April 2010 Issue by The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

April 2010

FOCUS ON EDUCATION

HARLEM YMCA’S BLACK ACHIEVERS

www.thepositivecommunity.com $2.95

call about our special mother’s Day brunch packages.

may 7–9 celebrate judith jamison’s 20th anniversary as artistic Director with these captivating works...

FriDay & sUnDay: matthew rushing’s Uptown ronald K. Brown’s Dancing Spirit alvin ailey’s Revelations

Jamar Roberts Photo by Andrew Eccles

satUrDay: judith jamison’s Hymn judith jamison’s Among Us (a new work co-commissioned by njpac) alvin ailey’s Revelations

JUDITH JAMISON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Masazumi Chaya ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Upcoming events Fri, apr 30 at 8:00 johnny mathis with special guest Brad Upton The superstar returns with his hits spanning four decacdes

2009–2010 njpac.org

1-888-go-njpac (1-888-466-5722)

thu, may 6 at 7:30 judith jamison Legacies & Legends An intimate evening of moderated conversation

presents presents presents

A Night of Inspiration A Night of Inspiration A Night of Inspiration

An uplifting concert of inspirational music and spoken word An uplifting concert of inspirational music and spoken word An uplifting concert of inspirational music28 and spoken word Wednesday, April at 8 PM

Wednesday, April 28 at 8 PM Soledad O’Brien and Pastor April A. R. Bernard, Wednesday, 28 at 8 PM Co-Hosts

Appearances by and Pastor A. R. Bernard, Co-Hosts Soledad O’Brien Pastor Shirley Caesar | Sheila E. | Patty Griffin | Fred Hammond Appearances byKing Elder Bernice MichaelA.McDonald | Phylicia Soledad O’Brien and| Pastor R. Bernard, Co-HostsRashad Pastor Shirley Caesar | SheilaHezekiah E. | PattyWalker Griffin||Pauletta Fred Hammond Richard Smallwood | Bishop Washington Appearances by Elder Bernice King | Michael McDonald | Phylicia Rashad BeBe Winans |Caesar CeCe Winans Pastor | SheilaHezekiah E. | PattyWalker Griffin||Pauletta Fred Hammond RichardShirley Smallwood | Bishop Washington Ray Chew, Musical Director Elder Bernice King | Michael McDonald | Phylicia Rashad BeBe Winans | CeCe Winans Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with|Chew Entertainment. Richard Smallwood Bishop Hezekiah Walker | Pauletta Washington Ray Musical Director BeBeChew, Winans | CeCe Winans Sponsored by Christian Cultural Center

Continental Airlines: Official Airline of Carnegie Hall

Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Chew Entertainment.

Ray Chew, Musical Director Tickets start at $13.50. Sponsored by Christian Cultural Center

Continental Airlines: Official Airline of Carnegie Hall

Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership Chew Entertainment. Call 212-903-9705 for groups of 20with or more.

Tickets start at $13.50. Sponsored by Christian Cultural Center

Continental Airlines: Official Airline of Carnegie Hall

Call 212-903-9705 for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets start at $13.50.

Call 212-903-9705 for groups of 20 or more.

Pastor Shirley Caesar

BeBe and CeCe Winans

Buy at carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800. Buy at carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800. Buy at carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800. Pastor Shirley Caesar

Proud Season Sponsor

Michael McDonald

BeBe and CeCe Winans

Michael McDonald

BeBe and CeCe Winans

Michael McDonald

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April 2010

CONTENTS 42 COVER STORY Black Achievers in Industry PHOTO: Black Achievers in Industry

Sections Go Green Recyling applianes and electronics . . . . . 22 Money Rutgers credited with helping to launch new hair product . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Education Ftness & health in Newark schools . . . . . 37 Bronx student travel to Kenya . . . . . . . . . 45

&also inside From the Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Shepherd’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Blood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Single, Saved & Satisfied . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 On Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Fitness Doctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Culture Denzel Washington stars in Fences on Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Roberta Flack goes back to her roots . . . 60 Sharpton keynotes Heritage Parade Leadership Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Antiviolence March in Washington Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Health Earl Graves on Obama’s Healthcare legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

COVER PHOTO: Tiffany Younger, three-time BAI scholarship recipient presents Student Achiever of the Year Award to Danielle LaHee Photo by Steve Mack

Cover Photo: Cherry Blossoms in bloom through April. Branch Brook Park, Essex County, NJ Photo by R.L. Witter

Your praise is powerful. You have a song on your heart. You want to uplift your community. Register for Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound™ 2010 www.How SweetTheSound.com

If you think you have the best church choir in America, the stage is set for you to rock, clap and sing your way to the title at the 2010 How Sweet the Sound™ gospel celebration. Be one of the first 50 choirs to complete registration by April 15th and take home an additional $250 for your church. Registration ends May 17th. Visit www.HowSweetTheSound.com to show up and show out.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest entry ends 5/17/2010. Each member of choir must be 18 years of age or older as of 1/10/2010 and legal resident of U.S. and D.C. (excl. Puerto Rico & other U.S. territories). Void outside of U.S. and where prohibited by law. For a complete list of rules visit www.HowSweetTheSound.com or call 800.230.0053 to receive a copy. All event and performance images are property of Verizon Wireless. Verizon Wireless is the sponsor of the Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound Choir Contest. How Sweet the Sound™ is a trademark of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc., D/B/A Erwin-Penland. All rights reserved. © 2010 Verizon Wireless. HSTS2

HSTS-C0574-Positive Community-8.5x11-4C-4.1

Pastor Joe A. Carter

“A Man After God’s Own Heart” 30

Years of Gospel Ministry

Years of Dedicated Service

Psalm 119: 47-48

Anniversary Service Schedule

WEDNESDAYS DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL

Wednesday, April 7th - Pastor John H. Gamble, Jr. & the Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday, April 14th - Pastor Kippie Brown & the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday, April 21st - Pastor Vincent M. Rouse & the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT - Friday, April 23rd at 7PM FEATURING: Pastor John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir Donation $30 per person

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES CONCLUDE

Sunday, April 25, 2010 (at the 6:30AM, 7:45AM & 10:45AM Worship Services)

SPECIAL GUEST PREACHER: Rev. Dr. Joel C. Gregory (Ft. Worth, TX) (New Hope members are asked to present Pastor Carter with an Anniversary Donation of $30 - envelopes will be provided on April 25th) ********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The New Hope Baptist Church * Pastor Joe A. Carter * 106 Sussex Avenue * Newark, NJ 07103 For more information contact Bro. A. Curtis Farrow at 973-622-4547

GREAT

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he following clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions have committed to the purchase of at least one hundred magazines per month at $1.00 each (50% off the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising for their events, services or consumer products. THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LISTING.

Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director

Greater Allen Cathedral, Queens, NY Revs. Floyd and Elaine Flake, Co-Pastors

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor

Beulah B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Gerald L. Dickson, Pastor

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor

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

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor

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

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor

Essex County College, NJ New York Theological Seminary

Office of Black Ministry Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Exec. Director

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

Rev. Ben Monroe, St. Albans, NY COGIC New Jerusalem B.C., Queens, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Pastor

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

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

United Black Clergy of Westchester Inc. Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

Fellowship Missionary B, C,, Newark, NJ Rev. E.T. Byrd, Pastor

Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Harlem Rev. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Lucille McEwen, President & CEO

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

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY Rev. Adolphus Lacey, Pastor

Metropolitan B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

Masjid Imam Ali K. Muslim, Newark, NJ Imam Akbar Muhammad

Newark Dist. of AME Church, Newark, NJ Howard Grant, Presiding Elder

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

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor

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

Empire Missionary Baptist Church Convention of NY State Rev. Washington Lundy, President

Manhattan District AME Churches Rev. Harold Rutherford, Presiding Elder Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, N.J. Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

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

Paterson’s Pastor’s Workshop Rev. Dr. James Kuykendall, President

Christian Love B..C, Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor

Nazarene Congregational Church, Brooklyn—Rev, Conrad B. Tillard, Pastor St. Paul Community B. C., Brooklyn Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

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

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor St. John AME Church, Harlem Rev. James E. Booker Jr., Pastor The New Hope B. C., Newark Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Ray Youngblood, Pastor

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

Morning Star B.C. Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

City National Bank 125th St. BID Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Schomburg Center American Diabetes Association Birdel's Tapes & Audio, Brooklyn New Jersey Performing Arts Center African American Heritage Parade Committee, NJ Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ WBGO-88.3FM WKMB-1070AM Inner City Broadcasting African American Muslims for Interfaith Relationships (AAMIR) Mildred Crump, Newark City Council American Heart Association, Northern NJ Medgar Evers College Carver Federal Savings Bank New Brunswick Theological Seminary

Businesses & Organizations

Berean B. C., Brooklyn Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

Newark School of Theology

NAACP, NY State Conference* The Bozeman Law Firm

NAACP New Jersey*

New York Urban League

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Senior Pastor

The United Way of Essex and West Hudson

World Gospel Music Association Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder, Newark, N.J.

University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

The College of New Rochelle

All of the above have embraced a practical community building ideal that encourages self acceptance, self reliance and self respect.Enroll your church, business, school or organization today. Contact The Positive Community at 973-233-9200 or e-mail at rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. Building community and economy dollar by dollar. Join the Great Roll Call to Progress today because a positive community is everybody's business . . . it really pays to care!

Upcoming Event Come join us in our

114th Semi – Annual Session Tuesday, May 04, 2010 thru Friday, May 07, 2010 Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa. Ellenville, N.Y.

Seminarian for this great Event

Rev. Dr. Johnny Mc Cann St. Luke Baptist Church Manhattan New York

For further information call Rev. Dr. Winfred J. Pippen… Chief of Staff @ (516) 361-9489

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The Shiloh Baptist Association of NJ

1ststVice President Presiden 1 Vice D. R.t Clayton Kenneth Rev. Clayton D. R.Place Kenneth Rev.Albert M. Tyler 139 M. Tyler Place 139 Albert Rev. Dr. Gregory C. Turner, Moderator Street) (Carroll Street) (Carroll NJ 07501 Paterson NJ 07501 Paterson Looks Forward to Hosting 345-4309 (973) (973) 345-4309 2nd Vice President t Presiden 2nd Vice Taylor Dr. Lester Rev. February, 2010 Lester Taylor Dr.Street Rev.First 224 February, 2010 Street First 224 07631 Englewood NJ of the of the General Baptist 07631 d NJ Englewoo 568-6369 (201) Greetings to the Moderators, Officers, Pastors and Laity and Laity of the General Baptist Pastors s, Officer tors, Modera the (201) 568-6369 to gs Greetin Convention of New Jersey: General Secretary Convention of New Jersey: Graham H. Secretary Jr., President Leo Dr. General Rev. Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell,our National President, Rev. Dr. Julius R. Graham Drive Dr. LeokH. Rev. Greenbroo 68 It is with much joy that I join with JuliusstR. Rev. Dr. al Preside our Nation with d Northea join Drive 08022 I , NJok that esteeme joy Columbus 68 Greenbro ey, ournt, much with McKinn is It Calvin Dr. Scruggs, honorable Secretary, Rev. esteem 324-2751 s, NJ 08022 our (609) Columbu ney, ry, Rev. ble Secreta State Convention (NY),ed Northeast s, honora EmpireMcKin theCalvin Scrugg nt ofDr. and Preside esident, l Vice-Pr Regiona (609) 324-2751 Conven Stateand of thenEmpire Saviortion (NY), Preside and to our Lord adoratio al Vice-P andnt Region praise Lundy,t, in gtonresiden Assistant Secretary Dr. Washin Rev. and Savior Lord our to to D. Harper Dr. Edward Rev. Secretary Assistant Dr. Washington Lundy, in praise and adoration Rev. Christ. Jesus 143 Edward D. Harper Dr. Street Rev.John Jesus Christ. NJ 08701 Lakewood 143 John Street nd Worker’s I thank God for the fellowship opportunity during our 32 Annual Lakewood NJ 08701 nd Annual 32 spite r’s our NJ. InWorke during ick, nity Brunsw Treasurer opportu East hip in hotel fellows the Hilton l for God beautifu I thank nce weekend at the Confere The With ening Conv Pollard Richard Dr. Rev. ick, Treasurer East Brunsw in joyful hoteland worship NJ. In spite ul Hilton l learning a powerfu hadbeautif encentweeken wethe weatherd, at the incleme of Confer Pkwy Pollard Eastern 40 Dr. Richard Rev. worshi joyful and p g and staff, learnin support ul ss leaders, had a powerf we Officers , Congre weathetor, the ent thanks 07205 NJ Pkwy inclem Hillside, of thence. Special experie 40 Eastern leaderss, support staff, and ss Worker 686-6477 (908) s, Congre to the the Officer d service to dedicate NJ 07205 thanksand Hillside, nce. your faithful for Special experie ants particip (Carr Place Tyler A.M. 139 Worket)rs (908) 686-6477 theStree and dedicated service tooll faithful Glory”. your The Be God ants for particip nce.”To Confere Financial Secretary L. Hendricks Dr. Milton Rev. Conference.”To God Be The Glory”. l Secretary Financia four Road Tilton 829 s Hendrick L. Milton Dr. Rev. Please know that I am humbly grateful to serve in leadership of approximately NJ 08232 lle,Road Pleasantvi four can we imately prayer, approx in of 829 Tilton hip unite we if leaders ed in serve convinc to am l I And, gratefu s. humbly churche Jersey that I am know hundred PleaseNew n” 646-1815 Know (609) Him Make and t Chris Know ille, NJ 08232 to d Pleasantv mine Deter h can “A Churc our goals. Jersey churches. And, I am convinced if we unite in prayer, we lish d New accomp hundre (609) 646-1815 eth. D.R. Clayton, Senior Pastor President Emeritus Kenn accomplish our goals. McKinney Rev. Dr. Calvin President Emeritus As a reminder, the Semi-Annual Session will convene with the St. Luke Baptist Street 217 Passaic Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney , Host D.R. Baptist Kenneth St. Luke Rev. theClayton 20l0, with eott 22,Brook lle conven 20-Apri will April Garfield NJ 07026 NJ,Semi-A nnual Session in Paterso Marri Church the er,n,Hote a remind Sadd Asquar – l ters 217 Passaic Street Head attend. to (973) 773-2444 , Host now plan Clayton Please D.R. h tor. Kennet Modera Rev. Turner, 20l0, C. 22, il Gregory 20-Apr Rev.inDr. NJ, April Garfield NJ 07026 Pastor, Paterso Church ay I-80 Parkw enn,State Gard attend. to now (973) 773-2444 plan Please tor. Modera y C. Turner, Pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregor Women’s Auxiliary , NJ Brook le Sadd may God bestow His richest blessings , and07663 support Mrs. Thelma Scott your for you thank Again, Auxiliary s Women’ ) richest blessings taxes Avenue Baltimore des 107 - $140. His Rate bestow Godall Room and may you. thank Scott upon support,(Inclu Mrs. Thelma your night forper you00 Again, NJ 08302 Bridgeton Avenue 107 Baltimore 455-3371 (856) upon you.(King, Double, or Quad) Bridgeton NJ 08302 (856) 455-3371 of Christian Education Congress

The 2010 Semi-Annual Session General Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc.

Tuesday, April 20

Thursday, April 22, 2010 St. Luke Baptist Church

(973)345-4309 • www.stlukebaptist.org

Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr.

Bro. James Clark Education of Christian Preside Congress Jr. be made through the must Street tionsell, Guy Campb Franklin Dr.nt 1452 reserva In order to eliminate NJ Sales Tax all Clark Bro. James of New Jersey, Inc tion Conven Baptist NJ 07205 General Hillside nt Deacon Vivian Preside Clayton 1452 calling by 926-2365Street h (973) Franklin Churc t St. Luke Baptis General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc Hillside NJ 07205 . (973) 926-2365 s Movement Layman’ (973) 345-4309 ext 16 or via email vclayton@stlukebaptist.org Bro. Douglas Davis s Moveme Layman’ Place nt Coudert 204 ALL rooms must be confirmed and PAID FOR by April 5, 2010. Davis Douglas Bro. 07079 NJ So. Orange 204 Coudert 634-3403Place (973) So. Orange NJ 07079 (973) 634-3403 Visions to Victory – Answering God’s Call

Theme: From Subtheme: Answering the Call to Evangelism Isaiah 6:8 Call Theme: From Visions to Victory – Answering God’s Subtheme: Answering the Call to Evangelism Isaiah 6:8

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ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Preparing Leadership for the 21st Century The Economics of Culture

elcome to the Spring/April issue with a special focus on education. As it is often said, Spring is the season of renewal, revival, redemption resurrection and restoration. In this issue we introduce spilt covers— a New York cover and a different cover for New Jersey. Both are reflective of the above themes and attributes of Spring. The front page of our NY issue celebrates the achievements of our young people, our future, as featured at the Harlem YMCA’s 40th anniversary of its Young Black Achievers Awards banquet. The New Jersey cover celebrates the beauty of nature with the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Newark’s Branch Brook Park. According to the Star Ledger, Branch Brook Park is the Cherry Blossom Capital of America, beating the most popular collection of trees in Washington DC- 4100 to 3750. Kudos, to the wonderful folks of the Branch Brook Park Alliance! Under the leadership of board chair, Barbara Bell Coleman and her team’s tireless efforts, the park has been restored to its historic greatness. We extend heartfelt thanks to our advertisers and subscribers, especially members of The Positive Community’s Great Roll Call to Progress—churches, businesses and community institutions that receive bulk deliveries each month. We welcome our newest member, the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of New York State, Rev Washington Lundy, president. Rev Lundy is also 1st vice president, Northeast Region of the National Baptist Convention, USA and pastor of Evening Star BC in Brooklyn. Our subscribers and forward thinking advertisers have bought into a vision of

www.thepositivecommunity.com

hope and opportunity moving forward. They are joined by our families, friends, employees, vendors and tens of thousands of readers that have said “yes” to a positive community ideal and a vision of progress. Now more than ever, in addition to providing a formal education for our children, we must also inspire a real thirst and passion for our own American history in a cultural context. Our children’s knowledge of who they are, with a sublime understanding of whose they are, will secure a future of progress and prosperity. We can no longer accept today’s popular culture trends that target our most vulnerable—the young, the poor, and the unlearned. Just look at where we are today. A young entertainer can take to the stage with his pants sagging below his buttocks, tattooed, baseball cap turned backward, shouting all kind of profanities with total disregard and disrespect of the women folk and our culture. In this media-dominated society, these men are touted as geniuses, heroic figures that have escaped the death grip of a violent ghetto. Too many of us are inclined to believe that if it makes money, then it must be good. So, here’s the question: How strong can a community be politically when its cultural and economic flanks are left unprotected, vulnerable to attack from enemies of progress on the inside and the outside? The progress of our children and the integrity of our culture is our community’s claim on the American dream. There are no quick fixes, summer job programs or legislative dictates that will remedy the cultural and economic dilemmas that confront us today. It is essential that the

African American people develop a long-term strategy—10, 20, 50 and yes, even 100 years into the future! We must begin with a philosophy long held yet unspoken by other successful, prosperous communities, nations and civilizations throughout world history. They are the community-building ideals of self-acceptance, self-reliance, and selfrespect. Families and churches must actively participate along with schools in the education of our young people. Today there is an urgent need to educate our children about business and finance. We need to inspire a generation of jobcreating entrepreneurs, well versed in the ancient, noble, professional business arts of sales, trade and commerce. The Positive Community’s Youth Entrepreneur Leadership Development Program seeks to engage and do business with the young people in the church—the youth ministries. Let the young people sell magazines to fellow congregation members who would other wise get them for free. This is an exercise that promotes self-esteem, teamwork, and cultural unity. It must be practiced and rehearsed over and over again. After all, great civilizations and enduring economies are built one dollar at a time! Our season for cultural and economic renewal, revival, redemption, resurrection and restoration is before us. When President Obama appeared before the NAACP last summer he told the audience: Your (African American) destiny is in your own hands. That is what we have to teach all of our children. No excuses! No excuses!

