. “Clearly, we own nothing—our job is management of God’s things, for ultimately we give account to the Lord.” She is working to spread this gospel and the financially empowering philosophy abroad. Having already conducted one debt-free seminar for The American Baptist Church at their annual meeting in Green Lake, WI, Manning-Fontaine will hold two others for the New Jersey branch of the organization, one in March and April. This program is one of many that took shape under Manning-Fontaine’s 17-year tenure of Pastor. Under her

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leadership, the not-for-profit New Hope Community and Hope was established. The keynote speaker, Rev. Economic Development Corp. Inc., was birthed. Some Jonathan Whitfield, currently pastors Trinity Baptist of their programs include Camp Hope, a state approved Church, a church organized out of New Hope 40 years Summer Day Camp for children aged 5 through 12, an ago. “While it was our church that was celebrating,” HIV/AIDS Ministry, diabetic and weight loss support Manning- Fontaine explained, “we chose to highlight groups, and a parish nursing program. New Hope is also our DNA by noting the connection between what I call host to a theological certificate program in partnership the ‘triumvirate’ intended to show the unity between us.” with New York Theological Seminary from which their Every week when the community greeting is given to welfirst students graduated in May 2008. In connection with come visitors at New Hope, the greeter concludes with not-for-profit community development, she has lectured “Come with us — we’ll do you good!” for the Chase Foundation both in New York and at the Every week when the community greeting is given to Chase headquarters in Houston. welcome visitors at New Hope, the greeter concludes with A woman of firsts, Dr. Manning - Fontaine has the dis- “Come with us — we’ll do you good!” A program of sound tinction of being the first woman moderator elected in financial discipline, a creative and caring pastor and a conthe State of New Jersey through North Jersey District gregation with a long and faithful history of helping one Missionary Baptist Association (NJDMBA) where she another is not only one that does good, but one that serves as second vice moderator. She has also served in blesses everyone involved. elected positions at the 100-year-old Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY and Vicinity as well as in the Baptist Ministers Conference of Has God called you to help heal broken marriages and families? Newark. Ordained in 1985 in Nyack College and Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (AGSC) are pleased to offer the Convent Avenue Baptist a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Gain the knowledge, skills and therapeutic/ Church, the then Rev. clinical experience you need for pastoral counseling, licensure, and greater effectiveness in God’s hands. Manning was the first woman to be both licensed and ordained into the Christian For further information, ministry by that body. Called to please call 800-541-6891. New Hope Baptist Church in 1993, she is the seventh pastor Visit us at www.nyack.edu/agsc Marriage and Family Therapy Program and the first woman to lead 350 North Highland Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960 that congregation. The mother of one son and two grandchildren, she married her husband, Joseph Fontaine in 2009. She and the church celebrated her 17th pastoral anniversary last May during the church’s 90-year anniversary, an eventful time in that the church’s signature event, the banquet, which was catered by one of the businesses inspired by the New Hope BEEM, was held in the newlybuilt Family Life Center of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the congregation from which New

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April 2011 The Positive Community

Blackshear Anniversary

Rev. Blackshear and 1st Lady Christine Blackshear

amily, congregation members, friends and community leaders gathered together at Harlem’s historic Alhambra Ballroom to celebrate Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear’s 35th anniversary as pastor of Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church in Harlem.

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

L–R: Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Carol A. Baltimore, president Progressive National Baptist Convention; Min. Cornelius Dargan; Rev. Joan J. Brightharp-Dargan; Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr.; Rev. Blackshear and Rev. James A. Kilgore

Frank Perry III, Chairman of Community Board 10

North Carolina’s Gospel Invisibles Quartet

The Positive Community April 2011

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Education T eac h i n g , Lea r n i n g , M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n ce

Jante Bracewell Soars High School Freshman Is Varsity Starter And Making Her Mark At Mother Seton By Herbert D. Glenn

nlike many children who must depend on society—the educational institutions, daycare centers or the community recreation facility—to raise them, Jante Bracewell was blessed with a supportive family. A freshman, the 5'7" power forward is a starter for the varsity girls basketball team at Mother Seton High School in Clark, NJ. Her biggest cheerleader is her dad, Terrence Bracewell. “I make it my business to attend every game that she has,” boasts the burly weight trainer. A former weightlifting champion and educator, he prioritizes his career to provide the support that his daughter needs. “The major reason for choosing Mother Seton was because it has great academics,” explains Jante’s mom, Janice. “We wanted to make sure that she received the best education that we could afford. There is need for better educational choices and we decided to choose a private school that met our expectations.” Her dad chimed in, “The attention has paid off.” Jante has started every varsity game this season and in her first game received the honor of player of the night with 30 points and 14 rebounds against South River High School. She averages 15.4 points a game and dominated 17 games scoring 10 points or more for a season total of 308 points. Her shooting is supewww.thepositivecommunity.com

rior and has she has garnered 9.7 rebounds per game. Against the rival Spotswood High School, she provided 13 rebounds. Nominated for the All Area Team, Jante says she is encouraged by the senior players and that the team works well together. Before attending Mother Seton, Jante played one year of Amateur Athletic Union basketball, where she learned many of the skills that gave her the ability to compete against seasoned athletes. “We are happiest now because the AAU schedule is demanding. We can take a break when it's time for school,” her dad reflected. A major ingredient in Jante's success is her involvement as a participant in church leadership. The Bracewells are active members of Mount Olive Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. The role model athlete is involved in the usher and missionary ministries. She is also an avid dancer and studies ballet at the Maria Priadka School of Dance. “I expect to become a WNBA star,” Jante said, and she is working hard to make that dream a reality. With the help of family, friends and her church community, Jante is destined to become a successful contributor to society and a positive example for other students in the next generation. April 2011 The Positive Community

UNCF Motto Celebrated

“A Mind Is…” Gala

L–R: Michelle Morial, Ted Wells, Nina Wells and Dr. Elsie Scott

L–R: Vernon Jordan and Edward Ney, former chairman/CEO of Young & Rubicam

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Chenault

L–R: Jonathan Bush, Dr. Lenora Taitt-Magubane, Hilary Jordan & Alfred Goldstein

Photos: Margot Jordan

L–R: Pharrell Williams, Thelma Golden and Vernon Jordan

Presidents of the historically black UNCF colleges

n celebration of the 40th anniversary of its winning ad campaign, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) hosted its first “A Mind Is...” Gala at the New York Marriot Hotel, in the heart of Times Square. The campaign catapulted UNCF and minority education into the national spotlight and by so doing, changed the country. In addition to raising funds to send young people to college, the event honored those who were instrumental in developing the campaign. UNCF's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Vernon E. Jordan Jr., who was the organization’s executive director when "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" first came into being. Young & Rubicam, UNCF's partner then and today, was the creative team that drafted the motto and embedded it into a nationwide public service announcement campaign. The Advertising Council, still a UNCF partner, selected UNCF and the "A mind is" campaign for national exposure. A noted attorney

The Positive Community April 2011

L–R: Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood and Rev. Floyd Flake

and civil rights activist and now one of the most influential figures in Washington, D.C. and on Wall Street, Jordan was a close adviser to President Bill Clinton. The evening began with a breathtaking performance of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing” by the Johnson C. Smith University Singers. UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax spoke about the UNCF’s last 40 years of service. Later, GrammyAward-winning singer/songwriter Roberta Flack took the audience down memory lane, singing some of her most popular songs such as “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly.” WNBC 4 New York News anchor David Ushery served as master of ceremonies. Tamara Harris Robinson, vice president of the Robinson Harris Foundation and Mark Mason, COO and managing director of Citi Holdings were the dinner co-chairs UNCF is the nation's largest minority education organization. UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

“The atmosphere was positive and light, illuminating a vision of hope for the future generations to come and the view, naturally and spiritually bright. The vision is unmistakably clear. We look forward to attending your next roundtable. Congratulations! Well done you are a friend of God….. To God be the glory!” The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater Newark and Vicinity Rev. Elizabeth Campbell, President

“Thank you Positive Community and all involved in putting on this conference. It was a stunning achievement! I was deeply impressed, The roundtable showed me that we have the capacity to make dramatic improvement in Newark in our educational system. The conference also modeled, better than any other than event I have attended in many years, what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had in mind when he spoke of the beloved community” The Newark School of Theology Rev Douglas Bendall PhD, President Richard Roper, Moderator

Rev. Evans Spagner, Dr. Sherle L. Boone, General Baptist Convention NJ W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Inst.

Rev. John H. Gamble, Jr., Marion P. Thomas Charter School

Jeannine LaRue, Kaufman Zita Group

Fred D. Mitchell, United Negro College Fund

Cecelia Zalkind, Advocates for Children of NJ

Junius W. Williams, Esq., Abbott Leadership Institute

Special Guest Panelist Gustav Heningburg

Newark Leadership Roundtable Series

EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE

View the conversation online: www.thepositivecommunity.com/NLRS Download the questions. Host your own Education Roundtablewith your family, friends, at your house of worship or community center. Special thanks to our sponsors:

General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc.

Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson Children’s Defense Fund

Scenes From The Education Roundtable At The Newark Club

Rev. H. Grady James

Adrian Council, Publisher, Positive Community

Rev. M. William Howard; James Harris, NJ State President, NAACP; Al Bundy Photos: Vincent Bryant

Sister Lillian Bullock, Rev. Evans Spagner, Sister Nellie Suggs, NJ General Baptist Convention

Fred Mitchell; Cecilia Zalkind; Rev. Emma Jordan-Simpson

Rev. Dr. Renee House, New Brunswick Theological; Rev. Elizabeth Campbell; Rev. Shirley Rucker and Rev. Clarence L. Smith

The Positive Community April 2011

Jeannine LaRue; Shivaun Gaines, Montclair State University

Gustav Heningburg

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Jennifer Robinson, Montclair State University Jean Nash Wells, editor-Inchief, Positive Community

Junius W. Williams, Esq. Jeannine LaRue; John H. Gamble, Jr.; Dr. Sherle L. Boone

Mary McElroy, Archdiocese of Newark; Omar Hawthorne, Golden Krust Bakery

Adrienne Sanders, NAACP

Pamela Parker-McGee; Rev. Caffie Risher

Robin Nash Sharon Fleming, Journeys International

Lisa Nash

Acknowledgements:

Rev. Jordan-Simpson; Rev. Howard; Dr. Clement A. Price

William C. Oliver, Omega Psi Phi; Fred Mitchell Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Rev. Douglas Bendall; Moderator Richard Roper

Herb Glenn, videographer; Steve Jones, Websignia www.thepositivecommunity.com

We offer our deepest gratitude to Al Koeppe, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance; Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark; and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark for their vision and wisdom in the development of the NLRS.

April 2011 The Positive Community

THE SCHOOL OF NEW RESOURCES

HELPING ADULT LEARNERS REACH THEIR LIFE GOALS

ou have dreams. For yourself. For your family. Make those dreams a reality by earning a college degree right in your own community. The College of New Rochelle’s Adult Division, the School of New Resources (SNR), offers an accelerated Bachelor of Arts degree program for working adults—age 21 and older—in six locations. • • • •

Harlem/Rosa Parks Campus Brooklyn Campus DC-37 Campus The South Bronx/John Cardinal O’Connor Campus • The Bronx/Co-op City Campus • New Rochelle Campus We welcome students from all social and economic backgrounds. We take your work and life experiences seriously. Your faculty advisor will consider them when helping you to shape your customized degree plan. Our innovative curriculum, which focuses on an individualized program design, makes the School of New Resources a leader in adult higher education.

You have the power to change your life. Begin by joining the more than 4,500 adult students attending one of our six branch campuses. A degree from the School of New Resources will open new doors leading to exciting possibilities for your future. We offer an award-winning educational environment that understands the adult student is not only working, but also has personal and family

The Positive Community April 2011

responsibilities, and must make every minute count.

We Help You to Afford Your Dream

Our faculty are there with you, giving you personal attention and encouragement. They see you as a partner in the classroom, contributing to the learning experience.

A college education is one of the most essential investments you will ever make. We are committed to helping students fulfill their dream of attending The College of New Rochelle School of New Resources.

Expect Success. What is your dream career? At the School of New Resources, you will acquire the skills and knowledge to be successful in your chosen field. Our graduates enter satisfying careers in business, law, medicine, ministry, education, and social work. They often choose a career path that allows them to strengthen their community, such as a financial management counselor, a clinical social worker, or a business leader, for example. We share your determination that a college education should lead to employment and advancement upon graduation. Our ACCESS career seminars are part of the curriculum. You will graduate with a clear understanding of how to conduct a successful career search. We will help you: • Evaluate your life and career goals.

