April 2022 by The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ April 2022

$2.95

thepositivecommunity.com

Celebrating HBCUs

Focus on Education

Virginia Union University Pushing the Boundaries of Higher Education Alabama A&M University Founder William Hooper Councill NYC Public Schools: “Dear Mr. Chancellor”

Kean University: A “Powerful” Journey into Civil Rights History Dr. Hakim J. Lucas

Positive Change

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Photos courtesy of VUU

CONTENTS

Culture

music, art + literature

Photos courtesy of Kean University

APRIL ISSUE 2022

Kean President & Students Take Powerful Journey

COVER STORY

Health

Getting to Know Virginia Union University

Cultur

music, art + litera

ideas for wellness

Senator Schumer on SCOTUS Confirmation of KBJ...........11 NAN 31st Annual Convention....................................... 16 38 AACEO Welcomes MTA CEO........................................... 20 William Hooper Councill ideas for wellnes William Hooper Councill Brooklyn Chamber Hosts Black History Event............... 21 Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU) Health buiness, finance + work Local NAACP Branch Honors Darrel K. Terry Sr. ........... 23 Healthcare Heroes: CityLife Health Newark ................ 28 Money Dr. L buiness, finance + Weil Hometown Honors George Clinton............................... 34 W Coll Morehouse College Glee Club Performs.........................41 the RU-N Chancellor & Newark Mayor Discuss Partnership.. 46 the art + science of learning the22 art + science A’Dorian Murray: Why Run?........................................ 52 Dr. Linnie nfectious disease doctorGolightly and researcher Linnie Golight MLK March in Newark............................................... 56 is working diligently at Weill Cornell Medical Colleg Shines Light Asonan NMF at Cornell University. infectious disease specialis 14 she focuses on travel medicine, parasitology, and tropic diseases. While many of us see a pandemic virus as Shiloh BC 10th Pastoral Installation................. .......... 58take their concerns to the “Banks” Parents frightening, once-in-a-lifetime inconvenience, Dr. Golight has the knowledge and skills to study and treat the viru To-Go! ed, Pan-Fri is Finest ’s Harlem and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a docto East Meets West Birthday Celebration......................... 62 By Glenda Cadogan and scientist. And she credits NMF (National Medic Fellowships) as one of the reasons she’s able to do th fascinating andCulture important work. Rev. Council Hosts Fundraising Event......................... 63 Education Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Golightly original wanted to be an attorney. “I had this idea that I was but they are bogged down by bu search of truth and justice, so I was going to be a lawyer Bits and Pieces ........................................................ 64 so“Someone many ideological conflicts. T she recalled. arranged for me to visit a cou and I’m notGod’s saying it work; wasn’t about and justice, givetruth them morebutp A Play on Langston Hughes........................................ 66 by resources.” Rothblatt, who

Money SECTIONS

Features

Health

William Hooper Councill poses with members of his staff

Mone

Education Educa illiam Hooper Councill, educator and race leader, was born into slavery in Fayetteville, North Carolina on July 12, 1849. His parents were both slaves on the Councill plantation. When William was five, his father escaped to Canada and tried unsuccessfully to obtain freedom for his family. In 1857, William; his mother; and his brother, Cicero were sold at the Richmond slave market to a trader, who in turn sold them to a planter in Alabama. His two other brothers were sold separately. He never saw them again. When Union troops occupied Chattanooga during the Civil War, Councill and his family escaped through Union lines to the North. He returned to Alabama in 1865 to attend a school for freedmen started by Quakers. This would be Councill’s only formal schooling. He worked and studied for three years before graduating in 1867. For several years, Councill worked as a teacher in the black public schools in Alabama while moonlighting as a porter in hotels and restaurants. In 1869, at the age of 22, he opened

Lincoln School in Huntsville for Black children in the region. In addition to his teaching duties, he attended night school where he studied chemistry, mathematics, law, and Latin. Councill was admitted to the Alabama bar, but he never practiced law in the state. Councill’s ambitions extended into politics and he became the chief enrolling clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives between 1872 and 1874. He also served as secretary of a national civil rights convention in 1873. In 1874 Councill ran unsuccessfully for a legislative seat. One year later he was offered the federal patronage position as receiver of public lands for northern Alabama. Councill declined the post. In 1875, the Alabama legislature appointed 26year-old Councill as the first principal of the State Colored Normal School at Huntsville, which is now known as Alabama A&M University. The school opened on May 1, 1875 with an appropriation of $1,000 in the basement of a Huntsville church. The Colored Normal School would train Black teachers to work in Alabama’s segregated school

I DEAR MR. CHANCELLOR TPC_April_2022_WF.indd 8

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The assistance had provided so named NMF director of Communit Assemblyman Brian Cunningha many years ago had given Golightly the an involved parent who, years ago opportunity to pay forward and doBlack her to have PS9itrenamed after suffragist Sarah Smith Garnett. part to help increase the number of Lynette Pascall is a retire physicians of color. It was exactly what provider with a 5-year-old gran pre-K in Brooklyn. NMF was designed to do. Her call to th is to allow for a more hands-on learning. “This virtual learning will be ha children in the long run,” she said. “We a that technology is very much a part of the TPC_April_2022_WF.indd 14 world in which we live. But for our childr www.thepositivecommunity.com development, a mixed form of learning Children learn by practice and we need

Publisher’s Desk............................... 8 Guest Editorial.................................. 12 Public Schools: The Colgate Women’s Games Fitness Doctor ..............................arlier 24this yearNYC at a press conference at the Tweed Building (home of the New York City Department “Dear Chancellor” The Last Word ................................of 70 Education), the then incoming NYC School

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Chancellor David C. Banks expressed his intent to make parents and families “true partners” in his transformation plan. “I want to make sure our parents are part of this

No one thought tracheal transplants were possible. Today, Sonia breathes a sigh of relief.

A team at Mount Sinai just completed the world’s first tracheal transplant. That’s important. It’s never been done before. The breakthrough comes not a moment too soon. Thousands of people suffer from windpipe damage that leaves them breathless, speechless, or worse, many from intubations due to COVID-19. Yet this singular event has taken years of research, dedication, and entire teams cooperating across disciplines, all driven by the same unstoppable resolve—there must be a way. Today, Sonia can breathe normally for the first time in 6 years. And the way forward is open for thousands of others. So if anyone tells you something can’t be done—don’t listen. Whatever the challenge, whatever the question.

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Newark Forward BEFORE

AFTER

MAYOR BARAKA AND THE PEOPLE OF NEWARK ARE CREATING HOUSING THAT RESIDENTS CAN AFFORD. We are creating an equitable city for Newark residents rather than the gentrification and displacement of too many other cities.

NEWARK IS KNOCKING DOWN EYESORES TO HELP CREATE 16,000 NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS FOR RESIDENTS NJ.com March 11, 2021

VOTE TEAM BARAKA ALL THE WAY, TUESDAY, MAY 10TH

Hon. Ras J. Baraka Mayor

Hon. LaMonica McIver Central Ward

Louis Weber East Ward

Hon.Anibal Ramos,Jr. North Ward

Pat Council South Ward

Dupré Kelly West Ward

Louise Rountree At Large

Hon. Luis A. Quintana At Large

Hon. Carlos M. Gonzalez At Large

C. Lawrence Crump At Large

Democrat

R C

GREAT

OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200. Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor

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

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

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

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Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor

Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor

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Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President BCT Partners, Newark, NJ Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dante' R. Quick, PhD, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon

First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, President Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

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

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

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor

Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor

First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor

Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

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

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

New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor

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

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

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Cahoon North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

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

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

SAVING OUR OWN COMMUNITY

Education, Cultural Literacy and Positive Change!

elcome to the Spring Edition of The Positive Community where the focus is on Education. Shout-out to the schools, colleges and universities that advertise in this publication and on our other media platforms. We appreciate you and encourage all of our readers to support communitybuilding institutions and businesses that care. In addition to our coverage of education on the local scene, TPC will dedicate 2022 to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) around the country. In this issue, we feature Virginia Union University (pg. 36) and William Hooper Councill, founder of Alabama A&M University (pg.38).

With Critical Race Theory, the “1619 Project “and Reparations dominating today’s intellectual conversations on race, does the African American Cultural Narrative (pg.69) deserve objective analysis and critique by our own community’s thought leaders? Here are the important questions: 1. Should the Cultural Narrative be taught to the children? 2. If so, who would be responsible for teaching it? A. The home B. The school C. Faith and community institutions D. All the above

Hope of Generations

This is certainly a time of victory in our American freedom journey as we now welcome Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to become the first Black woman Justice on the United States Supreme Court. After the Senate vote, standing on the White House Lawn, flanked by President Biden and Vice President Harris, Justice Brown-Jackson, thanked many friends and colleagues for their support and encouragement. She went on to praise God and her family, and then paused to acknowledge that both her maternal and paternal great grandparents were born into slavery. It was the toil, sacrifice, faith, prayers and hope of the generations who came before her that she credits for her success today! Dignity and Integrity

When it comes to education and positive change, let us never waver in courage and resolve to go forth by keeping “Our Eyes on the Prize:” The progress of our children and the dignity and integrity of our African American values, culture and traditions—our collective soul— mean everything! Just ask Justice Brown-Jackson.

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Our American Story

Today’s reality is that the state of Black culture in America is in serious crisis—a planetary emergency! Shame on Fortune 500 companies, especially in the music and entertainment industries who would mass market and profit from promoting backward anti-social behaviors and negative lifestyles to our young, the poor, and the unlearned; enslaving them to an uncertain future of ignorance, debt and fear! Shame on those among us who would know better but choose to look the other way! In real time, we are witnessing the decline of a people and the obliteration of their culture—African American culture! The “enemies of progress” are waging a relentless, wicked and unholy war upon the souls of our children; generations are being lead astray. Tragically, this is just what cultural genocide looks like! I wonder what Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s great grandparents would think about how we are treating one another and allowing for others to mistreat and www.thepositivecommunity.com

misrepresent us? Are we forgetting the many trials, the tribulations and the triumphs of the past? What are we teaching the children about our American experience; and on whose terms? The Cultural Narrative was written in May of 2012, in anticipation of the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Study it for yourselves. What was first published 10 years ago is as true today as it will be even 50 years from now. The Cultural Narrative is the truth about who we really are: Beloved Sons and Daughters of The Most High God; Mighty Descendants of the Great Emancipation—1863. And that is our American story—our narrative! Our Divine Right

While the Cultural Narrative is not the solution to all of our challenges, it sure is a step forward. It’s designed to inspire in the souls of our young people a real hunger for truth and an unquenchable thirst for righteousness. We must

m o Join d e e r F

never, ever take our collective accomplishments and gifts for granted, or ignore our claim on the American Dream! Again, two questions for open debate: 1) Should the Cultural Narrative be taught to children; 2) Who would be responsible for teaching it? What if we were to set a tangible goal for ourselves? What if we could individually and collectively see to it that each child from our community, by their thirteenth birthday would be able to read, write, speak and comprehend the Cultural Narrative—“a new language of freedom?” (See the video visit our website: thepositivecommunity.com) We owe this to the ancestors and to our Heavenly Father— “Thou who has brought us thus far on the way.” Never forget: it is our divine right, and our patriotic duty to preserve, protect and promote our very best—America’s best! Cultural literacy will fortify and ensure the progress of future generations as we embrace the ideals of Positive Change!

for

Fellowship

A Positive Friday Social Mixer

Music e Cultur

FRIDAY JUNE 10,2022 7PM

Food

Progress TO BE HELD AT:

In the Crystal Ballroom

50 Park Pl, Newark, NJ

Celebrating Our Year of Positive Change www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_April_2022_WF.indd 5

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Courage to create People who show us that our creativity has value give us the confidence to be creative in all areas of our lives. We think that’s a wonderful gift.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Senator Schumer on the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

enate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor immediately before the Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Below are some of Senator Schumer’s remarks: “This is a wonderful day, a joyous day, and inspiring day: for the Senate, for the Supreme Court, and the United States of America. “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is beloved by individuals and organizations across the political spectrum. I went through her record carefully, and never did I find one instance of a peer or colleague or associate say one negative word about her. www.thepositivecommunity.com

“I want to thank all of my Democratic colleagues on the Judiciary Committee – you were just fabulous, every one of you – for your respectful and insightful examination of the Judge’s record. “And I want to thank my Republican colleagues who chose to take this process seriously, no matter which side you voted on. “In short, this is one of the great moments of American h i s t o r y. A t t h e t i m e o f o u r Constitution’s ratification, in most states you had to be a white, male, Protestant, landowner to be considered part of American society. Generations of Americans have sought to establish the United States as a full democracy. We fought a bloody civil war to end slavery. Women organized and reached for the ballot. The civil rights movement brought an end to the vicious segregation of the mid-20th Century. “Today, we are taking a giant, bold, and important step on the well-trodden path to fulfilling our country’s founding promise. This is a great moment for Judge Jackson, but it is an even greater moment for America, as we rise to a more perfect union.” April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

REV. ALTHELIA H. POND GUEST EDITORIAL

Althelia H. Pond is pastor of Mt. Morris-Ascension Presbyterian Church, in Harlem, NYC.

