March 2013

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

March 2013

www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE WOMEN’S ISSUE

Delta Sigma Theta Turns 100

$2.95

UH Positive Community Ad 8 x 10.5 final_Layout 1 1/11/13 4:30 PM Page 1

Peter W. Carmel, MD Ira M. Goldstein, MD

James K. Liu, MD

E. Jesus Duffis, MD

Chirag D. Gandi, MD

Robert F. Heary, MD Charles J. Prestigiacomo, MD

The Neurological Institute of New Jersey Center of Excellence at The University Hospital The Neurological Institute of New Jersey offers comprehensive neurological care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and head/neck conditions, with a full range of conservative and surgical neurological interventions.

As faculty members at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, our team of experienced neurosurgeons is committed to providing the highest level of care at The University Hospital and to our clinical affiliates in the northern New Jersey region.

The Neurological Institute of New Jersey Proud recipient of the 2012 Healthgrades™ Award of Excellence in Neurosurgery One of 11 Centers of Excellence at The University Hospital, which provide the State’s advanced medical services and specialty care programs.

To reach the Neurological Institute of New Jersey please call us at: 973-972-2323, or go to: www.njneurosurgeons.com.

Come to the of it

center

all!

one center street , newark , nj

San Francisco Symphony

Kodo

One Earth Tour 2013: Legend

Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor

Sat, Mar 24 at 4:00

Yuja Wang, piano Fri, Mar 22 at 8:00

Take 6 and Hezekiah Walker

Aretha Franklin

Jazz Meets Gospel

NJPAC & Newark debut!

Presented at NJPAC in association with Jazz Roots.

Sat, Mar 30 at 8:00

Fri, Mar 29 at 8:00

Jersey Moves!

Dance Festival

Earth, Wind & Fire

A celebration of dance in the Garden State with American Repertory Ballet, Bani Ray, danceTatics, New Jersey Tap Ensemble, Nimbus Dance Works, and Timothy Kochka with The Davis Academy

Fri, May 3 at 8:00

Sat, Apr 27 at 7:30

Theater Meets Circus

As seen on America’s Got Talent

Sat, May 4 at 8:00 Family 4-Pack $100* *

Call for details.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ®

Yamick Lebron Photo: Andrew Eccles

Traces

Fri, May 10 at 8:00 Sat, May 11 at 8:00 Sun, May 12 at 3:00

Premieres and Ailey Classics!

New Series

Wattstax (1973) Fri, Apr 5 at 7:00

Film/Discussion with Nelson George

This award-winning documentary highlights the 1972 Wattstax music festival and, by extension, the African American community of L.A.’s Watts district. Organized by Memphis’s Stax Records to mark the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots, Wattstax includes concert footage of Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Luther Ingram, and more, and includes interviews with Richard Pryor, Ted Lange, and others.

Special guest panel discussion includes: George Clinton (Parliament Funkadelics) and Melvin Van Peebles (director, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song).

For tickets and full 2013 spring schedule visit njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC

PosivtiveComm_7x9.5_MAR_colorad.indd 1

2/26/13 2:09 PM

March 2013

CONTENTS SECTIONS MONEY ............................................14 GREEN .............................................20

31 (First Row): Winona Cargile Alexander, Madree Penn White, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Vashti Turley Murphy, Ethel Cuff Black, Frederica Chase Dodd; (Second Row): Osceola Macarthy Adams, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Edna Brown Coleman, Edith Mott Young, Marguerite Young Alexander, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Eliza P. Shippen; (Third Row): Zephyr Chisom Carter, Myra Davis Hemmings, Mamie Reddy Rose, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Florence Letcher Toms, Olive Jones, Jessie McGuire Dent, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Ethel Carr Watson.

COVER STORY DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

&also inside Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

EDUCATION......................................23 CULTURE..........................................35 HEALTH............................................52

Features Environmental Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sojourner Truth Leadership Circle . . . . . . . . . 23 Archiving for Your Organization . . . . . . . . . . . 24 There’s Still Time for Scholarships . . . . . . . . 26

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Honoring Harriet Tubman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Gospel Train. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Marian Thompson Wright Lecture Series. . . . 35

On Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Sweet Freedom: The Story of Calas . . . . . . . 38 Remembering Bayard Rustin . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Beaver Hats, Butterflies & Dragonflies . . . . . 49

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Trailblazers Honored at Beth Israel . . . . . . . . 52

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

New Hope B.C. Comes to Extended Care . . . 53

Cover photo courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The original artwork is a life-sized painting on canvas by artist Tarleton Blackwell, which hangs in the National Headquarters.

oFFeR YouR eMPloYeeS Real

RetiReMent BeneFitS (not just PennieS FRoM heaVen. ) Wouldn’t it be nice to give those who are so faithful, hard-working and loyal the kind of retirement benefits they really deserve?

Now you can. In fact, when you add social security benefits to the equation, career members can enjoy their golden years with as much as 86%* of their pre-retirement income. Others can retire quite handsomely, too.

And no one will have to worry about where their next nickel is coming from.

To learn more, send for our free guide, “Faith in Numbers,” or download it now at: MMBB.org/benefitsolutions. Or call 1-800-986-6222.

Real Planning, Real SolutionS. that’S ouR Calling. *Source: 2010 Retirement Income Study. Based on 15+ years of participation.

The Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church 218th Anniversary Committee presents

M“An Evening ELBA MOORE IN CONCERT of Inspiration”

with songs from her new CD “LOVE IS”

Friday, March 22, 2013 7:00 p.m. @ Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church, 3 Henry Street, NYC 10038 Reserve Your Seat(s) by Calling: Mrs. Bernadette Bedford, 516-617-1933 Mrs. Marie Bright, 718-968-5148 Trustee H. Arba Hall, 646-660-5990 Ms. Tanni Martin, 917-407-1205 Ms. Coreen Parks, 646-573-4427 Min. C. Gardner-Brim, 646-221-7673 Mariners’ Church Office 212-233-0423

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The Positive Community March 2013

Featuring: Host/Spoken-Word Artist, Gha’il Rhodes Benjamin, Renewed Vision Ensemble, Saxophonist Seaton Hancock, Prophetic Worshipper Kalisha Brown, Musician Scott Burrows, and opening group Rosie Mendoza-McCamery & Anointed Vessels of Praise

VIP Seating: $50 $40 General Seating in Advance $35/seat for Groups 10+ (Advance) $45 at the Door Mrs. Bernadette Bedford, Anniversary Chair Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Senior Pastor

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Roll Call for PC_March_13.qxd:Roll Call for PC Document.qxd 3/4/13 12:30 PM Page 1

GREAT

T

R C 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 $1.00 each (one-third of the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com

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

Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

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

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Kippie C. Brown, Pastor

Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Tisha M. Jermin Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

First AME Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY Dr. Darran H. Mitchell, Pastor

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor

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

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

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

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham

Greater Faith Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Larry L. Marcus

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

Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. John Teabout, Pastor

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO

St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

Jesus Christ Family Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Jason Sumner, Senior Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter

Ebenezer B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, M.Div.