April 2010 The Positive Community

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guesteditorial Taking Risks BY REV. DR. FLOYD H. FLAKE Pastor, Allen A.M.E. Cathedral, Queens, NY

s I have assessed the lives of many individuals who seem to possess the intellectual, emotional, educational and spiritual capacity to be successful yet are not, I have tried to find the missing link that keeps them in a limited state. After much consideration, I came to realize that the central missing link is an unwillingness to take risks. In many ways, better career choices, raising the level of one’s finances and fulfilling one’s purpose in life is centered on the willingness to take positive risks. I know so many people who could have greater success if they only learned to accept the reality that success becomes a distant improbability without taking risks. Most successful people discovered early in life that it is impossible to function with a belief that success can come by being risk adverse. The truth is, there are very few things in life that we are able to do that do not require some measure of risk taking. Everyone takes risks in one form or another. The choice of a spouse, purchase of a car, choice of school for your children, career, or almost any other thing in life is centered on risk taking. The reason people don’t take risks is generally because they are not comfortable with the possibility of failure. We must overcome the fear of losing everything if we expect to gain more. This is not to suggest that we should take foolish risks, but we should never be so fearful that we take no risks. One author has stated that he who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing. Risk taking is opening oneself to change and taking the behavioral steps that will result in a positive outcome. It is taking action after weighing all of the pros and cons, knowing that the potential outcome will put you in a place that is greater than where you are now. People who don’t take risks are often fearful of rejection from others, however if you allow their impressions to guide you, it is most likely that you will continue to live below the standard that is available to you. If you don’t try, you have no chance of succeeding – the old adage says “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” So why not give it a try? Deciding to make a personal sacrifice of time, energy, and www.thepositivecommunity.com

knowledge as an investment to better your circumstances is a risk worth taking. Roadblocks to becoming a risk-taker • Fear of failure and/or rejection • A need to know all of the ins and outs of a situation • Desire to avoid conflict • Absence of a desire to change • Irrational belief that it is impossible to change your situation. Results of not being a risk-taker • Life stagnation with no measurable gains • Development of a chronic “yes, but” attitude • Adaptation of self-destructive and self-defeating behavior caused by a sense of failure •A lack of creativity. Steps to becoming an effective risk-taker Step 1—Raise questions to yourself about why you are in your current predicament. • What is keeping me from solving this problem? • How do I feel about choosing an action with an outcome of which I am uncertain? • What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I take the risk? • What will happen if I do not take any action? Step 2 —Brainstorm all possible outcomes. • What will my life be like if I refuse to take a risk on this or other important issues? • What alternatives are available to me for solving the problems in the areas where I am uncertain? Step 3—Visualize successful solutions and continually affirm yourself with declarations such as: • “I am a successful risk-taker” • “Taking risks will help me and others to develop a winner’s attitude” • Remind yourself of your historical successes when you took risks even though you did not have all of the answers. April 2010 The Positive Community

New York’s Historic Grace Baptist Church Celebrates the 35th Pastoral Anniversary of the Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson With Special Gala Tribute Featuring Legendary Gospel Singer Tramaine Hawkins New York Hilton Friday, April 16, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Anniversary celebration also includes the following special worship services and events: Worship Service Sunday, April 11, 2010

7:30 AM Rev. Edward Mulraine, pastor, Unity Tabernacle Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY 9:30 AM Rev. Adolphus C. Lacey, pastor, Mt. Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY 11:30 AM Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president, National Action Network

New Housing Dedication, Sunday, April 11, 2010

2:30 PM Grand Opening and Building Dedication of the Randy A. Daniels Towers at Grace Plaza II

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Community Night with featured speaker Rev. W. Darin Moore, pastor, Greater Centennial AME Church, Mt. Vernon, NY

Worship Service Sunday, April 18, 2010

7:30 AM Rev. William Richardson III, pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Port St. Lucie, FL 9:30 AM Rev. Jawanza K. Colvin, pastor, Mt. Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, Cleveland, OH 11:30 AM Rev. Dwight Jones, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Richmond, VA 6:00 PM Rev. Floyd Flake, pastor, Allen Cathedral of New York, Queens, NY All services at Grace Baptist Church 52 S. Sixth Ave. Mt. Vernon, New York To purchase tickets to the Gala Tribute or to get more information on all other events, log onto the www.gracechurchtoday.org or call 914-664-2676.

GRS Testimonial Committee Cordially Invite You To Our

Testimonial Dinner for

The Most Worshipful

Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith 33° Grand Master

Saturday, May 1 , 2010 7:00 p.m. at the

Rye Town Hilton 699 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook, NY 10573 Contribution - $100.00 Business Attire

The Positive Community April 2010

The Most Worshipful Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith 33° Grand Master

Dreams are never achieved without vision, and vision is never fulfilled without hard work and dedication. Our craft is blessed with many talented people who contribute many hours of hard work to helping improve the lives of our members and others. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith represents an individual who has not only reached the pinnacle of Grand Master in Prince Hall Masonry, but is also the senior pastor of Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem - The Oldest Black Church in New York State. He has demonstrated foresight and commitment to improving the quality of life for all people in New York State and embodies and inspires all of us to think great thoughts, and take bold actions to make them happen. Dr. Smith charges us to be proud of ourselves, develop our skills, cultivate our minds, and transform every minute of our lives into a challenging and joyful experience.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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REVEREND REGINALD T. JACKSON A SHEPHERD’S CORNER

Rev. Jackson is pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E Church in Orange NJ And executive director of the Black Ministers Council of NJ

Fighting the Good Fight or the more than thirty years that I have lived in New Jersey, I have been speaking out about the importance of a quality education. A quality education is the equalizer for our children. It is also what will empower the people and communities where we live. In New Jersey our urban cities are in crisis because our schools have failed our children. Many, if not most urban parents today are students whom the public schools failed over the last thirty or more years and many graduating now, will in a few years be the parents the schools failed. This cycle has got to stop. We have got to reform failing public schools and we have got to empower parents by giving them a choice in what schools their children attend. New Jersey has the best chance to reform its public schools and empower parents with choice that it has had since I have been in New Jersey. It has a governor who is committed to both public school reform and school choice, legislative leadership that is open to public school reform and amenable to choice and a growing consensus that something has to be done. What is important now is that the African American community must speak up and insist that public school reform and school choice take place. This is where the black church and preacher become important. The black church must again be the instrument of community change and the black preacher must step to the plate and lead. The preacher must speak out on the need for our children to get a quality education. The fact is that too many of our children are getting diplomas which mean nothing and that take them nowhere. They are diplomas that the students did not

The black church must again be the instrument of community change and the black preacher must step to the plate and lead. www.thepositivecommunity.com

earn and that open no doors for them. The frustrating thing is that schools know that the students are not prepared to enter college, the workforce or the real world. In the Trenton Public Schools just last week it was announced that two thirds of the high school students— over 70 percent—failed to meet minimum state standards, yet those students will get diplomas and graduate. The public school system defends both the results and the giving of diplomas and will boast that New Jersey has the highest graduation rate in the nation, knowing that the students have not gotten a good education. Tragically, most parents will be happy to announce “my baby graduated,” unaware of or simply ignoring the fact that they and their “baby” have been misled. We learned in the fight against racial profiling that nothing changes without pressure. Black preachers led the fight against racial profiling and pressured both political leadership and law enforcement to bring about necessary legislation and reforms. We galvanized our community to join with us and follow our lead. The same must be done with the education of our children. We must pressure political leadership and the education establishment to bring about both legislation and reform. And it will be a fight. For those who are determined to maintain the status quo, the education of our children is not a priority, nor is the fact that our children’s futures are at risk or that our communities remain poor, crime infested and debilitated. That they get paid and live well is what matters to these people. They are more concerned with the public school system than the children that the public school system is supposed to educate. We have to believe that the children are more important. Most of our children will continue to attend public schools; this is why they must be reformed. Yet, the public schools will not reform themselves. This is why parents must be empowered by having a choice as to where their children go to school. The future of our children, our families and communities is at stake. It is past time for the black church and the black preacher to step to the plate. Faithfulness demands we do so. April 2010 The Positive Community

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REV. JOHNNY RAY YOUNGBLOOD THE “BLOOD” SPEAKS

Rev. Youngblood is the pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn

An Epistle to the Church in East New York begin by quoting the patron saint to you as a congregation, the Apostle Paul. Said he to the church in Philippi, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. I greet you in the name of God the Creator, I shall continue to always love you in the name of God the Son and I will ever work in the power of the Holy Spirit, especially with you having been my training ground.” For 35 years, it was my privilege to serve as leader to you, a marvelous people. In those 35 years, we came to understand such scriptures as “Now unto Him that is able to bless exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ever ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20); “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose…” (Romans 8:28); “They that go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep…” (Psalm 107: 23-24); “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17); “…sanctify yourself for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you…” (Joshua 3:5). These are just a few words that were made flesh in our sojourn together for 35 years. It was my privilege to make intercession for you; to mine the scriptures for the preaching and teaching moments; to grow in faith with you; to bless your babies; to ask God’s blessings on your unions (weddings); to bury your dead; to console the bereaved; to counsel the confused; to support the needy; to educate your children; to support and encourage the education of adults; to negotiate in Caesar’s household for the enhancement of the quality of life in our villages; to befriend the friendly; to challenge the comfortable; to applaud the divinity in all; to be a part of sanctifying history, qualifying the present and investing in the future, such that our children would rise up and call us blessed. What a journey! What a journey! What a journey! What a journey! Here, three years later, I have not seen clearly God’s reason for deploying me to another field of service. So, if God knows

The Positive Community April 2010

what’s best in the time of death, he certainly must know what’s best while the blood is still running warm in our veins. I write this letter in the spirit of the New Testament. I was no less startled when the Spirit told me to write my letter of resignation than you were when you heard it read. I was not, not confounded when I had to contemplate the meaning of the resignation. Lost, was as much my lot as it was yours. I think I felt deprived and you just might have felt abandoned. It is a well known fact that many suffered issues around deprivation and abandonment and you and I are in the numbers. SPC, we’ve separated, parted, but God keeps us together. I must admit to you that I have not doubted God in this move but I have incessantly beseeched Him for understanding. Why God? Why? If you know anything about our God, He answers but in His own time. I just need you to know that I operate, in the main, in obedience to God. Abandonment was never my intent. Everything that is beginning to unfold seems to be in keeping with the Will and the Way of the God of the Scriptures. The missionary zeal is stirred; the coals on the altar of prayer are being stoked. A second wind for travel is being given and the opportunities for being God’s instrument are even more now than they were 35 years ago. I started this journey knowing of God. I now KNOW! God. I started this journey hoping, wishing, and praying that the people of God would come through. You are my answered prayer, letters of credit and paradigm for others. It is my prayer that God would shock us with a revelation of His good Will toward you, toward me and even toward Mt. Pisgah. Some things have changed, but God and God’s Will remain the same. Do not transfer your issues of abandonment to me; pray for my steady obedience. Do not let your sense of abandonment become your zone; for God supplies and God is present and active and will bring things to clarity. I desire to remain in your prayers and certainly you will remain in mine. I listen and I look, always, to hear and see your great works and I trust that you will be able to look for and hear what God does through me in an adjourning field of labor. And now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. In the name of Him who called us, saves us and keeps us, Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Emeritus

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Council of Korean Churches of Greater New York New York City Ms. Hazel Dukes President THE TRUSTEES OFOF THEBOARD BOARDOFOF TRUSTEES NEW YORK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEW YORK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NAACP New York State Conference THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF

Seventh Annual Seventh Annual Urban Angel AwardsGala Gala Urban Angel Awards Seventh Annual

ISISHONORED AND PLEASED HONORED AND PLEASED NEWTHE YORK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO PRESENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TO PRESENT Maria Elena Girone THE 2010 URBAN ANGEL AWARDEES: IS HONORED AND PLEASED THE 2010 URBAN AWARDEES: NEW YORKANGEL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Mrs. President and Chief Executive Officer TO PRESENT IS HONORED AND PLEASED The Puerto Rican Family Institute THE 2010 URBAN ANGEL AWARDEES: TO PRESENT

Seventh Annual Urban Angel Awards Gala Urban Angel Awards Gala

Ms. Carla A. HarrisNew York City Ms. Hazel Dukes Managing Director, Investment CouncilMs. ofManagement Korean Churches of Greater New York Hazel Dukes President New York City Morgan NAACP Stanley New York State Conference President Council of Korean Churches of Greater New York

s eet

NAACP New York State Conference

New York City Mrs. Maria Elena Ms. Girone Hazel Dukes

tion 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm

Council of Korean Churches of Greater New York Council of Korean Churches New York THENew 2010 ANGEL AWARDEES: York URBAN Cityof Greater

The Very ReverendPresident Donald Reilly, O.S.A. andF. Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Maria ElenaPresident Girone Ms. Hazel Dukes The Puerto Rican Family Institute President and Chief Executive Officer Prior Provincial NAACP New York State Conference President The Puerto Rican Family Institute Province of St. Thomas ofNAACP Villanova Ms. Carla A. Harris New York State Conference

April 20, 2010 Marriott Marquis AprilNew 20,York 2010 1535 Broadway 45th Street New York Marriott at Marquis New York, New York 1535 Broadway at 45th Street Silent Auction and Reception 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm

New York, New York April 20, 2010 SilentYork Auction and Reception 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm New April 20, Marriott 2010 Marquis th 1535 at 45Marquis Street New Broadway York Marriott th New York, New York 1535 Broadway at 45 Street Silent Auction and Reception 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm New York, New York Silent Auction and Reception 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm For more information,

Ms. Karen Leahy at

Mrs. Maria Elena Girone Managing Director, Investment Management Ms. Carla A. Harris Morgan Stanley President and Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director, Investment Mrs. MariaManagement Elena Girone The Puerto Rican Family Institute Morgan Stanley President and F. Chief Executive The Very Reverend Donald Reilly, O.S.A. Officer Prior TheProvincial Puerto Rican Family Institute

Ms. A. Harris The Very Reverend Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A. Province of St. Thomas ofCarla Villanova Managing PriorDirector, ProvincialInvestment Management Ms. Carla A. Harris Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Morgan Stanley

Managing Director, Investment Management Morgan Stanley The Very Reverend Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A. Prior Provincial The Very Reverend Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A. Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Prior Provincial Province of St. Thomas of Villanova contact For more information, contact 212.870.1203 kleahy@nyts.edu Ms. Karen Leahy ator 212.870.1203 or kleahy@nyts.edu

For more information, contact Ms. Karen Leahy at 212.870.1203 or kleahy@nyts.edu 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 New York, NY 10115 Tel: 212-870-1211 Fax:Drive, 212-870-1236 475 Riverside Suite 500 NewURL: York,www.nyts.edu NY 10115 E-mail: online@nyts.edu Tel: 212-870-1211

Fax: 212-870-1236 URL: www.nyts.edu E-mail: online@nyts.edu

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 New York, NY 10115 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 Tel: 212-870-1211 New York, NY 10115 Fax: 212-870-1236 Tel: 212-870-1211 URL: www.nyts.edu Fax: 212-870-1236 E-mail: online@nyts.edu URL: www.nyts.edu E-mail: online@nyts.edu

For more information, contact Ms. Karen Leahy at 212.870.1203 kleahy@nyts.edu For more information,orcontact Ms. Karen Leahy at 212.870.1203 or kleahy@nyts.edu

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SONJA GRACY SAVED, SINGLE & SATISFIED

Four Good Reasons Why Guys Go Poof!” onja—Four Good Reasons Why Guys Go Poof!” was the email article sent to me last week compliments of the E-Harmony Staff. I am not an ardent proponent of online dating services, nor have I ever summoned up the courage to engage in an online “meet-up.” But after years of seeing E-Harmony commercials of happy couples who did manage to find each other and marriage success via E-Harmony founder, Dr. Neil Clark Warren’s revolutionary dating service, I did think my trip to the site beneficial, even if I don’t have the gumption to become a member—yet. As soon as I saw the service’s arresting, personalized email, “Sonja—4 Good Reasons Why Guys Go Poof!” all of my other emails dimmed in the backdrop. I suspected revealing good stuff was coming—a repertoire of things single women find scintillating—men, secrets, dating success or lack thereof and how all of them go together. I popped open the email, went for the E-Harmony intelligence and am somewhat satisfied with the scoop’s dish regarding “that guy you had that amazing first date with —then POOF! He’s never heard from again.” E-Harmony’s “Four good reasons” foray actually lists the four types of men likely to give a woman the cold shoulder after the customary quick hug at her doorstep at the end of their very first date (I know, I know—a lot of women wish the doorstep was the farthest that fated first date got, but I digress, back to the article). If you’ve ever had a POOF! experience consider yourself graciously spared from the emotional traumas, insecurities, issues, proclivities, propensities, quirks, character challenges and all too human motivations driving EHarmony’s classification of the emotional midget, player, pretender and plain old disinterested personality types.