The Slap Seen ‘Round the World’ WHAT HAPPENED?

e are a group of Black women ranging in age from 88 to 101, collectively 753 years of life experience. We have gathered each Tuesday since the early days of the pandemic. We share our collective witness—life stories that have intersected with many of the notable events of the last one hundred years of Black history. As matriarchs of the cultural narrative and core values of the Black community, with a collective gasp we ask, ”What happened?” Everything began normally. Hollywood stars came out and paraded along the red carpet. Oh, the glitz, and glamour. Aware of the historic aspects of this particular Oscars, our community shared the excitement. The behind-the-scenes production team, represented by movie and television producer Will Packet, was intentional in putting together an all-Black production team. Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes served as two of three co-hosts; Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Ariana DeBose, Denzel Washington, Questlove, and Beyonce possible award winners. As a community, we needed to support these shining stars. Then it happened—the slap, seen around the world. It took everyone by surprise, and a good bit of time to process. It began with a joke by comedian Chris Rock about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairstyle. Our collective years of Black women’s hair, can certainly empathize with Ms. Pinkett Smith, who has been vocal about her battle with alopecia. In response, Will Smith walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock. Mr. Smith returned to his seat and later won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the film King Richard. There are many ways to unpack this occurrence. We have heard the voices that have chosen sides. However, we must begin by acknowledging the devastating role violence has had in our communities for the past four hundred years. Regrettably, as we see it, violence found its way into the ceremony, whether in the form of an unscripted joke aimed at Pinkett Smith or an unexpected slap landed upon the face of Mr. Rock. For many in our community negative acts against our women, whether physical or verbal, have cut deep and provoked reflexive reactions. We are not condoning violence. However, we can certainly understand a Black man’s defense of our virtues. Especially in a society, which negates Black beauty and too often attacks the innocent Black bodies of young men and women. A “yo mama” comment, or the

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

shooting of someone like Eleanor Bumpers, cause deep emotional hurt, especially when undeserved. A Christian core value, whether intentional or not, was on display when Mr. Rock showed the ability to turn the other cheek. The bible informs us in 1Thessalonians 5:15, “See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.” –(NRSV) To have Mr. Smith arrested would not have benefited our community. It was best for everyone to allow the show to continue. Reflection, repentance, and forgiveness all take time and may not have been fully revealed in Mr. Smith’s initial apologies. Still, we believe it was the best he could do at the time. The fall out is huge and distorts the values of our community. Based upon what we understand about both individuals, we believe it was not Mr. Rock’s intention to hurt, and Mr. Smith’s reaction was out of character. Mistakes happen. Moving forward, we pray the focus is upon collective remedies to violence such as public displays of grace, mercy, and forgiveness to and from both men and their families. Matthew 7:1-2 reminds us, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” Those we place upon a pedestal can fall. We cannot turn our backs and speak poorly of them. This should not be. We must continue to lift up the achievements of both of these Black men. For we are all made in the image of God, and we all fall short of the glory of God. Stony a road we have all trod. It does not diminish us. Therefore, work out our differences in private. One of our group was born in the wake of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Mental, emotional, and spiritual health of communities and individuals are very fragile in such times. We pray for healing, and a cacophony of words and actions that bespeak love, kindness, and encouragement. Hugs instead of slaps to hurry the healing process along. Lastly, we lift up those representing us at the Oscars. You have done us proud. Continue to advance our values and make a difference in our lives and in our community. Let’s continue to look for what is positive and simply live in a manner that allows us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before our Creator. Rev. Pond graciously gathered the opinions and wrote their editorial. The ladies unanimously approved. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Money

business, finance + work

Charles Gabriel cuts the ribbon opening his new restaurant

Harlem’s Finest is Pan-Fried, To-Go!

Gabriel welcomes all of Harlem to his new spot

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos by Seitu Oronde

harles Gabriel, the James Beard nominated chef and Harlem icon, has been serving his famous pan-fried chicken and fixins’ in New York for over 30 years. Gabriel originally hails from North Carolina, where his mother taught him the secret of pan-frying. His first restaurant enticed customers on 8th Avenue between 152nd and 153rd Streets. In 2021, Gabriel opened two new Charles Pan-Fried Chicken restaurants: one in Harlem on West 145th Street, and one on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on West 72nd Street with more to come. Using his mother’s famous pan-fried chicken recipe, Charles will be feeding hungry people in New York for years to come.

ADVERTORIAL

Sisterhood in the Workplace: Supporting Black and Latina Women beyond Women’s History Month

o support Black and Hispanic women in the workplace, we must understand the unique challenges they face and advance solutions. Young Black and Latinas girls are more likely to identify as leaders than girls of other races. However, when they grow up, the disparities they face when it comes to pay and opportunity are jarring. In fact, according to the US Census , Black women were paid 63% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid. That means it takes the typical Black woman 19 months to be paid what the average white man takes home in 12 months. And Latinas endure the widest pay gap of any group, earning just 57 cents on the dollar compared to non-Latino white men. It’s no secret that gender bias plays a role in income disparities, and unfortunately, these inequities intensify when considering compounding factors like race and ethnicity. JPMorgan Chase is increasing awareness around these inequalities and is committed to using its resources to make real change – not just during Women’s History Month, but every month. JPMorgan Chase has dedicated divisions that specialize in outreach to diverse audiences. We sat down with Silvana Montenegro, Head of Advancing Hispanic & Latinos and Byna Elliott, Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss their perspectives on women in the workplace, and how the company is helping to create an equal playing field. Q: How is JPMorgan Chase working to tackle income inequity for Black and Hispanic/Latina women? Silvana: We realize that tackling income inequality requires consistent programming that focuses on inequity both in the workplace and in the educational environment Black and Hispanic/Latina women are in before they start working. Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) and Advancing Hispanic & Latinos (AHL) were born out of recognition that, while our company has made efforts to be inclusive and impactful in all activities, we need to be very intentional in our approach to our work. ABP was established to help the Black community chart stronger www.thepositivecommunity.com

paths toward economic success and empowerment, while AHL is a way for us to drive meaningful and sustainable change for the Hispanic and Latino communities. Through these initiatives, we’ve created a set of activities focused on entrepreneurship, career readiness and support, financial health, and community development. Women are a core audience for all of our efforts. Q: How is JPMorgan Chase helping Black and Hispanic/ Latina -owned businesses grow and expand? Byna: The number of Black and Latina women becoming entrepreneurs is continuing to rise at an accelerated rate. Black business ownership is up by almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels and Black women are the fastest-growing group of female entrepreneurs. Similarly, Latinas are more likely to own – or plan to own – their own businesses than non-Hispanic women. We want to see entrepreneurs not simply do well, but thrive! Partnership is key in helping to reach Black and Latina entrepreneurs with helpful resources. Internally, we partner across our business – including with our community and consumer branch colleagues who are often the face of the company to entrepreneurs – to offer business education, coaching and banking solutions to business owners. But external partnerships are also critical to our efforts. For example, ABP partnered with digitalundivided to launch BREAKTHROUGH, a business-intensive program designed to help women of color entrepreneurs propel their businesses. The curriculum for the program includes programming on strengthening customer engagement and banking relationships, as well as identifying and implementing business models. Upon completion of the program, each participant receives a $5,000 grant to invest in their business.

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

National Action Network 31st Annual Convention

L-R: Pastor A.R. Bernard, NAN Chairman Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Greater Allen AME Church Dr. Elaine Flake, AME Fifth Episcopal District Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Jr, Jennifer Jones Austin Photos by Seitu Oronde

L-R: NAACP NY President Hazel Dukes; Rev. Jesse Jackson; and Malaak Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X

F AME Sixth District, Georgia Presiding Bishop Reginald T. Jackson

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

or 2022, the National Action Network (NAN) Conference program focused on civil rights and social justice. Held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, the four-day event began with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and opening remarks by Mayor Eric Adams. The convention included workshops, panels, and plenaries on topics of interest to Black people including voting rights, immigrant rights, women’s empowerment and leadership, and diversity and media. Panels featured an array of political leaders, commentators, academics, clergy, and corporate leaders. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: NAACP NY President Hazel Dukes, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams

L-R: Ashley Sharpton and Kathy Sharpton

L-R: Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Yolanda Adams

L-R: Rev. John Scott and Jennifer Jones Austin

New York City Mayor Eric Adams

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Chairman and CEO of Peebles Corporation, Don Peebles

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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L-R: Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman and Anthony Herbert Brooklyn Borough Dir. Mayor's Office

MTA Chair and CEO John “Janno” Lieber greets guest

Rev. Conrad Tillard Sr.

AACEO Welcomes MTA's CEO John Lieber

ntioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn was the site of the African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) First Friday Breakfast on Friday, April 1, 2022. Members of AACEO and the New York Police Department Community Affairs Bureau heard from New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who made special remarks and introduced the guest of honor, Metropolitan Transit Authority Chair & CEO Mr. John "Janno" Lieber. Discussing the theme of “Let’s Talk Transit,” Mr. Leiber had concrete examples of the community working together and shared plans for future goals to achieve a better New York for everyone.

Members of NYPD Community Affairs Bureau with MTA Chair and CEO Janno Leiber

L-R Judge Robin Sheares, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, AACEO Chief of Operations Dee Bailey, and Director Watchful Eye Jessica Bailey

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

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Photos by Jimmy Flixs and Ryan Council

AACEO VP Assemblywoman Latrice Walker

MTA Chair and CEO John “Janno” Lieber

L-R: AACEO Member NYS Attorney General Letitia James with The Positive Community Publisher Adrian Council Sr.

L-R: Bishop Cecil Riley and AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman

L-R: L-R: Rev. Gil Monrose from the Mayor's Office and Brooklyn Assemblyman Brian Cunningham

L-R: Shelton Jones, Brooklyn DA Office; former Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna; Orlando Ross, Congresswoman Yvette Clark's Office

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Hosts Black History Month Event

he Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce celebrated Black History Month recognizing the positive impact of several Brooklynites and business community leaders. Held at the Weeksville Heritage Center, honorees included New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud; Freda Thomas, founder and principal of Freda Thomas Consulting; Keith Forest, principal of Urban ID Media; and cultural entrepreneur and founder of I AM CARIBBEING, Shelley V. Worrell. “Facing enormous challenges posed by the C OV I D - 1 9 p a n d e m i c a n d u n s t e a d y e c o n o m i c recovery, these remarkable leaders stepped up and used their decades of experience in their fields to raise the floor of opportunity for our perseverant small business community,” said Brooklyn Chamber www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: National Grid Asiyah Piper, ConEdison Juliet Lewis, Taylor Made Services Annita Taylor, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Peers, Jerrykans Ventures Jerry Kwabenaa Kansis

of Commerce President and CEO Randy Peers. As part of the celebration and acknowledgement of outstanding achievements by Minority and Women-owned Business and Enterprises (MWBE), the Brooklyn Chamber and Fiserv, Inc., a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, presented a Back2Business grant to President and CEO of Taylor Made Health Annita Taylor. Taylor is a Brooklyn native. Taylor Made is a health and wellness consultancy. The Back2Business program connects small businesses with critical resources including complimentary mentorship, subject matter expertise, business coaching, and technology solutions such as the Clover® point-of-sale platform from Fiserv, and community partners. April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Health ideas for wellness

Money Dr. Linnie Golightly of buiness, finance + work

Weill Cornell Medical College Shines Light on the Importance of NMF

Education

By R.L. Witter

the art + science of learning

nfectious disease doctor and researcher Linnie Golightly is working diligently at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University. As an infectious disease specialist, she focuses on travel medicine, parasitology, and tropical diseases. While many of us see a pandemic virus as a frightening, once-in-a-lifetime inconvenience, Dr. Golightly has the knowledge and skills to study and treat the virus and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a doctor and scientist. And she credits NMF (National Medical Fellowships) as one of the reasons she’s able to do this fascinating and important work. Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Golightly originally wanted to be an attorney. “I had this idea that I was in search of truth and justice, so I was going to be a lawyer,” she recalled. “Someone arranged for me to visit a court and I’m not saying it wasn’t about truth and justice, but it

The assistance NMF had provided so many years ago had given Golightly the opportunity to pay it forward and do her part to help increase the number of physicians of color. It was exactly what

seemed to me it was more about winning the game. That was disappointing to me.” Always having had an interest in and talent for science, she decided to pursue a career in medicine. “I sort of wound my way down this path and was successful. I’ve had the good fortune of having many careers within that one career.” Already an associate professor of Medicine in Microbiology and Immunology and an associate professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Golightly was appointed associate dean of Diversity at Weill Cornell Medicine, where her focus is on enhancing initiatives to increase underrepresented minority diversity throughout the community. It was that appointment that prompted a hazy memory of NMF to come more clearly into focus. She was asked to attend a dinner “and NMF was sponsoring that dinner for the dean. When I went, I remembered I had received money from NMF… My father had died my freshman year of college and I had to change schools. My mother was trying to pull together money and I decided to come to Cornell. I took out some loans and