Over half of our students cannot afford to attend college without financial assistance. We work with each student individually to develop an aid package, based on his or her demonstrated financial need. Assistance can include a combination of grants, loans, employment and external resources.

Determining Your Need Meet with a personal financial aid counselor at any one of our campuses. They will assist you in qualifying for all of the monies available for funding your education. You will see that attending college is very affordable. With our expert advice, you will be on your way to obtaining your college degree. For more information, contact the campus you wish to attend or SNR Admissions at 1-877-381-4868 (Toll-free).

• Explore different career paths. • Identify possible places of employment. • Write an effective resume. • Practice successful interviewing techniques. • Begin networking to secure a job in your field.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.

OPEN HOUSE AT 5 LOCATIONS CAMPUS LOCATIONS ■ CNR ROSA PARKS CAMPUS

144 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 212.662.7500 ■ CNR BROOKLYN CAMPUS at Restoration Plaza

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755 Co-op City Boulevard Bronx, NY 10475 718.320.0300 ■ CNR JOHN CARDINAL

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SHAPE YOUR FUTURE BY EARNING YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE Accelerated Bachelor of Arts degree program for working adults 21 and over ■ Convenient day, evening, and weekend classes ■ Attend two classes per week for full-time status ■ Join other CNR graduates and achieve your dreams in business, law, medicine, ministry, education, and social work ■ Personal financial aid counseling available at all campuses

CALL 800-933-5923 I VISIT WWW.CNR.EDU/SNR I E-MAIL SNR@CNR.EDU www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2011 The Positive Community

City Of Newark Selected As One Of Five Major Cities To Host United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour Essex County College is One of Two Community Colleges Nationally to Serve as a Tour Site

EWARK – The United Negro College Fund has selected Essex County College in Newark as one of its five city-tour stops along its popular Empower Me Tour. The event is expected to bring up to 1,500 youth and their families to the College’s Newark campus on Saturday, April 30. The event is free and open to the public. “We are so excited to have been selected as one of only two community colleges nation-wide to host this prestigious event,” said ECC President Edythe Abdullah. “Essex County College is proud to be a community partner with UNCF, as its Empower Me Tour was created to initiate a movement among young people to motivate them to academic excellence and personal responsibility, which is what ECC strives to do every day.” “We are proud that Essex County College, one of Newark’s great educational institutions, is one of two Community Colleges selected nationally to serve as a Tour Site among the five cities hosting this year's UNCF Empower Me Tour,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “UNCF and the City of Newark have a shared commitment to motivate young people to manifest their own personal academic excellence by becoming highly qualified college graduates who have the skill set needed to be globally competitive in today’s workforce. I thank the UNCF for supporting Newark’s youth by giving them a pathway to success." “Our goals include helping to prepare students in what they need to do in order to finish their pre-college education and continue on to college,” said UNCF’s Fred Mitchell, UNCF’s Regional Development Director for the Northern Field Operations. “The full experience of the

The Positive Community April 2011

day is to impress upon the students that ‘I can be what I want and here is what I need to do’ to reach that goal,” he said. An array of celebrities will meet and engage in meaningful dialogue with attendees. Confirmed special guests include actress Tatyana Ali who appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, comedienne Kim Coles, Kita Williams and Monique Jackson of VH1’s The T.O. Show, and Chef Darrell “Das” Smith. The celebrities will serve at first on special separate panels for males and females, before coming together for the final topic of Keeping It Real. As a resident of East Orange in Essex County, Mitchell also sees this particular tour stop as helping the local neighborhoods as well. “When we decided to have a stop in New Jersey, Newark was regarded as the best place for it. The city is undergoing a renaissance and this is the kind of activity that will help make Newark shine even brighter. Plus, Essex County College has the history and tradition to serve as a good tie-in for the program.” The day’s schedule includes dynamic workshops on preparing for, getting into, and paying for college; social-readiness panels; career-readiness workshops; and much more. The event, now in its third year, is geared primarily toward students in seventh grade through high school and also for those in their first two years of college. Interested participants should register for the program by going to www.empowermetour. org and following to Newark link. This will be the only stop in New Jersey for the tour as part of its 2010-2011 five-city tour. Other cities include Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

8.25 x 10.5 essex fall 2011final#3

4/7/11

1:30 PM

Page 1

No, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a graduate.

But he does believe in the great education you can get at Essex County College.

Let education make a difference for you.

essex C O U N T Y

C O L L E G E

You could be too. Apply today at www.essex.edu

AYODELE OTI A

Class of 2012

Gareth Rhodes

Two City College Students Class of 2011 Win 2011 Truman Fellowships

yodele Oti and Gareth Rhodes, honor students, Colin Powell Fellows and New York Life Scholars at The City College of New York enrolled in the CUNY Baccalaureate program, have been named 2011 Harry S. Truman Scholars. Ms. Oti, a junior in the Macaulay Honors College at City College, and Mr. Rhodes, a third-year student who will graduate this May, are the fourth and fifth CCNY students and sixth and seventh CUNY students to receive Truman Scholarships in the last six years. “Having two Truman Scholars in one year puts City College in very elite company,” said CCNY President Lisa Staiano-Coico. “We are exceptionally proud of Ayodele and Gareth, and congratulate them on their stunning achievements. They are amazing people and fitting heirs to the long legacy of leadership in public service at City College that includes Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (ret.), ’58, Justice Felix Frankfurter, 1902, and Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, ’72.” The Harry S. Truman Scholarship recognizes students with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service. It provides up to $30,000 to students pursuing graduate degrees in these fields, and is one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the nation, awarding between 60 and 65 scholarships annually from a field of 600 – 700 nominated candidates. Selection is based on a combination of career and graduate study interests, community service and academic achievement. Ayodele Oti was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and entered City College on a scholarship from the Macaulay Honors College. Her public service interest was evident from her freshman year, when she was one of 48 participants in a Harvard Kennedy School of Government Public Policy and Leadership Conference. Ms. Oti later did a summer internship in Washington, through CCNY’s Rosenberg/Humphrey Program in Public Policy. Her interest in historical ecology took her to the

The Positive Community April 2011

Caribbean island of Barbuda in January 2010 and – with a grant form the National Science Foundation – to Iceland to participate in an archaeology field school. Ms. Oti is also a Rangel Scholar and Colin Powell Fellow. She is spending the spring semester in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, studying Spanish, marine biology and Latin American history and culture as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar. “As a student who is interested in the environment, particularly with regard to sustainable development and public health, I wanted to explore past human-environment interactions to see what lessons I could possibly learn to help with the future,” she said. The daughter of a Nigerian father and American mother, Ms. Oti’s career goal is to work for a nonprofit dealing with international development in Latin America or Africa. Gareth Rhodes is currently interning in the Manhattan office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He is majoring in political economy and public policy and has a 3.8 GPA – and last January he studied Chinese business and Mandarin at the University of Shanghai. His advanced placement credits from high school and courses taken in two intersession study-abroad programs will enable him to complete his undergraduate degree in just three years. His internship with Governor Cuomo is the latest of several high-profile public service apprenticeships that Gareth has held since freshman year. He interned last summer at the White House, and has worked in the district office of U.S. Rep. Charles B. Rangel and the New York attorney general’s office. He also studied in Buenos Aires on a Study/Travel Opportunities for CUNY Students scholarship. He too is a Colin Powell Fellow and is enrolled in the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. Other recent Truman Scholarship winners from City College include Don Gomez, in 2009, David L.V. Bauer, in 2008, and Claudio Simpkins in 2005. Mr. Bauer became a Rhodes Scholar the following year. Recent Truman Scholars from other CUNY colleges are Ryan Merola, from Brooklyn College, who won in 2006, and Christine Curella, from Hunter College, who won in 2007. www.thepositivecommunity.com

At The City College of New York...

... the whole world is right around the corner.

President Lisa Staiano-Coico and the students, faculty, staff and alumni at City College

alute

2011 Truman Fellows AYODELE OTI Class of 2012

Gareth Rhodes Class of 2011

Relevant Dreams Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller Director of Theological Admissions, Drew University Pastor of Carter Community AME Church, Jamaica, NY Drew Theological School began in 1867 as a dream of faithful people who cared deeply for the world. Since those early days of the seminary, Drew has become a place of empowerment for all people. We are a community without a majority, comprised of persons from around the globe eager to promote change across the hemisphere, as well as within the local context. Sometimes as Christians we forget that we are all called to confront issues of injustice, be a voice for the voiceless and comfort those in despair. In a speech given by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the campus of Drew University on February 4th, 1964, entitled “The American Dream,” Dr. King states that “America is essentially a dream, a dream as yet unfulfilled.” During his speech, Dr. King speaks to the basic rights given to all of humanity and discusses the necessary equality that must exist regardless of race, creed or color. “On the one hand we have proudly professed the great principles of democracy;” observes Dr. King, “on the other hand we have sadly practiced the very antithesis of those principles.” In the midst of the tragedy in Japan, the war in Libya, the ongoing national debate on healthcare and education, our role as a seminary remains clear. We must develop religious leadership compelled to be the voice of hope in the midst of strife. Drew has discovered that we must be in ministry with and to all people. The Communities of Shalom (communitiesofshalom.org), is an initiative headquartered at the Theological School that has propelled change in the world. With ongoing work in Malawi, Haiti and across all regions of the U.S., Drew has established empowerment zones for all segments of society as we “seek to build community, weave unity and transform the world.” We demonstrate excellence in academic pursuit with a faculty that is as fine as any in the world. We share our life on a beautiful campus that is a short trip from New York City and Newark. We worship as a community and honor the prophetic spirit as we celebrate justice-making ministries that transform lives to God’s glory. Our graduates serve urban, suburban and rural congregations in traditional and non-traditional ministries, while addressing issues of social justice, fairness, diversity and equality. In addition, graduates of the Theological School teach in colleges and seminaries around the world. They have become bishops and supervisors in more than 30 denominations in every state of the United States and in over 40 countries. The Theological School remains connected to the still relevant dream that founded this great institution, but we take hold of the audacity that allows us to redefine the world in more just ways. We honor those who have passed through our doors and will pass through our doors and we are confident that we can continue to translate this relevant dream for this third millennium of the followers of Christ. We invite you to join us around the table where together we learn to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly.

The Positive Community April 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pastor President

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III builds an education pipeline from Head Start through college By Glenda Cadogan

n 1989 Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III assumed leadership of the world renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church, a large and influential congregation in Harlem with a history of community leadership. Providing moral and spiritual leadership to more than 4,000 congregants is a Herculean undertaking in and of itself. Proving that “to whom much is given much is required,” God called on Dr. Butts to give more. Described as one of the most highly-skilled administrators of our time, he was “called” to be president of the dynamic and diverse public liberal arts college that is SUNY College at Old Westbury. As pastor and president, Rev. Dr. Butts is a living example of the benefits of hard work and dedicated effort. He leads with a kind of professionalism and passion that has placed both institutions in the world view. And as one of a generation of highly educated, activist ministers, carries the triple crown in his fight for civil rights, social justice and economic development in New York City. “I see what I do—the pastorate, the college, the development corporation—as vocations,” he remarked. “They are not occupations because I was called by God to do these things. It is Him who gives me the strength and stamina to go from day to day. In addition, I owe this debt to my ances-

The Positive Community April 2011

tors.” A proud liberation theologian, Dr. Butts declares: “The revolution is not over for us as African people. So as a servant of the people, I feel a sense of determination to work for the liberation and full redemption of people of color.” A native New Yorker and an only child who grew up in the Lillian Wald Projects in Lower Manhattan, he learned the value of hard work from his parents and grandparents. When he received his call to the ministry at the age of 20, Butts will tell you, he did not hear “a voice from heaven.” In his experience, the stars all lined up in such a way that the patterns pointed straight to the pulpit. Unsure of a career even while in college, he admits to having a taste for corporate America. “I thought it would probably be nice to work in a big company and beyond that to teach at the college level,” he recalled. “This desire is what I think has some influence on what I am now doing as a college president.” Since 1999, he has served as the president of SUNY College at Old Westbury. Under his leadership the college has gained funding for five new residence halls, a student union, and new academic center, as well as technology enhancement for the classrooms and dorms. There is an old adage that says, “Men make plans and

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COVERSTORY “I see what I do—the pastorate, the college, the development corporation —as vocations,” he remarked. “They are not occupations because I was called by God to do these things. It is He who gives me the strength and stamina to go from day to day. In addition, I owe this debt to my ancestors.” God laughs.” Indeed, God must have had a hearty laugh at young Calvin’s endeavors to be a corporate executive. As the master architect, He knew that Calvin’s date with destiny was on the horizon. With his steps divinely ordered, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, one of the preeminent Historically Black Colleges in America. It was there that his philosophy was fashioned and shaped and his passion nurtured. “Morehouse represents a kind of crucible in which I was shaped and formed and then let loose on the world,” he said. “I was studying philosophy, but when I discovered that the Black Church was always at the vanguard of human rights for people of African descent, I took up religion as a minor. This was my introduction to some of the luminaries in the field who first started influencing my decision to attend seminary.” This was the first star in the “Calvin Constellation.” Next was when he stumbled upon the book Black Theology and

Nane Marie Annan, Kofi Annan and Calvin Butts

Students from Abyssinian’s Thurgood Marshall Academy Elementary School.