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor

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

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President

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

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

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

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

White Rock B.C, Edison, NJ Jason D. Greer, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Zion Hill B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. Douglass L. Williams, III, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Brown Executive Realty LLC, Morristown, NJ City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. WKMB-1070AM

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

PASTOR ALBERT MORGAN GUEST EDITORIAL

Albert Morgan is pastor of the Union Baptist Temple, Bridgewater, NJ

We’ve Come This Far by Faith n honor of the sesquicentennial observance of the Emancipation Proclamation we remember that we have come this far by faith. In his book Up from Slavery (1901), Booker T. Washington recalls a time in Virginia, early in 1865: As the great day drew nearer, there was more singing in the slave quarters than usual . . . Most of the verses of the plantation songs had some reference to freedom . . .

Some man who seemed to be a stranger (a United States officer, I presume) made a little speech and then read a rather long paper—the Emancipation Proclamation, I think. My Mom, while tears of joy ran down her cheeks she explained to us what it all meant.

In the 1998 PBS series, The Black Church, researcher Marilyn Mellowes, wrote, “For those who yearned for freedom, the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, seemed to re-enact the Exodus story of the ancient Israelites: God had intervened in human history to liberate his chosen people. But the stroke of a presidential pen did not eliminate poverty and dislocation, chaos and uncertainty.” On Memorial Day 1963 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson stated: “One hundred years ago, the slave was freed. One hundred years later, the Negro remains in bondage to the color of his skin . . . To the extent that the proclamation of emancipation is not fulfilled . . . we shall have fallen short of assuring freedom to the free.” Who could carry the cause forward?— The church.

On August 28, 1963, the March on Washington was held.

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called for economic and civil rights for African-Americans. At the Lincoln Memorial the “I Have A Dream” speech, which galvanized a nation for racial equality, was delivered.

Reverend Dr. King had a rich history on which to draw.

W.E.B. DuBois described the preacher as “the most unique personality developed by the Negro on American soil,” a man who “found his function as …the supernatural avenger of wrong, and the one who rudely but picturesquely expressed the longing, disappointment, and resentment of a stolen and oppressed people.”

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Dr. King could draw on the strength of a South Carolinian, Reverend David George. He recorded the first African-American congregation in Silver Bluff in 1758. Dr. King could call on the wisdom of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, the first independent African-American denomination. In Bishop Allen’s autobiography he states, “We deemed it expedient to have a form of discipline, whereby we may guide our people in the fear of God, in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bonds of peace, and preserve us from that spiritual despotism which we have so recently experienced.”

Dr. King could draw from the perseverance of Reverend E.C. Morris, the first president of the National Baptist Convention, USA. In his 1895 sermon, The Sad Result of Divided Leadership, he stated “the work of educating and evangelizing the world is before us... Jesus, that hero of Calvary who led the monster, Death, in chains, is our leader…the victorious Banner of the Cross can be seen in front of us, we should take courage and go forward, not fearing our foes, and leaving the results with God.” Dr. King could draw on the homiletics of his contemporary, supporter and friend, Reverend Gardner C. Taylor, founding member of the Progressive Baptist Convention.

Dr. Taylor stated in Faith in the Fire, “We have won our faith in fire . . . We know that we are not alone. Faith still lives!

Faith is not burned. Promises are not scorned. Faith guides us, holds us, and sustains us. By faith, the impossible will come to pass . . .” Do you think Dr. King could imagine the presidency of Barack Obama?

The Emancipation Proclamation was a beginning. The sacrifice of our ancestors is to be remembered. In summary, Deuteronomy 6:4-12 states: “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children . . . When God, your God, ushers you into the land He promised through your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you . . . make sure you don’t forget how you got there—God brought you out of slavery in Egypt.”

Yes, every home needs a copy of We’ve Come This Far by Faith calendar. Continue to lean on the Lord! www.thepositivecommunity.com

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation The Positive Community & Get Your Calendar! The Grand Jubilee Committee

Share the Vision

present ...

An instAnt clAssic!

This beautiful 12-month calendar is filled with captivating images of African-American spirituality and culture

We’ve Come This Far By Faith

2013 COMMEMORATIVE CALENDAR Order your copy today!

Churches:

Place your bulk orders NOW. Credit Cards accepted: Call 973-233-9200 Send Check or Money order to

The Positive Community 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042

Allow 2 weeks for delivery

Only

$19.99! including postage & handling

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

She Calls Me “Ma” he’s a great mother, a loving wife, a professional event planner. She’s my daughter-inlaw, Lauren.

This is Women’s History Month. My daughter, Deirdre, would have made a great profile. Then, again, my editors from back in the day would say, “Theresa, that’s a bit much,” so I chose to write instead, about Lauren. She is the niece of Doris Coley, one of the original members of the 1950s girl group, The Shirelles. I keep trying to get her to put together a one-woman show in tribute to Doris but sadly, so far my suggestion has fallen on deaf ears.

She came into the life of my son, Bert, a number of years ago. In fact, I went to school with her late father, Larry. Her mother, Ernestine, is an incredibly brilliant woman and so Lauren has learned well. She calls me “Ma” and I like it. It’s like having two daughters. She’s been traveling a lot of late. Soon it will be Utah, Arizona and then—Ta da—Switzerland! Nice work, if you can get it, no? Of course you realize it took a lot of negotiating to arrive at the relationship we have today. Time and maturity take care of all things; maturity on everybody’s part.

She and Bert are wonderful parents to my granddaughter, Leah. As you’re raising children you can only hope that they digest some of the things you’re trying to teach them. Both of them understand the value of a family unit with God at the helm.

Lauren and I talked on the telephone recently and she has begun to do some things she had seemingly cast aside for a minute, as the kids would say. But she has resumed being engaged in a full life and I said to her, “Lauren, I’m glad you’re there.” No, not geographically some place but emotionally there. It’s a beautiful thing.

She is a graduate of Douglass College (now Douglass Residential College and part of Rutgers New Brunswick).