NMF was designed to do. 22

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

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well, because of my research, I received a grant from NMF. I remember feeling so glad someone had sent me some money and here I was at this NMF gathering.” It seems fitting that Golightly was reacquainted with NMF at that time. Her work as dean of Diversity included increasing underrepresented minority diversity and NMF’s mission is to provide scholarships and support for underrepresented minority students in medicine and health professions. The assistance NMF had provided so many years ago had given Golightly the opportunity to pay it forward and do her part to help increase the number of physicians of color. It was exactly what NMF was designed to do. “As an organization it says something about what you value. It’s valuable to the individual, valuable to the pipeline, and valuable to the institution. You put the word out and you say to the institutions, ‘Put your money where your mouth is,’” Golightly said. “The NIH is now looking at all of these initiative programs and how effective they are and what’s really happening. I think that sort of action-driven approach is how NMF is functioning.” Another thing Dr. Golightly has in common with NMF is a relationship with NMF President and CEO Michellene Davis, Esq. “In speaking with Michellene lately that’s what shows the value. It’s not just sit down and give a little here,

give a little there. They’re really asking what is the best way forward moving in partnership with other organizations,” she explained. “She (Davis) spoke here recently and it was such a great talk. Her style is a combination of a sermon and a history lesson and she just pulls you in and engages and challenges people in the audience.” Another thing Golightly noted about Davis’ leadership at NMF is her personal investment. “I like the way she educates the institutions and asks is she going to send her precious students to a not-sogood place? Dr. Golightly recalls her father’s last words: “Some doors were open to my father and others opened for me. You’ll have the ball and some doors will still be closed. But if the doors open, be ready to walk through.” Golightly added her own twist saying, “You may get to a door and they’re not ready for you; but there are other doors. I don’t have to stand waiting for you. You’re not ready for me.” She closed saying, “Sometimes you realize you don’t have to wait for the door to open. You kick it off the frame and go forward. We control the door. Once we have a seat at the table, use that to affect change from the inside. You’re not always knocking; sometimes you’ll be the one on the other side of the door saying, ‘Hey y’all, we’re in here!’ I’m pleased to persevere; to remember so many people fought for me.”

Local NAACP Branch Honors Darrel K. Terry Sr.

ewark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey President and CEO Darrell K. Terry Sr. received the 2022 President’s Award from the NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch. The branch hosted its 109th Thurgood Marshall Freedom Fund Gala at the at Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club in Livingston, NJ on April 8. At the event Terry accepted the award saying, “It is an honor and a privilege to receive the President’s Award from the NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch, and to be able to support the critical work that this institution is doing to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of our communities.” L-R: Daryl Jeffries and Darrell K. Terry Sr.

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April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL KAHLIL THE CARMICHAEL FITNESS THE DOCTOR FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. Kahlil MAPCC,atMDIV, CPT is Doctor, the pastor of Liveand Well Church,consulting in Somerset, New Jersey. He is aCarmichael fitness specialist The Fitness a fitness wellness company; and the He is a of fitness specialist at The Fitness a fitness and wellness consulting and the author 50 Tips for a Better You. He is Doctor, a contributor to Guideposts magazine. Hiscompany; first publication, author of 50 Tips for Better, a Better He isnow. a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living is You. available Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information. Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Springing Forward! Making Time Time for YOU YOU Making for

M H M

arch is Women’s History month; let’s celebrate ello, Spring! As the warm weather approaches with arch Women’s History month; let’swomen celebrate all ofis the beautiful, hard-working in all its wonders, I am reminded of the lyrics of one all of the beautiful, hard-working women in our lives. As I make rounds at the hospital, I see of my favorite hymns, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”: our lives. As make roundsinatthe thesame hospital, women immersed inIassignments, placeI see for women immersed in assignments, in the same place for hours–sitting at their desks. I witnessed my verySun, ownmoon wife Summer and winter and springtime and harvest hours–sitting at their desks. I witnessed my own wife on astars Zoom 8amabove to 6:30pm! My very God, I don’t and in call theirfrom courses Join with all nature in on a Zoom call from 8am to 6:30pm! My God, I don’t know how you do it! These powerful women deserve our manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love know you doabout it! These powerful womenher deserve honor.how “She sets her work vigorously; arms our are honor. “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV) Indeed – great is Thy faithfulness! We are part of that strong forneed her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV) We all to work, and some tasks are urgent. How diverse witness. The joy of taking in the fresh air with the We all need to work, and some tasks are urgent. How can you fit in the recommended 30 minutes of exercise sun on our faces is unparalleled and must be proclaimed! can you fit in the recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily when you can’t step away? The Fitness Doctor has How about doubling your pleasure by strategically daily when you can’tdeveloped step away?an The Fitness Doctor has the answer! I have eight-minute routine planning outdoor activities to improve your health? The the answer! I have developed an eight-minute routine designed for the office environment and you can repeat Fitness Doctor has some recommendations! designed fortimes the office environment youyour can repeat it multiple during the day toand meet fitness A. Let’s start with walking. Walking is one of the best it multiple times during the day to meet your goals. It will also help eliminate stiffness, neck andfitness back exercises you can do and works well for everyone. It is an goals. It will help eliminate stiffness, neck and back pain, and thealso dreaded hip spread. activity that can be tailored to individual fitness levels. Start pain, and the dreaded hip spread. as slow as you need to and build! Use a monitoring device Start with these seated stretches: to measure your progress. The benefits of walking 10,000 Start these hands seated stretches: • with Put your flat on the desk in front of you then steps per day are legion – improved energy, confidence, • Put your hands flat on thechest deskwhile in front of you then tuck your chin into your rounding your mood, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure. It reduces tuck your chin into your chest while rounding back. After holding for several seconds, arch your stress, clears your mind, and helps manage your weight. back. After looking holdingup. forRepeat. several seconds, arch your back while Since it is an aerobic activity, walking will also reduce your back while looking up. Repeat. risk of heart attack. The CDC states that heart disease is the • Then, holding both hands shoulder level and leading cause for death in the US, so strengthening your • Then, holding both raise handshands shoulder level head and shoulder width apart, over your cardiovascular system is supremely beneficial. shoulder width apart, raise hands over your head while arching your back, then return to the original B. Weightlifting (weighted lunges, leg extensions, arm while arching your back, then return to the original position. Repeat. curls, etc.) is necessary to improve your health. Starting position. Repeat. with your body weight is fine! But eventually you should • Next do a side stretch. Reach across your body with include some light weights to take things to the next • Next do a side stretch. Reach across bodyother with one hand and grasp your outer hip. your Lift your level. Some benefits of weight training are improved one hand and grasp your outer hip. Lift your other arm and lean sideways, holding for 30 seconds. arm and lean sideways, holding for 30 seconds. Repeat. Repeat. These stretches will mobilize the spine and reverse These stretches mobilize the spineblood and reverse hunching, reducingwill fatigue by increasing supply hunching, reducing fatigue by increasing blood supply and nutrients to your muscles. Stretching wakes and and nutrients to your No muscles. Stretching wakeshours and warms up the muscles. more standing up after warms upand the almost muscles. No morefrom standing after hours of sitting collapsing back up spasms! of sitting and almost collapsing from back spasms!

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Chair exercises are not just for seniors, add more to get a cardiovascular health, improved mental health and joint Chair exercises are not just for seniors, add more to get a complete workout! flexibility, plus it reduces the risk of chronic disease and complete workout! • Chair crunches will engage and strengthen the core lowers your body fat. • Chair crunches will engage and strengthen the core C. Have you tried yoga? If you think it is lightweight • Knee extensions will strengthen your quadriceps activity, you are incorrect! Yoga is quite a workout, • Knee extensions will strengthen your quadriceps and loosen the knee utilizing your body weight to attain certain poses which and loosen the knee leads to specific benefits. Increased flexibility and muscle • Single-leg calf raises will contract the calf muscle strength, improved respiration and circulatory health, • Single-leg and stretchcalf the raises ankle will contract the calf muscle weight reduction, and an improved metabolism. Yoga and stretch the ankle helps to stretch out and lengthen your muscles, leading to • Seated marches or knee raises to stretch the leg improved balance, core strength, and agility. And it’s fun! • Seated marches or knee raises to stretch the leg D. Calisthenics like knee lifts, push-ups, planks, jumping • Sit and stand several times, waking and strengthening exercises, and arm curls can be done inside or outside in • Sit and stand several times, waking and strengthening your leg muscles the sun and is a very effective workout. The exercises are your leg muscles normally performed with your body weight but can be • Investigate getting a standing desk for your intensified with dumbbells or a weighted vest. Performing • Investigate workstation getting a standing desk for your calisthenics can help you move easier throughout the day workstation as the functional movements you perform in the exercises • Go for a stroll; inside or outside! improve your coordination and mobility, reduce aches and • Go for a stroll; inside or outside! pains, burn calories, and can improve long-term health. It Working from home and sitting in front of a camera is also convenient. Don’t sleep on the old school workouts, from home and in front of a camera all Working day can be exhausting. Butsitting remember, movement and calisthenics are tried and true! all day can be exhausting. But remember, movement physical exercise is medicine. Do take a few moments and physical exercise medicine. Do take a fewoffice. moments and start moving rightis in the comfort of your Here is a YouTube link to my 12-minute workout you start moving right in the comfort of your office. Here is a YouTube link to a 12-minute workout you can can do 3 days per week. https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ a YouTube doHere 3 daysis per week. link to a 12-minute workout you can Get familiar with the exercises and take it outside! I hope do https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ 3 days per week. you will try some of these workout ideas to spring forward https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ Live well and prosper. into a new, healthier phase! Live well and prosper.

Fitness training is available through the Live Well Fitness is available LiveFitness Well Churchtraining FITCARE program,through offeredthe at the Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment. a free assessment. Disclaimer: The information contained in this Disclaimer: information this column is of aThe general nature. contained You shouldinconsult column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before your physician healthprogram care professional before beginning any or exercise or changing your beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Do You Know NYC’s COVID-19 Alert Level? The COVID Alert Levels show the current level of COVID-19 risk and what to do to protect yourself. Alert Level

What This Means

Very High

• Avoid nonessential activities and crowded places. • Keep physical distance in all public settings.

High Medium Low

• Stay home if sick or were exposed to COVID-19. • Wear a mask in all public indoor settings. • Get tested for COVID-19. • Avoid crowded indoor and outdoor settings.

Current Level:

Low

• Get vaccinated and boosted. • Consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings.

Know our current level and learn more at nyc.gov/covidalert. www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. One of the top 15 heart transplant programs in the nation. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has a passion for heart health. In fact, we’re home to the most comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery program in the state. We’ve performed more than 1,100 heart transplants in our nationally-ranked transplant program, and have New Jersey’s largest pediatric cardiac surgery program. Our cardiac specialists are recognized for their innovation and advancements in transcatheter aortic valve replacements, ventricular assist devices and aortic aneurysm repair. It’s all part of our dedication to every heart in our community. Learn more at rwjbh.org/hearttransplant

A new way to prevent blood clots

A minimally invasive procedure reduces the risk of stroke for people with AFib. The Watchman is a self-expanding device that closes the heart’s left atrial appendage, blocking clots from escaping.

Inside the heart lies a little-known structure called the left atrial appendage (LAA), a pouch in one of the heart’s chambers. It’s unclear what function, if any, the LAA performs in a normally functioning heart. "The LAA is similar to the appendix,” explains John Shao, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI) and a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. “It’s important as the body develops, but once you’re born, you can do without the LLA.” The LAA can cause problems, however, if a person has atrial fibrillation (AFib), an abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risk of developing a blood clot or having a stroke. Potentially life-threatening blood thickening is especially likely to occur in the LAA, which is filled with tiny pockets where blood cells can easily stick together. Now, NBI has the capability to seal off the LAA and eliminate its clot risks with a minimally invasive treatment that deploys a device called the Watchman FLX. “This treatment has emerged as a key therapy to treat stroke risk from AFib over the past few years,” Dr. Shao says. “RWJBarnabas Health hospitals offering specialized care have implanted more than 500 Watchman devices. We’re very experienced in its use.” ALTERNATIVE TO BLOOD THINNERS In a procedure that takes an hour or less, an interventional cardiologist threads a catheter from the groin to the heart’s left atrium. There, it delivers the Watchman device under

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. To connect with a top cardiovascular specialist at NBI, call 888-724-7123 or visit rwjbh.org/heart.

ultrasound guidance. The device, collapsed while inside the catheter, opens like an umbrella when it reaches the LAA. Eventually, heart tissue grows over the permanently implanted fabric-capped nickel titanium device and keeps clots in the LAA from entering the bloodstream. Most people go home the day after implantation. Not everyone with AFib needs a Watchman implant. “Most patients take blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots, blockages and stroke,” Dr. Shao says. “But a range of problems can occur with blood thinners in the long term, such as bleeding, anemia and bruising. Also, we often prefer avoiding blood thinners in patients with other medical conditions that put them at risk of fainting or falling.” Many patients receiving the Watchman can go off blood thinners and instead take less potentially problematic medications, such as aspirin. The Watchman’s relative safety has been well established in studies, Dr. Shao says. “It causes no change in heart pumping function or movement of blood through the heart’s chambers,” he says. “There’s little downside.” Until this minimally invasive system became available, sealing the LAA might have been done as part of open-heart surgery, Dr. Shao says. “The Watchman is one more way Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is offering patients the most sophisticated cardiac technology and procedures in our community,” he says. “We’ve got everything you need right here.”