Black Power in the reading room at Morehouse. “This book by James Cone was and still is a heavy influence in my life. It was my introduction to liberation theology, and today I consider myself a practicing liberation theologian,” Butts explained. The stars that followed opened the doors to the seminary and subsequently an introduction to Abyssinian Baptist Church. Just out of seminary, the young minister was recruited to Abyssinian in 1972 and what followed was a veritable training for leadership. He was taken under the wing of then Senior Pastor Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. “Much of what I know about the practice of ministry was learned from Dr. Proctor,” he reflected. “Even as other ministers on staff left for other churches, Dr. Proctor ensured that I stayed.” Essentially, he grew up in the pastorate and moved through the ranks as youth minister, assistant minister, associate minister and executive minister. He eventually took over the pulpit when Dr. Proctor retired in 1988. With the decade of the 90’s looming, it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Inheriting a church rich in colorful history and celebrated for its contributions was indeed a blessing. But mixed into the bag of blessings was the fact that the community was rapidly deteriorating. “The building across the street from the church was abandoned by its landlords and people had to move on to other residences,” said Butts. “We were also faced with the challenges of deteriorating schools and failing businesses. The reverse migration of people heading back to the South had started and under these conditions we were rapidly losing even our stable members.” There is nothing more powerful than a man walking in his destiny. Fueled by the nourishment that he says comes from his own family and strengthened by the support of the church family, Butts responded to the challenge by creating the Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC)—a comcontinued on next page

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2011 The Positive Community

CALVIN BUTTS continued from previous page

Watch Night at The Abyssinian Baptist Church

prehensive not-for-profit community corporation that has developed schools, commercial facilities and housing. ADC has generated $700 million in investments and is considered by many to be one of the economic engines contributing to the development of Harlem. “We were not only concerned with the revitalization of Harlem, but also with maintaining a community where working people can afford to live,” explained Dr. Butts. “So we got involved in commercial development, which can be seen in the Pathmark supermarket and the Harlem Center on 125th Street. Our housing development programs include housing for homeless families, mixed income homes as well as market rate condominiums.” ADC’s educational development puts the icing on the cake as a model of excellence. Liberation through education is evident in ADC’s education pipeline, which extends from Head Start to high school. With several Head Start cen-

The Positive Community April 2011

ters and three schools—the Thurgood Marshall lower, middle and high schools—students have an opportunity to travel through this educational pipeline all the way to college. Dr. Butts' position as president of the College at Old Westbury is an opportunity to extend the pipeline, therefore providing for a complete educational experience. In its mission and with Dr. Butts at the helm, the College at Old Westbury is an institution that cultivates critical thinking, empathy, creativity and intercultural understanding. In so doing, the college provides an environment that stimulates a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. This February, Dr. Butts joined the ranks of other great Morehouse graduates including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. He admits to still “being on cloud nine” from the experience. “Morehouse is more than just a place that I went to college,” he opined adding, “It is a place where I got my full introduction to who I am as a man of African descent. It was at Morehouse that I became a Pan Africanist and began to understand the strength and power of our people. Getting an honorary doctorate and being among some of the great men and women who have graduated from Morehouse is a very high honor for me.” In a world consumed with the ravages of wars and natural disasters, Dr. Butts offers a voice of reason and encouragement to young people. “I know that there are young men and women who are living in fear that at any time they may be swallowed up by a tsunami, destroyed by radio activity or killed by a mad man with a bomb. But at every opportunity I try to remind them that we have lived through crises at all times and in all places. I remember my days of being in fear about the Cuban missile crisis. In my time, every day we thought that the Russians were coming. But yet we are here! The one constant that has sustained most men and women has been their trust in God.” The arrows flyeth by day and terror by night, but those of us who wait on the Lord see our way through,” he said, paraphrasing the scripture. “So I want young people to go to school; make plans for tomorrow,” advice he gives with the assurance that: “I may not know about tomorrow. But I know who holds tomorrow. The problem is that too many of our young people do not have a sense of history. That’s why they need to know about the struggle of African people. What could have been more fearful than living at the time of slavery?” he asks. Yet we survived. So we can’t give up hope, because, Rev. Dr. Butts said quoting the Rev. Jesse Jackson “we must always ‘Keep hope alive!'”

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Butts Receives Honorary Doctorate from Morehouse Joining Dr. Butts in celebration was the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s master of ceremonies, Garrick Utley, president of the Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce; Davon Snipes, Manhattan Morehouse Alumni Association president; Johanna Duncan-Portier, vice chancellor for Community College and chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy for the Education Pipeline; Gerri Warren-Merrick, a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees who delivered a congratulatory message to Dr. Butts on behalf of the State University of New York system. The reception was held at The SUNY Global Center in Manhattan.

Photos: Margot Jordan

Dr. Calvin O Butts, III receives honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from his alma mater Morehouse College. Here Dr. Robert M. Franklin, president of Morehouse makes the presentation.

n March 2, 2011 Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, president of SUNY College at Old Westbury, received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters degree from his alma mater, Morehouse College. Dr. Robert M. Franklin, president of Morehouse College, presented Dr. Butts (class of 1972) with the degree during a celebratory reception hosted by Old Westbury and the Morehouse Manhattan Alumni Association. In his remarks Dr. Franklin noted that Butts had earned the degree based on his unyielding commitment to educational justice and economic empowerment in the global community. During his tenure as president of Old Westbury, Dr. Butts has garnered recognition for preparing students to succeed in the global marketplace, earning accreditation from National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and securing funding to continue to expand its campus. One of the most diverse public colleges in the United States, SUNY College at Old Westbury is located in Nassau County, New York and has over 4,300 students with an emphasis on liberal arts and professional fields. In addition to his twelve years leadership at Old Westbury, Dr. Butts is the pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, and sits on several boards including Abyssinian Development Corporation, Youth On The Move, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, the American Red Cross of Greater New York, and the Levin Institute. He received a master of divinity degree in Church History from Union Theological Seminary, in New York and a doctor of ministry in Church and Public Policy from Drew University in New Jersey.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: Gerri Warren-Merrick, SUNY Board member and Mrs. Patricia Butts

Well-known attorney and philanthropist Charles Simpson presents a gift of $10,000 for the SUNY College at Old Westbury to Dr. Calvin O. Butts III

April 2011 The Positive Community

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UNION COUNTY COLLEGE OFFERS POPULAR SUMMER SESSION In spite of the tendency to treat summer as a break from the normal routine, students are finding that the large choice of courses and schedules offered by Union County College can take some pressure off the regular academic schedules they face in fall and spring semesters. This summer, Union County College is offering over 350 credit classes in subjects that are transferable to almost any college program. Summer offerings include classes in English, Business, Economics, Engineering, Fine Arts, History, Sociology, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physical Education, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Government, Computers, Foreign Languages, Criminal Justice, and Accounting. With variable starting dates from May through July, and sessions that can be as short as three or as long as 12 weeks, Union County College affords students maximum flexibility with most courses being held Monday through Thursday. For added convenience, students can also select from a large number of distance education courses. With these online or telecourse offerings, students can learn at home at their own pace, or even take a course on vacation with them. These courses are equivalent to traditional courses, except that most of the information is presented over the Internet or on a set of DVDs. Summer registration has begun. If you are interested in taking a course and are not a current Union County College student, be sure to bring a completed visiting Student Form from your home institution when you register. As an alternative to this form, you may bring an unofficial copy of your transcript or grade report which will be used to confirm course prerequisites and will speed your way to a great summer of learning! For more information about Summer Sessions call (908) 709-7518 or email summer@ucc.edu.

Funded in part through the support of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Where Faith & Knowledge Meet

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SINCE 1997

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THE NEWARK SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark (serving

Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties) offer a positive, encouraging and safe environment where children can grow in body, mind, and spirit. Our caring, qualified teachers provide a strong academic foundation. We are deeply committed to helping students develop into productive, responsible adults and citizens with goals and direction. 3 97% of graduates advance to college 3 NJ core content standards met or exceeded 3 High academic standards 3 Christ-centered values

•Seminary Level Education for Ministers and Laypersons •Certificate Programs available in•Theology •Pastoral Counseling •Faculty have earned advanced degrees and Laypersons •Seminary Level Education for Ministers •Textbooks used at leading schools of Theology •Certificate Programs available in•Affordable tuition •Payment plans available •Theology •Scholarships based upon annual income •Convenient location near NJPAC •Pastoral Counseling

•Faculty have earned advanced degrees

EARN UP TOused ONEatYEAR OFschools COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH •Textbooks leading of Theology OUR RECOMMENDED COLLEGEplans CREDIT PROGRAM •Affordable tuition •Payment available •Scholarships basedbyupon annual “I am impressed all that hasincome been achieved •Convenient location nearGod NJPAC thus far and pray that will continue to bless

your efforts to be a centre of excellence where understanding of his word is nurtured and students bear the fruit of love, compassion and caring to a world that is aching for these gifts.” -Desmond M Tutu Archbishop Emeritus

EARN UP TO ONE YEAR OF COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH OUR RECOMMENDED COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM Empowering “I am impressed residents by all that hasand beenleaders achievedfor service thethat Church Community thus far andtopray God willand continue to bless

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your efforts to be awww.newarkschooloftheology.org centre of excellence where understanding of his word is nurtured and students bear the fruit of love, compassion and caring to a world that is aching for these gifts.” -Desmond M Tutu Archbishop Emeritus

Empowering residents and leaders for service to the Church and Community Tel:973-297-0505 48

The Positive Community April 2011

www.newarkschooloftheology.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

McDonald’s Faces of Black History

Curtis Farrow

cDonald’s held its annual tribute to Black Media Legends unveiling their 2011 Faces of Black History poster on February 1, at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. The poster features this year’s 17 honorees and was given away free at the more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants in the tri-state area. Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor of My9 WWOR-TV News; Pat Battle, co-anchor of WNBC-TV News Today in New York and her husband, Anthony Johnson ABC-TV Channel 7 News reporter, were hosts for the afternoon. 2011 HONOREES

Audrey Bernard with Daily Challenge Publisher Thomas H. Watkins

L–R: Pete Smaha, president McDonald’s PR Committee, William Holder, president, McDonald’s Black Owners & Operators Association

The Positive Community April 2011

Marion Etoile Watson Photos: Don Sherrill

Audrey J. Bernard, New York Beacon Fred “Bugsy” Buggs, WRKS FM/98.7 Imhotep Gary Byrd, WBLS/WLIB Brian Custer, SNY Tim Daughtry, Fox TV Funkmaster Flex, WQHT/Hot 97 Ed Gordon, BET Scott Pierce, WWOR/My9 James Shipley, WNBC-TV Craig Treadway, WPIX/Channel 11 Charles Williams, WCBS-TV Malachy Williams, WNYW/WWOR Kelly Wright, Fox 5 Otis Livingston, CBS-TV 2 Lewis Dodley, NY1 Sade Baderinwa, WABC-TV Roland Martin, TV One Carl J. Brinson, Trend Publishing Co. Charles Hobson, PBS

Roland Martin

L–R: Anthony Johnson, Pat Battle and Brendon Blackmon with Ronald McDonald

L–R: Sade Baderinwa, Bill McCreary and Janice Huff www.thepositivecommunity.com

St. Aedan’s Church To Become Vital Component Of Mission And Ministry Efforts At Saint Peter’s College

aint Peter’s College and the Archdiocese of Newark have announced that the historic parish of St. Aedan’s in Jersey City, located at the corner of Bergen Avenue and Mercer Street – a stone’s throw away from the Saint Peter’s campus – will serve as the cornerstone for a reinvigorated emphasis on ministry and mission at the College and within the community. Under this arrangement, the College will assume responsibility for all operations of St. Aedan’s, including staffing. Saint Peter’s College plans to transition the parish church into a college church, staffed by members of the College’s Jesuit community. Moving forward, the church will be known as St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s College Church. However, the church will not only serve the College community. It will continue to operate as a place of worship for current and future parishioners. Efforts will be made to foster faith development and provide opportunities for liturgical celebrations for the College and Jersey City community. “Embracing St. Aedan’s into the life and mission of

Saint Peter’s College is a milestone achievement for us. A college church will help support the Jesuit mission of Saint Peter’s College and our critical strategic goal of strengthening the Catholic identity of our institution,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s College. “We look forward to working with our neighbors to continue to keep St. Aedan’s a sacred place for worship and reflection for both the Jersey City and Saint Peter’s College community.” All of the St. Aedan’s campus, including the church, convent, rectory, school and adjacent parking lots, will be incorporated into the Saint Peter’s College campus. Saint Peter’s will continue to offer Masses for the community on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings and will carry on parish traditions such as baptisms, weddings, sacramental preparation and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). In addition, the College has plans for community gatherings such as special musical performances, festivals and liturgical events.