Douglass is one of the great female institutions of higher education. And, she has remarkable verbal and academic skills. A number of years ago, she founded a Zeta Phi Beta chapter in the city of Paterson and it’s still going strong. She is faithful to her church, The

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March 2013

Lauren Nance

Committed to The Word Ministries, but more importantly, she is faithful to her God. And that’s a good thing.

Her father faced some challenges in his lifetime; my heart used to ache for Larry. But unlike many who use unsettling situations to engage in a marathon of mediocrity, Lauren has risen above those days and carved out a productive life for herself.

One day she may write a book. One day she should write a book. One day I’m hoping for a book because her journey has been a fascinating one. My hat’s off, so to speak, to my daughter-in-law, Lauren, the love of my son’s life. Oh, and maybe she’ll do that one-woman show, too.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Thursday, april 11, 2013 Mandarin OrienTal new yOrk 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street New York, New York 10023

Silent Auction & Reception - 6: 00 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM

Diane T. Ashley

Katharine R. Henderson

Antonio Ibarría

Jack Lund

Kyung B. Yoon

The BOard Of TrusTees of

new yOrk TheOlOgical seMinary is honored and pleased to present the

2013 urBan angel awardees:

Diane T. Ashley

Chief Diversity Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Former Chair, NYTS Board of Trustees 2002-2012

The Rev. Dr. Katharine R. Henderson President, Auburn Seminary

Antonio Ibarría, Sr.

Chairman, Save Latin America and Publisher and CEO, El Especial & El Especialito

Jack Lund

President and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York

Kyung B. Yoon

Executive Director, Korean American Community Foundation For additional information, visit www.nyts.edu/gala or contact Karen Leahy at 212-870-1203; or e-mail: kleahy@nyts.edu 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500, New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

Unstoppable Movement Quarterly Session of North Jersey Missionary Baptist Association Moderator Lester Taylor, pastor, Community Baptist Church of Englewood Photos: Vincent Bryant

N

orth Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association recently held its quarterly session at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark. The theme: Unstoppable Movement. Moderator Rev. Lester Taylor presided over the 5-day conference that included Christian education, lectures and soul stirring preaching and song!

With much anticipation, the final evening was devoted to worship, praise and song—the musical featuring the mighty voices of the North Jersey Mass Choir.

Rev. Ralph Branch, pastor, Mt Calvary Missionary B.C., Newark; Rev. Joseph Jones, Monumental B.C., Jersey City with Deacon Richard Stanard, president, Laymen’s Movement of the General Baptist Convention of NJ

Panzy King, Metropolitan B.C. and Karen Waters, Community B.C. of Englewood

Dr. Albert Lewis, World Gospel Music Association president, who is celebrating 30 years as a local television broadcaster and host and producer of gospel music television.

Rev. Michael Jordan, pastor, Mt. Olive B.C., East Orange and Rev. John Gamble, pastor Smyrna B.C., Newark

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The Positive Community March 2013

www.thepositivecommunity.com

National Day of Prayer

T

he Office of Black Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York held the annual Archdiocesan Black History Month Mass Celebrating the National Day of Prayer for the African American & African Family.

The event, glorious in colorful pageantry and deeply spiritual in prayer, was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, February 3, 2013.

Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu in recessional for the conclusion of the Mass

Guest Homilist Fr. George W. Quickley, S.J. preaching from the pulpit at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

National Day of Prayer banner being carried in for the procession of the Mass.

Priests around the altar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral including His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan (center) Fr. Jim Goode O.F.M. (to his left) and (far right) Fr. Gregory Chisholm, S.J.

Some members of the Charles Barbour/Dolores Jefferson Memorial Combined Choir www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Brother Tyrone Davis, CFC, executive director of the Office of Black Ministry Archdiocese of New York; His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop Emeritus of NY; Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu, president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference; guest homilist, Fr. George W. Quickley, S.J., pastor of St. Patrick Church in Oakland, CA and Fr. Gregory Chisholm, S.J. pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Harlem, NY

March 2013 The Positive Community

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

Restoring Relevance NJ Chamber hosts Circle of Achievement Awards Deborah Collins and John Harmon

E

ach year, during Black History Month, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) recognizes African Americans who have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, education, politics, community, sports and entertainment.

The 2013 Circle of Achievement Awards Gala was held on Saturday, February 16, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

Mike Ricketts, president and CEO of Quality Packaging Specialists International (QPSI), was presented with the Business Award.

Sheryl Huggins Salomon, managing editor of The Root, the online magazine, received the Entertainment Award. Judy Smith, founder and president of Smith & Company, was acknowledged as the recipi-

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The Positive Community March 2013

ent of the Politics Award. The keynote speaker at this year’s Gala was Carla Harris, managing director and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley. Deborah Collins, Esq., executive director of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, County of Essex presided as the mistress of ceremonies.

This year’s event was a literal who’s who of business leaders, government officials and media from throughout the state of NJ and beyond. After a spectacular reception, with over 200 attendees, Hosea Johnson, chairman of the AACCNJ, gave opening remarks about how rapidly the economy is changing and the importance of African American businesses effectively competing in the new business environment being fueled by technological advances.

John Harmon, president and CEO of the AACCNJ, emphasized that the AACCNJ is able to position African American businesses for economic opportunities throughout the state of New Jersey. “We want to be able to advocate on behalf of businesses that are ready to do business, which means acquiring the proper credentials. This will help the AACCNJ achieve the mission of the Chamber – growth and sustainability of African American businesses.” Mr. Harmon laid forth a challenge to all in attendance to “consider how you might invest your resources, intellectual capital or influence to strengthen the organization so that we can expand the success of African American businesses while favorably impacting communities where they domicile.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: AACCNJ Board Chairman Hosea Johnson, Johnson & Associates, Inc. with honoree for Business Mike Ricketts, president/CEO QPSI

Carla Harris

L–R: Mayor Jamel C. Holley of Roselle, NJ with Charles Smith, Comcast

L–R: Jessica Judkins, AACCNJ staff; Jean Escarpeta, Silpada Jewelry, wife of Board member and Jacqueline Baptiste, executive assistant ACCNJ

L–R: Len McTier, Madison Lawrence Industries and Malcolm Dunn, B.O.S.S. Tunnel Vision Center

L–R: Khadijah Judkins and Noelle Baptiste – Gala Volunteers L–R: Victoria and James Golden, AACCNJ Board Member

Hudson Etienne Sr, EA, ATP, ATA CEO and Chief Strategist – TAX DRx

Tax Tips for 2012

(877) 908-1040 The REMEDY for your TAXING CONCERNS www.taxdrx.com Call TAX DRx and we will provide you a free consultation where you may ask us any questions you want about filing your taxes... here are some FAQs

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Q1. Can I deduct my girlfriend who lives with me?