HONORS

or more than 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives more than any of us could imagine, none more than healthcare professionals who consistently risk their lives to protect the lives of others. Facing unexpected challenges, limited staff, inadequate supplies, and dealing with double, often triple the number of patients needing immediate and intensive care, abiding by their sworn Hippocratic Oath to “…do no

harm,” with courage and grace, they tackled any obstacle to serving or saving a patient. Sponsored by Aetna, The Positive Community’s Healthcare Heroes campaign salutes the doctors, nurses, aides, EMTs, cooks, janitors, hospital and healthcare executives, and many more who toil in anonymity selflessly serving…

WE THANK YOU!

To read more about health care heroes visit: https://thepositivecommunity.com/healthcareheroes/

L-R: Lauriel Porter,director of Community Affairs and Business Expansion; Elixandra Divid, director of Virtual Clinic NJ; Audrey Bethea, clinic assistant, and Joseph Manger, CEO Aetna

ityLife Health, located at 44 Jones Street in Newark's central ward, helps people with Medicaid connect to resources in their community and get care in their neighborhood. Like many other healthcare facilities, CityLife had to regroup and pivot early in the COVID-19 pandemic in order to handle their regular patient load while providing vaccinations and testing for COVID. A relatively small primary and urgent care facility, the number of patients they began seeing doubled from between 60 patients per day before the pandemic to well over 100, with lines forming around the block. We spoke with Lauriel Morrison, director of Community Affairs at CityLife Health. Morrison recalls a day when 142 people were seen, some for testing, some for vaccinations, and some who had COVID or other urgent needs. How did they handle it? All-hands-

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Helping People with Medicaid Connect to Resources on-deck. The company COO flew into Newark from Tennessee and went to work behind the front desk. “But in addition to caring for the patients, employee engagement and morale were uppermost,” Morrison explained. “Staff members have stress in their personal lives with a child at home or a family member with COVID, so a 15- or 20-minute break to go outside and get some air became a way to let some of the emotions settle down.” Staff members also visit schools and churches with popup events including dental screenings. “We are located in the Central Ward, but we serve the entire city, wherever we are needed,” she said. Regarding the newest COVID variant, which appears to be spiking in many cities and states, when we spoke Morrison said, “We haven't seen many cases, yet, but it's coming, and we are prepared.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

ARE YOUR CHILDREN UP TO DATE WITH THEIR

SHOTS?

Don't delay Come in for your FREE immunizations today.

Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness 110 William Street

Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, 973-733-7580

EVERY MOMENT IN RECOVERY IS A GIFT.

Addiction recovery starts here. Talk to your doctor and learn how FDA-approved medications can support your recovery. Don’t wait any longer, because there are better days ahead.

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SATURDAYS 11:00 – 11:45 AM

The Upper Room Ministries is a national call-in ministry housed in New Jersey and dedicated to promoting the spiritual life of believers through worship, prayer and featuring ministers bringing the WORD. 30

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

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ADVERTORIAL

Minority Health Month How Will You Be Empowered to Reclaim Your Health?

Just about every health condition imaginable is represented during a health awareness month, day or week. Conversation starters, they raise awareness about health, and prompt us to take action for better health. • Do you have to manage diabetes? What are your struggles? Have you found something that helps? Are there others who are going through what you are? What are they doing about it? • Are you taking heart medication? How do you feel when you take it? Is it working for you? Do you think the medication is doing enough to help you manage your condition, or do you need to introduce something new? What does your doctor think? • Do you have a child who has asthma? Is the condition under control, or has something changed? Have there been changes that make you think it is time for something different? Is it time to check in with a professional for an expert opinion about what is normal? • Is a digestive condition acting up? Do you know what is aggravating this condition, and are you aware of little changes that make you feel better? Would it hurt to ask a doctor or nurse about it? • Did you know that if you are a Medicaid beneficiary, and an Amerigroup New Jersey member, you don’t have to wonder about health conditions because Amerigroup makes it easy and free to ask questions and get expert advice? Health awareness holidays also serve as opportunities to remind people that it is important to learn more about health disparities and take steps to achieve better health outcomes. • In New Jersey, the chance of children suffering from

lead poisoning is four times more likely than the national average. A University of Michigan study found that Black, people including babies, are five times more likely to be poisoned by lead. Amerigroup, not only covers the cost of screening for lead levels, but offers reward payments to members who get required screenings? • Researchers found that if Black women started getting mammograms by age 40, it could reduce cancer deaths by 57 percent. Amerigroup covers the cost of breast screening for women 40 and older, and helps members find how and where to get exams. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Black people have the highest incidence of tooth decay and higher levels of vision loss. Did you know that Amerigroup Medicaid members, can take advantage of certain dental and vision care services at no cost? • If you are an Amerigroup Medicaid member in New Jersey and having trouble keeping up with screenings, doctors’ appointments and covered benefits, you can get help by calling the Amerigroup Customer Service number on the back of your ID card, checking out Amerigroup’s member website, or even downloading Amerigroup’s mobile app. • More adults who are Black report that they cannot see a doctor because of cost, even though most preventative services are free without cost-sharing for adults, women and children who have Medicaid and most other forms of health insurance coverage. April is Minority Health Month and an opportunity to empower yourself and learn about health disparities, conditions and opportunities that can directly impact your life.

Empowerment starts with awareness, so take time to learn more about your health. Read up about certain health conditions, and talk to a professional about what is expected and what can be better. Don’t wait to take action, especially if you are at higher risk. Start reclaiming your health today! For more information visit: https://www.myamerigroup.com/nj/home.html www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Education the art + science of learning

DEAR MR. CHANCELLOR Parents take their concerns to the “Banks” By Glenda Cadogan

arlier this year at a press conference at the Tweed Building (home of the New York City Department of Education), the then incoming NYC School Chancellor David C. Banks expressed his intent to make parents and families “true partners” in his transformation plan. “I want to make sure our parents are part of this process of reform and moving forward, and not a photo op after the decisions have already been made,” he said in his public comments. “The parents don’t want to be sidelined; they want to have a seat at the table – and they should!” In this article, The Positive Community is giving parents of children in the largest school system in the country an opportunity to put their concerns on the Chancellor’s proverbial table. “The first to step forward was Raul Rothblatt, who has both a son, 10 and a daughter, 13 enrolled at PS 9 in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. “The DOE has to recognize the diverse needs of kids in the system,” he said. “Kids who are struggling are different from those who are above grade level. As such, their emotional and social needs are affected differently and that needs to be addressed in effective ways.” Rothblatt recommends more emphasis be placed on attracting and retaining dedicated teachers and then give them a little more “flexibility and autonomy. I believe that in general our teachers are doing a good job,

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

but they are bogged down by bureaucracy and so many ideological conflicts. They are doing God’s work; give them more power backed by resources.” Rothblatt, who was recently named director of Community Affairs for Assemblyman Brian Cunningham’s office, is an involved parent who, years ago, led the fight to have PS9 renamed after Black educator and suffragist Sarah Smith Garnett. Lynette Pascall is a retired child care provider with a 5-year-old granddaughter in pre-K in Brooklyn. Her call to the Chancellor is to allow for a more hands-on approach to learning. “This virtual learning will be harmful to our children in the long run,” she said. “We all understand that technology is very much a part of the 21st Century world in which we live. But for our children’s all-round development, a mixed form of learning is essential. Children learn by practice and we need to help them prepare for life by learning how to build in-person relationships. By putting too much emphasis on IT and virtual learning, the DOE is doing our children a disservice.”

Raul Rothblatt, has both a son, 10 and a daughter, 13 enrolled at PS 9 in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Communication; communication; Crystal Rennie, mother of three children in public school: a 12-yearold seventh grader, a 6-year-old first grader, and a 19-year-old high school senior.

When her son was 4-years old, Ghanaian native Kubura Bankolewas forced to remove him from the public school he attended not far from their home in the Bronx because every day he came home with bruises. “No one at the school could account for how and when he was getting beat up and bullied,” she said. After repeated engagement with the school’s administration bore no results, Kubura made the decision to transfer her son, now 13 and in 8th grade, to another school outside of his zoned area. “My question is who is really keeping an eye on our children during the hours they are under the care of the DOE?” During her inquiry she learned that during lunch and break times there are “other people” hired to keep an eye on students. “But in the case of my son—and I’m sure many others who are bullied—this failed. Now whenever we walk by his

“The DOE has to recognize the diverse needs of kids in the system,” he said. “Kids who are struggling are different from those who are above grade level. As such, their emotional and social needs are affected differently and that needs to be addressed in effective ways.”—Paul Rothblatt www.thepositivecommunity.com

communication,” she stressed. “I think somewhere the communication gets lost between the children and teachers. But even so, teachers are too lapsed in effectively communicating children’s needs to parents.—Crystal Rennie former school, my son calls it a bad name. After all these years I still cannot get him to stop saying it.” The issues in neighboring Queens were not much different as expressed by Crystal Rennie, the mother of three children in public school: a 12-year-old 7th grader, a 6-year-old 1st grader, and a 19-year-old senior in high school. “Communication; communication; communication,” she stressed. “I think somewhere the communication gets lost between the children and teachers. But even so, teachers are too lapsed in effectively communicating children’s needs to parents. In my case I can see my 6-year-old is struggling with things like phonics and grammar. But in repeated parent-teacher conferences, they have not pinpointed the problem nor provided any tools or tips to help my child. Too often, it seems as though teachers are unaware of what’s going on with students.” On another note, Rennie also wanted to stress the need for dual learning platforms. “Social media is a huge problem and someone in the administration really needs to put a handle on it as it pertains to educating our children.” In January when he assumed office, Chancellor Banks, a 30-year educator, vowed that a “change is coming.” Along with Mayor Eric Adams, he has been pushing several initiatives to cut out the bureaucracy that has become synonymous with the DOE. However, the statistics show that parents are pulling their children out of the plagued system by droves with a total of 64,000 since the start of the pandemic. With close to a million children in the system, there’s much at stake, especially when we take it to heart that they carry our futures in their backpacks. April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Photos Courtesy of Newark Public Schools

Hometown Honors

L-R: Newark Superintendent Roger León and George Clinton

The Godfather of Funk George Clinton feted in Newark and Plainfield

he City of Newark held a funky celebration in honor of The Godfather of Funk, George Clinton ahead of his birthday concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The celebration, on March 17 at Avon Avenue Elementary School, Clinton’s alma mater, included the unveiling of the band room renamed in his honor. “The George Clinton Band Room” features a mural of the iconic musician and rows of new instruments from pianos to drums, guitars, and more—some of them donated by Clinton. At 9:30 a.m., rows of students grades K -2 lined the walls at the school’s entrance to welcome George Clinton with streamers, music, and applause. A parade of students with hula hoops (a nod to Clinton’s history of working at a hula hoop factory while waiting for his music success), guided him into the cafetorium. Encouraged to dress in their “funkiest” clothes in honor of the musical icon known for his out-of-this-world attire and costumes, students performed a concert of Clinton’s hits. Clinton joined in, urging guests and participants to “get funky” with him. The school’s orchestra performed the song “Flashlight” while Clinton clapped and danced in his seat. During a Q&A with the famous musician, students asked about his inspirations, humble beginnings, and favorite pastimes. Clinton spoke about the beginning of his band on Avon’s playground, inspired by musical superstars Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers. “It’s so crazy to me now, thinking back—looking at the students here, how small I was. We were so young.” The former student reminisced about how his teachers heard him and his bandmates sing and play and cheered them on, which led, finally, to the creation of Parliament Funkadelic. “In honoring Mr. George Clinton, we not only honor him as the man and legend that he is, but we honor him as a student, one of ours,” said Superintendent

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Roger León. “Can you imagine? He started everything he is and has accomplished here, as a student of Avon Avenue Elementary School.” “We produce skilled leaders who positively impact their community and the world,” said Principal Charity Haygood, who bestowed the title “Godfather Ram of Funk” (meaning supreme) on Clinton. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for returning and inspiring our scholars to be the best that they can be.” Plainfield, New Jersey also honored the Funkmaster, naming a portion of Plainfield Avenue, from Front Street to West Fifth Street, Parliament Funkadelic Way. Mr. Clinton, who calls both Newark and Plainfield hometowns, met with leaders and children of the