Since 1872, Saint Peter’s College has been committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society. With more than 50 undergraduate majors along with graduate and doctoral programs in Education, Business, Nursing and Criminal Justice Administration, Saint Peter’s offers an extensive range of academic offerings for our more than 3000 current students.

OPEN HOUSE APRIL 16 SUMMER SESSIONS BEGIN IN MAY

Campuses in Jersey City and Englewood Cliffs

www.spc.edu www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2011 The Positive Community

GoGreen S AV ING

OUR PLANET— STEP BY

STEP

EARTHTALK® From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Fluoride: Should we have it in our tap water or not?

he debate over whether we should add fluoride to public drinking water has raged since the 1940s when American cities first initiated the practice as a way to fight the scourge of tooth decay. The benefits of more research and hindsight in recent years have led many policymakers to reconsider the merits of so-called artificial fluoridation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that today over 60 percent of Americans get fluoridated drinking water from their taps whether they want it or not. Critics of the practice worry that we are exposing ourselves to much more fluoride—which can be problematic in the extreme—than is necessary to fight tooth decay. After all, some fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral, finds its way into food and drinking water, typically in low concentrations, without human intervention. And most of us, kids included, use fluoride toothpaste twice a day. So what’s the risk, anyway? According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), over-exposure to fluoride can be toxic, causing dental fluorosis (mottling and loss of tooth enamel) and skeletal fluorosis (joint pain, stiffness and bone fractures). “Some studies point to a possible link between fluoride exposure and osteosarcoma (bone cancer), neurotoxicity and disruption of thyroid function,” says EWG. Proponents of fluoridation argue that the benefits of adding it to drinking water far outweigh any potential risks. Various studies have shown that fluoridating drinking water can indeed lead to as much as a 40 percent reduction in cavities in populations of both kids and adults. But studies in other areas that do

The Positive Community April 2011

not artificially fluoridate—such as throughout most of Europe—have shown similar improvements in recent decades, perhaps thanks to increased attention to teeth by family and school health care practitioners. Regardless, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a lowering of the maximum recommended fluoride level for municipal water from 1.2 milligrams per liter to 0.7. “We’ve had to wait too long, but the government’s announcement marks a belated recognition that many American children are at risk from excess fluoride in drinking water and other sources,” says EWG’s Jane Houlihan. “HHS has taken an important first step. Now it’s up to water utilities to respond and for the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] to lower its too-high legal limit on fluoride in drinking water, which is more than five times the new maximum being recommended by the [HHS].” You can check if your water is fluoridated, and if so, how much, via the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride website. If it is, you can also invest in a filter that removes it. However, they are not cheap: Countertop water distillers go for $200 and up, and an activated alumina defluoridation filter—most come in cartridge form and can be placed in-line under counters—are costly, too, and need to be changed out frequently. FilterWater.com, among other sources, has a wide range of choices available for sale. Unfortunately, the most popular and less expensive home water filters, like those from Pur and Brita, do not remove fluoride.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine ( www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue:

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TURN YOUR CHILDREN GREEN! Here are five things children and families can do to save the planet.

Turn it off

Get bossy

They’ll tell you otherwise, but children will not melt once the TV is switched off. TV-free time will not only help conserve energy but it will also force children to cultivate non-digital hobbies. Encourage your child to unplug any unused appliances to prevent them from sapping electricity. They can also patrol the house for lights left on in unoccupied rooms.

Most children jump at the chance to be the boss – so let them! Deputize your child to be the family’s green guru: encourage him or her to learn more about ways your family can help the environment and give them the opportunity to share their information with others.

Your street, your school, your planet

Going my way Walking and riding your bike are great ways to reduce carbon emissions – and help kids get the exercise they need to stay healthy and strong.

My water, your water Running the faucet affects how much water is available to others. Taking shorter showers, hand-washing dishes, and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth are all great ways to reduce the amount of water we consume.

Even small changes can have a big impact. Your family can organize a neighborhood walk to pick up trash. Volunteer to grow a community garden or maintain a local park. Fundraise for environmental groups in your area. Accomplishing these smaller tasks can help energize a new generation of “green” leaders. Working together, families, teachers and school employees can help children adopt green habits that will help the environment – and ensure a healthy planet for their children’s children.

NJEA: working to help students become successful adults.

Barbara Keshishian , President Wendell Steinhauer , Vice President Marie Blistan , Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Giordano , Executive Director Richard Gray , NJEA Assistant Executive Director/Research Director

Greater NY Links Install Community Quilt At Alma Rangel Gardens in Harlem

Artist Laura Gadsen with her White Rose quilt

Standing L-R: New York State Senator Bill Perkins and Dr. Marcella Maxwell, (sitting) Shaunna D. Jones, Helen Perkins who is the mother of Sen. Perkins and Alma Rangel

L–R: Members of The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Senator Bill Perkins Linda Hoffman (President New York Foundation Senior Citizen)

arch 20, 2011- The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted a reception at Alma Rangel Gardens in Harlem in honor of the dedication and installation of “The White Rose Quilt,” which was designed by artist and Harlemite Laura Gadson, and created by members of The Links, residents of Alma Rangel Gardens and Ms. Gadson. The quilt was made as part of The Links’ arts program at Alma Rangel Gardens and will have a permanent home at the residence. The quilting seminars held at the low income housing for the elderly are an example of the Links’ commitment to service to the Harlem and Greater New York communities. Alma Rangel, a long-time member of The Links, was the guest of honor at the afternoon gathering. Senator Bill Perkins was in attendance as was his mother, Mrs. Helen Perkins, a resident of Alma Rangel Gardens, and one of the creators of the artwork. Numerous members of the Greater New York Links were in attendance, including Chapter President Gerri Warren-Merrick, Dr. Marcella Maxwell and Grace Ingleton along with Shaunna D. Jones and Sydney Avent, co-chairs of the chapter’s Arts Facet. Linda Hoffman, president of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens was also in attendance. Both Mrs. Rangel and Dr. Maxwell are members of the Board of Directors of The New York Foundation for Senior Citizenship.

The Positive Community April 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Global and Local Center for “Green” Ideas and Action By Nilda Mesa The dense urban blocks of New York City may not seem like the typical setting for cutting-edge environmentalism, but Upper Manhattan has long been a global center for research on earth and environmental science and new, sustainable technologies. It is also at the forefront of implementing strategies to make the everyday life of our community and city “greener” and healthier. Columbia University offers 24 degrees in environmental study and is home to 33 research centers on the environment—more than any other university in the United States. The term “global warming” was coined here more than 40 years ago. Research from Columbia faculty has a major impact on New York City: identifying environmental health concerns such as childhood asthma, which our Mailman School of Public Health is helping to address with an innovative prevention program for Upper Manhattan families; advising policymakers on how climate change may affect the five boroughs; demonstrating the value of urban green spaces; working to safeguard the electric grid from blackouts; and supporting nutritious food options through greenmarkets. The recently launched NYC Urban Technology Innovation Center, located at Columbia, will promote green building technologies in New York City. The Urban Design Lab, a collaboration between the University’s engineering and architecture schools, has helped local organizations with environmental design, sustainable economic development and food sheds, and more. And Columbia’s long-term campus plan, Manhattanville, is being recognized for its clean construction practices, green buildings and sustainable, pedestrian-friendly urban design. In recent years, we created a central Office of Environmental Stewardship to focus on implementing sustainability, and we have since undertaken several programs to incorporate environmental initiatives into University practices: • Reducing greenhouse gases: In 2007, Columbia pledged to reduce emissions 30 percent at the Morningside campus in 10 years as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Challenge. The action plan includes strategies to reduce carbon emissions such as replacing old and inefficient equipment, implementing energy standards for labs, installing geothermal and microturbine energy systems as well

as installing LED lighting and energy-efficient central systems. • Green buildings: Columbia requires its new buildings to meet a LEED Silver standard. Three renovated buildings have recently been certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Manhattanville campus plan is also in the LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program, which recognizes sustainable urban design.

Nontraditional Employment for Women (NOW) trainees learn green salvage.

• Healthy, local food: Nearly 40 percent of University dining hall food comes from local farmers, and surplus food goes to food banks and homeless shelters. Faculty House event space features green menus and is the first LEED Gold dining facility in Manhattan. • Greenmarkets: The twice-weekly Greenmarket on Broadway between 114th and 116th streets operates year-round with produce from area farmers. The Medical Center campus last year kicked off a greenmarket serving Washington Heights. • Purchasing: New appliances purchased for residence halls are Energy Star-rated, as are computers throughout the central administration. Public Safety is replacing its fleet with hybrid cars. And nearly 100 bicycle racks have been added in recent years to the Morningside and Medical campuses. • Columbia’s Morningside campus has several green or vegetated roofs and is the site of the

city’s first green roof research station, which is studying technology with the potential to reduce “urban heat island” effect and prevent storm water from overburdening water treatment plants. The University is also building separate storm water piping for the new Manhattanville campus to ease the burden on the neighborhood’s North River Wastewater Treatment Plant. It has taken many people across the University working together to advance the long-term commitment to meet its sustainability goals. From faculty-led research to a student-led community garden and staff implementing sustainable practices on campus and at home, we work to improve the University’s efforts in our community. Nilda Mesa, Columbia’s assistant vice president for environmental stewardship, is a Harlem resident, a former White House environmental official, and an adjunct professor at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.

FOCUS ON

Reuse, Recycling and Community Columbia has embraced the idea “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” and is adding to it a commitment to community. The University has thousands of recycling bins for paper, metal and plastic, batteries, clothing, electronics and books, and recycles other items such as lab equipment. But perhaps even more important, we are sharing the benefits of reuse with our neighbors locally and globally. Through its Surplus Reuse Program, Columbia is giving new life to its used furniture, equipment and supplies. The program has saved nearly 500 tons of furniture and equipment from the landfill in the last three years, while helping local service organizations gain file cabinets, office furniture and school supplies. Kitchen equipment that could not be used on campus went to a cooking school in Honduras. Haiti received surplus beds and other furniture last year, as well as emergency eye kits from the Medical Center campus. This approach has expanded to the new Manhattanville campus, where an innovative program saved 40 tons of surplus materials from a Columbia-owned building on West 125th Street while giving hands-on training in green deconstruction to 35 local minority women and men. “Every piece of material that can be reused or recycled is a piece that doesn’t have to be manufactured,” said Philip Pitruzzello, vice president for Manhattanville development. “That reduces pressure on landfills and cuts the carbon footprint of the project.” To learn more, visit www.environment.columbia.edu. —N.M.