Generally the answer is no. There are various tests that must be met for someone to be claimed as a dependent. One of the tests is the “relationship” test. If the person was a qualifying relative that you provided 50% support and they lived with you all the entire year and made less than $3,800 of earned income, then the answer could be yes. (You’ll receive even more tax advantages if you marry.)

your tax return. For example, if you settle $5,000 in debt with your credit card company you might still owe the IRS $2,000 in taxes - and it is important to know the IRS is not as forgiving as the credit card companies. *There is an exception for mortgage debt canceled on your primary residence, as this canceled debt is not considered income.

Q2. I donated my time or service to a charity; how can I benefit from it on my taxes?

Finding out the status of your refund is easy. Just Go to the IRS website www.irs. gov at Where’s My Federal Refund? You will find the status of your NY or NJ refund by going to the NY Division of taxation and NJ Division of Taxation website, respectively.

You will need to know the exact amount of the refund, tax form, your filing status and tax ID number.

Sorry- you cannot deduct the value of your time for the services you provided. However you may deduct the actual travel expenses incurred or use a mileage allowance of 14 cents a mile. This can be taken on Schedule A as a non-cash contribution. And if you provided professional services in lieu of cash, ask the organization for an “in-kind letter” of donations for your records.

Q3. What is a 1099-C and why did I receive this?

When you make a settlement with a credit card company, the amount of forgiven or cancelled debt is considered income and is reported to the IRS. A 1099-C, or cancellation of debt tax notice. It reports the amount of money you need to include on

Many have asked these questions, what’s yours? www.thepositivecommunity.com

Q4. Where’s my IRS or State refund?

Q5. Can I postpone the gain on the sale of my home if I buy another house?

No- That was an old rule that has not existed since the 1980s. Currently, if you are single and live in your home for 2 out of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250,000 of the gain. A married couple filing jointly can exclude up to $500,000 of the gain. Any gains that exceed these amounts would be taxed at the capital gains rate.any tax costs to you or your gift recipients.

Call 877-908-1040 or visit us at TAXDRx.com March 2013 The Positive Community

15

E.E. CRUZ & TULLY CONSTRUCTION CO. A JOINT VENTURE

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union County WHAT'S AN SSL CERTIFICATE, AND DO I NEED ONE FOR MY WEBSITE? SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a cryptographic protocol that secures data sent across networks, including the Internet.

SSL uses an authenticated key issued by a third-party certificate authority to validate a website's legitimacy. Most web users experience SSL certificates in the form of https (as opposed to http) prefixes in a URL. Plainly put, an SSL certificate tells your web browser that the site you're visiting is actually what it purports to be, and enables the website to send and receive information in an encrypted format.

Does your website need one? Not necessarily. If your website just contains information about your business like location, what you do, or customer testimonials (i.e., information meant for the general public), then you probably don't need one.

However, you do need one if your website performs any of the following functionalities: • Any kind of e-commerce (ordering, billing, payments, etc.)

• Microsoft Exchange email web access • Access to certain kinds of databases via a web browser, especially ones subject to regulatory requirements • Access to vendor portals

C-26010 2ND AVENUE SUBWAY 96th STREET STATION FINISHES, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, & PLUMBING SYSTEMS—$324.6 Million Project DBE OUTREACH EVENT MARCH 21, 2013 ● 9AM-12PM 2 BROADWAY ●20th FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM C ● NEW YORK, NY 10004

E.E. Cruz/Tully, JV is looking for qualified union subcontractors and/or vendors to participate on the Second Avenue Subway Project which has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal of 20%. If you are a certified DBE firm specializing in one of the areas mentioned above, and would like to meet with us to find out more about the opportunities on this project, please RSVP to Jeana Titre at Jtitre@mtahq.org.

Subcontracting Opportunities: Trucking & Disposal

      

Furnish & Install Curbs & Sidewalks Furnish & Install Pavers Furnish & Install Wall Cladding Systems Furnish & Install Warning Strips Furnish & Install Precast Panels

Furnish & Install Ceramic Tiles Lower-Tier Subcontracting Opportunities: Supply or Install Roofing

        

Fabricate or Install Misc. Metals Supply or Install Escalators Supply & Install Elevators Supply or Install Mechanical Systems Curtain Wall, Louvers, Glass Canopies Acoustical and/or Plaster Work Supply or Install Architectural Finishes Furnish or Install Ceilings

There are some caveats to the above list (e.g., if you accept payments through a third-party service like Paypal, you may not need one), as well as situations where an SSL certificate might offer other benefits.

For an in-depth analysis of your business's SSL needs, contact a trusted technology advisor.

CMIT Solutions has the answers to all your technology questions, from Windows tips and tricks to malware protection to cloud computing.

Contact us for a free, NO-OBLIGATION TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT, and you’ll understand why CMIT Solutions is the trusted technology advisor for 1000s of small businesses across the nation.

Cecil Cates • 973.325.3663 ccates@cmitsolutions.com

55 Union Avenue Suite 114 • Summit, NJ 07901

www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty 16

The Positive Community March 2013

If You’re Ready to Buy a Home, We are ready to Help.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: up to $15,000.00 Down Payment Assistance 1-800-382-HOME(4663)

www.sonyma.org

for Housing

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Is my face red…

T

here are several corrections for the story titled Wellness Interactive Hosts Mt. Calvary Women’s Ministry on page 46 of our November, 2012 issue: Wellness Interactive is located in South Orange, NJ not West Orange as the article stated. The Wellness Lounge is located at 14 South Orange Avenue in South Orange.

The phone number is 973.275.3868. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church is located in Englewood, New Jersey. Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton is the pastor. —JW

The correct caption for the photo above is: Enjoying the afternoon are L-R: Kim Todd, Wellness Lounge PraiseMoves instructor; Wanda Cleaves, Leonie Avery, Rev. Thurselle Watts; Ronnetta ColemanMorse, Wellness Lounge Upcycling Jewerly instructor; Mother Laverne Walton (pastor’s mother), Jeannette Lee and Hope Dwyer

Photo: Hubert Williams

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Holds Forum on Obamacare

L–R: Dr. Maurizio Trevisan, provost, the City College of New York & dean, the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education; Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford, president, New York Academy of Medicine; Keynote Speaker, Hon. David A. Patterson, former governor of New York and distinguished professor at The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine; Barbara Edmonds, director of Field Operations, District Council 37 AFSCME, AFL-CIO and Marko Nobles, senior consultant at The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce/Partner Injoy Enterprises

T

he Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2nd Quarterly Regional Business Breakfast Exchange and Dialogue, focused on in-depth discussion on topical issues of major importance to New York and beyond.