Queen City, as Plainfield is known, at the Second Street Youth Center. Clinton took to social media to thank Newark and Plainfield, “for giving P-Funk the warmest…funkiest welcome ever.” —TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

UNITED FEDERATION

TEACHERS

"Public School Proud" United Federation of Teachers • A Union of Professionals 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Michael Mulgrew President

Virginia Union University

This is the first in a series highlighting HBCUs

BY TPC STAFF

Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

ourished by its African American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity, Virginia Union University nurtures students both intellectually and spiritually, empowering them to develop into scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners in a global society. Virginia Union's history began when the American Baptist Home Mission Society proposed a National Theological Institute in order to train freedmen who wished to become Baptist ministers. The university is a result of the mergers of Richmond Theological Institute and Wayland Seminary. Its school of theology is one of the most respected in the nation. Pastors Adam Clayton Powell Sr., Dr. Samuel Dewitt Proctor, and Bishop Leontine Kelly are all alumni of the university. This HBCU embraces the uniqueness and contributions of the African Diaspora and provides

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

VUU President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas

comprehensive undergraduate liberal arts programs and graduate education for Christian ministries. A December 2021 article on CIOViews.com cited VUU President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, VUU's 13th President, as one of ten Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Lucas is an expert in fundraising, strategic planning, and the engagement and retention of students in challenging educational experiences, according to CIO Views website. A native New Yorker, Dr. Hakim Lucas served as the director of development at SUNY Old Westbury under its president Dr. Calvin O. Butts III. He is the son of popular Brooklyn pastor, Rev. Dr. Fred Lucas. In 2021, the VUU Board of Trustees mandated that a minimum of 60% of VUU investment portfolio be managed by minority-owned firms. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The university is divided into four main schools: • Evelyn Reid Syphax School of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies • School of Arts and Sciences • Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology • Sydney Lewis School of Business

Photos Courtesy of VUU

VUU has an active sports program for men and women and competes in the NCAA Division II in the Eastern Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The College Football Network named VUU senior Panther kicker Jefferson Souza to the First Team All-American by D2FOOTBALL.COM in 2021. The VUU women's basketball team won the 2018-19 NCAA Division II championship. A disappointing loss to Claflin in February ended their hopes for 2022. Several VUU alumni have gone on to play in professional sports including football, basketball, and more. Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson, senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, the largest African American congregation in Westchester County serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees. Rev. Richardson is also board chair of the National Action Network.

Notable Alumni

Lawrence Douglas Wilder: The first African American governor in the United States after the Reconstruction era. Wilder served as governor of Virginia from 1990-1994.

Roslyn M. Brock: The youngest person and fourth woman unanimously elected to the role of National Board Chairman for the NAACP.

Samuel Lee Gravely Jr.: The U.S. Navy’s first African American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral who served during WWII.

Dwight Clinton Jones: Served as the 79th mayor of Richmond, Virginia.

Ben Cameron Wallace: Former professional basketball player and current basketball executive.

Charles Oakley: Former professional basketball player, chef, and entrepreneur.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

William Hooper Councill Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU)

William Hooper Councill poses with members of his staff

Courtesy of blackpast.org Contributed by Chistopher Blue

illiam Hooper Councill, educator and race leader, was born into slavery in Fayetteville, North Carolina on July 12, 1849. His parents were both slaves on the Councill plantation. When William was five, his father escaped to Canada and tried unsuccessfully to obtain freedom for his family. In 1857, William; his mother; and his brother, Cicero were sold at the Richmond slave market to a trader, who in turn sold them to a planter in Alabama. His two other brothers were sold separately. He never saw them again. When Union troops occupied Chattanooga during the Civil War, Councill and his family escaped through Union lines to the North. He returned to Alabama in 1865 to attend a school for freedmen started by Quakers. This would be Councill’s only formal schooling. He worked and studied for three years before graduating in 1867. For several years, Councill worked as a teacher in the black public schools in Alabama while moonlighting as a porter in hotels and restaurants. In 1869, at the age of 22, he opened

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

system. By the mid 1880s, it rivaled Tuskegee Institute in Central Alabama as a premier vocationalindustrial training facility. Despite his achievements, Councill had his critics. As a contemporary of Booker T. Hooper Eternal Flame Memorial Washington, he and the Tuskegee principal often competed for favors and funds from the Alabama legislature and northern philanthropists. Councill went even further than Washington in his attempt to win the favor of southern whites by appealing to the upper class’s sense of paternalism and racial superiority. In 1877 Councill founded the Huntsville Herald, which he published and edited until 1884. The following year he established St. John African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Huntsville. Councill also wrote several books including, Lamp of Wisdom (1898), Negro Development in the South (1901), and The Bright Side of the Southern Question (1903). In 1887, he gained national attention when he filed a discrimination lawsuit against the federal Interstate Commerce Commission after being ejected from a first-class car on an Alabama train. He won the suit, but at a great personal expense. He briefly lost his job as president of the school when the legislature lawsuit threatened to close the school if he remained its head, but was reinstated after settling the case. Councill then concentrated on expanding the institution. Councill was also a prolific orator and author. He was passionate about many topics, but primarily all of his writings and speeches focus on race, education, and African Americans in the work force. Councill died on April 9, 1909, having been president of AAMU for 32 years. He is buried on the campus of the university, and each year on Founder’s Day in May, the school celebrates his contributions to African American education. Because of his enduring legacy and contributions to the city of Huntsville, the first public school for African Americans in Huntsville. William Hooper Councill High School was named in his honor, as was the public housing community Councill Court.

Works by William Hooper Councill The Negro Laborer: A Word to Him (1887) Lamp of Wisdom (1898) Negro Development in the South (1901) The Servant Problem in the South (1901) Bright Side of the Southern Question (1903) Additional Resources Eddie Davis Jr. William Hooper Councill: The Greatest Negro the Race Ever Produced. Huntsville: Presh4word Publishing, 2013. Morris, Vivian, and Curtis L. Morris. The Price They Paid. New York: Teachers College Press, 2002. Acknowledgement: Publisher Adrian Arthur Council Sr. is a descendant of the Councill family of Fayetteville and White Oak, NC.

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April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

SERVANT Inauguration of Essex County College’s 9th President – Dr. Augustine A. Boakye Read about Dr. Boakye 1. What are some of the top academic programs at ECC? – Both our Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse programs are excellent, with students securing positions immediately following graduation. Similarly, our other Health Science programs (Radiography, Physical erapist Assistant and Vison Care Technology) oﬀer outstanding career pathways. Many students enroll as General Science majors before deciding their specialty. e Biology, Pre-Medicine curriculum is top line. Other popular majors include Engineering Technologies, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Criminal Justice. And that’s just to name a few of our outstanding programs.

Dr. Augustine A. Boakye President, Essex County College Dr. Augustine Boakye is Essex County College’s 9th President, initially assuming the leadership position on July 21, 2020. He was oﬃcially appointed President by the College’s Board of Trustees eﬀective November 1, 2021. His Inauguration will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2022. Dr. Boakye started his Essex County College career in 2009 as an Associate Professor of Economics. In 2013, he was named Chair of the Division of Business, and also served as Acting Dean of Liberal Arts and Business before becoming President. Dr. Boakye is the former Regional Chair of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Having served as an educator for two decades, Dr. Boakye has exempliied true leadership in his career and loves to share educational best practices with his administration team. He is currently overseeing extensive renovations, designed to provide the most optimum learning experience for students. e College’s West Essex campus is being demolished and completely reconstructed to better serve students in the western portion of the County. While in the Business Division, Dr. Boakye championed the creation of new academic programs such as the A.S. in Finance, A.S. in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Certiicate in SCM/Logistics & Business Professional Certiicate. He introduced Business Week, the Business Plan Competition, and Financial Literacy in the College. Dr. Boakye has served as an Advisor of the Student Government Association (SGA). He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.

2. ECC is considered by some to be a place of “Second Chances” for students. But it is much more than that. How is that? - Essex County College is a destination for so many of our students, not just a place to go. Yes, some students are looking for a second chance, including those who transfer in. But we are also here for students fresh out of high school who are looking to immediately continue their education. As an open access institution, we are here for everyone. 3. What does the College offer in terms of Workforce Development Training? – Not everyone wants to complete a college degree. A number of our residents want training and specialized job skills to either enter or reenter the workforce. We offer training in a number of health eld programs such as Certiied Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Training, Patient Care Technician, and Medical Coding & Billing. ere are training programs in Cyber Security and Information Technology with outside partners. All these programs are short term offerings, ranging from 8 to 20 weeks. 4. What services are available to keep students on track toward both retention and completion of their degrees? - We call these “wrap around” services. It starts with our new One Stop Welcome Center. e Center allows students to apply, register, receive advisement and get nancial assistance in one centralized campus location. Basically, most everything needed to become a student at Essex County College. e College provides one-on-one tutoring, in-person or online, through our Learning Center and academic divisions. ere is a Student Food Pantry meeting the serious problem of food insecurity among our students. Mental health services are provided through the Office of Student Development and Counseling. We have a laptop loaner program and excellent Internet access. 5. What Financial Aid options are available to students? – e College’s Financial Aid Office assists students in seeking out available funding sources. We are part of the state’s Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $65,000. CCOG money covers all costs not covered by other funding sources. Roughly half our students qualify for CCOG assistance. ECC’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), the largest of all two-year colleges in the state, provides scholarships as well as additional tutoring when needed. Our expansive work study program provides part-time employment to students throughout the campus.

Inauguration on ursday, May 5, 2022 – Essex County College Information on the Inauguration ceremony and the Presidential Scholarship Gala available here: https://www.essex.edu/inauguration2022/

SERVANT

team won at the prestigious Millrose Games in January. Both our men’s and women’s track teams placed at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor Championships. Our men’s and women’s soccer teams, and men’s basketball team all have had outstanding seasons over the years. 9. Recently the College Physical Education Building was named in

Inauguration of Essex County College’s 9th President – Dr.Hill, Augustine Boakye honor of Cleo Sr. Talk a A. little about the naming – Cleo Hill, Sr. Read about Dr. Boakye was our former legendary basketball coach and athletic director. He

grew up in Newark, attended Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winston-Salem University) and was the rst player ever selected in the 1. What arerstsome ofof thethe top academic programs at ECC?Black – BothColleges our Registered round NBA dra from an Historically and Nurse andUniversities Licensed Practical Nurse programs are excellent, with students institution. In addition, we are preparing an Athleticsecuring Hall positions immediately following Health Science of Fame in the Gym to graduation. recognize soSimilarly, many of our our other student-athletes over programs the (Radiography, Physical erapist Assistant and Vison Care Technology) years, including many Olympians. oﬀer outstanding career pathways. Many students enroll as General Science majors before 10. deciding How hastheir the specialty. College dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic? – e Biology, Pre-Medicine curriculum is top line. Other popular majors include From the beginning of the unprecedented pandemic over two years Engineering Businesshow Administration, Finance, agoTechnologies, to today, we learned to be more resilient. WeSupply startedChain by Management and Criminal Justice. And that’s just to ways namepossible a few ofand our utilizing our resources in the most eﬃcient outstanding programs.our student services. ose services and classes were reorganized

conducted remotely. is academic year we have been oﬀering more 2. ECC isclasses considered by some to still be aproviding place of “Second Chances” students. in-person, while online options. Wefor now have in But it is much more than that. How is that? Essex County College is a place solid resources to oﬀer continued academic excellence, whether destinationclasses for soare many our students, not just a place to go. Yes, some students heldofin-person or online. are looking for a second chance, including those who transfer in. But we are also here for students fresh out of high school are looking Inauguration onwho ursday, Mayto5,immediately 2022 continue their Essex education. As an open access institution, here for everyone. County College Information onwe theareInauguration

ceremony and the Presidential Scholarship Gala available here:

3. What does the College offer in terms of Workforce Development Training? https://www.essex.edu/inauguration2022/ – Not everyone wants to complete a college degree. A number of our residents want training and specialized job skills to either enter or reenter the workforce. We offer training in a number of health eld programs such as Certiied Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Training, Patient Care Technician, and Medical Coding & Billing. ere are training programs in Cyber Security and Information Technology with outside partners. All these programs are short term offerings, ranging from 8 to 20 weeks.

Morehouse College Glee Club Performs at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church He is currently overseeing extensive renovations, designed to provide the most optimum learning experience for students. e College’s West Essex campus is being demolished and completely reconstructed to better serve students in the western portion of the County. he famous Morehouse College

Glee Club, directed byBoakye Dr. David While in the Business Division, Dr. championed the creation of new visited academic programs such Mount as the A.S. in Finance, Morrow, Newark's A.S. Missionary in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Certiicate Calvary Baptist Church, on in SCM/Logistics & Business Professional Certiicate. He introduced March 7th, Week, as part of their Annual Business the Business Plan2022 Competition, and Financial Literacy in the College. Dr. Boakye has served as an Advisor of the Spring Tour. Alumni, congregants, Student Government and Pastor Rev. Dr.Association Ralph(SGA). Branch Jr. enjoyed listening the glee club sing of Dundee, He earned his Ph.D.to in Economics from the University United Kingdom. songsScotland, of praise.