Family, Church & Community Minded

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The Positive Community April 2011

Free Initial Consutation on Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Claims

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MY9TV anchor and ALS supporter, Brenda Blackmon, served as mistress of ceremonies

Health P r eve n t i o n , T r eatme n t & C u r e

Seeking a Cure for Lupus Wells Fargo, Verizon Business and New York Jets join forces to raise funds

L–R: Michelle Lee, regional president, Wells Fargo; NY Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum; NY Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan and Steven Board, executive director, One Hundred Black Men of New York.

upus is an autoimmune disease in which the body‘s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. It can affect almost every major organ in the body, including the heart, kidneys, skin, lungs and brain. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates the number of Americans suffering from the disease at approximately 1.4 million—making lupus more common than leukemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis. Although many men and children do have the disease, 90% of those diagnosed are women. African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. African-American women tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms than white women. Because the symptoms of lupus, such as low-grade fever, skin rashes, painful/swollen joints, and extreme fatigue, are often confused with the symptoms of other diseases, lupus is difficult to diagnose and treat.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Currently there is no cure and medicines are not always effective in alleviating the symptoms, but Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) founded in 1999 by Robert Wood Johnson IV owner of the New York Jets and a member of the Johnson & Johnson family, is committed to supporting research that will find a cure for this debilitating disease. But there is good news on the way thanks to the more than $65 million ALR has contributed to research. In March, after years of research and clinical studies on the drug belimumab (trade name BENLYSTA®), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the therapy for use in reducing disease activity in adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy. The approval marks the first new lupus treatment in more than 50 years. Belimumab is manufactured and marketed by Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and its partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). For everyone touched by

this debilitating disease --people with lupus and their families, as well as lupus researchers around the world -- we can today celebrate a major advance in treatment options for lupus. The ALR remains committed to leading the way to a cure by funding cutting edge lupus research and is thankful for the support from its many millions of donors, and you can be a part of it. Along with corporate partners, Wells Fargo, Verizon Business and the New York Jets, ALR hosted a corporate reception at the Jets Training Facility in Florham Park, New Jersey to announce the upcoming “Walk with Us To Cure Lupus” fundraiser. The 5k walk will take place on Saturday, May 21 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in Secaucus. The walk will increase awareness of lupus and raise critical funds for lupus research programs. For more information about lupus and the walk, visit walk.lupusresearcch.or/newjersey to register online or call 1-866-walk-alr. April 2011 The Positive Community

Harlem Goes Red for Women

he American Heart Association and Harlem went red on Saturday, March 26 for women and heart health in the community at the first annual Harlem Go Red For Women Educational Forum and Luncheon. The event was chaired by the first lady of Abyssinian Baptist Church and Harlem health advocate, Patricia Butts. Nearly 250 attendees joined master of ceremonies Star Jones for information and a lively discussion about the ways that Harlem can beat heart disease. The American Heart Association’s first ever African American President, Dr. Clyde Yancy, sat down with Star Jones to discuss and dispel myths and impart life saving advice to attendees while medical students for Touro College performed several vignettes focused on health in AfricanAmerican community, from the effect a heart attack can have on a family to how healthcare reform impacts each of us, nothing was off limits. The educational forum featured a panel of experts, including: Dr. Icilma Fergus, an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center; Dr. Terri Kennedy, the president of Power Living Enterprises, Inc.; Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of Cardiology at Northwestern University; Dr. Olajide Williams, an associate professor of Clinical Neurology at Columbia University and the director of Acute Stroke Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital; Egypt Sherrod, WBLS’ radio and TV personality; and Michael Olender, an associate state director of AARP New York, who weighed in about the future of health in Harlem and took questions from the audience. Former NBA superstar and TV personality Cuttino Mobley was awarded the “Man with Heart

Dr. Clyde Yancy, immediate past President of the American Heart Association and Master of Ceremonies, Star Jones

Cuttino Mobley, recipient of Man with Heart Award Patricia Butts

Award” for his work creating awareness of heart disease. The event and its sponsors KPMG, Sanofi Aventis, Abbott Labs, Touro College, The Daily Blossom, Harlem Hospital and WBLS/WLIB raised vital funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association.

Vickie Eze-Hunter … A Survivor’s Story

Vickie Eze Hunter

n 1993, Newark resident Vickie Eze-Hunter was pregnant with her son, Morris Hunter III, when she came down with what seemed like a simple cold. The cold got worse, developed into an upper respiratory infection, and in June of 1993, Vickie was taken to the hospital. She was in congestive heart failure. Vickie’s heart was working for two people. After doctors decided a caesarean was necessary , Vickie gave birth a month and a half early to a beautiful baby boy. About two weeks after giving birth, she suffered a serious stroke,

The Positive Community April 2011

leaving her with cognitive and physical limitations. Vickie says she has learned to compensate for what the stroke took away. Vickie received a pacemaker in 1993 and later in 1998 an implanted cardiac defibrillator. She was the recipient of a heart transplant on February 13, 1999, only one day shy of her 35th birthday. Many of the treatments and procedures that Vickie received to save her life were only possible because of research funded by the American Heart Association. Vickie Eze-Hunter is an official New Jersey American Heart Association/American Stroke Association survivor spokeswoman. www.thepositivecommunity.com

You Are The Power Concert Apollo Theater featuring Chrisette Michele May 6, 2011 - 8PM

Trin-i-tee 5:7

Chrisette Michele

Brian Courtney Wilson

Get your tickets at Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

Hosted by Anthony Anderson special appearances by Malinda Williams, Jacque Reid, Kevin Mambo, Tamron Hall, Ruben Santiago Hudson and Tamara Tunie.

Saturday, May 7 Breakfast and Networking Presentation with Mathew Knowles at the InterContinental New York Times Square 9:30 am. Log onto www.PowerToEndStroke.org/PowerWeekend to purchase your ticket.

The Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership is a National Sponsor of Power To End Stroke.TM

Proud supporter of 2011 Power Awards.

DR. LIZ PARENTING 101

Communication is Key

aising a teen or preteen (tween) is extremely challenging these days. As a mother of a middle schooler, I am familiar with the joys, pitfalls, and upsets of parenting. At one point or another, you have probably found yourself to be frustrated, worried, drained or confused about how to handle situations that arise in school and at home. You may even say things to yourself like “How will I survive? Will we ever get along? They have changed. I don’t know who they are anymore.” If this all sounds familiar, please know that you are not alone. Being a parent or guardian did not come with an instruction manual and unfortunately, a great deal of parenting is trial and error. In my role as a pediatrician I have the opportunity to care for and counsel hundreds of families, which gives me a unique insight into parenting that I will share with you in this and continuing columns in The Positive Community. To start, one of the most important things I have discovered over the years is that communication is essential to nurturing and fostering healthy parent/child relationships. I know. You’re asking, “How can I communicate with someone who doesn’t like to talk and answers me in one or two word sentences?” Given the advent of e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging, young people are learning to communicate in brief sound bites rather than express their thoughts and feelings in any kind of detail. We have a generation of young people who are much more mature and a lot less sheltered than previous generations. The fast paced nature of technology can be advantageous, allowing them to expand their relationships and knowledge base almost instantaneously. But, it’s also a disadvantage because it exposes them to information and vices they would not ordinarily be exposed to at such a young age. As adults who did not grow up in the information age, many of us tend to avoid learning how to use the new technology. We don’t like to change our way of doing things, and it might be difficult and frustrating to learn. Maybe we don’t believe we can trust the privacy and safety of these new advances. One thing is for certain, however. Our children are growing up with the technology and several methods of communication, social networking it’s called—My Space, Facebook, Twitter, smart phones, texting, digital photos— and they use them every day. These forms of communication are not going away and the longer we ignore

The Positive Community April 2011

them, the wider the communication gap becomes between the generations. It is imperative that we learn how to use all forms of social media so that we can communicate effectively with our children and understand the new world in which they are growing up. Talking face to face is still an indispensable way to communicate, but it’s often difficult to get preteens and teens to talk in depth about what’s going on in their lives. Often they think their parents don’t care, won’t listen, or will just give them a lecture that they don’t want to hear… and guess what. They are absolutely right! As adults, we think that we have more experience and want to save our children from heartache by telling them what to do. Why should we bother to listen, when we have the right answer and know exactly how to fix the situation? Right? Well, not exactly. In order to find out what makes young people tick, we have to be interested in what they have to say. We may not want to hear everything they have to say, but interrupting, editing, or reacting to what they are sharing will guarantee that they won’t hear what we have to say and the opportunity to communicate effectively will be lost. They have to know that we are listening and that what they have to say matters. We don’t have to agree, but we have to be available to have an honest and open dialogue with them. Communication is key to unleashing their greatness and having them live healthy, productive lives. About Dr. Liz Dr. Elizabeth Robinson Henry (Dr. Liz) has dedicated her life to providing youth with the knowledge and confidence to lead healthy and productive lives. She is the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a practice focused on making a difference in the lives of adolescents by addressing their physical, emotional, and mental needs. Teens, tweens and their parents can find resources on how to build self-confidence, manage anger and stress, and overcome issues such as bullying, emotions, fitting-in, and obesity at www.drlizforyouth.com.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is solely for educational purposes and should not be relied on for a diagnosis. Always consult your physician for medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis.. www.thepositivecommunity.com

In RecognitionofofNational National Foster Foster Care In Recognition CareAwareness AwarenessMonth Month

Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. invites youServices to our Harvest of Hope Family Network, Inc.

2011 Anniversary invites you to Symposium our "Expanding Our Vision - Building Partnerships" Celebrating 14 years of serving children across the state of New Jersey 2011 Anniversary Symposium Symposium co-sponsor:

"Expanding OurSchool Vision - Building Partnerships" Rutgers University of Social Work - Institute for Families Celebrating 14 years of serving children across the state of New Jersey Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Rutgers - The State University of NJ · Livingston Student Center

Symposium 84 Joyce Kilmer Avenue,co-sponsor: Piscataway, NJ 08854

Rutgers University School of Social 3-5pm Work - Institute for Families SYMPOSIUM,

Hear from experts in the field of family services related to adoption and foster care. Keynote Speakers · Panel Discussions · 1.5 CEH Available

Wednesday, Speakers May include: 18, 2011

Boyd Franklin, PhD,of Professor, Rutgers University Rutgers - Nancy The State University NJ · Livingston Student Center Mary Coogan, Assistant Director, Advocate for Children of New Jersey Award Presentation Silent Auction · Entertainment 84 Joyce Kilmer ·Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Award Presentation · Silent Auction · Entertainment Jean Marimon, Director, Division of Youth and Families Services Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments Hors d'oeuvres and$75 Refreshments Cost: Cost: $75 SYMPOSIUM, 3-5pm RECEPTION, Cost: $75 5-7pm Honoring Heroes in our community who have championed cause for children! Hear from experts in the field of family services related tothe adoption and foster Award Presentation · Silent Auction · Entertainment Symposium & Reception: $100 Symposium &care. Reception: Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments$100 Keynote Speakers · Panel Discussions · 1.5 CEH Available Sponsorship opportunities are available. available. Sponsorship opportunities Cost: $75 are

Symposium & Reception: $100 Speakers include: For more information, please contact For more information, please contact Sponsorship opportunities are available. Nancy Boyd Franklin, PhD, Professor, Rutgers University symposium2011@harvestofhopefamily.com or call 732-247-1270. For more information, please contact symposium2011@harvestofhopefamily.com or call Mary Coogan, Assistant Director, Advocate for Children732-247-1270. of New Jersey symposium2011@harvestofhopefamily.com or call 732-247-1270. Jean Marimon, Director, Division of Youth and Families Services

Cost: $75

Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Rev. Dr. InServices Recognition of Inc. National Foster Awareness Month Harvest of Hope Family Network, was founded in Care 1997 by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Its mission is to mobilize, utilize resources and advocate for DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Its mission is to mobilize, utilize resources and advocate for policies that address the immediate and long-term needs of foster children. As of policies that address the immediate and long-term needs of foster children. As of RECEPTION, 5-7pm February 2011, Harvest of Hopeof hasHope licensed 379 families who have fostered more Harvest Family Services Network, Inc. February 2011, Harvest of Hope has licensed 379 families who have fostered more than 770 children and has facilitated the adoption of 236 children by 145 families. Honoring Heroes in the ouradoption community who have the cause thanFor 770more children and has facilitated of 236 children by(732) 145 championed families. invites you toor our information, visit www.harvestofhopefamily.com, call 247-1270. For more information, visit www.harvestofhopefamily.com, or call (732) 247-1270. children!

2011 Anniversary Symposium

for

50+ African Americans in the Workplace AARP Survey of Older African American Workers in New York Points to the Importance of Staying Relevant By Phyllis Hill Slater AARP New York Executive Council

Forty nine percent of older African Americans reported that they would delay retirement if the economy does not improve. Of those, 41 percent would delay retirement for 5 or more years and 13 percent expect never to retire.

here do older African Americans stand in the workplace in lieu of the great recession, a rapidly aging population, new technology, and emerging fields of job growth?