The theme of the event on February 21, 2013 at the Harlem State Office Building was "OBAMACARE": Examine & Discuss The National Affordable Healthcare Act; its current & future impact on individuals, businesses, unions, government and the entire Health Care Industry.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2013 The Positive Community

17

100 Black Men of New York Talia Young, VP Public Affairs, City National Bank

L–R: Honorees David N. Dinkins and Carl Mcall with NYC mayoral candidate William Thompson

M

ore than 500 friends and associates gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis Grand Ballroom on Thursday, February 21, 2013 for the 50th anniversary celebration and 33rd annual benefit gala of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York City (OHBM). The event, which saluted five national civic and business leaders raised nearly $700,000 for OHBM programs and scholarships. Honorees are Hon. David N. Dinkins, former New York City Mayor and One Hundred Black Men founder; Hon. H. Carl McCall, former New York State Comptroller and Chairman, Board of Trustees, SUNY; Kevin Newell, executive vice presi-

18

The Positive Community March 2013

Photos: Seitu Orunde

50th Anniversary Celebration

L–R: Preston Pinkett, president City National Bank and Ebony R. Meeks next to her father, Congressman Gregory Meeks

L–R: OHBM Past President Philip Banks, Jr. honoree Carl McCall and current President Fitzgerald Miller

Vivian Pickard president of GM Foundation General Motors Corporation

dent and global chief brand officer, McDonald’s Corporation; Vivian Pickard, president of GM Foundation, General Motors Corporation; and James Reynolds, Jr., chairman & CEO, Loop Capital Markets. Eytone Ruiz, Andrew Lyttle and Tochukwu Agouji were honored as Mentors of the Year.

Dari Alexander, anchor of Fox 5 News, and David Ushery, anchor of NBC News 4 New York and host of The Debrief with David Ushery, served as co-emcees Entertainment was provided by the Eagle Academy Ensemble.

United Voices of Abyssinian Baptist Church and singer Meli’sa Morgan.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Berean’s Red & White Gala

B

erean Baptist Church is a nearly 163-yearold church in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York.

In 1989, the Berean Community and Family Life Center (BCFLC), a health and wellness nonprofit organization that serves the surrounding neighborhoods, assisting seniors, mothers, and children, was founded.

On February 16, 2013, the organization held its Red and White Gala: Caring Hearts and Helping Hands in Raleigh, North Carolina where there is a sister Berean Baptist Church, both with Rev. Arlee Griffin, Jr. as senior pastor. Rev. Byron Benton is the pastor of Berean Raleigh. The event paid tribute to and honored those individuals who have supported and pushed the BCFLC forward in its mission and work. The new executive director is Marsha Scipio.

Among the honorees were Congressman Edolphus and Mrs. Gwen Towns, members of Berean Baptist Church - Brooklyn; Willie Armstrong, of Armstrong Funeral Home in Brooklyn and Deacons Joseph and Kathleen High, members of Berean Baptist Church of Raleigh, NC.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Pastor Byron Benton, Deacon Joseph High and Senior Pastor Arlee Griffin, Jr.

Former Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns and wife Gwendolyn Towns, honorees, take a twirl around the dance floor

March 2013 The Positive Community

19

GoGreen GoGreen S A V I NSGA VOI U NR G POLUARN E P TL — A NSETTE— P SBTYE PS TBEYP S T E P

EarthTalk® GREEN GREEN ENERGY ENERGY GUIDE GUIDE E - The Environmental Magazine

No Cost Noand Cost Low and Cost LowWays Costto Ways SavetoMoney Save Money and Energy and Energy

Environmental Justice

T T T

here is no excuse here is not no excuse to do your not part. to doItyour doesn’t part.take It doesn’t a greattake deala of great timedeal or money of timetoorpitch money in and to pitch helpin and help keep our planet keep our beautiful planetand beautiful more importantly, and more importantly, functional for functional ourselves forand ourselves the generations and the generations to come. to come.

he environmental justice other triggers for bad air quality and cer Alley” protect themselves from Check out these Checkeasy out no these costeasy or low no cost cost or tipslow to cost maketips your to make life and your thelife entire andworld the entire a greener worldplace. a greener place. movement was born in Sepcompromised waterways and soils further degradation and harm at the tember 1982 when a group across the U.S. and beyond. hands of oil refineries and other heavy of poor residents of rural Warren Some of the better known environ- industry located there.

NO COST NO COST LOW COST LOW COST County, North Carolina laid down mental justice groups came to be out Several national organizations now • Install low-flow • Install showerheads low-flow and showerheads sink aerators and to sink reduce aerators reduce Turntrucks off everything •transporting Turn off not everything in use: waste lights, not TVs, in use: computers, TVs, etc.struggles computers, etc. in front• of oflights, specific in their own local devote significant resources toto these hot water use.hot water use.

• Check furnace • Check or air conditioners furnace or air(AC) conditioners filters monthly, (AC) filters and clean monthly, and clean containing toxic PCBs to a nearby neighborhoods. Concerned Citizens issues. The Center for Health, Envi• Seal andwindows weatherstrip and doors windows to keep and doors heat orto keep heat or or replace as needed. or replace Dirty as filters needed. block Dirty airfilters flow through block airyour flow through your• Seal and weatherstrip landfill. Those primarily African of South Central LA (Los Angeles) ronment and Justice (CHEJ), which conditioning escaping.from escaping. heating and cooling heating systems, and cooling increasing systems, yourincreasing energy billyour andenergy bill and air conditioningairfrom American activists eventually lost was created to fight the •now infamous emerged out wrap of $20 the 1970s Love Canal A water tank•insulation A water tank wrapinsulation costs about costs andabout helps$20 holdand the helps hold the shortening theshortening equipment’s thelife. equipment’s life. their battle to keep toxic waste out LANCER incinerator in the late 1980s, controversy when the U.S. government heat inside. Add heat pre-cut inside. pipe Addinsulation pre-cut pipe to exposed insulation pipes to exposed going pipes going • During hot months, • Duringkeep hot window months,coverings keep window closed coverings on the south, closed on the south, of the area, their actions evenandin.today provides leadership enrelocated 800 from their pol-If you’re into youron water into heater—it your water is cheap heater—it and families easy is cheap to install. and easy If you’re to install. east,but and west east, windows. and west In winter, windows. let the In winter, sun let the sun in. tually led to an executive order by vironmental and social luted Niagara Falls, New neighborstarting justice with anstarting uninsulated with an tank, uninsulated the energy tank, savings theYork energy should savings pay should pay • Glass fireplace • Glass doorsfireplace help stopdoors heathelp fromstop being heat lostfrom up the being chimlost other up the chimPresident Clinton 1996 that instithroughout functions an activist clearfor California. the improvements for thehood, improvements in just today a few months. in just a fewas months. ney.