4. What services are available to keep students on track toward both retention and completion of their degrees? - We call these “wrap around” services. It starts with our new One Stop Welcome Center. e Center allows students to apply, register, receive advisement and get nancial assistance in one centralized campus location. Basically, most everything needed to become a student at Essex County College. e College provides one-on-one tutoring, in-person or online, through our Learning Center and academic divisions. ere is a Student Food Pantry meeting the serious problem of food insecurity among our students. Mental health services are provided through the Oﬃce of Student Development and Counseling. We have a laptop loaner program and excellent Internet access. 5. What Financial Aid options are available to students? – e College’s Financial Aid Oﬃce assists students in seeking out available funding sources. We are part of the state’s Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $65,000. CCOG money covers all costs not covered by other funding sources. Roughly half our students qualify for CCOG assistance. ECC’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), the largest of all two-year colleges in the state, provides scholarships as well as additional tutoring when needed. Our expansive work study program provides part-time employment to students throughout the campus.

Inauguration on ursday, May 5, 2022 – Essex County College Information on the Inauguration ceremony and the Presidential Scholarship Gala available here: https://www.essex.edu/inauguration2022/

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Photo by Vincent Bryant

Dr. Boakye is the former Regional Chair of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Having served as an educator for two decades, Dr. Boakye has exempliied true leadership in his career and loves to share educational best practices with his administration team.

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

Kean President, Students Take "Powerful" Journey into Civil Rights History Photos and Text: Courtesy of Kean University

ean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., recently joined a group of Kean students and others on a journey through the South to gain new understanding of the nation’s civil rights struggle and hear from advocates and witnesses who lived through the historic events of the 1960s. The Travelearn excursion, Civil Rights Journey, was sponsored by Kean University’s Human Rights Institute (HRI). The Kean group visited historic sites in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama; as well as Atlanta. They met with advocates, clergy, and others who gave their firsthand accounts of the tumultuous fight for equality for

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Black Americans. “The power of this journey cannot be conveyed in words or pictures alone. These are not experiences you can get from a textbook,” Repollet said. “We walked through history with guides who experienced the fight for equality themselves. Their stories are a testament to the principles of equity, equal justice, and inclusivity that are core values for our University.” The trip took place during Kean’s Spring Break in March, and included visits to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, site of the Bloody Sunday March in 1965; the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, the site of a tragic bombing that killed four young girls; and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta.

The group also toured the Rosa Parks Museum; discussed current challenges to voting rights with the advocacy group Fair Fight 2020; met Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the late civil rights icon; and attended the dedication of a statue of civil rights leader and former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young Jr. The Civil Rights Journey was the first Travelearn experience at Kean since the COVID-19 pandemic. Kean Human Rights Institute Director Lauretta Farrell, D.Litt., said the trip “packed a tremendous amount of learning into four days” for the group of 28, which included students, faculty, and others. Farrell said there were many highlights. Some of the most www.thepositivecommunity.com

Edmond Pettus Bridge, Site of Bloody Sunday- Selma, Alabama

inspirational, she said, were the opportunities the group had to meet and talk with Rev. Calvin Woods Sr., pastor of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and Joanne Bland, the youngest person to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge with Dr. King. “Just as there are fewer Holocaust sur vivors alive to recount their experiences, as the country loses more of its Civil Rights heroes, there is a very limited opportunity for travelers to meet with the men and women who were a part of this

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice- Montgomery, Alabama

historic effort,” Farrell said. “It was important that students have the opportunity to walk where history was made and meet and talk with those who made it.” Students said they found the trip a moving experience. Junior history major Justin Peralta said he was impressed by hearing Young speak. “Andrew Young is 90 years old, and he lived through so much history. He was around through the backbone of the civil rights movement. He witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.,”

Civil Rights Mural- Atlanta, Georgia

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Peralta said. “It’s amazing to get his perspective and hear the tone in his voice when speaking of certain events he lived through.” At the 16th Street Baptist Church in Selma, one Kean student shared her own family’s connection to the tragic story of four young Sunday School students who died in a bombing there. Graduate student Jamillah SmithZeigler, who is studying social work, told the group that one of the four girls killed was her cousin. “I had to fight back tears,” she said. “This is hands-on learning. It’s touching and seeing and relating. Before you get ready to go into your future, you need to know all the stories of your past.” Going forward, Repollet said he will continue to support Travelearn programs at Kean, calling them “invaluable” for students. Next year, HRI is planning to travel to Northern Ireland to explore how the American civil rights movement influenced the fight for civil rights in that part of the world. “I encourage our students to join a Travelearn,” Repollet said. “Trust me, you will never forget it.” April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

e bl

la ai av w e! n o in s nl am y o gr ll ro fu

Justice is the demand of the Gospel.

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Discover the Seminary for you.

Choose a seminary that takes a stand against privilege and power.

Equipping leaders since 1784. M.A. | M.A.T.S. | M.Div. | Doctor of Ministry Certificate Programs www.nbts.edu | 732.247.5241

Think Critically • Act Justly • Lead Faithfully

New Brunswick, NJ

How might churches think more critically about antiracism and do the work of justice? This question is at the core of the curriculum at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. All NBTS students approach this as part of a foundation course entitled Analyzing the Systems of Privilege. Faculty comprised of a racially diverse, ecumenical, and interdisciplinary teaching team from NBTS help students consider social constructions of race, gender, and sexuality, class and economic inequities, and the ways these structures inform privilege and oppression. Students engage the scholarship on these subjects in deeply contextualized ways, attentive to intersectionality and with consideration of local and global dynamics. Beyond this foundational offering, NBTS strives to help students recognize and sharpen the skills they already use to dismantle oppression and equip them with additional tools that promote 44 The Positive Community April Issue 2022

justice and social transformation. Exploration of these issues benefits from an NBTS student body that is predominately of color and majority Black. Committed to emancipatory theological language in our classrooms and inclusive conceptions of faithful communities, NBTS provides a bridge for students from diverse theological perspectives and cultural backgrounds to learn more about these subjects and empowers them to lead faithfully in the church and world. We invite you to come explore NBTS and discover the ways we help you to think critically, act justly, and lead faithfully.

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BERKELEY COLLEGE NURSING GRADUATES ANSWER CALL TO SERVICE, STEP UP TO FILL NURSING SHORTAGE AND HELP THEIR COMMUNITIES Pinning Ceremony Honors 31 Healthcare Heroes Joining ‘the Most Noble Profession’

As communities face a critical shortage of healthcare workers, the Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored nursing graduates at a pinning ceremony on Friday, April 15, 2022. (Left) Eva Skuka, MD, PhD, Dean, Berkeley College School of Health Studies, poses with Practical Nurse graduates Maria Lynn Schurter and Gabriela Munoz, and Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) graduates Jaime Esposito, Jessica Castro-Quijano and Denine Miess. (Center right) Roberta Bernard, an LPN to BSN graduate, was inspired to pursue the profession after she saw the quality of care nurses provided to her mother, Armide Deronville, and (Right) LPN to BSN graduates Opeyemi Tella, Monique Folkes, Cherie Holland and Shakera Finn.

s communities face a critical shortage of healthcare workers, with nearly a third of U.S. nurses planning to leave the profession, 31 Berkeley College graduates affirmed their commitment to service on Friday, April 15, 2022. The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored 17 graduates of its Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) program and 14 graduates of its Practical Nurse program at an in-person pinning ceremony at The Cosmopolitan in Wayne, NJ. Eva Skuka, MD, PhD, Dean, Berkeley College School of Health Studies, called nursing “one of the most noble professions.” “It is your obligation from this day forward to stand up for the vulnerable and the voiceless,” Skuka told the graduates. “Practice your profession with commitment and with kindness.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Registered Nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030. There are some 194,500

openings for registered nurses projected each year, on average, through 2030, with many of these openings a result of nurses retiring or switching professions. Roberta Bernard of Ocean, NJ, an LPN to BSN graduate employed by Hackensack Meridian Rehabilitation in Shrewsbury, NJ, was inspired to pursue the profession after her mother had a heart attack in 2008. “Doctors are amazing, but the people who have the real impact on the patients is the nurses,” said Bernard, who served as a student speaker during the ceremony. With her degree, she plans to pursue a career as an Emergency Room nurse, and one day to continue her education and become an administrator or nurse educator. Berkeley College recently announced the launch of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), an advanced degree for nursing professionals interested in expanding their opportunities as nurse educators, managers and practitioners. With this program approval, Berkeley College – New Jersey has the only LPN-BSN-MSN pathway program in the State of New Jersey.

About the Berkeley College School of Health Studies

The Berkeley College School of Health Studies offers certificates in Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nurse and Surgical Processing Technician; Associate’s degrees in Health Sciences, Health Services Administration – Medical Insurance, Billing and Coding, Medical Assistant and Surgical Technology; as well as an LPN to BSN pathway. A Master of Science in Nursing will be offered beginning in fall 2022. To learn more, contact Fabiola Campbell (Undergraduate Nursing Admissions) or Colleen M. Fuller (Graduate Nursing Admissions) at 800-446-5400.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Photos by Raymond Hagans

Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor

Conversation Moderator Marcia Brown, Esq.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Cantor and Mayor Baraka Discuss the University’s Partnership with the City

utgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka discussed America’s disparities, political divisions, and present-day conflicts during “Dialogue in a Time of Fracture,” a twoday, campus-wide series held at Express Newark. The Mayor and Chancellor agreed partnerships between the University, the city, and corporations are even more critical during the current period of political turmoil when demands for justice and equity in the wake of George Floyd’s murder were eventually met with voter suppression laws and the violence of right-wing extremists. The discussion stressed the power of joining institutional

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

forces to benefit the city and higher education. Working together, the two institutions have expanded opportunities for Newark residents, as well as New Jersey students who have traditionally had less access to higher education: immigrants and lower-income students of color. RU-N’s commitment to being an anchor institution allowed Cantor and Baraka to enlist other institutions in the city. Together, they approached city-based corporations, healthcare entities, and others to dramatically increase the number of residents they hired. The result was more than 4,000 additional residents hired locally from 2017 to the end of 2020.—TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

Re-enroll TODAY

Opportunity is calling… Pick up where you left off! Information Sessions: Registration Required

Virtual (via Webex)

In-Person

April 13, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

April 20, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

May 11, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

May 18, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

June 8, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

June 15, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

July 13, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

July 20, 2022 (5-7pm EST)

go.RUTGERS.edu/comehome 973.353.1766

rew Theological School Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Students Realize Their Calling in a Post Pandemic World Drew Theological School students earning a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree require determination, drive, and dedication. Add the complexity of navigating a global pandemic, where students were faced with unforeseen challenges academically, professionally, and personally. Many needed to pivot their lives and congregations to a virtual world. The pivot was permanent in many aspects. Faith leaders must reimagine post pandemic ministry and adapt accordingly. Through Drew’s MDiv and DMin programs, students are prepared to confront the challenges of our ever-changing landscape and become better equipped to respond with innovative and courageous leadership that will inspire and foster change in their communities and beyond. “I learned to see the signs of change and adapted new ways of thinking to bring clarity to my call and new energy to my ministry,” said the Rev. Dr. David Brawley T’21, Pastor at St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn. “During the challenges of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, I realized a greater appreciation of my vocation.” The pandemic prompted the Theological School to introduce asynchronous versions of the core curriculum of many degrees—affording students the opportunity to receive a Drew education from literally anywhere in the world. This has enabled students like Rebecca Maiko T’23 to start her MDiv degree asynchronously from her native Kenya. Tapiwa Mayonga T’23, an MDiv student from Zimbabwe, is earning her degree from Drew’s campus in Madison. “I realized Drew doesn’t just teach ministry, they also observe social justice—which complements each other and my vocational goals.” The Theological School is proud of our 2021 MDiv and DMin Black alums who are thriving, along with the congregations they embody. (Partial list) Nathan Addo-Nartey, Ghana Calvary Methodist Church, Irvington, NJ James Henry Alexander, Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Greenville, NC

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

David K. Brawley, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY LaGreta B. Brown, Shorter AME Church, Morton, PA A. Craig Dunn, First Baptist Church of Madison,

Madison, NJ

sela ‘emalata finau, First UMC, Taylor, TX Jamel Javon Flag, Emmanuel Congregational Church, UCC, Watertown, NY

Janelle C. Gayle, St. Mark's UMC, Brooklyn, NY Shaun Hickmon, Minister, Greater Allen AME

Cathedral of New York

Harold R. Jolley, Second Macedonia Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Peter Karanja, Hanscom Park UMC, Omaha, NE Arthur S. Long Jr., Promised Land Missionary Baptist

Church, Newark, NJ

Arsene Y. Lumami, Scotia First UMC, North Loop UMC, Greeley UMC, Scotia, NE

Brandon D. McLauchlin, Pastor, Saint Charles AME

Zion Church, Sparkill, NY Sonya McMillan, Associate Minister, Seminary Baptist Church, Paterson, NJ Suzzette A. Nesbitt, Monumental Baptist Church, Jersey City, NJ Jason Lawrence Robinson, Pastor, Brooks Church, Saint Leonard, MD Stacia M. Robinson, Minister, Crawford Memorial UMC, Bronx, NY Frances Teabout, Open Door Worship Center, Jersey City, NJ Chinma O. Uche, UMC of East Berlin, East Berlin, CT John H. Vaughn, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Terry J. Washington, Judson Memorial Church, New York, NY George William Whitfield, Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, Akron, OH Anita R. Wright, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montclair, NJ Drew prepares you for Christian leadership in and for today’s world. All master degree programs can be completed in residence or fully online and scholarships are available. To learn more or apply online to our MDiv or DMin programs, please visit: drew.edu/positive www.thepositivecommunity.com

ANSWER THE CALL Drew Theological School invites you to join us on a vocational path toward your Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry degree. Choose an MDiv or DMin experience that supports your goals and lifestyle, and that responds to the great theological and ethical challenges of our day. Drew Theological School prepares you for Christian leadership in and for today’s world.