AARP recently joined with the National Urban League to convene a roundtable discussion in New York City bringing together more than 75 human resource executives, private and public sector employers, academics, and legislative representatives to ask these questions and discuss their implications for the growing number of older African American workers. The discussion came on the heels of the release of an extensive report by the two organizations, which documents the employment experiences and financial wellbeing of African Americans age 50+. Overall, African Americans age 50 and over are making a significant contribution to the economy, with 4.6 million workers making up 9.5 percent of the nation’s 50+ workforce, and according to the joint study, contributing $160 billion in earnings to the economy. Yet African Americans’ growing role in the workplace rubs against some newer realities brought on by today’s economy. At the roundtable, AARP New York also released findings from its “Voices of 50+ New York” survey, which took a special look at how 50+ African Americans in New York view their financial security and retirement. Forty nine percent of older African Americans reported that they would delay retirement if the economy does not improve. Of those who planned to delay retirement, 41 percent said they would delay retirement for five or more years and 13 percent expect never to retire. Overall, the survey showed large gaps between what older African Americans thought they needed and what they expected to have in later life. Not surprisingly, overall worry about financial issues runs high – with two-thirds worried about how they would manage debt and maintain their finances and lifestyle in retirement. Health care also tied directly into their financial worries.

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Eighty percent are worried about having to pay more for health care and 72 percent worry about becoming financially devastated due to health costs. It is clear that the great recession has taken its toll on everyone and many African Americans will find themselves having to work longer – to keep up with rising health care costs and financial insecurity. And let us remember that we are blessed with a longer life span. For couples retiring, the chances are 50 percent that one person will live to age 92. This means more and more people stand to live for years after they have spent their nest eggs – and will have to finance their retirement for a longer period of time. The end result is that for older African Americans their job is essential to the quality of their life. As many older African-Americans face these financial challenges and have to work longer, workforce development will be critical to helping mature workers update their skills so that they can stay relevant in the workforce. The joint AARP and Urban League report notes that once the economy recovers, African Americans should be well poised to take advantage of job opportunities, particularly in the health and social services sector, which are expected to create a bounty of new jobs in the coming years. The study looks to community colleges as a valuable resource for 50+ African Americans in need of additional skills and credentials and encourages employers to consider flexible work options, provide training that emphasizes embracing age diversity in the workforce, and to invest in the skills of older workers by internal retraining, particularly in technology. The survey is one of several tools that AARP leaders will use on both the state and national level to draw attention to issues facing our members and help workplace practices catch up with today’s workplace reality. To view the full AARP and Urban League report, visit www.aarp.org/olderblackworkers. The AARP New York report can be found at www.aarp.org/ny. April 2011 The Positive Community

Newark Mayor Hosts Media Breakfast

Photo: Vincent Bryant

n exclusive roundtable was hosted by Mayor Cory Booker for African American media on Thursday, March 17, at the Newark Club. The meeting was called to discuss issues impacting Newark’s African American community including education, public safety, and economic development initiatives and the impact of the national economy on urban cities.

Mayor Cory Booker

L–R: Newark Fire Director Fateen Ziyad with Cephas Bowles, president/CEO of WBGO Jazz 88 Modia “Mo” Butler, chief of staff

L-R: Stefan Pryor, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Don Viapree, Cablevision

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Dr. Muriel Petioni: 97 years young

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The Positive Community April 2011

New York City Councilman Robert Jackson, David Dinkins, New York State Assemblyman Keith Wright and Congressman Charlie Rangel were among the friends and family who came out to honor her.

r. Muriel Petioni celebrated her 97th birthday recently at a belated birthday party at Panaché in Harlem. She was born on January 1, 1914. Still vibrant and active, Dr. Petioni, a medical doctor, educator and community activist, has worked diligently to ensure that underserved communities receive proper medical attention and equitable access to healthcare. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Culture M U S I C ,

A R T

L I T E R A T U R E

Rocka Your Soul REV ELATIO NS ’ GO LDEN A NNIV ERS A RY

AAADT's Matthew Rushing, Briana Reed and Rosalyn Deshauteurs, photo by Andrew Eccles

n January 31, 1960, Alvin Ailey produced a new choreographic work that would eventually become his company’s signature piece. Revelations debuted with 15 sections and a live vocal chorus singing Negro spirituals and was more than one hour long. Over the years, the piece has been shortened into the now iconic three-part format known worldwide. However, it still contains all of the emotion, spirituality and reverence of the original, groundbreaking masterpiece that depicts African American faith as never before. The first section of Revelations, “Pilgrim of Sorrow” was described by Ailey himself as “songs that yearn for deliverance, that speak of trouble and of this world’s trials and tribulations.” The somber music and muted colors depict the element of trust

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By R.L. Witter

and conviction of belief in the Black Church. Arms reaching upward toward the sky, topped with outstretched hands evoke the feeling of religious faith and the knowledge that although you cannot touch it, you feel it and know it is ever present. “Wade in the Water,” the elegant second section, portrays the dignity and anticipation of a baptism ceremony. The spiritual music wafts over the fluid movements and the aqueous background, and finds observers swaying along while envisioning the congregation on the shore of a lake. It has more than likely cleansed more than a few souls over the years. The third and final section, “Move, Members, Move!,” illustrates so well the experience of a fireand-brimstone sermon in a sanctuary teeming with Holy Spirit that it seems to erupt from a freshly uncorked bottle containing all of the joy, salvation and music of an old-time Sunday morning service at a southern Baptist church—complete with fancy hats, foot stools and fans. The richly-hued lighting and the backdrop of the sun bring the audience further into Ailey’s “blood memory,” as he called it, and literally raises your body temperature as beads of sweat begin to form on your collarbone and the back of your neck beneath the sweltering sun. Revelations has become a rite of passage in African American culture, a national treasure to America-at-large and nothing short of a phenomenon around the world. So authentic are Ailey’s choreography and musical selections, that the NJPAC Ministers Advisory Council presented an evening of liturgical dance and chorale performances one continued on page 75

April 2011 The Positive Community

FLO WILEY IN THE SPIRIT & IMAGE

s we come out of the Lenten season, celebrate Resurrection Sunday and head toward Pentecost and our souls stir with great anticipation. This month’s column features four activities that highlight music. Whether it’s classical, jazz, opera, or gospel, there is sure to be a sound pleasing to your spirit. I invite you to experience these creative offerings made possible by gifts from the great Creator.

THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS at ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Reverend Earl Kooperkamp, pastor Music at St. Mary’s presents the Spring Finale Concert of The Harlem Chamber Players: An AllFrench program with music by Ravel (Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet and Strings) and Faure (Quartet in C Minor for Piano and Strings) and more. Featured players are Brandee Younger, harpist (pictured); Evelyn Golz, piano; Lisa Arkis, flute; Carl Jackson, clarinet; Jessie Montgomery, violin; and Ashley Horne, 1st violinist (featured in the PBS documentary Le Mozart Noire). Sunday, May 1, 2011, 3:00pm. For more info visit their website at www.harlemchamberplayers.org St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Harlem, New York, 521 W. 126th Street, between Amsterdam & Old Broadway. THREE ON 3 at MOUNT MORRIS ASCENSION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Craig Harris (pictured), Patricia Pates Eaton and Nation of Imagination and Arts & Education Continuum present two events in their continuing monthly Sunday afternoon series: April 17, 3:00pm – “Jazz for Spring” with a variety of artists and on May 15, 3:00pm, – mezzo soprano Patrice P. Eaton & Friends. Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, 15 Mount Morris Park West, (Fifth Avenue at 122nd Street) Email: threeon3concerts@gmail.com.

The Positive Community April 2011

JAZZ VESPERS at BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, pastor Celebrating its 10th season, this outstanding jazz series takes place the first Saturday of every month, from October through June, and has as its theme “Worship the Lord to the Sounds of Jazz.” Produced and hosted by WBGOFM’s Dorthaan Kirk, “Jazz at Bethany” presents internationally renowned guitarist Jack Wilkins (pictured) on Saturday, May 7, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. A meet-the artist reception with light refreshments follows the music. Bethany Baptist Church, 275 West Market Street, Newark NJ. www.bethany-newark.org HARLEM IS … THE GOSPEL TRADITION at Dwyer Cultural Center An inspiring exhibition that tells the stories of four churches: Abyssinian Baptist Church, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and St. Phillips Episcopal Church; that were at the forefront of the migration of Africans from downtown to Harlem and also honors the influential contributions of twelve of Harlem’s religious leaders. Accompanying the exhibition is the documentary film by Jamal Joseph (professor and chair, Department of Film, Columbia University), Harlem Is…Gospel, which captures the sound that attracts people from all over the world. It premiered on Tuesday March 22nd followed by a talkback with Jamal Joseph, Rev. Renee F. Washington Gardner (senior pastor, Memorial Baptist Church) and Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. (senior pastor, First Corinthian Baptist Church) both featured in the film. The exhibition continues through September 2011. Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue, at West 123rd Street 212 222 3060. www.dwyercc.org

Please let me know about the arts and cultural events taking place at your church, by email ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE at spiritandimage@thepositivecommunity.com.

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Temple of Restoration

and leader Duke Guillaume brings his ministry of worship, jazz and swing to Brooklyn’s Temple of Restoration Church, 510 Dean St. The Metropolitan Gospel Big Band’s next performance will take place at the church on Sunday May 16th, 6pm sharp. Temple of Restoration also has congregations in Queens, Mt. Vernon and Newark, NJ. Bishop Angelo Barbosa is pastor.

Pastor Angelo Barbosa delivers the Word

LaPlacaCohen 212-675-4106 Insertion date: APRIL, 2011

Sonny Rollins

Publication: POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAG 7 X 4.75 BW

One of the few remaining icons of the golden era of jazz — and still one of music’s most formidable improvisers

Fri, May 13 at 8:30

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Jazz

3/28/11 6:12 PM

April 2011 The Positive Community

Women’s History Month Reception

women’s History Month reception honoring the legendary Dionne Warwick and sponsored by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, WBLS FM, and the Daily News and The City College of New York took place on March 20th at Dwyer Cultural Center. Photos: Hubert Williams

R&B great, Chuck Jackson joins in saluting Dionne Warwick at the Women’s History Month tribute where Ms. Warwick personally autographed her new book “My Life As I See It”

Songstress Alyson Williams greets her idol, Dionne Warwick at the Women’s History Month reception

Photos: Hubert Williams

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Black History Month Gala Reception Saluting “Blacks On Broadway & Beyond”

“Blacks On Broadway” honoree, actress/producer/director Tamara Tunie being interviewed at the gala awards reception

L–R: Hal Lenox, president, AT&T joins in saluting honoree, Pat Cruz, executive director, Harlem Stage at the Black History Month reception at Gran Piatto d’Oro.

The Positive Community April 2011

L–R: Karen Witherspoon, vice president, The City College of New York joins with Jeff Eaton (r), representing Congressman Charles Rangel in honoring the legendary Ms. Rubie Dee. www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s happening at

Columbia in April

Friday, April 1 The Lionel Trilling Seminar: Reading the World in the Postcolonial 6:15 p.m. Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Speaker: Ngugi wa Thiong’o, professor of comparative literature, University of California, Irvine. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org/events.php.

Saturday, April 2 Concert: Three 2nds with Lucy Shelton 8:00 p.m. The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave. The concert will feature vocal chamber music with soprano Lucy Shelton and friends. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy .columbia.edu/events_calendar.html.

Monday, April 4 Green Metropolis 6:30 p.m. Wood Auditorium, Avery, Morningside campus David Owen, staff writer, The New Yorker, will discuss why living smaller, living closer and driving less are the keys to sustainability. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia .edu/events.

Café Arts: Costa Rican Development: The Nature-City Paradox 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Clara Irazabal, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 5 Theater of War: A Dramatic Reading of Sophocles’ Ajax 5:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Theater of War is an innovative project that presents readings of ancient Greek plays as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, their families and communities today. Panel discussion with audience participation to follow. Reservations required. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events.

What’s Water Worth? 6:30 p.m. James Room, Barnard campus This panel will discuss the balance between New York’s economic need for natural gas drilling and guaranteed protection of drinking water resources. Speakers: Paul Gallay, executive director, Riverkeeper; Caswell F. Holloway, commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection; and Martin Stute, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-2037 or visit www.barnard .edu/events.

Wednesday, April 6 Garden Tour 1:00 p.m. Morningside campus You will be introduced to a wide variety of plants and trees on Columbia’s award-winning grounds, including perennials and red maple trees. Reservations required. To register, email facilities@ columbia.edu. For more info, visit www.facilities .columbia.edu/garden-tours.