Close thein ney. fireplace Closedampers the fireplace whendampers notissues in use. when not in use. southern tutionalized the U.S. government’s Mothers of East origiinghouse forsubstance related issues.

The • UseLA, mastic (a • Use gooey mastic substance (a gooey applied with a applied paintbrush) with not a Natural paintbrush) duct not duct • Activate “sleep” • Activate features “sleep” on computers features and on Likewise, computers office equipment and office equipment duty to identify address “disproformed to the long building aexposed Defense Council (NRDC) hasas the attic, tape to sealof alltape toResources seal ductwork all exposed jointsductwork in areas joints such as in areas the attic, such that powerand down that when power notdown in use. when Turn notoffinnally equipment use. Turn off during equipment longstopduring portionately adverse prison in an East Los Angeles commudevoted significant resources environcrawlspace, orcrawlspace, basement.

Insulate or basement. ducts Insulate to improve ducts yourtoto heating improve your heating periodshigh of non-use. periods ofhealth non-use. or system’s efficiency system’s and efficiency your own comfort. and your own comfort.

• When cooking, • When keepofcooking, theitslids on keep pots. theBetter lidsnity, onyet, pots. useBetter abecome microwave yet, use a microwave environmental effects policies has a strong voice against mental justice efforts, including helpStorm processwindows • Storm can reduce windows canloss reduce by cancer 25–50 heat loss percent by 25–50 during the oven instead. oven instead.people or programs on low-income incinerators and other •waste ing toheat identify clusters inpercent poorduring the winter.

Plastic winter. sheeting Plastic installed sheeting on the installed inside also on the helps. inside also helps.

• Dress appropriately • Dress for appropriately the weather, for and the set weather, your thermostat and set your to thermostat to and people of color.” It also mandat- ing and landfill facilities interested in communities near heavy industry. Many • Look for the • ENERGY Look for STAR the ENERGY label, found STAR on label, more found than 40 on more different than 40 different the lowest possible the lowest comfortable possible setting. comfortable On winter setting. nights, On put winter an nights, put an ed that the federal government look moving to the area.

Sierra Club local chapters battle environproducts such products as TVs, furnaces, such as TVs, cell phones, furnaces, refrigerators, cell phones, air refrigerators, extra blanket on extra the blanket bed and on turn the down bed and your turn thermostat down your more. thermostat more. for ways to prevent discrimination by Elsewhere, West Harlem Environ- mental discrimination in their neigh- air conditioners and conditioners more. and more.

• In summer, use • In fans summer, whenever use fans possible whenever instead possible of AC. insteadformed of AC. in 1998 race, color or national origin in any mental Action to fight borhoods.

And the federal government • Take five-minute • Take showers five-minute instead showers of baths. instead Do only of baths. full loads Do only full loads federally funded programs dealing (unsuccessfully) the building of the today provides millions of dollars to Incandescent light Incandescent bulbs are light outdated; bulbs 95 arepercent outdated; of the 95 percent energy of the energy when using thewhen clothes using washer the clothes or dishwasher. washer or dishwasher. with health or the environment.

North River Sewage Treatment Plant environmental justice projects through used goes the to bulb, heating adding theunwanted bulb, adding heatunwanted to your home heat to your home • Switch to cold • Switch water intotop coldloading water energy-inefficient in top loading energy-inefficient washing washingused goes to heating In the time since, many other low in West Harlem in New inYork City. Dethe Environmental Protection Agency the summer. your five Replace most your usedfive lightmost bulbs used withlight ENERGY bulbs with ENERGY machines to save machines energytoand save up energy to $63and a year—detergents up to $63 a year—detergents forfor-the summer.inReplace income or minority groups—Latinos, spite that defeat, the group is now a (EPA) and other agencies.

STAR compact STAR fluorescent compact bulbs fluorescent to save $60 bulbseach to save year$60 in energy each year in energy mulated for cold mulated water get for cold clothes water justget asclothes clean. just as clean.

Asians, •Lower PacifictheIslanders, Native leader on issues CONTACTS: Mothers East LA, www.mothThese light costs. bulbs These use light two-thirds bulbs use less two-thirds energyofand less last energy up to and 10 last up to 10 temperature •Lower the ontemperature your Ameriwater heater. on your Itwater should heater. beenvironmental set It should at be setcosts. atjustice cans and“warm,” others—have learned raise New York State.

And the Deep ersofeastla.com; West Harlem Environmental times Use times dimmers, longer.

Use timers, dimmers, and motion timers, detectors and motion on indoor detectors on indoor so that “warm,” a thermometer so thatto aheld thermometer under around running held under water reads running nowater reads no longer. their voices and130 stand up against the South Center for Environmental JusAction, www.weact.org; Deep South Center for STAR and outdoor lighting. and outdoor Consider lighting. safer, Consider more efficient safer, more ENERGY efficient STAR ENERGY more than more degrees. than 130 degrees. discriminatory of began with activist roots Justice, www.dscej.org; NRDC, torchiere lamps torchiere rather Environmental than lamps halogen rathertorchieres, than halogen which torchieres, can cause which can cause • Only heatlocating or •cool Onlythe heat rooms orhazardous cool you the need—close rooms tice youvents need—close and doors vents of humble and doors of waste landfills andunused transfer ru- Halogen www.nrdc.org; www.chej.org; fires.helping Halogen fires. bulbs are expensive bulbs are to CHEJ, use. expensive to use. Sierra Club, unused rooms. rooms.stations, but is now in high demand polluting factories and utilities, and ral communities in Louisiana’s “Can- www.sierraclub.org; EPA; www.epa.gov.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of Community Community NA Positive www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com June 2009 The June 2009 The PositiveNA E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