“S

The Positive Community April 2010

According to the dating service’s newsletter, the haranguing personal issues of the emotional midget make his progress towards loving relationships an endeavor of Herculean proportion. Even if this poof type could wrangle the courage to pursue love with a good woman, the fears he associates with the risks of love foil him to the fetal position. The player is just that. No need for a full psychological profile here ladies. Just know this brother’s always making the rounds through his Rolodex, or better yet, his iPhone. The pretender is the dating type construed the “attractive compartmentalist.” He’s the good-looking guy that gets dates by the bushel. What makes the pretender different from the player are his lightning fast size-up skills and penchant for minimal drama. Pretenders can conclude quite early on first dates whether or not they’re “into” a woman, but they don’t zone out or act disinterested like some men on disappointing dates do; quite the opposite. Pretenders act as if they are interested all the way up ‘til he drops his date off at her door. The article added a bit of objectivity on these poofs by adding that since all human beings “feign pleasure with people at various points in the day/week,” this bit of psychological maneuvering may not make this type a bad person per se, just “a terrible boyfriend.” Then there’s the disinterested poof. Chemistry and connection are supremely important for this type. When he feels neither, he—you got it—he disappears. While chemistry is important to all of us in the quest for love, physical attraction is of utmost importance to this “I gotta like her, like her” type. I think it was the article’s last note on poofers that was most valuable to poofed women everywhere. E-Harmony writers tell women to consider no call-back from these types a blessing in disguise and that there is an upside to having been poofed. Imagine an “I do” to an emotional midget, pretender or player. E-Harmony founder Dr. Neil Clark Warren says, “Being single is a thousand times better than being in a bad relationship.” Dr. Warren, I totally agree. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Gershwins’® Porgy & BessSM by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin Photo Credit: Kelly & Massa Photography/Opera Company of Philadelphia and Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera.

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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.

Easter Mae Farrar: A Life Remembered asked for a photo of the woman I’m profiling this month—didn’t get it. No matter. The life itself paints a picture far greater than anything that can be embossed along a printed page. However, I do write the column with great assurance about this: Easter won’t be Easter without Easter this year. Actually, those who know her best as Elder Easter Mae Farrar will recall the extraordinary life she led— a life that represented the Christ she served. Sadly, Miss Easter’s funeral services were recently held at The Gilmore Memorial Look and Live Ministry Church in the city of Paterson, NJ, and the church on the hill was inundated with people from all walks of life; from every socio-economic stratum and from every tribe. A noted singer in her community and in the church community-at-large, Elder Farrar lived the life she sang about in her songs. “God Has Done It Again,” “Your Grace and Mercy,” and what was likely Sarah Palin’s favorite, “You Betcha!” and a litany of other spiritual songs that lifted one’s spirit and soothed one’s soul were part of her musical portfolio. She was loved and beloved, especially by her family members, who are not only well-known in the community, but are also rooted deeply in the church community and could be a congregation unto themselves. Her family includes her son, the Rev. Thomas Patrick Farrar, the pastor of Gilmore; her sister, Jackie Jones, a high-ranking administrator in the Paterson school district; and her brother, Rev. Dr. James Arnold Kuykendall, founder and pastor of the Agape Christian Ministries Church. Like countless others, I went to the funeral to pay my respects to the family and in the memory of knowing this long-time businesswoman. She and her devoted hus-

The Positive Community April 2010

band, Deacon Tom Farrar, were the owner-operators of The Capitol Upholstery Company, also in Paterson. When I was asked to offer words on behalf of the community, I reminded those in attendance that because March was Women’s History Month, we all should keep in mind that this brilliant woman was working independently for years. No easy feat. Elder Farrar‘s legacy is legendary. She was head of the hospitality division for The Church of God in Christ’s Third Jurisdiction for years, as well as at her own church. Known as a knock-down prayer warrior, for years she and a faithful few came together to pray on behalf of other saints of God and the church on Saturday evenings. According to one of her sisters in Christ, Easter, Irma Jones and two others formed a quartet known as “The Four Altos.” They recently dropped a CD of songs I’m sure will inspire most. For years, this intrepid woman hosted a cable television show and sang nothing but the songs of Zion. At the funeral, a number of viewers were present—not because they knew her personally, but because she touched their lives through her singing. Her son, Rev. Farrar, eulogized his mother with great eloquence and honesty. When one is faithful, others you leave behind don’t have to embellish a thing. And he didn’t. It was said at the funeral that many did not know that Miss Easter was involved in prison ministry. She did so as it was noted, “without being a blabbermouth about it.” I‘ve been involved in prison ministry for years as well, and I comment on the blessings many of the incarcerated men and women have experienced. If Easter were here, I think she’d agree that it’s a matter of style. But, whatever. We thank God for her life and hope to live as well. This year, when we celebrate Easter, Miss Easter will truly be missed. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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a growing the and schools and nonprofits. Also, theinwebsite Greathere is problem no excuse here isinnot no excuse toUnited do your notStates part. to doIt your doesn’t part.take It needy doesn’t a great take deala of great time deal or money of timeto orpitch money and to pitch help in and help abroad, as obsolete or broken computers and Nonprofits.org maintains a list of charities in need of keep our planet keep our beautiful planet and beautiful more importantly, and more importantly, functional for functional ourselves for and ourselves the generations and the generations to come. to come. other electronic equipment are taking up increasingly various types of office equipment. You can also offload Check out Check easy out no these cost easy orpotentially low no cost cost or tips low to cost make tips your to make life and your the life entire andworld the entire a service greener world place. a greener place. precious amounts of these landfill space and leakequipment via Freecycle, a free that helps find ing hazardous substances into surrounding ecosystems. homes for unwanted stuff. The nonprofit Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition reports When it comes to appliances, the first place to check is COST that 70 percent of the heavyNO metals in NO U.S.COST landfills are with your utility, which LOW wouldCOST like LOW to seeCOST you upgrade to from discarded electronics—even though the e-waste ita more energy efficient new model—an older fridgeto uses • Install showerheads low-flow and showerheads sink aerators and to sink reduce aerators reduce • Turn off everything • Turn off not everything in use: lights, not TVs, in use: computers, lights, TVs, etc.computers, etc. • Install low-flow hot water use.hottimes water use. self accounts only percent of the trash byfilters volume. upwards of three the energy of most newer models. • Check for furnace • Check or two air conditioners furnace or air(AC) conditioners filters monthly, (AC) and clean monthly, and clean and10 weatherstrip • Sealstates andwindows weatherstrip doors windows to keep and heat orto keep replace as needed. or replace Dirty as filters needed. block Dirty airfilters flowreports through block airyour flow throughUtilities your• Seal in The U.S.orEnvironmental Protection Agency that U.S. offerand some kind ofdoors rebate andheat or air conditioning airfrom conditioning escaping. heating andtwo cooling heating systems, and cooling increasing yourincreasing energyelectronics billyour andenergy billfree and pick-up Americans trash million tons ofsystems, unwanted if you doescaping. decidefrom you want to upgrade. water tank•insulation A water tank wrapinsulation costs about wrap $20 costs andabout helps $20 holdand the helps hold the shortening theshortening equipment’s thelife. equipment’s life. To make each year—six times the amount they recycle. If• Athe appliance is still working, another alternative heat Add heat pre-cut inside. pipe insulation pre-cut pipe to exposed insulation pipes to can exposed goingeither pipes going During hot months, • During keep hot window months, coverings keepship window closed on the south, closed on the south, matters•worse, U.S. companies often oldcoverings equipment would beinside. to donate it to aAddworthy cause which intoa your water into heater—it your water is acheap heater—it and family easy is cheap to install. andsell easy If you’re install. 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Insulate or basement. ducts Insulate to improve ducts yourtoheating improve your heating periods of non-use. periods of non-use. means •donate them to a needy cause that will either put materials are sold to the general public at a fraction of system’s efficiency system’s and efficiency your own comfort. and your own comfort. When cooking, • When keep cooking, the lids on keep pots. theBetter lids onyet, pots. useBetter a microwave yet, use a microwave them to oven good use or resell them to help fund their prothe retail price to help local affiliates fund the construc• Storm windows • Storm can reduce windows heat canloss reduce by 25–50 heat loss percent by 25–50 during percent the during the instead. oven instead. grams. •You’ll earn• aDress taxfor deduction aweather, charitable tion to of Habitat Humanity homes within their winter. Plastic for winter. sheeting Plastic installed sheeting on theinstalled inside also on the helps. insidecomalso helps. 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In summer, use • In fans summer, whenever use fans possible whenever instead possible of AC. instead of AC. But •not charity accepts old equipment, and Takeevery five-minute • Take showers five-minute instead showers of baths. instead Do only of baths. full loads Do only full able, loads recycling is also an option. Retailer Best Buy has Incandescent bulbs outdated; bulbsstore 95 arepercent outdated; of the 95 percent energy of the energy when using thewhen clothes using the clothes or dishwasher. washer or dishwasher. no one wants to spend allwasher day calling around to find freeIncandescent kiosks at light the frontareoflight every to recycle inkjet used goes rechargeable to heating used goes the to bulb, heating adding theunwanted bulb, adding heatunwanted to yourCDs/ home heat to your home • Switch • Switch waterplace intotop coldloading water energy-inefficient in topthen, loadingisenergy-inefficient washing washing one that does.toAcold good to look, Goodcartridges, batteries, cell phones, infor-thePDA’ summer. inReplace the summer. your five Replace most your usedBuy five lightmost bulbs used withlight ENERGY bulbs with ENERGY machines to save machines energy save up energy to $63and a year—detergents up tothen $63 asell year—detergents forwill, which will accept yourtoand equipment and DVDs, smartphones and Best gift cards. They compact STAR fluorescent compact fluorescent to save $60 bulbs each to save year$60 in energy each mulated cold mulated for cold clothes water justget as clothes clean. across just as clean. it through any for one ofwater its get 1,500 retail stores the willSTAR accept trade-ins onbulbs gently used electronics in ex-year in energy These light costs. bulbs These use light two-thirds bulbs When use lesstwo-thirds energy and less last energy up to and 10 last up to 10 •Lower the temperature •Lower ontemperature your waterto heater. on help your Itwater should be set It should at bechange setcosts. at for country. Proceeds fundtheprograms theheater. disabled, a Best Buy gift card. you’ve purchased times longer. Use times dimmers, longer. Use timers, dimmers, and timers, detectors and motion on indoor detectors “warm,” so that “warm,” aand thermometer so that aon held thermometer under running held under water reads runningnowatera reads no illiterate, homeless, those welfare by providing new one, they’ll remove the oldmotion TV or appliance for on indoor outdoor lighting. Consider lighting. safer,Consider safer, more ENERGY efficient STAR ENERGY STAR more than 130more degrees. than 130 degrees. job training and placement programs. The Salvation freeand and for a and feeoutdoor remove up tomore twoefficient TVs or appliances. torchiere lampstorchiere rather than lamps halogen rathertorchieres, than halogen which torchieres, can cause which can cause • Only heat or •cool Onlythe heat rooms or cool you the need—close rooms youvents need—close and doors vents of and doors of Army runs similar programs and also typically accepts Go to Bestbuy/recyling.com to find out more. fires. Halogen fires. bulbs Halogen are expensive bulbs are to use. expensive to use. unused rooms.unused rooms. donated old office equipment. Recyclers harvest parts from old equipment that can Another option is to donate your equipment to needy be reused or resold. Several websites, list electronics schools, either www.thepositivecommunity.com directly or via a service like iLoveSchools. recyclers across the U.S. theyThe don’t takeCommunity it Best Buy sugCommunity Positive Positive www.thepositivecommunity.com JuneIf2009 June 2009 The NA NA com, which helps teachers find free supplies and gests www.1800recycling.com; My Green Electronics www. equipment for their classrooms. The National Cristina mygreeelectronics.org or ECycling Central-www.aiae.org.

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Tiffani Bailey Lash (left), and Tashni-Ann Dubroy are the founders of Tea and Honey Blends hair care products

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

Getting to the Root of It

By Karyn Collins Courtesy of Rutgers University

Two Chemists Credit Rutgers MBA Program with Giving them the Business Tools to Launch Company

hen Tashni-Ann Dubroy and Tiffani Bailey Lash developed their hair care line – Tea and Honey Blends, they knew they had the chemical know-how to put together what they thought would be a winning formula. The two women had begun planning a hair care product line while students studying for their doctoral degrees in chemistry at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. But they knew that scientific know-how wasn’t enough to forge a successful business. That’s why even before they officially launched their line, Dubroy enrolled in the MBA program at Rutgers’ School of Business-Newark and New Brunswick. By the time Tea and Honey Blends officially launched last year, Dubroy had a year of business studies under her belt. “I didn’t have a business background prior to starting Tea and Honey Blends so I started my [MBA] degree with the thought that it would help us,” Dubroy said. “Every semester I learn something I can implement with Tea and Honey Blends.” Dubroy, 29 and a Ph.D. chemist, hopes to finish her MBA by December or in spring 2011. She said the company’s roots can be found in girl talk. The two chemists discovered that among the many things they shared was a common concern of many black women—finding the right hair care products. “Black women do tend to have a plethora of products in their cupboards and on their shelves. We dib and dab in so much stuff trying to find the right products. Tiffani and I found we had that in common. We found that we both had to mix and match sometimes in order to get the effect on our hair that we wanted.” Even before finishing their doctoral studies in 2006, www.thepositivecommunity.com

the two began planning, using their free time to experiment in the laboratory to figure out what they liked and what they wanted their dream products to be. One particular thing we wanted to target was dry scalp an issue for black women. Tea tree oils tackle that issue,” said Dubroy whose mother used to run a salon. “But the products already on the market didn’t have the added moisturizer that black hair needs.” Their products, which combine tea tree oil and a moisturizer, are Tea and Honey Blends Tea Tree Stimulating Shampoo, and Tea and Honey Blends Tea Tree Nourishing Conditioner. The line debuted last year and, according to Dubroy, has received good reviews so far from salon stylists and individuals who have tried the products. “We’ve been very fortunate. The feedback has been positive,” Dubroy said. It was a deliberate decision for both women to secure full-time jobs as chemists – Lash at a chemical company in Maryland, Dubroy at BASF in Florham Park. “We had to go to work; we knew we wanted to form our own company but we didn’t want any debt. Our company is all based on our personal income.” The women also were busy with their personal lives: Both got married and as chance would have it, had babies last year. Waiting to launch also gave the duo time to do more homework on the billion dollar hair care industry, figure out how to set up their company, and decide what Tea and Honey Blends needed to do in order to compete. For example, they realized that to be competitive they would need to distribute large numbers of samples to salons, something considered standard in the industry. Continued on page 28 April 2010 The Positive Community

CACCI New Members & Visionary Awardees Photos: Seitu Oronde

oy Hastick, founder and president of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) officiated at the induction of new members and CACCI’s Visionaries on March 26. The event was held at Brooklyn Borough Hall on March 26, 2010. Roy Hastick (center) with awardees

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

TNJ Honors 25 Influential Women in Business

L–R: Aziz Gueye Adetimirin founder/publisher of The Network Journal, Cissy Houston and Jeff Burns

n Thursday, March 11, 2010, The Network Journal presented The TNJ's 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards at the Marriott New York Marquis. This year’s luncheon marked the 12th consecutive year The Network Journal, a magazine for professionals and businessmen and women, has held the event.

The Positive Community April 2010

Vy Higginsen founder and CEO of Mama Foundation for the Arts

L–R: Virginia Montague, president NY Chapter, 100 Black Women, Donna Sims Wilson, president, M.R. Beal & Co. and Angela E. Guy, VP Softsheen

Each year, twenty-five women are chosen from hundreds of nominees from throughout the United States. Women from our area who were honored include: Hilda Hutcherson, MD, associate dean, clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons; Jackie Carter, VP/ publisher of nonfiction books, Scho-

lastic Classroom and Library group at Scholastic Inc.; Angela Guy, senior VP, general manager at Softsheen-Carson; Vy Higginsen, founder, creator and CEO of Mama Foundation for the Arts, and Meme Omogbai, COO, The Newark Museum. Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor My9 WWOR-TV, was mistress of ceremonies. www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s happening at

Columbia in April

Thursday, April 1 Beyond Lift Every Voice and Sing: The Culture of Uplift, Identity, and Politics in Black Musical Theater 8:00 p.m. 622 Dodge Hall, Morningside campus Paula Marie Seniors, assistant professor of sociology at Virginia Tech, discusses her latest book in this free lecture. For more info, call (212) 8511633 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events. Neo-liberalism, Secularism, and the Future of the Left in India 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Second Floor Common Room, International Affairs, Morningside campus Speakers: Sitaram Yechury, Prabhat Patnaik, Jayati Ghosh, C.P. Chandrahekar and Javeed Alam. No tickets or reservations required. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or email heymancenter@columbia.edu.

Thursday, April 1–Saturday, Thursday, April 1–Saturday, April 3 Divining the Message, Mediating the Divine 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Buell Hall, Morningside campus The 2010 Columbia University Religion Graduate Students’ Conference will explore how new media technologies transform the way people imagine and communicate with the divine. Keynote speakers: Bernard Stiegler, the Pompidou Centre; Mark C. Taylor, Columbia University; and Brian Larkin, Barnard College. Limited seating; registration recommended. For more info, email Benjamin Fong at columbia.religion@gmail.com.