Book Signing: Pietro Reviglio 6:00 p.m. The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus In his new book Cinematography of Urban Madness, Italian artist Reviglio recreates fragments of an imaginary screenplay about an artist and his studio, in which alienation intertwines with folly and tension gives way to violence. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy .columbia.edu/events_calendar.html.

Saturday, April 9 Columbia Ballet Collaborative 8:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Columbia Ballet Collaborative proudly presents a dynamic program of all new contemporary ballets at Miller Theatre. Tickets $7-15. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia. edu.

Monday, April 11 Regenerative Urbanism: Cities After Depopulation 6:30 p.m. Wood Auditorium, Avery, Morningside campus Speakers: Laura Lawson, chair, landscape architecture, Rutgers University; and Terry Schwarz, director, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Kent State University. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Café Science: Toward Sustainable Energy 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Alissa Park, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 12 Baseball vs. St. John’s 3:30 p.m. Robertson Field, Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Wednesday, April 13 The 12th Annual Mitsui USA Symposium: The Realities and Relevance of Japan’s Great Recession 6:00 p.m. 301 Uris, Morningside campus Speakers: Adam S. Posen, Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics; and David E. Weinstein, Columbia University. Registration required. For more info, call (212) 854-3976 or visit www.gsb .columbia.edu/cjeb.

Thursday, April 14 Creative Writing Lecture: Tom McCarthy 7:00 p.m. 501 Dodge, Morningside campus The acclaimed author of C discusses experimental fiction. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

A Long Road Home: Investigation And Recovery in the E. Forbes Smiley Map Thefts 6:00 p.m. 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speaker: Michael Inman, curator of rare books, the New York Public Library. For more info, call (212) 8544746 or visit www.alumni.libraries.columbia.edu.

Monday, April 18 Café Humanities: Positive Pollution And Cultural Toxins 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street John Gamber, Columbia University, will discuss the role of waste and contamination in U.S. ethnic literature. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes .columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 19 Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South Noon Lehman Center, 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Speaker: Stephanie McCurry, University of Pennsylvania. Reservations required. For more info, call (212) 8543060 or email lehmancenter@columbia.edu.

Monday, April 25 Café Social Science: The End Of Hunger 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Glen Denning, Center for Globalization & Sustainable Development, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Saturday, April 16 Symposium: The Creative Music Studio 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 301 Philosophy, Morningside campus Moderator: Karl Berger, conductor, founder and director of Creative Music Studio. This all-day colloquium will capture oral histories related to Creative Music Studio and its impact on the larger world of music and culture. For more info, call (212) 8511633 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events.

Softball vs. Cornell 12:30 p.m. Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Sunday, April 17 Columbia University Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert: Karl Berger 8:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Karl Berger, conductor, founder and director of the Creative Music Foundation Inc. and Creative Music Studio. For more info, call (212) 851-1633 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events.

All events are open to the public. This is a sampling of them. For additional events or general information, visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com. Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

Tuesday, April 26 Columbia University Film Festival: Outdoor Screening Sundown Butler Lawn and Low Plaza, Morningside campus The 24th annual film festival will run April 25-May 6. For full listings, locations and tickets, visit www .cufilmfest.com. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Wednesday, April 27 A Law Is Just the Beginning: 20 Years of the Americans With Disabilities Act 6:30 p.m. Morningside campus Speaker: John Hockenberry, radio host, The Takeaway, WNYC. Sign language interpreting will be available. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. For more info, call (212) 854-2388 or visit www .health.columbia.edu/20ADA.

Getting to Columbia The Morningside Heights campus is located at 116th Street and Broadway. By subway: No. 1 train to 116th Street station. By bus: M4, M11, M60 or M104.

Gertrude Hadley Jeannette: A Driving Force in Theatre By HELENE FOX

Photos: Gerry Goodstein

Ruby Dee & Gertrude Jeannette were involved with the founding of the Coalition of Theatres of Color

t age 96, Gertrude Hadley Jeannette has lived through history and has made history. She has been a pioneer in contempo-

rary black theater with a 70-year career spanning theater, television, and movies. Yet, she also made New York City motor vehicle history. In 1935,

Hyman with Ward Nixon, artistic director of HADLEY Players

she was New York City’s first woman to get motorcycle license and she would ride the streets of the city with her husband Joe Jeannette, a prizefighter and president of the Harlem Dusters motorcycle club. When there was a shortage of male taxicab drivers in 1942 due to the war, Jeannette signed-up and became the city’s first woman cab driver. “Gertrude is fearless,” said her friend Ruby Dee at the Coalition of Theatres of Color’s Women’s History Month press conference at Harlem’s Dwyer Cultural Center honoring Jeannette, founder and CEO emeritus of Harlem’s H.A.D.L.E.Y Players. Congressman Charles Rangel even issued a proclamation in honor of Jeannette. “The Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC) is about preserving the history and commitment of black theatre in New York City and New York State. No one exemplifies that better for Women’s History Month than Gertrude Jeannette,” said award-winning theater producer Woodie King, chairman of CTC and the founder and producing director of New Federal Theatre. “She covers Continued on nex page

The Positive Community April 2011

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DRIVING FORCE

Continued from previous page

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BY THE WAY,

MEET VERA STARK BY

LYNN NOTTAGE

DIRECTED BY

JO BONNEY

WITH

STEPHANIE J. BLOCK DANIEL BREAKER DAVID GARRISON KIMBERLY HÉBERT GREGORY KEVIN ISOLA SANAA LATHAN KAREN OLIVO LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

2ST.com or 212.246.4422 Photo: Mark Glenn

over 70 years of theater in New York as an actor, playwright, director and producer. She’s done it all.” The Coalition of Theatres of Color is a non-profit alliance of renowned multi-cultural theatre arts organizations in New York State, which have joined forces to ensure sustainability and longevity of these theatres in communities of color. New York City members include the Billie Holiday Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre, National Black Theatre, New Federal Theatre, New Heritage Theatre Group, Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company and the H.A.D.L.E.Y Players. Like many actors, Jeannette began her theatrical career as a gofer. It was for actor Dick Campbell at the Lafayette Theater in the 1930’s, the site of Orson Welles’ fabled production known as the black Macbeth. But, she was not thinking about acting. She had a stammer, which was noticed by actor Frederick O’Neal (Anna Lucasta). He told her that the American Negro Theater had good speech teachers. By 1945, the stammer was gone and Jeannette performed in the lead role as the stage manager in the American Negro Theater’s production of Our Town. The American Negro Theater became a training ground for actors like Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee. Years later, Jeannette established the American Negro Theater Workshop and the Elks Community Theater. Out of these theaters emerged Esther Rolle, Isabelle Sanford and Rosalind Cash. Performing on Broadway, she originated roles in shows like Lost in the Stars, Nobody Loves an Albatross, Amen Corner, and The Great White Hope. For Tennessee Williams’ Broadway play Vieux Carré, she helped him rewrite her part. In 1950, when Pearl Bailey dropped out of the live CBS network broadcast of James Weldon Johnson’s God’s Trombone, Jeannette stepped into the starring role. It was considered the first national television special with a black cast. Her film credits include: Nothing but a Man, Shaft, The Legend of Nigger Charlie, Cotton Comes to Harlem and Black Girl. Ms. Jeannette is a playwright and director, taught by Lee Strasberg, and has written such plays as: A Bolt from the Blue and Gladys’ Dilemma. In 1979, Jeannette founded the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players to give artists a chance to develop their talents and skills in the theatre and to enrich the cultural life in Harlem. The Audelco Award-winning theatre group was named in tribute to her—it means Harlem Artists Development League Especially (for) You— and showcases three major productions every year. More than 30 years later, both Jeannette and the group are still going strong. “Every play we do, we try to entertain audiences,” said Jeannette. “The Harlem community supports us. Our last play, Nobody Knew Where They Was just closed. We had to turn people away almost every night.”

305 West 43rd Street

$30 tickets available for ages 30 and under.

April 2011 The Positive Community

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN KIRK FRANKLIN’S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

Grace & Peace! 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

! hen I receive a CD, the first thing I do after I pop it into the player is read the booklet; and what did I find on the first page of the insert of a recent first listen? The scripture from God’s word, about Him, us and fear. Hello Fear, Kirk Franklin’s latest offering, is what he calls his “Emancipation Proclamation.” This project gives you what Kirk does best and since his first assignment in 1993, there has never been a CD that disappointed. Kirk has been very open, letting the world know that he grew up with many issues; when he got older, even during his Christian walk, he had to deal with some old issues that had not been resolved. “Since I was a kid, I have struggled with fear. I have always been honest about my childhood traumas that left me with holes at my core that still continue to haunt me at times,” states Franklin. Subsequently, with

The Positive Community April 2011

each CD, he reveals to us more of himself and shares with the listener how to sing through challenges and trials and still “Smile” (his radio hit on rotation and # 5 on Gospel Billboard). Franklin shows how to deal with things head-on and address them up front. Hello Fear‘s lyrics are filled with positive affirmations, validations and commandments. When we think of fear, it’s usually universal things we all deal with like failure, dying and living. However, Franklin compellingly takes the time to kill every negative aspect of the affects and effects of fear by speaking to those and some of the epidemic fears of the world’s issues: lack of health insurance, unemployment, recession, and poverty. “The Story of Fear,” which is the second track, explains the five W’s of fear from Kirk’s perspective in a poetic a cappella narrative (ok, he was trying to rhyme, but it’s sincere and appreciative to the ear). After he deals with fear, he reintroduces himself and declares in the melodic, string-filled selection, “I Am” that he is “not here by mistake,” and is truly appreciative that our Father never gave up on us. “Today” is another affirmation song that begins with a chant or war cry and progresses into an up-tempo groove that made me want to jump up and down, heed the lyrics’ directive and “…Help somebody/Heal somebody/Free somebody/Forgive somebody.” One thing you can always expect on a Kirk Franklin project is the traditional gospel sound. He taps some of the greats to convey the message of “The Altar” by joining forces with Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford. The best way to explain the musical sound to this groove is what my mom calls the gospel blues, where the music is simple enough to make you sway, yet powerful enough to stir up something in your spirit and allow the tears to flow. Wait a minute, now—Kirk put together a great male quartet with a team of three pastors and a minister (well he’s ministering in song) on “Something About the Name Jesus Pt. 2” featuring Marvin Winans, John P. Kee, Isaac Carrea and Rance Allen. This song will make you want to do like John P. Kee says, and wave your troubles away. Kirk Franklin’s music evolves on every album; he continues to go outside the box, but not so far that the message and its convictions are lost, and this is why we appreciate him. In the liner notes, Franklin leaves us with his own words followed by some scripture: “I encourage you as I encourage myself: Fear may continue to knock at the door, but we no longer have to answer;” and “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation. The enemy you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; just be still”—Exodus 14:13

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PRESENTS

THE THEMIGHTY MIGHTY THE MEN MENOF OF MEN OF

VALOUR VALOUR

Saturday, June 18th Kirk Fathers Day Weekend Franklin

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Jakes Also Featuring ... Vickie Winans Cissy Houston and More!