20

The Positive Community March 2013

www.thepositivecommunity.com

20th Anniversary

Our Brother’s Keeper Our Brother’s Keeper Our Brother’s Keeper Our Brother’s Keeper Our Brother’s Keeper Our Brother’s Keeper

fr ee K

I

D S

providing affordable housing/

providing affordable housing/ providing affordable housing/ providing affordable housing/ revitalizing communities revitalizing communities providing affordable housing/ revitalizing communities revitalizing communities

revitalizing communities

SAVE THE THE DATE SAVE DATE SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 THURSDAY, APRIL 2013 SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 THURSDAY, APRIL 25,2013 2013 THURSDAY, APRIL DATE 25, SAVE THE providing affordable housing/ revitalizing communities

11thAnnual Annual 11th

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 “let usbreak break bread together” “let us bread together” 11th Annual awards dinner 11th Annual Annual 11th dinner “let reception us awards break bread together” 6PM | dinner 7PM “let usbreak break bread together” reception 6PM | dinner 7PM 11th Annual “let us bread together” awards dinner awards dinner “let usawards break bread together” reception 6PM |ballroom dinner 7PM prince george dinner reception 6PM |ballroom dinner 7PM prince george awards 15 E.6PM 27thdinner street reception | dinner 7PM 15 E. 27th new york, ny|street 10016 reception 6PM dinner 7PM prince george ballroom new york, ny 10016 prince george ballroom 15 E. prince george ballroom 15 E. 27th 27th street street prince newgeorge york, nyballroom 10016 new york, 10016 15 27th street 15E. E. 27thny street newyork, york, ny honoring new ny10016 10016 honoring

darryl c. towns

honoring commissioner and ceo darryl c. towns honoring new york state homes andand community renewal honoring commissioner ceo

honoring new york statedarryl homes and community renewal c. darryl c. towns curtis darryll.c.archer towns commissioner and ceo ceo commissioner President commissioner and ceo curtis l.c. archer new york state homes and community renewal new york state homes and community renewal darryl towns Harlem Community Development Corporation new york state homes and community renewal President commissioner and ceo Harlem Community Development Corporation curtis l. archer l. new york statecurtis homes and community renewal Michael beal curtis l. archer President President Vice President President Michael beal Harlem Community Development Corporation Harlem Development Corporation JP Morgan Chase Corporation HarlemCommunity Community curtis l. archer Vice Development President President JP Morgan Chase Michael beal maxine griffith Michael beal Michael beal Harlem Community Development Vice President Executive Vice PresidentCorporation Vice President Vice President maxine griffith Government & Community JPMorgan Morgan ChaseAffairs JP Morgan Chase JP Chase Executive Vice President Columbia University Michael beal Affairs Government & Community maxine griffith maxine griffith Vice President maxine griffith Columbia University e. President guy Executive Vice Executive Vice President JPangela Morgan Chase Executive Vice President Senior Vice President Government & Community Affairs Government & Community Affairs Government & Community Affairs angela e. guy Diversity &University Inclusion Columbia Columbia University Columbia University L’Oreal Inc. Senior ViceUSA, President maxine griffith Diversity & Inclusion Executive Vice President angela e. angela e.guy guy L’Oreal USA, Inc. angela e. guy Senior Vice President Government & Community Affairs Senior Vice President Diversity & Inclusion Senior Vice President Columbia Diversity &University Inclusion L’Oreal& USA, Inc. Diversity Inclusion L’Oreal USA, Inc.

J A Z Z Concert Series Spring 2013 April 6 Bobby Sanabria & Ascension Newark Symphony Hall 1020 Broad St., Newark, NJ April 13 Mimi Jones Quartet Montclair Art Museum 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ April 20 Lenny White Quartet Newark Museum 49 Washington Ave., Newark, NJ April 27 Lauren Hooker Luna Stage 555 Valley Rd., West Orange, NJ May 4 Michael Wolff NJPAC Victoria Theater 1 Center St., Newark, NJ

Discount parking L’Oreal USA,available Inc.

All Performances at 12:30pm.

Seniorparking Vice President Discount available Diversity & Inclusion L’Oreal USA,available Inc. Discount parking Discount parking available

More information can be found at www.wbgo.org/kids

angela e. guy

Discount parking available

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Discount parking available

March 2013 The Positive Community

21

Vision to Victory: Working Together in Unity L–R: Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Rev. Dr. James S. Allen and Rev. Evans L. Spagner

GBCNJ hosts Congress of Christian Education

L–R: Charlotte Kinsey and Paula Valenzuela, both with United Healthcare and Jill Merriman of Two River Theater, Red Bank, NJ

Photos: Karen Waters

T

he Congress of Christian Education, an auxiliary of The General Baptist Convention of New Jersey. Inc. presented its 35th Annual Workers Conference, “Vision to Victory: Working Together in Unity.” (Nehemiah 4:6) The conference took place Friday and Saturday, February 1-2, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ. Each day was filled with opportunities for learning, worship and fellowship.

The guest preacher for the conference was Rev. Dr. James S. Allen, pastor of Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. Minister Leatha G. Williams, is Congress president; Rev. Evans L. Spagner is State director; Linda Y. Martin is State dean; Dr. Joseph E. Woods, is general secretary of GBCNJ; Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. is president; Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, the host church.

L–R: Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries with Dr. Joseph E. Woods

L–R: Rev. John Teabout, moderator, New Hope Baptist Assoc.; Rev. Tracey Brown, moderator Middlesex Central Baptist Assoc. and Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark

L–R: Dr. Edward Daniel Harper, pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ. and Rev. Evans L. Spagner

“We know our community.

We live here.”

Dr Philip Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer, Horizon NJ Health “I feel the need to make a difference, not only in my life, but in the lives of others. I am involved in health issues facing predominantly the African-American and Latino community. I understand what it’s like to come from humble backgrounds.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield lives in New Jersey and we believe in access to quality healthcare for every resident.

To me......it’s as important as breathing air.”

L–R: William Mitchell, Horizon NJ Health with Min. Louise Roundtree, Good Neighbor B.C, Newark

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Horizon NJ Health can help you and your family, too.

If you are uninsured, enroll in our NJ FamilyCare or NJ FamilyCare ADVANTAGE plans.