Commit to courageous Christianity. Dive into ecological and social justice. Inspire the church, the neighborhood, the city, the world.

ARE YOU a Believer? an Activist? a Seeker? a Thinker? a Counselor? a Preacher? a Teacher? a Poet? a Dreamer?

Learn more or apply online to our Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry programs. All master degree programs can be completed in residence or fully online. Drew University | Madison, NJ | 973.408.3111 gradm@drew.edu | drew.edu/positive

Rooted.

Innovative.

Courageous.

ADVERTORIAL

Touro College’s NYSCAS: It’s All About YOU! Ready to Apply for College? This School Adapts to Your Needs and Your Schedule

pplying for college can be an overwhelming experience. You may find yourself asking an endless list of questions: Am I making the right decision? Is this the right time for me? How do I select the school that best suits my needs? Can I afford the tuition? With the right guidance, however, the admissions process can actually be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Touro College’s New York School of Career and Applied Studies, also known as NYSCAS, offers a uniquely efficient and responsive admissions process. NYSCAS is an undergraduate college with campuses across NYC metro area. Offering multiple degrees in a variety of subjects and a small average class size, this school is the right fit for those who are looking for a custom-made college experience. A Fast and Easy Admissions Process Touro College’s NYSCAS has a three-step admissions process. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time of the year. Students can either complete their application independently, or with the help of one of the school’s admissions counselors. In your application, you will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and to indicate which degree and major you are considering to pursue. You are then going to be able to schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of the Admissions Counselors. During this meeting, you will get the chance to ask any questions you may have about the school, and the counselor will help you understand if NYSCAS is the right fit for you. Shortly after the meeting, successful applicants receive their acceptance notice. Depending on their education background, some applicants may be asked to complete a placement testing before they can enroll in their classes and start their academic career with NYSCAS. “Over the ten years I have worked at NYSCAS, I’ve gotten to guide each student I’ve interacted with on a personal

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

level, seeing them thrive as they fulfill their goals,” says Belkis Moquete-Defex, Assistant Director of Recruiting. Moquete-Defex understands the needs of the students on a deeply personal level, because she used to be a NYSCAS student herself. “While I was a student, I enrolled in the Federal Work Study Program, during which I worked at the registrar’s office,” she explains. “It’s no surprise that I’m so invested in the school and the success of our students.” A Custom-Made College Experience What makes NYSCAS truly unique and different from other colleges in New York City, is how customizable the experience can be for its students. The majority of our students receive financial aid each year,” Moquete-Defex says. “We offer free tutoring in virtually all subjects, and our academic counselors are always there to help the students pick the right major and the right classes for them.” NYSCAS offers its students the ability to personalize their college experience according to their schedule and responsibilities. Depending on your schedule, you will be able to enroll in daytime, evening, or Sunday classes, which are currently being offered online via videoconference (synchronous), fully online (unsynchronous) and in-person. NYSCAS offers degrees in the fields of business, education, information technology, digital multimedia design, human services, social sciences, psychology, biology, nursing, medical imaging, paralegal studies, and more. All of the degrees are career-oriented and follow a curriculum focused on the professional knowledge you’ll need in the workplace. Get to Know NYSCAS! College can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of your life. Visit https://nyscas.touro.edu to learn about the school and its programs or call at 855-6286876 to schedule a call with one of the admissions counselors so that you can apply right away. NYSCAS is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2022 term and the Fall 2022 semester. www.thepositivecommunity.com

MORE DEGREE OPTIONS.

MORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. What you’ll find at Touro NYSCAS: Faculty who offer 1-on-1 career support to help you achieve your goals Online or in-person. Day, evening, and weekend classes. You decide! 40+ undergrad programs in health sciences, education, business, and more Save time and money with direct-to-grad-school options A brighter future is within reach. Let us show you the way.

Mark B. Class of 2021 B.S. in Business

NYSCAS.Touro.edu | 855.628.6876 Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, visit www.touro.edu Any references to location, college experience and/or in-person opportunities herein are subject to change based on governmental or administrative directives.

Why Run? The Urgency of Now

A’Dorian (center) following her commencement speech at Eagle Academy in Newark

We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

BY A’DORIAN MURRAY-THOMAS

’ve always liked the term “running” for office. It invites the sense of urgency necessary when engaged in this work of placing the right people in positions of power to advocate for youth and families. In Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, he reminds the audience of the “fierce urgency of now,” a call that still rings true today. Our country’s complicated history with educational inequality has contributed to millions of young, Black, and Brown dreams being deferred or denied. To move forward, we must confront the past, and as we prepare to enter a post-pandemic reality, conversations addressing issues of educational access and equity must center the voices of children, educators, and parents. In my own city of Newark, New Jersey our decades-long, grassroots battle resulted in our regaining local control in 2019, after nearly 25 years of state takeover --the same year I made history when at the age of 23 I became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Board of Education. Under the leadership of Superintendent Roger Leon, Newark Public Schools boasts one of the highest graduation rates the district has seen in 20 years. We are investing in Career and Technical Education, hiring more social workers and school psychologists, and increasing the number of bilingual educators and male educators of color. Thanks to the community's cries for implementation of the Amistad Act, Black history is taught in each K-5 classroom in Newark Public Schools. Yet, we continue to face enormous challenges. Students are still recovering from nearly two years of remote instruction. Some levels of growth are evident, but academic gains on standardized tests do not reflect the outcomes we want for our students. The social, emotional,

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

and mental health needs of students who had to jump back into a “normal” school schedule, building, and structure when their lives have been anything but normal, have left schools desperate to address issues of climate and culture to meet students' complex needs. Now more than ever, we need people on and off local School Boards who remain vigilant and steadfast in their approach to governance. An educator, advocate, and school board member, my philosophy is simple: equity and excellence. We need people in leadership who are unafraid to ask tough questions, willing to get their hands dirty, and who, like me, awre courageous enough to stand up for what’s right-- even if they have to stand alone. Angela N. Mincy, a former principal of Science Park High School--the highest-ranked and most selected magnet school of choice in Newark--currently serves as Superintendent of the nationally recognized and largest Black-led independent charter school network in New Jersey, Marion P. Thomas Charter Schools. I asked her to tell me five things she believes Newark students need. Unable to share just five, she stated, “Newark students deserve a quality education. They need to learn about rights and duties of citizenship to become civic-minded young adults. They need classes that teach empathy, financial literacy, leadership skills, spaces for recreation outside of school, internships, and a variety of resources.” Elected officials, educators, parents, and community leaders who profess to love children must continue to ask ourselves: What more can we do to move our schools forward? The answer to this question requires brutal honesty, fierce urgency, and deep and continuous investment in the futures and dreams of our children. www.thepositivecommunity.com

At Marion P. Thomas Charter Schools we live by the African Proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

CREATED BY THE COMMUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY

In our village, we teach our scholars to dream BIG and work hard to make their dreams a reality.

P Marion

chool rS te

omas Cha r Th

Become a part of a village where students come first, the staff is valued and parents matter! Enroll your child today, visit mptcs.org/enroll Openings in PreK to 10th Grade

-orJoin our team! Explore career opportunities at mptcs.bamboohr.com/jobs

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Day Life WELCOME TO A

IN THE

AT KI P P NE WA RK

Step inside our elementary schools and learn how we support students in becoming lifelong learners!

7:15-7:45 AM:

8:00AM:

8:10 AM:

9:00 AM:

Doors open at KIPP schools across Newark. KIPPsters might arrive in homerooms or the school cafeteria for a “brain” breakfast— which consists of healthy options to get them ready for the day ahead.

At KIPP Seek Academy, students join Ms. R for Seek Speaks TV, which is broadcast throughout the school! Every morning, students go live on YouTube and report on the news, weather, and Scholar of the Week!

Our kids love to read! Students in elementary grades engage in read alouds, shared reading, and/or close reading.

Each day we make learning come alive for students! Students transition from text study to writing where they work on a short story they’ve been drafting.

10:00AM (and all the time!):

11:35 AM:

2:50 PM:

3:30 PM:

At our elementary schools, we make time throughout our school day and year to celebrate our students’ identities and learn about different cultures.

Elementary students enjoy lunch as one big group with time for fun and socializing. Later in the afternoon classes will also enjoy some time outside during recess.

Fourth graders head to specials classes, either art or movement, depending on the day. In different grades, students receive different extracurricular classes.

KIPP Newark elementary schools dismiss. On Wednesdays students dismiss earlier to allow our teacher to engage in professional development. Some students head home, stay at school for extended care, and participate in afterschool clubs.

To enrolls in our schools or connect with our team, head to WWW.KIPPNEWARK.ORG

Culture

music, art + literature

Health survival ideas for wellness

By James Frazier Newark News & Story Collaborative

Black Theater Companies Pivot, Present | In-person Theatre is Back

buiness, finance + work

Education the art + science of learning

The Colgate Women’s Games Resume for 2022

Director Cheryl Toussaint ecstatically stated, “We’re thrilled! Nearly 1,200 competitors plus their families, friends, and coaches packed DaSilva Field. These young ladies are so dedicated and committed to being the best they can be, and we are so happy to support them in this effort.”

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fawzia Kheir of Jersey City—the eventual winner—leads the College Open 1,500-meter run. April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Photos by Lem Peterkin

Money

rustrated with the lack of diversity in AmerChurch on Henry Anisa DixonMany representing Brooklyn’s PS 251 ican theater, Ricardo Mohamed Khan and Street. performL. Kenneth Richardson conceptualized ers benefited from earthe Crossroads Theatre Company. Since its ly successes on NFT’s founding in 1978, Crossroads has produced stage—the late Chadover 100 works, many of them premiere wick Boseman, Debbie productions by African and African American artists, Allen, Morgan Freeincluding The Colored Museum and Spunk by George C. man, Phylicia Rashad, Wolfe, Jitney by August Wilson, Sheila’s Day by South AfDenzel Washington, rican writer Duma, Ndlovu and many more. Crossroads LaTanya Richardson received the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding RegionJackson, Samuel L. al Theatre in the United States in recognition of its 22Jackson, Issa Rae, and Ricardo Kahn year history of artistic accomplishment and excellence. many more. Woodie “My father’s heritage is East Indian; my mother is Crossroads Theatre Company King Jr. retired from African-American and so they were bringing together leadership of the illustwo cultures,” said Kahn. “That’s ethically as well as trious theater at the end of June. geographically. Growing up, there was never a sense “During the first part of the pandemic, March 2020, Women’s Gamesretiring,” participantsKing and their families line up to check-in. that we were solely identified by being Black kids in I had beenColgate thinking about revealed. Camden, New Jersey. Yes, we were Black in Camden, “Then the pandemic increased in time. The offices but our roots are global. What I’ve always wanted to closed down. Then people needed to have shots. I tell people through Crossroads is that it’s about our said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go back to work. roots. As Black people in this country we should not I’m 83 years old. So, what should I do?’ I thought, I forget or even allow people to think this is all of who we needed a young person to run it. And that person was are.” He ounded continued, much more! Women’s The sense Games Elizabeth Van Dyke, our artistic director. She’s experiin “There’s 1974, the Colgate of a connecting, having a theater Crossroads that enced continued at St. John’slike University, Queens, New and understands how to communicate with this connects York to many different communities in this coungeneration. And getting that younger person to run it after a pandemic pause. As the nation’s trylongest-running and around the world is in order for us to redefine and work with me over the last year and five months, Track & Field series, the event’s who we are on a larger level.” solidified it for me.” mission is to continue creating pathways for girls and As millions of people quarantined last year, theAcross the Hudson River, one of the pioneering instiyoung women artists to pursue their goalsaters andaround the world temporarily closed their doors tutions integrating of color andeducational women into the achieve their personal andWoodie athleticKing potential. Trophies and we were forced to stay at home without live enmainstream American theater, Jr.’s New and scholarships Company tertainment. For the first time, the theater found the Federal Theater (NFT),from facesColgate-Palmolive major changes. Foundawarded top place finishers in age/grade need to compete with social media and streaming ed are in 1970, NFT to began as an outgrowth of each a theatre program called Mobilization for Youth. The theatre’s platforms. NFT embraced change, deciding to shift division. first season opened in the basement St. Augustine’s Olympic medalist and ColgateofWomen’s Games’theater Meet to the digital space with pre-recorded and live

Photos by Raymond Hagans

L-R: Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, The House of the Lord Church and POP Chairman Lawrence Hamm

L-R: Tamika S. Darden-Thomas, Amina Baraka (Mother of Ras Baraka), Hali Cooper, Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Pam Africa, with (in front) 2 young NAN marchers from South Jersey

MLK March

L-R: John Brinkley, Angela Battle, and Bill Davis

L-R: Lawrence Hamm, students Wanda Tolentino and Naomi Figueroa, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

onday, April 4, 2022, was the 54th anniversary of the murder of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. In the spirit of Dr. King, protesters marched in downtown Newark. Lawrence Hamm, chairman of People's Organization for Progress (POP) said the march highlighted community needs, “for the protection and expansion of voting rights, racial and social equality, economic justice, the preservation and strengthening of democracy, for peace at home and abroad, and the prevention of world war and nuclear war.”