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Hezekiah

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Hezekiah Walker Appears courtesy of the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Tour

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Top: Post It Notes provide temporary labels for storage boxes in the InterChurch archive. Bottom: Dr. Kevin McGruder in the Abyssinian Baptist Church archive

Saving Your Church’s Heritage Part II BY TRACEY DEL DUCA Librarian & Archivist, The InterChurch Center

PHOTOS: BOB GORE “Where for art thou…” Romeo and Juliet or some churches the question may not be “how do I organize my records?” but “where are my records?” Without a records retention policy in place, it is not uncommon for records not to have been saved or to have been misplaced. It is also not uncommon for members of the church to have taken records home to work on them and for one reason or another never brought them back. One can never completely recapture all past documents but you can take some simple steps to ensure that current material is preserved. Do a thorough and complete search of your buildings, including the parsonage and school. You will be surprised what you will find stashed away in basements, attics, old file cabinets, desks, etc. During announcements and in the bulletin, put out a call for members to bring in any old church documents they may have. People may have records that they don’t know what to do with. If your church has a Facebook page, put a post on there seeking records so that you can reach past members who have moved away. Check local libraries and historical societies to see if they have information on your church. They may not be

willing to turn these materials over but they may let you make copies. Research old local newspapers for references to your church. Many of these are now digitized, which will make it easier. Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow… Macbeth (Moving Forward) Whenever copies of minutes, policy decisions, programs, flyers and other vital documents are created, make an extra copy for the archives. As a Sunday school project, have teenagers interview older members of the congregation. Not only will this create a nice oral history program and collection for your church, but it will foster relationships between young and older members of the congregation. Once you have created a records retention policy, make sure that it is implemented, and not sitting in a folder collecting dust. If you do not have money to hire a professional photographer or videographer, ask for volunteers from the congregation to document events and programs. continued on page 76

The Positive Community April 2011

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Freed Slave and Revolutionary War Veteran Gets New Grave Marker Scotch Plains Baptist Church & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Replace Cracked And Crumbling Tombstone Jaquelyn Rhodes and Angela Driesbach-Rose, AKA Members

hanks to members of the Scotch Plains Baptist Church, Rev. Charles L. Hutchison, pastor and the Scotch Plains chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the cracked and crumbling tombstone in the church cemetary that marked the grave of a once forgotten Revolutionary War veteran has been replaced by a marble one. The old one which is in two parts—the top was leaning against the building—is being preserved at the church. The grave is that of a freed slave, known only as Caesar. Rev. Chaz Hutchison said he became interested in Caesar when he first joined the church’s staff. There were inquiries about Caesar from various places, but noone actually where he was buried. What is known about Caesar is that he was born in 1702, captured from his home in Africa as a young boy in what as now Guinea and sold to a Plainfield farmer and patriot Nathaniel Drake. The Drake family home is now a city-owned museum in Plainfield. Though still a slave, he joined the Scotch Plains Baptist Church in 1747, the year it was founded. He was freed in 1769, and moved to Scotch Plains. During the Revolutionary War Caesar was a wagoneer with the Continental forces and carried supplies to the soldiers at Blue Hills Fort and Camp in Plainfield. He died at the age of 104. There are no records of any relatives—no siblings, wife or children. He was, however, venerated by the people in the community as attested by the lengthy epitaph on his tombstone, which reads in part…“He was more than half a century a worthy member of the Church in this place and closed his life in the confidence of a Christian. His numerous friends have erected this stone as a tribute of respect to his eminent virtue and piety.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Leonard Bethel, author & faculty, Dept. of Africana Studies, Rutgers University

ROCKA YOUR SOUL continued from previous page

month prior to the upcoming May 6th-8th Ailey performances at NJPAC. The liturgical dance was directed by Rev. Eyesha Marable from the National Liturgical Dance Network and choral selections were led by Assistant Minister Kevin Horton from the Fountain Baptist Church. Also, one week prior to the Newark performances, an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Master Class will be held at NJPAC. Now, fifty years later, Revelations celebrates this milestone anniversary by showing a short film about the piece before each performance. Grainy archival footage of the original dancers and Ailey revealing his inspiration for the piece are interspersed with commentary from Judith Jamison to bring the experience full-circle and help viewers understand why their hearts thump and their lungs gasp—no matter how many times they’ve seen it before—when they hear the opening chords of the music to Revelations, Revelations and see the unmistakably recognizable choreography. The heart is stirred and the soul is rocked. At the end of the epic presentation, you will have been ‘buked, borne witness to your Lord’s deliverance of Daniel and been rocked in Abraham’s soul. April 2011 The Positive Community

OURSTORY continued from page 74

For more information on how to start and maintain your church’s archives see the following web sites

GET YOUR COPY or send a gift to a friend...

Ten Steps in Building a Church Archives http://www.wlsessays.net/files/BrunnerBuilding.pdf Archives and Recordkeeping: A How-to Guide for Congregations and Conferences Committee on Archives and History http://www.united-church.ca/files/handbooks/archives_toolkit.pdf

The Problem of Conservation in Small Libraries and a Practical Solution by Pamela Pirio http://www.archival.com/newsletters/apnewsvol3no3.pdf Sources of Help and Advice for Your Church Archives or Synagogue Archives http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/caw.html The guidelines and suggestions discussed above are not limited to churches but can also be applied to synagogues, mosques, and other organizations. Creating an archival program can seem like a daunting task, but remember, “Nothing can come of nothing” (King Lear). A workshop on creating and maintaining an archival program is being developed. If you would like to be on the mailing list for the workshop, please contact Tracey Del Duca at tdelduca@interchurch-center.org.

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WE’RE BACK! Carolina Flower Shop, a landmark in the Harlem community since 1939 has returned in a big way!

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Philip Young

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Carolina Flower Shop Too (1952 7th Avenue between 117th & 118th Street) is celebrating 81 years in the community in our new location in the Village of Harlem. www.carolinaflowershoptoo.com • Telephone: 212-662-0641 Store Hours – Monday –Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 8am-3pm www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2011 The Positive Community

F R it i t e F R it i t e F it Rite Fit Rite GUEST EDITORIAL

continued from page 17

For instance, it is easy to get caught up with the issues of ministry at the expense of the God of the ministry. We can get caught up in issues of youth violence or the alarming statistics reported by the Schott Foundation at blackboysreport.org that say students from historically disadvantaged groups in the United States have just a 51% opportunity to learn when compared to white non-Latino students. Despite the unending temptation they may feel to capitulate to the negative influence of the national culture, church leaders must base every appeal upon the superiority of Christ. This apostolic faith calls followers of Jesus to community. God in Christ also calls us into community. But Christians are called out of the world and into the community of faith. Despite such divine influence, we can fall prey to the loss of our communities if we are not careful. We are fighting a cultural war with gross individualism and lack of concern for neighbors. This is especially true in an age of “streaming church,” the iPod, and YouTube. In the 21st century, church leaders must find new and innovative ways to foster community within their congregations. The apostolic faith calls those in community to be committed. We must craft a plan and stick with it. We must plant our feet, grit our teeth and stay committed to the task at hand. Why? Leaders must remain committed to protect the church from false doctrine. We must also remain committed to discipleship. Lastly, the apostolic faith calls those in community and committed to the work of God to take courage. Courage is in our spiritual DNA because the Cross is the quintessential symbol of courage. The Cross reveals how Jesus dealt with the changing political, religious, and cultural landscape of 1st century Judaism. It also shows how we must meet our culture’s ever-changing notions of relative right and wrong with the courageous demonstration and declaration of the unchanging constants of God’s love and the victory of Jesus Christ on the Cross..

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The Positive Community April 2011

Despite the unending temptation they may feel to capitulate to the negative influence of the national culture, church leaders must base every appeal upon the superiority of Christ.

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Signs of End Times? “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs….” −Matthew 24:6-7 (New American Standard Bible) “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” −Matthew 24:14 (NASB)

esus Christ spoke these words to His disciples days before His crucifixion. So this April, which contains Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, is a good month in which to meditate on these words and the broader passages that encompass them. Recent events in the world also recommend the present as an appropriate time to examine Christ’s endtime prophecy. The massive earthquake in Japan this year, which generated devastating fires, a tsunami, nuclear power plant explosions and radioactive contamination comes to mind. When we group this with last year’s destructive earthquake in Haiti—which killed 250,000 people, affected 3,000,000, and effectively lingers today through unrepaired buildings and continued homelessness—and the major earthquakes last year in China, Chile, and Mexico, the “earthquakes in various places” reference (New International Version wording) appears salient. Also salient may have been the 2010 Iceland volcano eruption that caused more than 100,000 airplane flight cancellations between April 15 and 21 of that year, impacted millions of travelers and was predicted to cost the international airline industry $1.7 billion. A volcano eruption is not an earthquake, but like an earthquake, it results from movement beneath the earth’s surface that severely physically impacts the surface. How could first century listeners have understood the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill? A hole in the sea floor that causes massive damage on sea and land might have best been analogized to them as an “earthquake.” And what are “rumors of war?” Could these be situations like Afghanistan and Iraq; U.S. “actions” that resulted in many deaths, and where killing continues even after the U.S. government has decreed the wars to be over? Or they could be situations like the present power struggle in Cote d’Ivoire and the recent genocide in Darfur, which outsiders

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have not always called wars, yet where armed forces have inflicted massive human casualties. Rather than “wars and rumors of war,” Luke 21:9 (Mark and Luke also record Christ’s prophetic presentation) portrayed Christ as saying “wars and disturbances” according to the NASB and “wars and revolutions” according to the NIV. “Revolutionary disturbances” sounds apt for describing recent uprisings in Libya, Egypt, and elsewhere in North Africa and West Asia. Regarding the gospel being preached to all nations, we may well have reached that point in history by now, although not all hearers believe. So is the end near? Christ says, later in his presentation, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” −Matthew 24:36 (NASB) So I certainly don’t know. But a few verses earlier Christ says, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” −Matthew 24:32-34 (NASB) So we should keep looking for Jesus’ return and try to recognize what may be signs of His return. But while doing so, I think we should mainly focus on Christ’s goodness, His gift of salvation, and keeping His commandments to the best of our ability because we love Him (John 14:15). This focus includes enjoying to the fullest, Resurrection Sunday and its encompassing season, always trusting trust God totally, and seeking opportunities to praise Him.

April 2011 The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com April 2011

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 11, No. 4

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Church/Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Jackson Contributing Writers Sonja Gracy Dr. Phillip Bonaparte Dr. John Palmer Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Rosemary Sinclair Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Herb Boyd Glenda Cadogan Toni Parker Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood William Parrish Jeanne Parnell Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Donovan Gopie Linda Pace Hubert Williams Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: positive.corp@verizon.net Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 2010 The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

The Last Word

The Positive Community April 2011

ecently, former NBA player Jalen Rose referred to NBA superstar Grant Hill as an “Uncle Tom.” Rose explained the remark as something his teenaged self felt when competing against Hill; Rose from a single-parent home where his mother worked three jobs to eke out a living, Hill from a twoparent home where his parents were college-educated and lived an upper-middle class lifestyle in the D.C. suburbs. Rose with his slang and street-smarts, Hill with his Duke degree, command of Latin phrases and the absence of what has been referred to as “the Negro dialect.” Rose and his contemporaries viewed Hill as a sell-out, his blackness somehow not as black or as “real” as theirs. Hill saw Rose’s comments as a “sad and somewhat pathetic turn of events.” I sat and shook my head. Not too long ago, the media was abuzz with the phrase “Tiger Mother.” An Asian-American Yale professor had written a book about parenting and why in her experience, “Asian mothers are superior.” She talked about how Asian mothers push their children, demand excellence and reinforce the importance of education at every opportunity. Many criticized her, others agreed; I took it as an opportunity or a teachable moment for the black community and the discussion of parenting, education and inspiring the quest for excellence in our children. Just this week, I read about a new black-owned burger restaurant in Georgia getting lots of business. I was thrilled until I learned the name of the restaurant—Fat Ho Burger—and that their menu boasted items such as “Supa Fly H-,” “Toasty H-” and “Tiny H-” meals for kids. (The dashes are mine, at the restaurant the word is spelled out.) When asked about the restaurant’s name, the owner simply said that people need to have a better sense of humor and get past being offended by the

word. I wondered if she retains that stance when some random man addresses her as such. As if that wasn’t enough, just the other day on Mulberry Street in Newark, NJ, I saw a sign that literally left me dumbfounded. In a city that despite considerable reductions still has one of the highest murder rates in America, where a jury is currently deliberating on a triple-murder charge for the killings of three college-bound teens, a local radio station has a billboard touting its call letters and dial position followed by: “We be killin’ em.” The phrase is a reference to a current popular song, “You Be Killin’ Em” by Fabolous, an ode to a woman so fine and scantily clad that he must drop all of his other women (referred to as h-’s [sic]) to get with this one. Did no one see the harm—not irony but harm—in posting this message larger-than-life on a billboard in downtown Newark? It almost seems like an advertisement for violence or pride in the murder rate, after all, not everyone who sees it knows it is a song lyric. But the ones who know the reference are the ones who shouldn’t—the young people who are bobbing their heads to the beat, not realizing the impact of the insidious messages in the music, the advertising, the restaurant and Rose’s comments. Where do we draw the line between free speech, artistic license and just plain ignorance? At what point do we refuse to allow our and our children’s ears, minds and hearts to be assaulted repeatedly by profanity, violence and the egregious butchering of proper grammar (Yeah, I said it)? How do we stress excellence, accomplishment and the uplifting of our people on one hand, while the other is cranking up the volume and our bodies are moving suggestively to the latest song insulting everything we’ve fought for since our arrival in this country? I say we can’t—we must choose sides. I know where I stand; do you?

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PosComm-SumReg-0311 3/24/11 12:50 PM Page 1

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