Monday, April 5 Café Arts: The Architecture of the Hidden 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Market & Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Discussion with assistant professor of architecture Yolande Daniels. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 222-8222 or email cafearts@columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 6 Communicating Climate Change Science 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 555 Lerner Hall, Morningside campus Panelists: Ned Gardiner, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Gavin Schmidt, Goddard Institute for Space Studies; Sabine Marx, Columbia’s Earth Institute; and Robin Bell, Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Free. For more info, contact Kathryn Pope at (212) 851-2856 or kp2002@columbia.edu.

Wednesday, April 7

Wednesday, April 14

Lecture: Moving Toward The Row House Reborn: Architecture Utopia: What Kind of City and Neighborhoods in New York Lies Ahead? City, 1908–1929 6:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. James Room, 4th Floor, Barnard Hall, 117th and 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Broadway Andrew S. Dolkart, director of the Historic A panel of architects and urban planners examPreservation Program, discusses his latest book, which traces the evolution of this vernacular form ines the social, environmental and political implications of new approaches to designing public in New York City neighborhoods. Registration spaces. No registration required. For more info, required; limited seating. Send an email to visit www.barnard.edu/events. lehmancenter@columbia.edu.

Thursday, April 8 The U.S. Immigration Debate: A Historical and Global Perspective 6:00 p.m. James Room, 4th Floor, Barnard Hall, 117th and Broadway Professors Mae Ngai of Columbia University, Joaquin Arango of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Jose Moya of Barnard College will compare U.S. public debates on immigration to those in other countries. No registration required. For more info, contact Kathryn McLean at (212) 854-5321 or kmclean@barnard.edu. Panel Discussion: Climate Wise Women 6:00 p.m. The Diana Center, Barnard College, 117th and Broadway Grassroots activists from around the globe speak about how climate change has adversely affected their communities. Keynote speaker: former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. No registration required. For more info, contact Mark Farrell at (212) 854-1777 or athenacenter@barnard.edu.

Friday, April 9 Columbia Ballet Collaborative 8:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Columbia Ballet Collaborative presents an engaging program of contemporary ballet works. Tickets $7-$12. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events.

Monday, April 12

Discussion: Free Speech in a Globalized World 6:15 p.m. Low Library Rotunda, Morningside campus Speakers: author Salman Rushdie; David Ignatius, novelist and associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post; Michael Schudson, professor, Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism; and Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger. Registration required. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.

Thursday, April 15 The Lionel Trilling Seminar: Obama, King, Ralph Ellison, and the American Dream 6:15 p.m. Davis Auditorium, Schapiro Center, Morningside campus Speaker: Eric Sundquist, University of California, Los Angeles. Respondents: Kenneth Warren, University of Chicago; and Glenn Loury, Brown University. No tickets or reservations required. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or email heymancenter@columbia.edu.

Sunday, April 18 CU Big Band and CU Jazz Ensembles 7:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus This free concert is part of Miller Theatre’s Columbia Performers Partnership, which supports student performing arts groups and young artist development, fosters interdepartmental collaboration and shares the University’s artistic talents with a broader audience.

Monday, April 19

Café Science: Of Mice and Men: The Hunt for Mood Genes 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Market & Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street

Café Humanities: Women’s Secrets in Don Giovanni 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Market & Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street

Neurobiologist René Hen discusses efforts to identify genes that contribute significantly to depression. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, contact Stephanie Allred at (212) 851-7809 or sa2695@columbia.edu.

Musicologist Elaine Sisman discusses the female characters in this famously problematic opera. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 222-8222 or email cafehumanities@ columbia.edu.

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.

Wednesday, April 21 Infectious Fear: Politics, Disease, and the Health Effects of Segregation Noon 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Associate professor of history Samuel K. Roberts discusses his new book, which explores the political economy of health and tuberculosis control from the late 19th through the mid-20th century. Registration required; limited seating. Send an email to lehmancenter@columbia.edu. Film: My Father, My Lord 8:00 p.m. 323 Milbank Hall, Broadway and 120th, Morningside campus The screening of this celebrated film will be followed by a discussion with Uri Cohen, assistant professor of Middle East and Asian languages and cultures. For more info, call (212) 851-4145 or email info@ircpl.org.

Thursday, April 22 Reading: Jamaica Kincaid 6:15 p.m. Davis Auditorium, Schapiro Center, Morningside campus Renowned author Jamaica Kincaid will give a reading and an interview by Saidiya Hartman, professor of English and comparative literature. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.

Friday, April 23 Lecture: Religion, Ethnicity and Politics in West Africa: Senegal and Nigeria 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 801 International Affairs, Morningside campus A discussion with Ousmane Kane, associate professor of international and public affairs. For more info, call (212) 854-7813 or visit www .sipa.columbia.edu/cdtr.

Monday, April 26 Café Social Science: The 20th Century: View From the Middle East 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PicNic Market & Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Discussion with historian and Columbia professor Rashid Khalidi on a non-Western view of the history of the 20th century. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 222-8222 or cafesocialscience@columbia.edu. 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.

ROOT OF IT

Gearing Up for Business Port Authority of NY & NJ Business Exchange Program Attracts 100’s

n March 9th at the Hotel Pennsylvania in midtown Manhattan, representatives from minority, women-owned, small and disadvantaged firms in the construction and professional services arena converged at the Port Authority of NY and NJ's 2010 Business Exchange Program. At this event, the agency shared about opportunities in some of the 70 specific services for which contracts are awarded, and the procedures for companies to follow in order to be in consideration for doing business with the Port Authority. After the official program ended, attendees Lash Green, Director, were able to network and get Office of Business more information from the and Job Opportunity, numerous businesses that the Port Authority had exhibits on display. Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Continued from page 25 The partners also set up a manufacturing and distribution network of sorts. They handle supplies, purchasing orders and shipping from their homes while a factory in North Carolina actually makes and bottles the Tea and Honey Blends products for them.The waiting time also gave them a chance to find key advisors and mentors. Stevie Watson, one of Dubroy’s professors in the Rutgers’ MBA program, has been serving as an unofficial consultant. Watson said they have taken a smart approach to their business. “A lot of the challenge is just in terms of getting the word out to the consumer marketplace that this is a valuable product, a great product for ethnic markets,” noted Watson who specializes in ethnic consumer behavior and marketing. The main thing for any business is “to have an understanding of what you’re good at, what you can offer in the marketplace for the consumer, making sure you can get that value to the consumer, and being able to access and evaluate the program for the future,” according to Watson. Despite being a small start up in an industry ruled by large corporations, the entrepreneurs are hopeful that Tea and Honey Blends can grow to eventually become the number one black-owned hair care line in the industry. “There are a lot of products out there,” Dubroy said. “But we know that even though these products are really popular some of them are not really good for our hair. It’s going to be difficult to succeed, but we think it’s doable.”

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The Positive Community April 2010

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National Urban League Celebrates Centennial

ne hundred years after its founding in 1910 as the Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes by Ruth Standish Baldwin, the socially– conscious widow of a railroad magnate and social worker, Dr. George Edmund Hayes, the National Urban League is more committed than ever to social justice and equality. With the mission “to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights,” NUL has embarked on an ambitious centennial year initiative titled “I Am Empowered.” Under the direction of NUL president Marc Morial, NUL has defined four goals they are asking every American to achieve by the year 2025. • Every American child is ready for college, work and life; • Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits; • Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fair terms. • Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Marc Morial, president NUL at the celebration event at Gospel Uptown

Through I AM EMPOWERED SMP, a vast, interactive web community that uses 21st century technology, people from all walks of life are united with the Urban League, its affiliates, coalition of supporters and one another in one location. Members can access information, services and to engage to advance the cause of equality 24 hours a day, seven days a week in real time, online. For more information or to become involved visit www. iamempowered.com, or download the mobile application to sign the pledge to commit to achieving the goals and become part of the I Am Empowered movement.

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Harlem Legend Passes

laude Sharrieff-Frazier (1925-2010) former CFO of the popular restaurant and catering facility, Windows Over Harlem, passed away, on March 19, 2010 after a brief illness. A World War II veteran, Sharrieff was active in community affairs, former president of the Harlem Republic Club and a beloved Harlem resident. www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2010 The Positive Community

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Eighth Annual Let Us Break Bread Together Awards Gala

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KEY PUBLIC EVENTS INCLUDE: SUNDAY, JULY 25th

“A Great Day In Harlem” Saluting Percy Sutton

Dr. Annie B. Martin President of the New York NAACP Branch

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5th

NYC Economic & Business Development Conference

Michelle Paige Paterson New York’s First Lady

Urban Fashion Showcase

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10th

NYC Senior Citizens Day SATURDAY, AUGUST 14th

“Summer in the City” • College Fair and Expo • “Dancin’ in the Streets” • Urban Fashion Show • “Uptown Saturday Nite” Saluting Teddy Pendergrass

GU 2110 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard New York City

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Thursday, April 22, 2010 Reception –6:00 PM Dinner and Program—7:00PM

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Saluting “The Children of Haiti”

•NYC Health Village •Outdoor Auto Show •Tri-State Jr. Tennis Championships • 3 Stages of Live Entertainment SATURDAY, AUGUST 21st

Host Tamron Hall Anchor, MSNBC

The Family Health Walk-A-Thon & The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run

The start of the Harlem 5k Run

HARLEM WEEK 2010

For more information call 212-281-4887 or visit our website: www.hcci.org Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc.

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4th Annual Men of Vision Palm Sunday Breakfast Celebration

Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, MC

Photos: Lloyd Holmes

ewark's first woman Municipal Council President, Hon. Mildred C. Crump, hosted her annual “Palm Sunday Men of Vision Breakfast” at the Robert Treat Hotel. This year's theme: Famous Fathers and Famous SonsPassing the Torch. The breakfast was dedicated to the memory of President Crump's husband, Cecil R. Crump “the greatest man of vison I've ever known.”

Newark Mayor, Cory Booker Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr. and Newark Councilman Donald M. Payne Jr.

Hector Ortiz Jr. and Hector Ortiz Sr.

The Positive Community April 2010

C. Lawrence Crump, Esq. and mother Mildred Crump

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Hon. Mildred Crump, Shivaun Gaines, Montclair State University Judge Felix R. Neals, with son Hon. Julien X. Neals, Corporation Counsel for the City of Newark

Hon. Philip Thigpen with son Richard T. Thigpen, Esq.

Keith Green, United Way of Essex & West Hudson Steve Adubato Sr. and Raymond M. Brown, Esq.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Councilman Ron C. Rice

Newark Councilman Oscar James II, with father Oscar James Sr.

April 2010 The Positive Community

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Icons of black literature; L–R: Toni Morrison and Sonia Sanchez

L–R: Amiri Baraka, Spokesperson For Dr. Jackson, Brenda M. Greene, unidentified guest, Sonia Sanchez, Regina Brooks, Toni Morrison, Kamau Brathwaite, poet, Cornell West.

Black Writers Convene at Medgar Evers National Black Writers Conference Celebrates 10th Anniversary

n a March 22, 2010 article in the New York Time about the then upcoming Black Writers Conference at Medgar Evers College (MEC), March 25-28, 2010, the reporter posed a question, “Do black writers still need a conference to call their own?” The resounding answer from all quarters was “YES! And yes, despite the election of America’s first African American president, writers of the same race as he often feel and are marginalized,

looked over and strictly categorized not on the basis of their subject matter or writing style, but on the basis of their race. And so it was not a surprise that more than 2000 Black writers from throughout America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa came to Brooklyn for the 10th National Black Writers Conference. There were writers with names you know: Toni Morrison, James McBride, Amiri Baraka, Obery M.Hendricks, Edwidge Danticat, Ka-

mau Brathwaite, Susan Taylor, Terrie Williams and Cornell West. And there were those still seeking a literary career and hoping for a bit of advice, approval or leg up somehow. When the reporter posed the aforementioned question to him, James McBride, who is best known for his non-fiction work, The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother, responded regarding his reason for attending the conference, “James Baldwin and Zora Neale

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Hurston opened the door for me. If I can help someone, all the better.” Pulitzer prize-winner Toni Morrison served as honorary chair of the conference, which was first held in 1986 and inspired by the visionary leadership of the late John O. Killens. The theme of the Conference “And Then We Heard the Thunder: Black Writers Reconstructing Memories and Lighting the Way.” was explored through a series of panel discussions, roundtables, author readings and storytelling using the metaphor of thunder, memory and light to examine the historical representation of the literature of Black writers and the representation of new and future directions for contemporary and emerging literary voices. The Conference honored Amiri Baraka, Kamau Brathwaite and former MEC president, Dr. Edison O. Jackson. The event was hosted by the Dr. Brenda M. Greene, executive director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2010 The Positive Community

Bergen County Says:

Be Counted!

Representatives from the glorious mosaic of people that make up Bergen County

Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Circles of Color co-founder Isaiah M. Jefferson, Michael Hill, Hackensack Mayor Marlin G. Townes, NJ, Circles of Color co-founder Kayellen Dunston-Jefferson

The Positive Community April 2010

ergen County 2010 Census Kick-off was held on Tuesday, March 16, at Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack, NJ.Â County Executive Dennis McNerney encouraged everyone to fill out and mail the 2010 Census form, and in turn encourage their friends and family to do the same. McNerney emphasized the importance of having everyone counted so that an accurate census count could result. In that way communities can benefit, receiving their fair share of federal program offerings and monetary allocations.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION

Education T each i n g , L ea r n i n g , M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n ce

LEFT: Kid reporter Naquaisha Rattray will report on the “Eat, Grow and Go!” event for the Scholastic Press Corps national news site.

Newark Students Learn to Eat, Grow & Go Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Scholastic Corporation support fitness program

n March 26, 2010 Newark Public Schools (NPS) and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center launched an aggressive program to combat obesity by changing the eating habits of our young children via education and exercise. Working with Newark Beth Israel’s award winning Kids Fit program, NPS has developed Eat, Grow & Go, a measurable education-based program designed to teach students from pre-kindergarten to grade eight to improve their eating habits and physical activity patterns. Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, is also helping to increase awareness, providing books to the students that help them understand the many benefits of healthy eating, good nutrition and exercise. Additional supporters of the event included Slow Food Northern NJ Farmer Affiliates, Garden State Urban www.thepositivecommunity.com

Farms and Newark Vocational High School Culinary Department.The fitness program includes a comprehensive curriculum that is linked with the district’s website to help students realize the connection between being fit and academic performance. More than 553 students took part in the festivities, which included materials and activities to reinforce language arts, mathematics and science skills. NPS Superintendent Dr. Clifford B. Janey’s vision to place a premium on reading and critical thinking skills resulted in Scholastic joining the nutritional and wellness event. Superintendent Janey noted the collaboration of the Beth Israel Medical Center, Scholastic and the other affiliates replicates the kinds of community partnerships included in the district’s newly implemented strategic plan and First Lady Michelle Obama’s support of healthy programs for young people. April 2010 The Positive Community

“Changing Definitions” In the midst of a changing world, the Theological School has accepted its responsibility to empower religious leadership and exercise great authority. Even as the understanding of that leadership continues to change, Drew seeks to create a space where all persons, especially Black women can find and define their voices.

“

Anyone who coins a term, and creates a definition has seized power and is exercising great authority. A Black woman who would have the audacity to define ANYTHING, but most especially her own kind and her own thinking, is a Black woman deeply in touch with the necessity for resistance and hope.

”

– Dr. N. Lynne Westfield, Professor of Christian Education, Drew Theological School.

rew began as a dream of faithful people who cared deeply for the world. Their desire to equip and empower religious leaders moved them to call forth the first class of theologians in 1867. As much as we have stayed the same we have also changed. Since those early days of a seminary filled with white men, Drew has become a place of empowerment for all people, especially women. Ours is one of the few seminaries in the country in which the three primary administrators are all women. The Theological School student body has approximately a 50/50 split between men and women. Drew accepted the audacity to re-define itself. Five years ago, “Daughters of Jerusalem” was born. Several Black women, all Drew students, joined together to form this group which assists and supports women of color on their unique ministry paths. Through “Daughters of Jerusalem”, these women sought to have the audacity to define their journeys through messages of hope, preaching, support, ministry outreach and prayer. Just recently, Drew Theological School Alum, Rev. Stephanie Minatee demonstrated that God continues to use her to define ministry through music. Rev. Minatee with her choir, Jubilation (www. jubilationinc.com), won a 2010 Grammy Award for singing lead vocals on the title track “Oh Happy Day” from Queen Latifah’s recently released album. Drew prepares students to embrace these unique opportunities to glorify God. Drew has discovered that we must be in ministry with and to all people. 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 the world. 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 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 the women who have passed through our doors and will pass through our doors and we are confident that we can continue to translate that 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.

Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller Director of Theological Admissions, Drew University Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Boonton, NJ

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION

For people who walk through walls

The Newark School of Theology Summer CourSeS 2010 Classes Begin June 1st

New

The Moral Basis of Capitalism (Adam Smith’s Moral Philosophy) Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D. (GTU) Thomas Bryant, Ph.D. (M.I.T.)

Introducing the Bible to Those Who Teach Ernestine Galloway, Ed.D. (NYU)

Anglican Theology

Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D

Counseling the Bereaved Chaplain Cynthia Brady, M.Div

New Testament Greek Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D.

New

Spanish for Church Leaders Miguel Hernandez, M.Div. (Cand.)

Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D.

Women in the Bible

Mary L. Thomas, M.A. (Union)

OPEN HOUSE – MAY 8TH – 10 am to 12 noon Challenging Seminary Level Classes ~ Outstanding Faculty Small Classes ~ Affordable Tuition Payment Plan Available ~ Convenient Location Near NJPAC Free Parking ~ Ask about College Credit

For more information contact

The Newark School of Theology Two Park Place, Newark, NJ Mail: P.O. Box 831 Newark, New Jersey 07101

Telephone (973) 297-0505 www.newarkschooloftheology.org 40

The Positive Community April 2010

The Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark 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 – over 97% of Catholic school graduates advance to college. The Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark are deeply committed to helping students develop into productive, responsible adults and citizens with goals and direction in life. And although Catholic faith-based values are basic to our education, religious diversity is an integral part of our classrooms. Catholic Elementary School is the start of a smart investment in your child’s future. To help families mange tuition, we offer flexible payment programs. This value-based education is well worth the cost. Then again, so are your children. To learn more about the Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, please call (973) 497-4258. Para mas informacíon sobre las Escuelas Católicas Elemtales de la Arquidiócesis de Newark, favor de llamar al (973) 497-4258. The Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark Opening hearts, minds and doors.

Serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Students choose from ASA programs in Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Business Administration, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Network & Security Administration and more. We at ASA make college experience for you exitSpecialservice. scholarships (up to 5 ing and an enjoyable journey. We will help you with every step of the way through our outstanding student Authorized under federal law Graduates are entitled to free lifetime job placement assistance with our college’s outstanding staff of job developers.

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Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Students who are interested in earning a Bachelor’s degree should ask about ASA’s “2+2 College Plan”™. All the students enrolled in ASA – The College for Excellence are able to try out in the sport of choice, with a full sponsorship from the college. Unlimited number of students can participate in intramural tournaments within ASA as well as with other colleges and some may be promoted to intercollegiate team with scholarship participating in NJCAA tournaments.

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April 2010 The Positive Community

Harold Ford, Jr., Keynote Speaker

2010 Black Achievers in Industry Stephanie Elam, CNN Business News Correspondent, Emcee

Harlem YMCA Celebrates 40th Annual Black Achievers in Industry

n March 18, the Harlem YMCA staged its premier fundraising event, the 40th Annual National Salute to Black Achievers in Industry Awards. The black-tie gala is the flagship event of its kind within the 19 YMCA’s in New York. This year it generated more than $600,000 for Harlem YMCA programs. Seven hundred guests attended the celebration— the crowning achievement of 40 years of honoring black professionals and organizations. Thirty-one individuals were recognized for their corporate leadership and service to their community. They join more than 4,100 business professionals saluted since the program began in 1971. Attendees responded enthusiastically to a silent auction adding $16,000 to help fund Strong Kids – one of the Harlem Y’s many initiatives focused on giving the community’s youth a safe place to develop and pursue their dreams. Other initiatives include day camp, child care, swim lessons and a literacy-based after-school program. One of the most exciting elements of the evening, as explained by Executive Director Tiffeny Forrest, was the awarding of 52 corporate scholarships of $2500 each to high school seniors and college students. “We were hoping to celebrate our 40th year of BAI with 40 scholarships

The Positive Community April 2010

instead of the usual 18 to 20, but this year our supporters really came through in spectacular fashion. So, 52 students will get help toward their educational and career goals—including some second- third- and even fourthtime winners. And some of the corporate sponsors will increase their involvement by offering internships.” Engaging the corporate community in Harlem YMCA programs and activities is the underlying strategy for the Black Achievers event. Of more than 200 sponsoring organizations, three have been involved since the beginning – Citi, Con Edison and JP Morgan Chase. Executives of all three spoke as co-chairs of the event. Many BAI honorees stay involved by participating in the Black Achievers in Industry Mentor program in which students are paired with former achievers. Messages from President Bill Clinton and Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts and several special awards highlighted the evening. The Carrie Terrell Youth Achiever of the Year award went to Danielle LaHee, a senior at the High School for Math, Science and Engineering. Gwendolyn B. Lee was honored with the Leo B. Marsh Award, named for the BAI founder. Dr. Lee, an educator for 38 years, is serving her second term as national president of The Links, Inc., an international www.thepositivecommunity.com

Kizzy Maitland, Avon Products; Herbert Ford, ABC Networks; Tiffeny Forrest, Harlem YMCA; Gwendolyn B. Lee, The Links, Inc.; and Barbara King, jazz vocalist.

service organization comprised of more than 12,000 women of color. Dr. Lee dedicated her award to the members and chapters of The Links, many of whom are involved in programs for young people. Essence Magazine was recognized with the Deloitte Corporate Community Award. Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, accepted the award noting, “Forty is certainly the magic number tonight. Essence has been celebrating women for 40 years.” For outstanding community service efforts, Eric Hutcherson, a partner and Global HR leader with Mercer Outsourcing, received the Elaine Edmonds Award. Hutcherson volunteers at programs for youth in his community, with hands-on participation and fundraising. Keynote speaker Harold Ford Jr., chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, capped the evening. The former five-term Tennessee Congressman directed most of his remarks to the scholarship students, encouraging them to look to the Black Achiever honorees for inspiration as they set their own goals and to find ways to give back to organizations like the Harlem YMCA as they develop their careers and pursue success. Tiffeny Forest summed up the evening: “It was truly a celebration of the corporate and community-service worlds coming together to help young people who might never otherwise have a chance at success or pursue their dreams for education and a career. We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting event, and it was thanks to the generosity of our supporters.” One of the corporate scholarship awardees agrees, as expressed in a letter thanking the Harlem YMCA. In addition to having fun at the event, Abdul Hafiz, a senior at Susan E. Wagner High School, writes, “I was also able to network and meet other successful African Americans who positively affect society. They are great role models for us and as of last Thursday we can no longer make excuses for not striving to achieve.” For additional information or to participate in supporting the Harlem YMCA, contact Tiffeny Forrest at tforrest@ymcany.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Gwendolyn B. Lee, The Links, Inc.; Jack Lund and Michelle Ebanks, Essence Comunications

Valerie Rainford, JPMorgan Chase

Ana Duarte McCarthy, Citigroup

L–R: Kizzy Maitland, Avon Products; Herbert Ford, ABC Networks and Tiffeny Forrest, Harlem YMCA.

L–R: Barry Salzberg, Deloitte LLP; Kevin Burke, Con Edison and Jack Lund, YMCA of Greater New York.

April 2010 The Positive Community

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION Paid aaddvert vertisement Paid isem ent

Young Students Students Explore Explore Science and Math Math at at Columbia Columbia

Diane Bondareff Diane Bondareff

very Saturday, Saturday, some some 600 600 high very high school school students head head to to Columbia Columbia University’s students University’s Morningside Heights Heights campus campus to Morningside to take take free free classes on on subjects subjects such such as classes as black black holes, holes, cliclimate change and the human nervous system. mate change and the human nervous system. The students, part of the University’s 52-year-old The students, part of the University’s 52-year-old Science Honors Program (www.columbia.edu/cu/ Science Honors Program (www.columbia.edu/cu/ shp) and chosen through a rigorous selection proshp) and chosen through a rigorous selection process, study with top Columbia faculty, postdoctoral cess, study with top Columbia faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. “The main goal of fellows and graduate students. “The main goal of the program is to let students explore the frontiers the program is to let students explore the frontiers of contemporary science and mathematics,” says of contemporary science and mathematics,” says Allan Blaer, emeritus professor of physics and the Allan Blaer,director emeritus professor physics and will the program’s since 1989. of “We hope they program’s director since 1989.and “Wewill hope they will become sufficiently interested consider seribecome sufficiently interested andaswill consider seriously pursuing science and math a career.” ously pursuing science and math as a career.” Brian Greene, a professor of mathematics at Brian Greene, professor of mathematics Columbia and afounder of the World ScienceatFestival, Columbia andinfounder of theHonors World Program Science as Festival, participated the Science a participated the Science Honors a to teenager. Heinadds, “Nurturing youngProgram talent isasvital teenager. He adds, “Nurturing young talent is vital the future of science; in New York City, the Scienceto the future of science; New York City, the Science Honors Program is an in essential part of doing so. Honors Program is the an essential part of doing so. At the same time, program spreads the word At the same program spreads the word among sometime, of thethe city’s best young students that among somededication of the city’s best young students that Columbia’s to science is strong.” Columbia’s dedication to science is strong.” The program is one of several run by Columbia facThe onefoster of several Columbia faculty program and staffisthat math run and by science learning ulty andhigh staffschool that foster math high and school sciencestudents, learning among and junior among high school juniortournaments high school students, and that range fromand robotics to lab trainand thatteachers. range from robotics tournaments to lab training for ing for teachers. Robert Stark, manager of the mechanical engineering instructional at Columbia’s Fu Foundation School Robert Stark, lab manager of the mechanical engineering of Engineering Applied Science, favors a hands-on instructional laband at Columbia’s Fu Foundation School learning approach. Stark and his engineering of Engineering and Applied Science, favors a students hands-on work with a dozen teenagers high schools in the learning approach. Stark and from his engineering students Southwith Bronx each year to build a robot parts work a dozen teenagers from high from schools in the supplied by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition South Bronx each year to build a robot from parts of Science and Technology), an organization founded by supplied by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Segway and inventor Dean Kamen. The team enters its by Science Technology), an organization founded creations in robotics has won sevSegway inventor Deancompetitions Kamen. Theand team enters its eral regional events. competitions and has won sevcreations in robotics eral regional events. Victoria Barbarosa, now 20, participated in the program in Barbarosa, 2005 and 2006 andparticipated returns as ainmentor Victoria now 20, the proeach in year. Theand program herastoamajor in gram 2005 2006 motivated and returns mentor mechanical engineering at the Stevens Institute of each year. The program motivated her to major in Technology engineering in Hoboken, at N.J. interested in prosmechanical the“I’m Stevens Institute of thetics and in making robotic people who have Technology Hoboken, N.J.arms “I’mfor interested in proslost a limb,” says Barbarosa, thefor first in herwho family to thetics and making robotic arms people have pursue a career science. the first in her family to lost a limb,” saysinBarbarosa,

pursue a career in science. In partnership with the city Department of Education, the University also helped establish the Columbia In partnership with the city Department of Education, Secondary School for Science, Math and Engineering the University also helped establish the Columbia in Upper Manhattan. The public school, which opened Secondary School for Science, Math and Engineering in 2007 and will gradually expand to include grades in Upper Manhattan. The public school, which opened in 2007 and will gradually expand to include grades

Columbia Robotics Team members work on a project in an engineering lab. Columbia Robotics Team members work on a project in an engineering lab.

six through 12, “responds to a great national need” siximproved through 12, “responds to aeducation great national need” for math and science in local for improved and President science education in local schools, says math Columbia Lee C. Bollinger. schools, says Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger. Faculty and graduate students from Columbia help Faculty and classes. graduateThe students Columbia teach some middlefrom school grades help give teach some classes. Thelocal middle schoolfrom grades give priority to high-performing students northpriority to high-performing students from northern Manhattan, above 96thlocal Street. ern Manhattan, above 96th Street. “Part of the reason why there has been so much interest ourreason schoolwhy is because it is accelerated “Part ofinthe there has been so much and organized tend to theisneeds of highly talented stu-and interest intoour school because it is accelerated dents,” says José Maldonado-Rivera. “Andstuorganized to Principal tend to the needs of highly talented itdents,” has been successful attracting a very diverse says Principal in José Maldonado-Rivera. “And student population.” it has been successful in attracting a very diverse student population.” At Columbia University Medical Center, Samuel Silverstein works to improve student achievement At Columbia University Medical Center, Samuel by reaching outworks to science teachers. Twenty years ago, by Silverstein to improve student achievement Silverstein, thetoJohn C. Dalton Professor Physiology reaching out science teachers. Twentyofyears ago, &Silverstein, Cellular Biophysics, started the Summer of Research the John C. Dalton Professor Physiology Program forBiophysics, Science Teachers, provides & Cellular started which the Summer Research opportunities for aboutTeachers, two dozenwhich middle and high Program for Science provides school sciencefor teachers to do hands-on research in opportunities about two dozen middle and high Columbia laboratories for eight during two conschool science teachers to do weeks hands-on research in secutive Columbiasummers. laboratories for eight weeks during two consecutive summers. A paper published last year in the journal Science reported the students whose participatA paper that published last year in theteachers journal Science ed in the program had scores 10.1 percent higher on reported that the students whose teachers participatthe New York State Regents exams than students of ed in the program had scores 10.1 percent higher on non-participating teachers. Says Silverstein: “The best the New York State Regents exams than students of comment any teacher ever made about the program non-participating teachers. Says Silverstein: “The best was, ‘Before I entered this program, I taught my stucomment any teacher ever made about the program dents about chemistry. Now I teach them chemistry.’ ” was, ‘Before I entered this program, I taught my students about chemistry. Now I teach them chemistry.’ ”

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION By Verona Forde

Staff Mr. Jam with 8th grade teachers Ms. Zenina, Mrs. Liles, Collette Escayg, Ms. Joyce, Principal Lois Gregory The Learning Tree School Bronx with 8th graders heading to Kenya

Bronx Students Receive Global Exposure

hrough the Global Exposure Program at the Learning Tree Cultural Preparatory School in the Bronx, students have the opportunity to see the world. This year’s eighth graders are traveling to Kenya, Africa (with a stop in Dubai), their interest in that country having been heightened by President Barack Obama, whose father was a native Kenyan. Last year’s group vis-

ited Senegal and Mali. China, Morocco and Spain have been the destinations for other classes. The Global Exposure Program has been in existence for ten years at the Learning Tree. The class sizes are small, so all thirteen 8th graders are going on the trip along with four teachers and nine parents including Continued on page 50

A+ for helping young minds grow. Schools make the difference between knowing all the answers and knowing what questions to ask. That’s why we’re proud to support the efforts of The Positive Community in advocating for excellence in education in our communities. To learn more about PNC’s Community Development Banking financial education workshops, please contact us at (973) 639-7117.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2010 The Positive Community

The New Wine:

Q+A

New Brunswick Theological Seminary’s Metro Urban Ministry and Anti Racism Initiatives Q. You have been at New Brunswick Theological Seminary for 16 years. What changes have you witnessed? A. When I arrived in 1991, The Rev. Dr. Warren Dennis is 70 percent of the students Dirk Romeyn Professor of were white and 30 percent Metro Urban Ministry and the were people of color. Today first African-American tenured it’s reversed: 70 percent of professor at New Brunswick the students are people of Theological Seminary. color, and half are women. Today the curriculum is relePhoto: Ron Wyatt vant to the urban experiences from which our students come. Q. What exactly is metro urban ministry? A. Urban ministry challenges preconceptions of urban church and urban living. It employs economics, demographics, politics, history, topography, institutions, organizations and other groups, to name a few, to improve the lives of congregants and the community. It seeks social justice and change. It goes beyond the pulpit and influences the environment through Christian witness and action. Q. How do you define “urban”? A. For me, it has a spatial connotation. It looks at how land is used to advantage or disadvantage those who live in cities. We live in a majority white middle-class society whose political mind-set is suburban. However, we find ourselves challenged daily by the encroachment of urban phenomena. The debate over the definition of urban is a political distraction that keeps us from focusing on the real problems of the inner city. A. Other seminaries teach urban ministry. How is the D. Min. at NBTS different? A. Our teaching and learning take place beyond the traditional classroom. We partner with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers – The State University to teach our students urban planning, land use planning and policy. We also collaborate with Magyar Bank to offer a course in community development. Students www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community April 2010

learn how to work with existing city agencies to affect social change. Q. Your courses sound useful to the working pastor. What are some others? A. “Poverty and Race” is held it at a local soup kitchen. Our students engage people there, and learn what it means to be poor, cold and hungry, and then reflect critically on the experience. In “The City as Text,” the city becomes the classroom. Students meet with leaders and policy makers about their endeavors to improve the quality of life for the community. Faith and learning are applied to the social and political context of a city. Q. Your seminary strives to be an anti racist institution. What does that mean? A. We have made an honest attempt to look at how white privilege and power and theological education, have provided an advantage to white students and a disadvantage to people of color in ways that perpetuate a white suburban ministry while ignoring the tradition and religious experience of people of color. We seek to dismantle inequities and discrimination no matter how long it takes. Q. Why do students choose New Brunswick? A. Because of its exceptional seminary education. It has evening courses, affordable tuition, and a manageable commute to either of our urban campuses. It offers interdenominational and cultural diversity. It’s a spiritually alive and nurturing place. Because most of our students work, their lived experiences enrich the theological discussion. Q. What is your definition of ministry? A. I turn to Luke 4: 14-21. Faith is defined by one’s solidarity with the poor and the presumption that poor people are the authorities on formulating the terms of their lives and conditions. Those proclaiming the gospel must become knowledgeable about the systemic realities of urban life and able to make the connection between their faith and social action. Q. What is the most important thing you expect of your graduates? A. Jesus changed lives and the world and calls people to continue to change lives and society. We send our students out to not only bring folks into the church, but to take the church into the community. We ask them to be public theologians, to sit at the table and be the voice of social justice where power and policy intersect. We expect them to challenge disparity, and to empower oppressed people to speak for themselves.

Founded in 1784, New Brunswick Theological Seminary is the first seminary in North America and has campuses in New Brunswick, in the middle of Rutgers – The State University, and at St. John’s University in Jamaica Queens, New York. It offers Master in Divinity, Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees in a spiritually-rich, mutli-cultural, interdenominational environment. April 2008 The Positive Community 51 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Adult Education Programs Look carefully before you leap

isit a college or university today, and you will see a very different population than you would have seen fifty years ago. In today’s world, more and more adults are attending colleges across the United States. Read almost any newspaper with an education supplement enclosed, and you’ll find that most colleges advertise programs for adults. But look carefully before choosing a program that calls itself “for adults” because all adult programs are not created equal. What makes a college program adult friendly? Let’s look first to the special needs that most adult students bring to the college environment. Flexibility is one of the most important features of an adult friendly college. Flexibility allows adults to work around their employers needs, the needs of their families, and many other adult responsibilities including involvement in their communities and congregations. And while they want to go to college for the first time, or to finish a degree previously started, the adult learners now have lives that are important to them and they don’t want to give up work, family, or other interests to get that all important passport to increased success: the college degree. Therefore, most students require a program to be flexible, and for the school administration to work with them. Next, while they are willing to commit, they want to see an end in sight; they’re not looking to spend the rest of their lives in school. They want to improve their lives, their careers, and their standard of living sooner rather than later. Still, they want a quality education, so they’re not looking for watered down courses or bogus degrees. They want the real thing, and if they are offered a means by which they can expedite their degree sooner, all the better. A report of a study completed by CAEL, the Council for Adults in Experiential Learning, shows that students who undertake a Prior Learning Assessment often graduate earlier and have a better rate of persistence to graduation than those who don’t. A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) offers

the adult student credit for the life experiences or in academic jargon, those experiences and achievements that are equivalent to college level learning. And quiet as it is kept, most adults have achieved some form of college level learning in their life experiences. The College of New Rochelle School of New Resources is unique in that students can have their prior learning evaluated in the form of a portfolio and earn up to 30 college credits and graduate earlier. When examining the school you want to attend as an adult student, keep in mind that one of the first colleges to design a program unique to the adult population was the School of New Resources. Founded in 1972, SNR recognized the needs inherent in the more mature student, but also lauded the life experiences that this student brings to the classroom. Every single course validates and honors the student’s life experiences. The School of New Resources also saw the need to bring the school to neighborhoods that were not then served, rather than asking students to leave their neighborhoods to attend classes. Therefore, the original two campuses, the main campus in New Rochelle, and the DC-37 Campus in lower Manhattan, were soon followed by campuses in Brooklyn, Harlem, the South Bronx, and Co-Op City. For adults, the need to be close to home and work is paramount. Today there are six campuses and over 3,500 students attending. Since 1974 we have graduated over 17,000 adults with B.A. degrees. Our students tell us that the flexibility of our classes, the convenience of the locations, and the ability to expedite their degrees with prior learning credits are all part of the reason our program, really designed for the adult, works for them. They praise the ease in which they were enrolled, the academic advisement they receive, and the individual help they get in applying for Financial Aid. Each campus has its own Financial Aid officer, an on-site library, computer labs and ongoing tutorial help, all free of charge. We welcome the maturity and experiences our students bring to our program. You can be one of them.