L-R: Former Assemblyman William Payne and John Brinkley www.thepositivecommunity.com

celebrate mother’s day with...

alvin ailey american dance theater

Members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Photo by Dario Calmese

may 6 – 8

rodrigo y gabriela Fri, Apr 15 @ 8PM GRAMMY® Award-winning musicians Rodrigo y Gabriela take Mexican acoustic guitar to incredible new heights.

johnny mathis with special guest Gary Mule Deer Fri, Jun 24 @ 8PM An evening with a sublime and legendary vocalist, who will perform some of his greatest hits and personal favorites.

AT Newark Symphony Hall

Hosted by Liz Black Apr 27 @ 8PM The soulful Festival of Praise features Gospel artists Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton and Hezekiah Walker.

patti labelle with special guest Will Downing Sat, Jun 25 @ 8PM It’s a soul-stirring evening with “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle (“Lady Marmalade”) and special guest Will Downing.

ana gabriel Por Amor A Ustedes Fri, Jun 10 @ 8PM To the delight of fans everywhere, Mexico’s Ana Gabriel is back with Por Amor A Ustedes, her new album and show.

NJPAC members experience a whole year of great benefits, including members-only pre-sales, 20% discounts on select events, discounts at NICO Kitchen + Bar, reserved parking and so much more! visit njpac.org/membership for details.

@NJPAC • 1.888.MY.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ

Apr_Positive Community .indd 1

3/9/22 11:31 AM

L-R: Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, and Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr.

Shiloh Baptist Church 10th Pastoral Installation BY LESLIE NASH

Shiloh Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown

istory was made on March 10, 2022 as the congregation of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ witnessed the installation of its tenth senior pastor. Reverend Dr. Danielle L. Brown is the first woman elected to serve as Shiloh’s senior pastor since its founding in 1908. Dr. Danielle Brown finds great joy and satisfaction in learning, living, and preaching the gospel. The educator, mentor, servant of the community, and scholar looks forward to joining her church family in praise as their leader. Photos by Brian Price

L-R: Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. and Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale help newly installed Pastor Brown with her vestments

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

L-R: Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. hugs Dr. Brown as a joyous Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale and the congregation celebrate

www.thepositivecommunity.com

OFF-BROADWAY’S LONGEST RUNNING AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSICAL RETURNS

10TH SMASH YEAR

SISTAS is the hit musical telling the story of Black women through popular music from Billie to Beyoncé

Original Off-Broadway cast

An uplifting story with popular songs and powerhouse vocalists based on interviews with 100s of African American women.

| 212-239-6200 | Actors Temple Theatre

SistasTheMusical.com 60

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Friends of the NJ Legacy Foundation

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MRS. KIM NESBITT GOOD / 908-352-7078 REV. GEORGE E. BRITT / 908-351-2625 YOLANDA EADY / 908-220-6113 WILL THOMAS / 917-686-8694 * B R I N G

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Photo by Bruce Moore

East Meets West:

A Birthday Celebration

ewark Mayor Ras J. Baraka celebrated his birthday with his friend, NYC Mayor Eric Adams at a popular Manhattan night spot. As you might imagine, the event was very festive and well attended. Beautiful people from throughout the region enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship, networking and fun! Visit thepositivecommunity.com for the photo gallery to see who was there!

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos by Raymond Hagans

L-R: Elizabeth NJ Councilman Carlos Tores, NJS Democratic Chair Leroy Jones, Newark Councilman John Sharpe James Jr., NJS Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Rev. Patrick Council, Mayor of East Orange Ted Green

Rev. Patrick Council Hosts Fundraising Event

Rev. Patrick Council

ith less than 10 weeks to go until the May election, Rev. Patrick Council held a campaign fundraiser for his election bid for city council. The event took place at Nico Restaurant in NJPAC. As one of the candidates on the Mayor Baraka's council slate, Rev. Patrick Council, presently heads

the city's recreation department. “Patrick Council has been a staple of the South Ward for a long time, with programs like Jackie Robinson Little League; all the recreation in some way has been impacted by Reverend Council,” said Baraka. “This gives him an opportunity to spread his wings after all the time he has been taking a back seat to everybody else.”

Newark’s Coolest Meeting Place

Enjoy tantalizing comfort food in a meeting place like no other!

TRYP by Wyndham Newark

Scan for Menu

24 East Park Street, Newark, NJ 07102 • 973-642-7100 www.trypnewark.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Bits and Pieces current news + topics

Christian Smalls

Amazon Workers Unionize

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner Arrest in Russia

Adolphus Hailstork

There are many opinions about Brittney Griner’s arrest and detention in Russia. In February, Moscow-area airport authorities reportedly found vape pen cartridges containing hashish oil among her belongings. Some point out that she should know better than to try to enter Russia with illegal substances. Some think it is possible that the Russian government planted the vape pen. Others state she deserves what is happening to her because she dislikes the pre-game national anthem in the US. What these opinions lack is why Griner was in Russia to play basketball, so here’s why. A 5-time WNBA all-star and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, Griner traveled to Russia in the off-season to supplement her income. Many WNBA players don’t make enough money in the US, but sign lucrative contracts overseas. The highestpaid female athlete in the WNBA earns just above $220,000 this year. Compare this to the NBA minimum player salary, which is more than four times higher. Maybe if female star athletes received compensation in parity with men, they could stay home and not risk their freedom.

America’s Requiem A Knee on the Neck George Floyd Remembered Every Black parent gives their children the “talk” about navigating our world. They admonish their children to always be on their best behavior in public, lest they be seen as criminal. A Black parent’s “commandment” to be extra careful opens the orchestral work, “A Knee on the Neck,” which debuted at the Music Center at Strathmore just outside Washington, D.C. recently. The piece by composer Adolphus Hailstork and librettist Herbert Martin and performed by the National Philharmonic, the Washington Chorus, the Howard University Chorale, plus Black soloists J'Nai Bridges, Norman Shankle, and Kenneth Overton, recalls those stern warnings of the dangers that await Black people everywhere at any time. Hailstork and Martin, both in their 80s, use the music and words to illustrate the frustration felt by many, but end the piece on a hopeful note of better understanding between all people.

On Friday April 1, 2022, workers at a New York City Amazon warehouse voted to unionize. The New York employees voted 2,654-2,131 in favor of forming a union to protect worker’s rights, according to the National Labor Relations Board. After the historic vote, employees who work in at least 50 other of Amazon’s more than 175 warehouses nationwide reached out to union president Christian Smalls for help in unionizing their workplaces. Smalls had complained to management about warehouse safety conditions during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He helped lead a worker walkout, which precipitated his firing. For its part, Amazon has stated “We’re disappointed with the outcome of the election in Staten Island because we believe having a direct relationship with the company is best for our employees.” Few American workers currently belong to labor unions, years after many corporations and some politicians worked to denigrate their importance.

NY/NJ

Support Grows for Black-owned Media

Travis Montaque

“The Black-owned media industry is still in its most nascent stages––it’s small,” Group Black CEO Travis Montaque said. “And the reason it’s small is an issue of access: access to investment and access to opportunities. That’s what Group Black was created to solve.” Group Black, a collective and accelerator for Black-owned media, announced Thursday morning it has secured a significant (reportedly a nine-figure sum) media investment from the consumer goods corporation Procter & Gamble. The corporate giant’s goal is to be Black consumers’ number one brand, and they intend to support Black media to achieve that goal, according to Senior Director for Multicultural Media at P&G Charlotte La Niear.

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

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A Play on Langston Hughes

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

Photo by Seitu Oronde

or Black History month, Harlem youth performed a play about the writings and the philosophy of Langston Hughes at the Mount Pleasant Christian Academy. Bishop Eatman’s play, The Life and Legacy of Langston Hughes , brought students studying drama and theater together to explore the legacy of one of the Harlem Renaissance’s greatest figures.

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April Issue 2022 The Positive Community

Our Country

Our Community

Our Culture Our Music

Our Future!

Streaming LIVE 24/7 America’s Best Music “In ‘Classic’ Black”

Commercial-free

Radio Visit our website: thepositivecommunity.com. Click on the radio tab. For Forward Thinkers Only. | A Soundtrack to Positive Change—2022! FEATURING: Jazz, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, The Negro Spirituals, Soul Music, Hip-Hop, Spoken-Word, Reggae, Afro beat, The Gospel Quartets, Neo Soul, Blues, Rock n’Roll, Songs of Freedom, Country, Soca, Salsa, Samba, Ska, Compas, Dance Hall, Calypso, Smooth Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk—BECAUSE POSITIVE MUSIC MATTERS!

The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born. One hundred years later in August 1963, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.” Forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008). In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters! This is our story—the cultural narrative—a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill! WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…!

—Adrian A. Council, Sr.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

April 2022

The Last Word

Vol. 22 No. 3

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

BY R.L. WITTER

WHY HBCUS?

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams Satori MPR Cheryl Saunders Austin Fenner

Contributing Writers Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie

Contributing Photographers

Vincent Bryant Ryan Council Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC Raymond Hagans

Executive Assistant Leslie Nash

Community & Government Affairs Wayne Smith

The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

The Positive Community April Issue 2022

here’s been much talk about Critical Race Theory (CRT) in politics lately. I chuckle because CRT is only taught at the college level and above so much of the discussion and pearl clutching are nothing more than manufactured outrage and cheap dramatics. Thankfully, I know this because I attended an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), as have many of my friends and family members. My dad graduated Morehouse in 1956; my two brothers followed in his footsteps in 1987 and 1993 respectively. Six women in our family arrive on Howard’s campus in the last 35 years; my niece is the most recent graduate as part of the class of 2021. Thankfully, in addition to the CRT talk, some positive portrayals of HBCUs in recent media. On Blackish, Anthony Anderson’s character graduated from Howard and his son, Junior enrolled but dropped out. On This Is Us, serial overachiever Randall desperately wanted to attend Howard University, but upon the family patriarch’s untimely death, he opted to remain closer to home. The Cosby Show and A Different World focused on the fictional HBCU Hillman College, but many of us attending real HBCUs at the time watched, laughed at, and identified with their situations and its realistic depiction of the camaraderie and nurturing often found on such campuses. Also, many heralded Black actors and performers attended HBCUs. Anthony Anderson, Taraji P. Henson, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, and Chadwick Boseman all graduated from Howard. Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Guru, and Bill Nunn all graduated from Morehouse.

Of course, everyone’s HBCU experience is different. Mine was a much-needed opportunity to study and socialize with people who looked like me and identified with experiences I had as often the only Black student in my honors and AP high school courses. There were two other Black students in my AP French class, one of them was also in my Italian class, and the other was in my AP English class. Finally, I was the norm rather than the outlier or exception. I was exposed to new and different culture (NJ Black is not the same as Atlanta Black or DC Black) and began to find and understand my place in American society and the world. Politics and government are also well represented by HBCU grads. Vice President Kamala Harris; Rep. Elijah Cummings; Mayor David Dinkins; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Ambassador, Congressman, Mayor and Civil Rights Activist Andrew Young; Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; and NY Attorney General Letitia James all graduated from Howard University. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Director of Homeland Security and Counsel for DoD Jeh Johnson, Federal Judge Julien Neals, Senator Raphael Warnock, and many other notable politicians and legal minds attended Morehouse College. There are currently 78 HBCUs in America and I’ve only listed a few well-known names from two. HBCUs offer a familiarity and sense of family one might not find at other colleges and universities. And they also offer the academic challenges and prestige of predominantly white schools. Why HBCUs? We’ll continue to explore the question and its answers in upcoming issues. www.thepositivecommunity.com

DI S C O V ER M OR E AT

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