College of New Rochelle

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION KENYA

Continued from page 45 Collette Escayg, a Middle School parent representative. In addition to seeing the well-known sites like Lake Nakuru National Park, the national museum and Massai Mara Game Reserve, a highlight of the trip will be their visit to the Obama Secondary School, where they will donate much needed school supplies. The itinerary also includes lunch with Mama Sarah Obama, President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paternal grandmother in Kogelo, the ancestral village of President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. The students worked hard to make the trip a reality, joining forces with parents and teachers selling lunches, dinners and baked goods and even a game night to raise the funds. The student council, parent council, after school karate class and even the lady with the snack cart each donated $1,000. Extra costs including baggage handling and transportation will be paid for by Learning Tree. If you would like to help more students broaden their learning experience through travel, please contact Principal Lois Gregory, at 718-944-0958 or visit the website, www.thelearningtreeprep.org. The Learning Tree is a private elementary school fully accredited by New York City and State. The school is located at 801 Bartholdi Street in the Bronx and serves approximately 300 students, ages ranging from 2.9 to 13 years.

The Positive Community April 2010

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Great Season. Great Young Men. Derrick Ross

From Left: Jimmy Schmitt, Elgin Brown, Asmar Edwards and Jayvon Beaty

David West

For the second consecutive year, the Bergen Community College men’s basketball team won the Region XIX championship and placed third in the Division III national tournament. Bergen was driven by players such as forward Elgin Brown, who was a preseason All-American, and guard David West, who averaged more than 17 points per game. But these young men have game oﬀ the court too. Point guard Jimmy Schmitt is an NJ STARS student (top 15% of high school class). Center Jayvon Beaty has a 3.0 GPA. While at the national tournament in Delhi, N.Y., during downtime, guard Derrick Ross found a library so he could catch up on schoolwork. In everything they do, these young men are all-stars. And now it’s your turn to ﬁnd a spot on our roster — on the court and in the classroom.

www.bergen.edu

H A C K E N S A C K

P A R A M U S

• More than 130 degree, professional certiﬁcate and continuing education programs • Nearly 100 transfer agreements with four-year schools • 230 NJ STARS students • 341 Phi Theta Kappa students • Aﬀordable, convenient and accessible • A diverse campus community, including 60 student clubs • 12 intercollegiate sports

M E A D O W L A N D S

Governor Christie’s Cuts to Education and More

Hit Close to Home Governor cuts $1.5 billion in funding to schools

over the next 18 months

rom Sussex to Cape May, Governor Christie’s unprecedented cuts to public schools are having an enormous impact. Statewide, more than 6,000 teachers and 4,000 educational support professionals are expected to lose their jobs. Programs in almost every district will have to be cut, including music, art, and world language programs. In addition, staff layoffs will likely lead to larger class sizes across the board. Bergen County was the hardest-hit statewide. Many of its districts lost 100 percent of their state aid. In Essex County, nearly half the districts lost 95 to 100 percent of their state aid. In total, Essex County districts lost more than $108 million they were expecting to have on-hand for the 2010-2011 school year. Unfortunately, other worthy programs have also become victims of the State’s fiscal crisis. New Jersey After 3, a program that provides high-quality,

educational after-school programs for children between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. lost all of its state funding. This will likely cause the closure of programs for more than 11,000 children and put 1,100 people out of work. It also removes a valuable resource for working families who relied on the program to provide safe after-school care for their children. These cuts have hit higher education, as well. The NJ STARS program provides scholarships to attend New Jersey community colleges tuitionfree to high school students who graduate in the top 20 percent of their class. Under Governor Christie’s proposed budget, the program will cease to admit new students immediately. This program was an excellent resource to hard-working high school students who lacked the resources to attend college or university on their own. In addition, this program helped promote New Jersey’s excellent community college system and encouraged excellent students to stay in New Jersey to

continue their education. Unfortunately, even health programs for children and their caregivers have been cut. Autism NJ lost all their state funding in the governor’s budget and the cuts to NJ Family Care will mean that many parents and caregivers will no longer be eligible for coverage. This will have a negative impact on the children in their care. When parents and caregivers do not have access to health care, they may not be able to work or care properly for children. In difficult economic times, everyone must share the burden. Lawmakers must keep in mind, however, that New Jersey’s schoolchildren did not cause this crisis and have no voice to protest cuts to the programs and services they most need to have a good start in life. Children do not get a second chance at a first-class education. Working together, parents, grandparents, educators, and others can – and should – fight to protect New Jersey’s children.

Resources: To learn more about Governor Christie’s cuts to education and to sign a petition calling for the restoration of funds to our public schools, go to www.njkidsandfamilies.org. You can also find contact information for your legislators. To learn more about NJ After 3, go to www.njafter3.org. You can take action to support NJ After 3 on their website. For more information about the NJ STARS program, go to www.njstars.net. To sign a petition to help save the NJ STARS program, go to www.supportcommunitycolleges.com. Autism NJ has a petition to restore funding on their website, www.autismnj.org. NJ Family Care has additional information about the impact of the funding cuts at www.njfamilycare.org.

SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION

UFT Celebrates 50th Anniversary Teachers Union Donates $100m to Clinton Foundation for Haiti Relief

Bill Clinton & UFT President Michael Mulgrew.

ichael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), presented a check for $100,000 for Haitian relief to former President Bill Clinton of the William Clinton Foundation at UFTs 50th Anniversary Dinner on March 25 at the Hilton Hotel in New York City. Clinton, who is setting up a fund to assist people who want to go to Haiti, but cannot afford to go announced that the Haitian government would soon present a formal plan to handle the restructuring of the country and spoke of his delight at the passage of the Healthcare Bill passed on March 21. “Everything we do should be about a country we want to become and not what we used to be,” he said. Other speakers included NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Randi Weingarten, president of American Federation of Teachers; and Bill Lynch, political consultant. Christina Santa Maria accompanied by Dieran Manning from LaGuardia High School sang the Star Spangled Banner. Entertainment was provided by Broadway musical star Brian Stokes Mitchell and George Altomare sang “Solidarity Forever,” a song that spoke to UFT members— with the words “Solidarity forever…for the union makes us strong!” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Randi Weingarten with former President Clinton Bill Lynch of Bill Lynch Associates, ATSwas PosComChange4-5x4-5:Nyack 2/11/09 11:40 AM Page 1 who host for the evening

• Master

of Divinity • Master of Arts • Master of Professional Studies • Certificate Programs An Academically Excellent education that is Socially Relevant and Personally Transforming in an environment that is Globally Engaged and Intentionally Diverse.

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE! Saturday, April 24 2010 • 11:00 a.m. Manhattan Campus, 361 Broadway, New York, NY

Call 800-541-6891 or visit our website at www.nyack.edu/ats to make a reservation to attend. Nyack, NY • New York, NY • www.nyack.edu/ats April 2010 The Positive Community

Combating Urban Male Student Unemployment YMEN uses mentoring to prepare young men for careers

Written by

Matthew P. Stevens

The Young Men Employment Network (YMEN) helps mentor programs prepare urban males (ages 14-18) for today’s workforce. YMEN operates in three phases: PHASE 1: STAFF TRAINING Staff training is designed for mentor program coordinators, coaches, and counselors. It provides workbooks, software, and instruction that address the NJ State Core Curriculum Content Standards in the areas of Career Development, Life Skills, and Financial Literacy. The training and curriculum are available to schools and community based institutions at www.raspinc.org. PHASE 2: YMEN STUDENT CONFERENCE The Student Conference, sponsored by the TJX Companies Inc. and City National Bank, is scheduled for Friday April 23, 2010, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Rutgers University (Newark Campus). Mentor programs that use the YMEN Curriculum are invited to attend the conference at NO COST. Five hundred students attend career exploration workshops hosted by industry leaders. The keynote address recognizes the following people: •

WOMAN OF THE YEAR: Constance Frazier Assistant Superintendent, Orange Public Schools

•

COMMUNITY SERVANT OF THE YEAR: James Harris, President, NAACP, Montclair Chapter

•

MENTOR OF THE YEAR :Ted Gustus, Founder MYMENONLINE

•

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Baruti Kafele, Principal, Essex Technical High School

A special workshop for Single Mothers is conducted by the Raising Him Alone Campaign, which is funded by the Open Society Institute, Campaign for Black Male Achievement. The workshop provides practical strategies to help mothers prepare their sons for employment. PHASE 3: FOLLOW UP The goal of YMEN is to match students that attend the conference with summer jobs, internships, and entrance into college. These work experiences are provided by conference supporters and supervised by the respective mentor program coordinators. MENTORING WORKS YMEN is managed by RASP Educational Consultants, a 501C3 Organization. Dale Caldwell, the 2009 NJ School Board Member of the Year, is the President of RASP. YMEN is hosted at Rutgers University (Newark Campus) through a partnership agreement facilitated by the Office of the Chancellor and the Newark Mentoring Coalition (www.Newarkmentoringcoalition.org). The activity is coordinated by the Paul Robeson Campus Center, Office of Student Life and Leadership, and the Office of Campus and Community Relations. Learn more about YMEN, The Raising Him Alone Campaign or RASP curriculum and software at www.RASPINC.org. E-mail us at info@raspinc.org or call (973)-820-8999.

Always Love My Mama Dinner Dance Always Love My Mama Dinner Dance Orange BOE Hosts Activity to Improve Student Achievement Orange BOE Hosts Activity to Improve Student Achievement The Orange Board of Education and Parent Teacher Groups (PTA, PTO and PTSO) are proud to announce TheAlways Orange Board ofMy Education andDinner Parent Teacher Groups (PTA,takes PTO place and PTSO) are proud announce the Love Mama Dance. This event on Friday, May 7,to2010 from the Lovep.m. MyatMama Dinner This event takes place on Friday, 7, 2010 from 6:00Always p.m. - 11:00 the Orange HighDance. School (400 Lincoln Ave, Orange, NJ). May It recognizes the contributions of mothers and grandmothers, and simultaneously helps improve student achievement. 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at the Orange High School (400 Lincoln Ave, Orange, NJ). It recognizes the contributions of mothers and grandmothers, and simultaneously helps improve student achievement. WHO IS INVITED? WHO IS INVITED? Two hundred seats are made available Twomothers hundredand seats are made to students. Theavailable tickets to mothers The tickets are valued atand $25students. and are provided to are valuedasatprizes $25 and provided an to students for are completing students prizes for completing an essay andasslide presentation titled Why My Special. The essayMother and slideIspresentation titledessay Why My Mother Is Special. Theandessay consists of a five-page paper tenpconsists a g e sof l i daefive-page p r e s e npaper t a t i o and n t tenhat p a g e s l i d epictures p r e s eofn tthe a t i mother o n t h aatt incorporates incorporates of the mothertree at various stagespictures of her life, a family that outlines of their various stagesatofleast her 100 life, years a family tree that outlines at least 100and years of their family heritage, graphs, tables that family heritage, graphs, tables that support the essay. The and assignment is support and the essay. assignment is graded studentsThe receive credit in graded and students credit in classes. The activity is not a contest; therefore, any student that their English, History,receive and/or Computer completes the assignment is provided the classes. tickets. The activity is not a contest; therefore, any student that their English, History, and/or Computer completes the assignment is provided the tickets. WHY RECOGNIZE MOTHERS? WHY RECOGNIZE MOTHERS? Being a mother in today’s society is one of the Being a jobs mother in today’s society is onegoal of the hardest in the world! The ultimate of hardest jobs in world! The goal of this activity is the to increase timeultimate spent between this activity is to increase spent between parents and children. It istime estimated that the parents and It mandate is estimated that the collection of children. the data will that children spend at of least researching through collection the 10 datahours will mandate that children spend atarchives least 10 and hoursconducting researching personal through family family archives interviews with and their conducting elders andpersonal family interviews This with their time” elders members. “quality willand resultfamily in an members. appreciation This “qualityfortime” in an increased mom,will as result well as improved family history. increased knowledge appreciationof for mom, as well as an improved knowledge of family history. Mothers are provided gift packages, which Mothersthearebook provided gift packages, which include Mama Used to Say: Ordinary include the book Mama Wisdom, Used to Say: Ordinary Women Extraordinary candy and a Extraordinary Wisdom, candy and a flower. The program is coordinated by RASP EducationalWomen Consultants. flower. The program is coordinated by RASP Educational Consultants. For more information call (973) 820-8999. For more information call (973) 820-8999.

Celebrating 244 Years as a Continuing Congregation By Andy Smith

he congregation of the The African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as Bridge Street AWME Church, celebrated its 244th Anniversary on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Located in the heart of the Bedford Stuyvesant Community of Brooklyn, New York the church was organized 1766 and incorporated in 1818. This unique congregation is documented as the oldest continuing black congregation in the Brooklyn-Long Island area, tracing its missionary origin to Thomas Webb, a British Captain and a convert of John Wesley, the father of Methodism in America. Led by the Rev. David Byron Cousin Sr., the 60th Pastor of the AWME Church, the congregation celebrated this glorious occasion at its 8:00am and 11:00am worship services, guided by the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebrating our 24th Decade of Service to God and His People,â&#x20AC;? Psalm 22:4 and Hebrews 13:8. The hymns of Zion were sung by the choirs and the melodious voices of children rang out in joyous song as they participated in this historic worship service. Miss Kayla Aleen John and Master Khalil Darius Omotunde of the Sunday Church School delivered an eloquent and stirring Anniversary welcome address. Invited Guest Preacher, The Rev. Dr. Earl R. Jefferson, Executive Director of Christian Education of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, delivered the Word at both services. United States Senator Charles Schumer, newly elected New York City Comptroller John Liu, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and NY State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, presented congratulatory messages, well wishes and proclamations. To culminate the worship celebration, recognition awards were presented to church and community leaders, youth and young adults, with special recognition awards given to those who gave unselfishly of themselves to their fellow parishioners and to those who helped preserve the his-

The Positive Community April 2010

Photos: Walter Taylor

Bridge Street AWME

tory of the congregation. Assembly Member Annette Robinson was the recipient of the Community Award and a special award was given to Mrs. Pearl Kelly, the oldest known parishioner of the AWME Church, who celebrated her 100th birthday on December 7, 2009. Following the worship services, guests were invited to dine in the Richard Allen Hildebrand Fellowship Hall located on the lower level of the church.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presents proclamation to Pastor David B. Cousin Sr.

Miss Kayla Aleen John and Master Khalil Darius Omontunde deliver the anniversary welcome address

The Bridge Street AWME Church is located at 277 Stuyvesant Avenue between Hancock and Jefferson Avenues, Brooklyn, New York 1221.

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SPECIALEDUCATIONSECTION

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

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Culture M U S I C ,

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L I T E R AT U R E

AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES RETURNS TO BROADWAY Denzel Washington Stars n a battered economy where Broadway has taken a beating and shows struggle to sell tickets and fill seats, a slice of life story by the quintessential American playwright, August Wilson, is selling tickets steadily and is on pace to sell out its 13-week run. It’s not a musical, nor is it based on a recent popular movie. It’s a revival of Fences, the Pulitzer Prize-winning story of an African American family that took Broadway by storm in 1987 and with its all-star cast is poised to do it once again. Tasked with delivering the lines and bringing to life Wilson’s words and universal message is a cast that one might refer to as a “dream team,” actors whose names fill the marquee and the theater based upon not only their recognition, but their talent. Two-time Oscar winner and bona fide box office superstar Denzel Washington takes on the role of Troy, the patriarch of the Maxson family who struggles with the pain of racism, dreams deferred and the consequences of his actions. Troy’s wife, Rose, is played by recent Oscar nominee and two-time Drama Desk Best Actress winner, Viola Davis; the Maxson’s sons Cory, Viola Davis Lyons and Gabriel are played by Chris Chalk, most recently of Ruined fame; Russell Hornsby, recognizable from television’s Lincoln Heights;

The Positive Community April 2010

and Mykelti Williamson, who has appeared in everything from Forrest Gump to CSI: NY and 24. “This play is a perfect play, it has everything,” effervesced director Kenny Leon. “It allows you to laugh, think and cry. Fences is a well-structured American play, in the sense that Death of a Salesman is a well-structured play.” Leon knows whereof he speaks as he directed Wilson’s last two Broadway plays and worked with him up until his death. The cast and creative team are in total agreement on that point and in the high esteem in which they hold the late August Wilson and his ability to tell a story that connects with everyone. “Some people try to marginalize him as an African American writer,” Leon continued. “But he is a writer that writes specifically about African Americans but has universal appeal. Fences talks about family; there are going to be Mykelti Williamson white people sitting in the audience saying, ‘That’s my dad.’” It’s Wilson’s ability to be far-reaching and inclusive that makes his plays so widely acclaimed. “The beauty and the genius of August Wilson and his characters is that these are real, whole people,” remarked Hornsby, who has appeared in two other Wilson plays, Jitney and Two Trains Running. “They’re not archetypes, not caricatures these are whole people,” he continued. Mykelti Williamson agreed as he cited examples that reflected his own personal experiences: “Troy’s desire to grow and continued on next page

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FENCES RETURNS continued from previous page

not be pigeon-holed because he’s black, as a guy who follows the truck and dumps trash cans, why can’t we drive? A black man can’t drive? I can relate to that. The brother that breaks Troy’s heart when he shows up because the brother is not at himself—Gave his life for this country and he is no longer at himself because of it—I can relate to all of that. That tears me up.” Davis agreed, adding, “Whenever you take any human flaw and center a play around it, it will be timeless. That’s what August does. People who missed out on their dreams—everyone can relate to that.” Stephen McKinley Henderson, who had a close personal relationship with Wilson, recounted a moment from his own experience when Wilson’s mastery touched his grandmother. “She came to see Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and after it was over, she said ‘Do you reckon they’d let me go up there on that stage?’ I said, ‘Yes Grandma, I’ll take you up there; what do you want?’ She said, ‘That’s my mother’s kitchen up there.’ And she walked around and she picked up plates and saw that there was a water pump there…and she touched things so preciously and I understood. When I did a Shakespeare play one time, she saw it and she said, ‘That’s nice, Baby, if that’s what you like.’ But when she came to see this, she got up there and she said ‘I never thought that my moth-

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er’s kitchen would be up on a stage.’ She talked about it for many years, she’d say, ‘Yeah, that one you did…’” While all of the other cast members have had some type of previous experience with Wilson’s work, Chris Chalk is filled with exuberance and excitement to be working with this cast and this material, “There is just so much wisdom in the room from these amazing talents that it’s a blessing,” he gushed. “I’m thankful. I work hard every day to do my best work and be my best self, so I feel like that—and a strong spiritual foundation—allow me to be where I am every day.” That spiritual foundation will serve him well. As Denzel Washington explained, “I fortunately got a chance to meet him [Wilson]. You can feel him. His plays are spiritual.” Washington continued, “It’s interesting just from a spiritual standpoint, this man says ‘hell’ at least 50 times in the play…And yet the next to the last line out of his mouth in the play is ‘Hallelujah.’ So that’s the spiritual arc for me. I always look for that and I didn’t have to look for it, it’s there. Very rarely do you get to interpret the work of a grand master, and he is one.” The two-time Oscar winner seemed pensive and reverent; after a moment he said, “Great words live forever. He lives on forever, as long as there are actors or people to speak his words, he lives on.”

April 2010 The Positive Community

By R. L. Witter

Roberta Flack Goes Back to Her Roots for McDonald’s Gospelfest 2010

fter more than 40 years in the music business, Roberta Flack is taking on a new challenge and marking a new milestone in her professional life. This June Flack will attend McDonald’s Gospelfest just as she has done for the past several years. But this time, rather than taking her seat at the judges’ table, Flack will take the stage to perform songs of faith, as well as an old favorite or two. “This is going to be really special me,” she said excitedly. Known for her soul-stirring ballads and classic standards, Flack is thrilled to get to show fans a different side of her phenomenal talent, one that some might not immediately associate with her smooth stylings. “It wasn’t a big to do…I didn’t have to scratch my head and think about it and ponder…It was just a matter of deciding to do it and it feels good so far,” said Flack of her decision to perform at Gospelfest. “I like to sing spiritual music,” she continued. “I like to sing anything that I can—that God allows me to sing.” God has allowed her to sing some of the most beautiful songs of the last four decades, but her voice was not Flack’s initial musical focus. “Singing was not my forte, it was not my focus,” revealed Flack. “What intrigued me musically was playing [piano] for people who wanted to sing. As a matter of fact, we had a family quartet where we sang not only spiritual songs but also secular songs— doo wop songs…It was a very musical family.” She grew up playing organ as an assistant to her mother in an African Methodist Episcopal Zion church. “We played all of the Mozart and Verdi requiems and all of the great spiritual chorales, so that’s what I grew up hearing,” she reminisced. But Flack would visit Mt. Zion Baptist Church down the street to hear Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke and other gospel artists sing when they came

The Positive Community April 2010

to town. She has had a long and loving relationship with gospel music, as well as with Gospelfest, which highlights another of her passions, education. “I think that education is the key to survival,” she opined. Taking action on that passion, Flack began the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, NY. The school offers music education to students from preschool through high school, teaching voice and musical instruments. Activities have included a trip to a Missouri jazz festival, the cost of which was underwritten by none other than Yoko Ono. Another famous friend was integral in getting the school off of the ground. Singer, performer, actor and master musician, Prince, quietly donated $250,000 to the school through one of his charities. Flack will join other famous friends like Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston, Regina Belle and Hezekiah Walker this June at Gospelfest. When asked if it would be different or difficult to perform gospel music Flack shared an intimate secret regarding to whom she sings those beautiful love songs; “I’m not talking to someone visible, I’m talking to my Lord and Master. It’s just so beautiful when you can do that.” With her school, two forthcoming albums and several personal appearances on her schedule, Ms. Flack is as busy as ever. Spanning decades and crossing musical genres, she takes it all in stride, remains grounded and has come full circle to blend music, faith and education with her performance at McDonald’s Gospelfest. Acknowledging that gospel encompasses many different artists and styles and evokes different emotions in different people she concluded, “Gospel music is music that spreads the word, that spreads the good news. It’s music that makes you feel.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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BY PATRICIA BALDWIN TAMELA MANN’S THE MASTER PLAN Grace and Peace! ’ve heard it said that everything is bigger in Texas. Well the ministry that comes from that state is legendary and has birthed some of the greats to date. You may know a few names like Kurt Carr, world renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes and Kirk Franklin. Today we’re going to talk about another talented soul from the Lone Star state, who started out in high school with Kirk Franklin and some other friends in a group called “The Family.” Tamela Mann found her voice and her husband in “The Family,” as she sang with and later married David Mann, her husband of 24 years. Of course, many of you will recognize her from just about all of Tyler Perry’s plays and several of his movies as Madea’s daughter, Cora. Like her music, Mann’s acting is also a family affair as her on-stage/on-screen father “Mr. Brown” is actually played by her real life husband. Whether comedic scenes or melodies in music, the Manns consistently keep love and laughter surrounding them everywhere they go; together they are a force to be reckoned with and fortunately they secure themselves in the word of God so there is no separation between them. Tamela left home at the age of 16 after repeated incidents of verbal abuse from her stepfather. No matter what, she found solace in the gospel music that had constantly played in her family home and her church home, the COGIC Holy Tabernacle in Ft. Worth, Texas. This CD is a reminder that no matter what, you have to allow God complete control. Tamela states, “My recordings are my way of thanking God for the gift of music. I like to say that I don’t mind singing in the rain because the rain is not a distraction… That’s the love that God inspires in me, which makes everything else in my life possible.” The sophomore CD that she helped write and produce, The Master Plan, begins with praise! The first song, “Joy of the Lord,” is a strong celebratory conviction of victory and praise. As you listen, you can’t help but get out yo’ seat and bounce, dance and rock with Tamela

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and feel that yeah, that’s what joy does! It excites and reminds you that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning! The title track has that old school gospel blues (as my momma calls it) with a beautifully orchestrated horn section. The message is relatable to everything people go through in life when things seem to be hectic and they feel unsure of where to go or what to do. Tamela sings in assurance as she declares, “He’s always there, hold on to what He’s promised you because God has the answers to the questions/He’s got the Master

Plan!” I first heard the next track, “Step Aside,” in one of Tyler Perry’s plays when Tamela put it down live! Her performance was so powerful that tears began to flow and I went into a worship watching the TV. Tamela reminds us that in all of our wonderful wisdom, we can’t always fix things, so let the one who knows and sees all handle it. God already knows what’s going on in your life, so move out of his way! Now when I heard “Lay It on The Altar” on the radio, I didn’t know it was Tamela. I had to do a double take because it sounded like her, but she doesn’t sing like this and wait a minute—is that Auto-Tune? It’s good to know she can come out the box and give an inspirational dance groove that will be played in the clubs (hey, good news travels fast). With everything from beautiful ballads to foot-stomping get-out-of-your-seat-and-praise-Him gospel songs and even a touch of R&B, there is no doubt this CD is in my heavy rotation list; you have to have it in your library! Her humble beginnings, struggles and triumphs are what kept Tamela Mann determined to continue to share the gospel with the world. While listening, you will see that it doesn’t matter where and what you start with, because God has The Master Plan.

Mobilizing for Haiti he Christian Times taped its annual “Easter in New York” television special at St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn (NY). The event featured the talented voices of Dickson Guillaume & The Haitian Mass Choir, Wendy Mitchell, New Life Tabernacle Choir, the Elder Timothy Wright Memorial Choir, praise dancing by the St. Paul Community Baptist Church Eldad Medad Dancers and 7 Passion Words from 7 Powerful Preachers, including St. Paul Community’s Senior Pastor, Rev. David K. Brawley. Proceeds were donated to the Haiti Support Project, a mobilizing-organizing effort of African Americans and other people of African descent to partner with Haitian Americans to contribute to the process of democracy and development in Haiti, founded by Dr. Ron Daniels, president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century. The event aired locally on Easter Sunday on WWORTV/MY 9 and RNN. !: St Paul Community Baptist Church, Praise and Worship team soloist 2: ELDAD MEDAD Dancers, St Paul Community Baptist Church. 3: Rev Dennis A Dillon, publisher, Christian Times and Dr. Aminata Njeri-Gill, Kenami Ministries 4: Dr Ron Daniels, Institute of the Black World 21st Century, Haiti Support Project

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2010 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community April 2010

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17th Annual AAHPC Leadership Brunch Ujamaa...Cooperative Economics... Dance Theatre and Education Center of Irvington We Need Each Other African American Heritage Statewide Parade Prepares for 44th Anniversary Celebration on Memorial Day Weekend

he African American Heritage Parade Committee, Inc. in association with 2010 premier sponsor NJEA and 2010 anchor sponsor the US Census 2010 celebrated the leadership contributions of the Reverend Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network and The Honorable Sheila Oliver, speaker of the New Jersey Assembly. These two notables were presented with the Khary Orr Leadership Award to the applause and standing ovation of 300 guests who braved the worst rain storm of the season on March 13th at the Newark Airport Renaissance Hotel. Performances for the event were delivered by Jazz Vocalist Carrie Jackson and her All Star Trio, The Levitical Friends and the Dance Theatre and Education Center of Irvington. Pastor Rudy Carlton of Jehovah Jireh Praise and

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April 2010 The Positive Community

Paula Mayo, President Interchurch Center

Anti Violence march in Morningside Heights

Anti Violence March in Morningside Heights

n Thursday, March 25, 2010 a coalition of community organizations and individuals joined together for a day of anti-violence action that included a march and all day workshops. The early morning procession of placard-carrying health professionals, educators, clergy and activists made their way along Broadway to chants of “Stop the violence.” Approving passers-by blew car horns and applauded. The purpose of the day, convened by The Interchurch Center, was to draw attention to the increase in violence and especially the alarming increase in intimate partner victimization (IPV). Dr. Cynthia Diaz, head of one of the sponsoring organizations, New Theological Seminaries Women’s Center, put it this way, “Victims too often suffer in silence. The day was designed to give all those affected by violence and especially IPV a platform to voice their grievances and to work with others towards solutions.” In a world where timing is critically important to success, the New York Police Department released on the day of the march the latest crime data, revealing a significant spike in serious crime. The activists assembled deemed the report a prophetic confirmation of the urgency of their cause. The numbers detailed a dramatic increase in serious crime during 2009. Shootings, robberies and rapes have increased and the citywide

The Positive Community April 2010

Photos and text by Bob Gore

murder rate has jumped by 22.8% with the sharpest recorded increases in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The day-long workshops that followed the march had a two-fold purpose: bringing together individuals and community leaders concerned with the rising tide of violence – especially incidents involving women – and providing victims with support and practical solutions. The workshop sessions opened the door to personal and painful discussions experienced by both men and women. The most compelling session came early in the day when women revealed their personal accounts of victimization and grief. One such testimony was delivered by Minister Sharon Bierria who recounted her deep grief following the stabbing death of her son, Tyshawn Bierria, top student and basketball star at State University College of Technology, NY, murdered weeks before graduating. Her gripping testimony revealed the near maddening pain she endured and how she found the strength to continue and through her loss, create Jing Jing Ministeries, a support group for victims of violence. The chemistry of the moment often yields breakthrough insights. One unexpected presenter who stopped by to hear what was going on, later returned to read a poem she wrote on her struggles to overcome physical pain and personal loss. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Dr. Jethro C. James

“

The early morning procession of placard-carrying health professionals, educators, clergy and activists made their way along Broadway to chants of “Stop the violence.” Approving passers-by blew car horns and applauded.

Rabbi Jo Davis

Violence is a menace, globally and locally. Every day around the world a war is waged against women and girls, taking millions of lives and causing incalculable suffering. Approximately one of every three women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. A recent United Nations study framed the issue this way, “The distress and injuries caused affect families, communities and wider societies, preventing women from taking full advantage of economic and educational opportunities and threatening security by increasing social tensions. Violence against women is a global health crisis, an egregious human rights violation, and a moral outrage that knows no geographic or cultural barriers.” According to an American Bar Association’s study, nearly 25% of women and 7.6% of men were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or dating partner/acquaintance during their lifetimes. Black women are victimized at higher rates than persons of any other race. Black females experienced intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races. Shootings in general are also up citywide, with 293 people hit by bullets this year, a 16.3% change from the www.thepositivecommunity.com

”

total of 252 recorded by March 21 last year. Coming after a year in which New York saw the fewest number of homicides on record, the spike in crime rattled residents trying to go about their lives. The sponsoring coalition included the New York State Conference NAACP, New York Theological Seminary’s Women’s Center and Merger Watch. Other supporters included the New York Police Department’s community affairs officers and clergy from many faiths in the tri-state region. “One of my goals as President of The Interchurch Center is to encourage and foster cross-cultural communication and collaboration between our organization and the larger community. We are pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with New York Theological Seminary's Center for Women, the NAACP New York State Conference and other community interests, as we protest incidents of violence in our area, particularly acts of violence against women,” said Paula Mayo, Interchurch Center President/Executive Director. The Interchurch Center was created 50 years ago to bring together and promote close cooperation between religious, educational and philanthropic organizations. Today, it continues to be the building of choice for 87 nationally known organizations committed to interfaith understanding. April 2010 The Positive Community

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April 2010 The Positive Community

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Health

P R E V E N T I O N , T R E AT M E N T & C U R E

HEALTH CARE REFORM WE CAN ALL BELIEVE IN hen President Barack Obama signed into law legislation that will enable millions of Americans to gain access to health care insurance, he delivered on the promise he held since launching his audacious journey to the White House: Change we can believe in. With the 219–212 House vote late that Sunday night, he achieved a historic milestone that eluded seven previous Presidents— Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter and Clinton—over a span of more than 60 years. In doing so, he demonstrated that his brand of intelligent, can-do leadership can defeat the forces of resistance no matter how pernicious. Nothing will hold him back in his mission of remaking our nation into one that offers parity and prosperity. President Obama has created a nation with insurance for all. In fact, after the House vote, Democratic Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), the highest-ranking African American in Congress, said he considered “this to be the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century.” An array of federal policies that would dramatically restructure health care delivery for generations to come, the ground-breaking legislation requires most American citizens and legal residents to purchase health insurance as well as covers an additional 32 million people through Medicaid, subsidies to families and tax credits to small businesses. Among other initiatives, the package also creates a health care exchange in which uninsured individuals and small businesses can comparison shop for insurance policies. It decreases out-of-pocket prescription costs for seniors on Medicare and prohibits insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Now millions of Americans do not have to watch as loved ones suffer from or succumb to catastrophic illnesses because they can’t afford insurance or their carriers discontinued their policies. As President Obama has often asserted, however, change does not come easy. To gain passage of his 10-year, $940 bil-

BY EARL G. GRAVES SR, FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER, BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE

The Positive Community April 2010

lion plan, he faced relentless opposition, scurrilous accusations and rancorous debate. Over the past 13 months, he had to contend with everything from heated summer protests from Tea Party members that decried “ObamaCare” as a representative form of socialism, to jousting with recalcitrant Republicans at chilly summit meetings. As recently as his January 27th State of the Union address, continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

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HEALTH CARE REFORM continued from previous page

political pundits, naysayers and even members of his own party believed his health care reform bill would be D.O.A. when it arrived for a vote in Congress. Despite the odds, he persevered, taking his message to town halls, continuing to reach across the aisle and inspiring thousands to knock on doors and man phone banks. To achieve what was seemingly impossible, he knew throwing in the towel was not an option. He best expressed his mission in remarks after the House vote: “For most Americans, this debate has never been about abstractions, the fight between right and left, Republican and Democrat—it’s always been about something far more personal. It’s about every American who knows the shock of opening an envelope to see that their premiums just shot up again when times are already tough enough. It’s about every parent who knows the desperation of trying to cover a child with a chronic illness only to be told ‘no’ again and again and again. It’s about every small business owner forced to choose between insuring employees and staying open for business. They are why we committed ourselves to this cause.” As a member of the civil rights generation, I beamed with pride as I saw the collection of yea votes in the Obama column and heard the chants “Yes We Can! Yes We Can!” in the House Chamber. As expected, he did not receive one Republican vote. President Obama’s Republican foes will seek to undermine progress. After the second House vote of 220-211 to approve a package of changes of the bill, the Republicans were unsuccessful in their attempts to kill the bill through a motion that would have sent it back to committee. Despite beating the odds, the President will also continue to face fresh battles as the GOP seeks to repeal the bill through lawsuits and other measures as well as use health care reform as an issue to gain Congressional seats in the House and Senate during the midterm elections. The passage of health care reform legislation was a momentous occasion not only because I want our nation’s chief executive to succeed and make this nation better and more bountiful. It represented a triumphant moment for one of “the children of the dream”—the realization that members of the generation we spawned and mentored have, indeed, become transformative leaders who perform at the highest levels. Barack Obama has been superb in his role as the nation’s commander-in-chief. Arriving to office with greater challenges than any President since FDR, he has saved our nation from financial ruin and passed the biggest economic stimulus bill ever, saving and creating more than 2 million jobs in the process. Now, he has passed landmark healthcare legislation and I am fully confident he will tackle the issues of unemployment and job creation with the same political pragmatism and executive skill. That’s change I believe in.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

BlackDoctor.org

n a world where almost everything can be customized for the consumer, going to the doctor just got a little bit easier for African Americans across the U.S. Thanks to BlackDoctor.org (BDO), millions of African American people can locate doctors who might better understand and treat them, because the doctors are also African Americans. Described as a “WebMD for black people,” the site is designed to give powerful health and wellness information that is specific to black people. Combining articles on weight loss and diet with healthy recipes, a “soul food pyramid,” a database with information on many health conditions that affect the black community and a directory of black healthcare professionals, BDO offers tools to help African Americans manage rising chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. The site also offers videos, a community section and even a height and weight chart with numbers far more realistic and attainable than some others. Users of the site find that having a doctor who better understands their lifestyle and culture makes sense and gives them an increased sense of trust and accuracy. Physical therapist, Dr. Christian Atexide explained, “It makes great sense. These are doctors who can draw upon personal and cultural experiences regarding black health issues rather than looking at studies and statistics.” Atexide shared his own “Aha!” moment courtesy of his African American general practitioner. “In discussing things with my doctor, he mentioned that many African Americans are vitamin D deficient because we tend not to spend much time in the sun. He tested me,” Dr. Atexide recalled, “and found that I too was deficient and was able to recommend a supplement. No white doctor had ever tested me for that prior, likely because Caucasians are less apt to be vitamin D deficient.” Visit www.blackdoctor.org for information and a directory of black doctors in your area.

April 2010 The Positive Community

Photo: Vincent Bryant

Mission to Haiti Community Baptist Church of Englewood and Arise & Walk Foundation

Natalie McKenzie

they reported. Most of the schools had been destroyed and children were scattered everywhere. However despite, the wreckage – both human and material— there were heartening sites and sounds everywhere like children singing being led by a young man in his twenties as they jumped rope and just romped about. The consensus was that there is much hope, expectation and FAITH. All that is needed is continued support and aid in building their nation so they can be self sustaining. The members of Community Baptist Church of Englewood plan to do just that. The team will be returning to Haiti in the very near future. Natalie McKenzie, CEO of NATOBIE Limited, the holding company of Bras N Lace and NATOBIE Jewels, expressed her thoughts about the mission, “The face of Haiti is wide and varied!! One thing is constant... The look of pride in the midst of their despair.”

First Zion Hill Baptist Men Invites NBC Layman President

Deacon Vincent Bryant

Deaconess Doris Simmons & Deacon Harold

Bro. Joseph Roger

The Positive Community April 2010

Mother Bannister

Celebrates 105 years!

Photos: Vincent Bryant

irst Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Newark, NJ celebrated their Annual Men’s Day with a black tie banquet at Mediterranean Manor in Newark, N. Deacon Harold Simmons, president of the Layman Movement of the National Baptist Convention (NBC), USA, Inc. was their special guest. Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs, is president of the NBC. Bro. Joseph Rogers was the Men’s Day chairman; Deacon Vincent Bryant coordinated the banquet.

Photo: Vincent Bryant

ntrepreneur Natalie McKenzie and Deborah Neufville, NP, Breast Center of Englewood Hospital members of Community Baptist of Englewood, a National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. church, Rev. Lester W. Taylor, pastor, traveled to Haiti recently to bring healing and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to earthquake victims. Part of a medical team from Arise & Walk Foundation they were joined by Dr. Mark Wade, president of Arise and Walk, and Dr. Aletha Maybank, assisstant commissioner, NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene The mission is an integral part of the outreach to the nations of the world as a tangible demonstration of God’s power and His love for all people. On the first day in Haiti, the team attended to approximately 150 people. Hundreds more were helped during their two-week stay. The harsh reality of the devastation was overwhelming,

other Hattie Bannister celebrates her 105th birthday at the Southern Smokehouse, Linden, NJ with family from North and South Carolina, New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, New Jersey and her First Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church family of Newark, NJ. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER THANKS NEW JERSEY’S PHYSICIANS FOR RANKING OUR MEDICAL CENTER

THE NUMBER ONE OVERALL TOP HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY Inside Jersey and Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., one of the nation’s most respected healthcare research and information companies, have joined together to present New Jersey’s Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly reached out to physicians throughout the state and asked them to name the best hospitals for various medical conditions, as well as overall care. Congratulations on these well-deserved recognitions to the entire Hackensack University Medical Center Team!

HUMC ALSO WAS RANKED:

1 1 # 1 # 1 # 2 # 2 # 2 # 3 # #

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For a renowned physician affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center, call

Hackensack University Medical Center Proudly serving the community since 1888.

www.humc.com

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PHILIP M. BONAPARTE M.D. ON CALL

Vice President, Clinical Affairs for Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NJ/Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health

Make a Disaster Plan Dear Dr. Bonaparte: After some recent natural and weather-related disasters, what can my family do to prepare for future emergencies? I know we need a plan, because last year my elderly parents, each with hypertension and diabetes, almost froze to death. They were isolated and trapped in their house for four days due to the huge blizzard that “slammed” New England. We could not reach them. We finally learned they had no heat, no electricity, no transportation, no phone, only cereal to eat and their medications had run out. What can my family and friends do to prepare ourselves before another catastrophe occurs?—Rose in NJ Dear Rose: I am so glad your parents survived the experience and that you are thinking ahead to make sure your family and friends are prepared for future ordeals. Make sure you help them develop a disaster and medical preparedness plan, especially important for the elderly, children and those with chronic conditions that can be managed, such as Diabetes (Sugar), Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Asthma. After any emergency, it can be difficult to care for those loved ones who have a chronic disease. That is why preparation and a plan are so important. We know disasters are a reality and we know we need to plan ahead. We saw how the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile came suddenly and affected many lives, and in the US, six states, including New Jersey, were affected by disaster in December and January, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Positive Community April 2010

Emergencies happen. To assist you in your planning, some helpful Web site resources describe everything from making an escape plan for yourself and family to preparing a care plan for pets. There are also sites that suggest ways to develop a medical preparedness plan. Here are some steps to take for making your own medical needs or medical preparedness disaster plan, particularly important when you or loved ones have a chronic illness. • Educate your family, specifically those with any medication needs. They need to learn about their medications. • Coordinate the continuity of care. Meet with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to ask how health care can continue in an emergency. Everyone needs to understand how important it is not to have any interruption in the medication regimen. • List all medications, especially for those who have a chronic illness. Include medical information, allergies and conditions, such as the reason why the person is taking the medicine. If you save the information to a computer, make a paper copy, in case the electricity is out or a laptop is not working. Store the information in a waterproof container and keep the paper copies in a place where family members can access the information. • Update or create a First Aid Kit and have it available for emergencies. Add any medications, prescriptions, special directions, inhalers, etc.in addition to the usual bandages, antiseptics, extra glasses, etc.

• Keep a small back-up kit and supply of medications ready for emergency use. Check expiration dates and, if you need to use the emergency supply, be sure to replace it. • Meet with your family. Get together and make sure each person knows what the potential hazards can be. If some family members are far away, arrange an e-mail interchange, text messages, mail or phone calls to share ideas, questions, resources and a plan. • Make sure everyone understands the plan, has important contact numbers, etc. Prepare a plan for those in distant areas who need assistance. Check with neighbors and friends who might live nearby and coordinate the plan, including the community’s resources. Reach out to these community groups in advance and determine procedures you must take, in case you receive no word or phone call from loved ones. • Check your own community resources or contacts and find out what plans the city or township might have made. Stay informed. • For those far away, alert their family PCP that you have children or other family members who might need extra care in an emergency. Create and distribute a list of important contact numbers, in case family or emergency personnel need to reach you.

Be prepared. Make a plan and share it. For more information visit: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699450/.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael is the owner of The Fitness Doctor, Inc., a Personal Training, Consulting and Wellness company. To contact Kahlil, call 732-921-3746 or visit his website at www.Thefitnessdoctor.com.

Search Your Heart ell Spring is here! For some of us that is good news, but for others the warmer weather is a conspicuous reminder that we are not on track to purchase that new wardrobe we may have promised ourselves after successfully shedding the pounds. Based on my professional experience, this cycle of individuals starting off strong to lose weight and then quitting before reaching their goals is an annual experience. Why is that, especially when we as the Body of Christ believe that we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us? It’s time to find out. For the past year and a half I have had the privilege of working with the American Heart Association as a program coordinator and spokesperson. Recently, the organization rolled out an initiative to raise awareness of the risk factors, and preventive measures associated with heart disease and stroke for African Americans. It is aptly titled, the “Search Your Heart Program.” As I have traveled around the tri-state area meeting with churches and women and men’s groups, I have noticed a common dilemma. The program is well received and the participants are excited to receive the information and often share their desire to get healthier and live their best lives. But, without fail, at the end of these programs some participants will tell me how they have tried to lose weight and eat healthier, but they have gone off course. They want to know how to stop this vicious cycle that is wreaking havoc on their health.

Based on my professional experience, this cycle of individuals starting off strong to lose weight and then quitting before reaching their goals is an annual experience. 76

The Positive Community April 2010

I have to tell them as not only a fitness professional but as a minister of the gospel, that indeed they should search their hearts. What do I mean by that? Well it says in Matthew 6:21. “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” What are your daily habits? Are you praying and asking for the discipline and strength to manage your weight? Are you setting aside 30 minutes daily to exercise, or do you frequently tell yourself that you are too busy with work, school and other activities? Ask yourself, where is your treasure? What priorities are you putting above your health? Thanks to organizations such as the American Heart Association, we are no longer living in ignorance of what it takes to be healthier, but we may be living in disobedience and not making right choices that we know will extend, save, and transform our lives. If you are in need of professional help to assist you, reach out to your local community senior and health centers or please feel free to contact me. Through the ministry we offer fitness instruction and nutritional counseling on a sliding fee scale or at no cost through The Fit Care program. I pray that you will not let another year pass by before you make the decision and take the necessary action to take control of your health. I encourage you to search your heart and then do whatever you can to take care of it and nurture it! FIT COMMUNITY Mondays at 7:00AM

It is Well Living Church 2 Denman Ave. Clark, NJ The Word and Workout Bible Study The Workout: 7–7:40PM The Word: 7:45–8:35PM

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:45–10:15AM and 10:30–11:00AM

JFK Assisted Living Center Edison, NJ

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

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L–R: Laurence Rice, media consultant, chats with host Rev Kirkwood

Kingdom Pathway to Air on BET Dr. Gary Kirkwood to host

ingdom Pathway to Personal Prosperity is a half-hour weekly talk show slated to air on BET (Black Entertainment Television). Taping for the show began Sunday, March 7, 2010 and continues every Sunday at King's Temple Word & Worship Center, 1020 West 7th St., Plainfield, NJ at 4 p.m. sharp. Doors open at 3 p.m. The program chronicles the life teachings of Dr. Gary Kirkwood, who along with founding King's Temple, also conducts personal development seminars and serves as president and CEO of World Harvest Communications, Inc. -- the company that owns Harvest Radio WKMB 1070 AM, a popular city-based gospel format station. Participants in the program, which each week will feature an audience and a new special guest, learn the right principles to achieve personal prosperity, wellness and financial independence. The program will include bible based fundamentals, yet simultaneously be "more uptempo, more out of the box than your traditional church 973-233-9200 service.'' or Email: For FREE tickets, call 877-505Positive.corp@verizon.net 5501 or log onto for rates & deadlines http://kingdompathway.eventbrite.com.

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The Positive Community April 2010

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A family publication you’ll be proud to have in your home...read about the progress and development of the contemporary church community, plus entertainment, health, education, reviews, business, and much much more...delivered monthly. Join the Roll Call to progress. For bulk delivery to your church or organization. Call 973-233-9200 Send check or money order to: The Positive Community, 133 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 Subscribe online at www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Children’s Aid and Family Services has been helping children whose families are unable to care for them since 1899. Our professional foster parents, like Jeanette and rodney, are committed to helping vulnerable adolescents lead independent, fulfilling lives. In fact, their careers are being parents. they live with teenagers and provide a stable, nurturing home environment. If you are in a committed relationship, want to be a positive role model to vulnerable teenagers and provide them with a loving, stable, family home life, we’d like to hear from you. To learn more, call our recruitment specialist at (973) 762.5887. Our professional foster parents live in agencyowned homes, receive salaries and generous benefits. Support is provided every step of the way.

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

The Great Commission uring the 40 days that Jesus Christ appeared on earth following his resurrection, at least twice he instructed his followers to spread the gospel throughout the world. We call this command to proselytize the world “The Great Commission.” Before commanding, Christ first prophesied that such broad spreading of the gospel would occur. Matthew and Mark recorded Jesus’ prophecy, spoken days prior to his crucifixion, as follows:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.—Matthew 24:14 (New International Version) The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.—Mark 13:10 (New American Standard Bible)

What indirectly sparked Jesus’ prophetic utterance was his disciples’ expressing admiration for the third Jerusalem temple, which had been built by King Herod. Jesus responded, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Mark 13:12). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. In answering a follow-up question, however, Christ’s comprehensive prophetic response appears to have referred to both the destruction of Jerusalem and the overall end time that is still to come. This response included the cited Great Commission prophecy. After Christ’s resurrection, he returned to the worldwide evangelism theme at a mountaintop meeting with his followers in Galilee: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”—Matthew 28:18-20 (Revised Standard Version)

During most of his ministry, Jesus had reiterated that he only said and did what he received from the Father. But something new had happened since the crucifixion. At this post-resurrection point, Christ was saying that the Father had now given him all authority. And at this new point, he related the Great Commission as a command rather than as a prophecy. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Moreover, he seems to be speaking to those of us who would follow him in ensuing centuries, not just the 120 or so folks who were probably standing in front of him at the time. After all, Peter, John, and the others obviously could not even have known where all of the nations on earth were or would be. Later, just prior to his final ascension, Jesus restated the Great Commission command with details relevant to his immediate followers and their specific time: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”—Acts 1:8 (NIV) The Holy Spirit did come on the disciples quite dramatically about 10 days later on the Day of Pentecost (Acts, chapter 2). In a sense, their witnessing to “all nations” began at Pentecost, since Jews from throughout the Diaspora were present when Peter preached, and some of those visitors were probably among the approximately 3,000 who “were added to their number that day.” As the church grew in Jerusalem, the disciples were Christ’s witnesses in that city. As it spread beyond Jerusalem, they witnessed for Christ in “all Judea.” And when Philip, the deacon/evangelist, fled Roman persecution in Jerusalem and, along the way, preached in Samaria, with back-up from Peter and Paul, many Samaritans accepted Christ. Thus, another portion of the play that Jesus had called in his final earthly huddle was acted upon. During the remainder of that first century A.D., Jesus’ followers, including that new franchise player renamed Paul, preached to Gentiles and Jews in many of the nations that they knew about, mostly bordering the Mediterranean Sea or otherwise contained within the Roman Empire. We, the Christians on earth today, should be carrying out the last part of the huddle instructions, the ball having been handed off to us. Is there any nation or group of people on earth today that has not been witnessed to for Christ? I know there are folks who are not Christian, but have they been witnessed to? Have they at least been given a shot at knowing the Truth? Although Jesus talked about knowing the signs of the end, I do not read that he wants us to focus 100% attention on waiting for the final bell (i.e. trumpet). Let’s play it out until the end of the age. Keep witnessing. April 2010 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com April 2010

Vol. 10, No. 5

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 Contributing Writers Sonja Gracy Dr. Phillip Bonaparte Dr. John Palmer Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Rosemary Sinclair

YOUTH YO OUTH ENTREPRENEUR LEADERSHIP LEA ADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT T PROGRAM Thee Positive Communityy magazine g invites invittes the Children and Y Youth oouth Ministries of our local churches chu urches to participate in this exciting new neew initiative! Thee Youth Yoouth Entrepreneur Leadership Development Deevelopment Program endeavors to involve invvolve our youth in entrepreneurship development of our communities. enttrepreneurship and the economic and social s communitiees. Thee Youth Yoouth Entrepreneur Leadership Development Deevelopment Program entails the following: follow wing:

Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson

p magazinees monthly at $1.00 1) Participating Churches will agree to purchase a minimum of 100 magazines per copy (1/3 of the cover price).

Herb Boyd Glenda Codogan

Chhildren/Y 2) At least one member of one of the Children/Youth Yoouth Ministry will take responsibility respo onsibility to:

Toni Parker Helene Fox Photographers Bob Gore

a) selll the magazine @ $2.00 per copy; coopy; b) tithe 10% of the profit of selling the magazine;

Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall

c) save 10% of the profit; proofit for an entrepreneurial endeavor orr worthwhile event; d) use the remaining 80% of the profit and

Herb Glenn Vincent Bryant 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 © 2009 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.

experieences with this program that will be published pu ublished in The e) write an essay about their experiences Positive Community magazine inn print and/or online. 3) The Positive Community magazine will w help to document the participants’’ progress in selling the magazine, opening a bank account accounnt and using the monies to sponsor an event or entrepreneurial activity for the respective respecctive ministry or for some other worthy worthhy purpose. 4) The Positive Community magazine will w also include a photograph(s) of the the participant(s) in the magazine in print and/or online. 5) Parents will be asked to give permission permisssion for their children or adolescent too participate in this program. The parents would be expected expected to encourage their child or teen too take responsibility in accordance with thee expectations of the program. Positive Positive Community Community is is excited excited about about the the Youth Youth Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship Program Program and and the the positive positive implications implications it it has has not not only only for for our our youth youth but but our our churches churches and and communities communities as as well. well. We We look look forward forward to to speaking speaking with with you you further further about about how how your your church church can can be be a part part of of this this exciting exciting new new program! program!

The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for

For For more more information information contact contact Faith Faith Jackson Jackson (973) (973) 233-9200 233-9200

unsolicited materials.

The P Positive ositive Community Co ommunity April 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com www .thepositive ecommunity.com

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