To see if you’re eligible, call 1-877-7NJ-HEALTH (1-877-765-4325)

Rev. H. Grady James, pastor, New Bethel B.C., Irvington

Horizon NJ Health The Positive Community March 2013

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®’ and SM Registered and service marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2011 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

Education Photo: Courtesy of MSNBC

T e ach i ng , L e a r n i ng , M a k i ng a D i ff e r e nc e

Sojourner Truth Leadership Circle Leadership Through The Lens Of African-American Female Faith And Social Justice Leaders

Melissa Harris-Perry

A

uburn Theological Seminary has launched the Sojourner Truth Leadership Circle (STLC), an eight-month fellowship program designed to explore new paradigms in female leadership through the lens of black female faith and social justice leaders. Existing stereotypes and historically biased narratives of the “selfless” black female leader have contributed to a structural deficit in female leadership, putting the long-term sustainability of social justice movements at risk.

Twelve female African-American leaders of diverse faith, ages and social justice expertise will partner with Auburn to deeply explore the integration of self-care into their lives using methodologies that transform their vision of activist ministry and leadership.

“The strength mandate has too ofwww.thepositivecommunity.com

ten forced black women into painful silences about their own needs even as they push relentlessly to serve others,” said Melissa Harris-Perry, who played an important role with Auburn in launching the program and who wrote Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America. “Black women believe it is their responsibility to overcome life obstacles alone and to achieve despite having fewer physical, emotional, and social resources.”

The impact of these expectations on black women activists is profound.

They suffer critically high rates of hypertension, obesity, depression and other health issues. And he impact is not confined to individuals but creates larger structural issues for social justice movements.

“The history and experiences of black women have much to teach us

all about what can be achieved when faith-inspired female activists are at the helm --- and also about the price we pay when we commit ourselves to a larger cause without also honoring ourselves in the process,” said The Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, president of Auburn Theological Seminary.

As part of the program, participants will develop best practices for self-care, create a community of Black women leaders for support and participate in regular webinars and retreats about self-care practices and how they can enhance prophetic leadership. At the end of the program, fellows will provide insights into best leadership practices that embrace wholeness and wellness as an essential component of leadership.

List of participants on page 58 March 2013 The Positive Community

23

Archives Why Bother?

Why Archives are a Necessity, Not a Luxury

By Bob Gore

Photo: Bob Gore

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Dr. Kevin McGruder, chair, Department of History, Antioch College and former chair of the Abyssinian Baptist Church Archive Ministry.

o remain ignorant of things that happened before you were born is to remain a child. For what is the worth of human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history.” — Cicero As church leaders and community workers in today’s fast-paced world, we are busy, treading water in a multitude of tasks just to take care of today and tomorrow, and do not have the luxury to think about the past. Between running from one committee meeting to another, writing sermons, and finding funding for various programs, who has the energy to devote to archives?

We are so focused on the present and the future we do not have time to think about the past. The prevailing feeling seems to be, “Why should I bother with all that all stuff in the basement?” or “Why do I need to worry about the past? It is not going to help me today or in the future.” Contrary to these beliefs, we cannot escape our past; it is all around us and informs everything we do. In the words of the historian David McCullough, "History is who we are and why we are the way we are." Archives are our link to that past, and having an archival program in place will ensure that that link will be preserved.

The use of archival material is a way to promote your institution’s place within the community. There is a reason that companies so often use the word, “Since …” Historical continuity builds a sense of trust. It is a way to demonstrate that your organization plays a vital and active role in the community. It is a way of illustrating that you have been there for the community, and will continue to be. Many granting organizations want proof that you will be able to carry out your plans.

Being able to produce a documented record of success can help show this.

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The Positive Community March 2013

An archival program can help save both time and money. There is no need to beat a dead horse or recreate the wheel. Being able to research past policy decisions, reports and events can help an organization to run more efficiently. Knowing why certain policies were adopted can save immeasurable time that might otherwise be spent in useless debate. It offers a sense of accountability. Knowing what programs have not worked in the past can also save time. It can help you to figure out why a program did not work and how to make the necessary changes.

An archival program is not just a way to preserve historical and institutional records, but also a way to ensure proper records management. We live in a very litigious environment, and the ability to produce the right documentation can be vital in a lawsuit. Institutions can lose lawsuits or get into legal trouble because of poor or nonexistent records.

Not all records are created equal. Archiving does not mean keeping every document ever created. Knowing what to keep and what not to keep not only saves space but also helps one to locate and identify the records needed. Questions regarding past policy issues, events, legal issues, and requests for photographs can send staff scurrying like archeologists frantically searching through boxes, crawling through basements, and making desperate phone calls to former staff in search of answers. Having your records in order will allow you to be able to have these answers at your fingertips. Having an archival program in place is not just about preserving the past; it is also about ensuring that the present and future are properly documented and captured.

Continued on page 43 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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SAVE THE DATE! Information Sessions for Summer & Fall 2013 Classes Brooklyn Campus - Tuesday, April 23 Bay Shore Campus - Wednesday, April 24 Manhattan Campus - Thursday, April 25 For more information visit: touro.edu/gseinfo Call: 1-888-TOURO-02 facebook.com/WeAreTouro

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Lamar P. Miller, Dean

March 2013 The Positive Community

25

Scholarships Are Still Within Reach

PUSH Excel Scholarship Program Offers Several

By Helene Fox Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fellows Scholarship - Awarded to motivated and dedicated high school students who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding character, selected fellows receive a one-time award of $5,000.00.

Cirilo McSween Scholarship - Students majoring in business, achieve academic success and play an active role in their community, scholarships are given in honor of Rainbow PUSH Coalition Board Member and New York Life’s first African American agent, Cirilo McSween. The scholarship award is $2,500.00 and may be renewed for up to four years.

Ora Lee Sanders Scholarship - Named for educator Ora Lee Sanders who believed that all children should have the

opportunity to attend college. This scholarship is open to all students who can demonstrate financial need, have a minimum grade point average of a 2.5, and play an active role in their community.

The scholarship is $1,000 awarded for one year and may be renewed for up to four years.

Presidential Choice Scholarship - A discretionary scholarship awarded to students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing social justice issues and engaging in advocacy, and to those individuals who understand and practice the gift of service. Scholarship recipients will receive $1,000.00 each year for four years, depending on their academic standing, achievements and/or the discretion of the president of PUSH Excel or the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

To apply visit http://www.pushexcel.org/page/s/2013-push-excel-scholarship-application

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ollege is the key to economic freedom for all Americans, yet a college degree is becoming less and less affordable for the average student in the U.S. Over the past several years, PUSH Excel has awarded over three million dollars to deserving students enrolled in colleges and universities across the country.

PUSH Excel Scholars attend a variety of institutions and take pride in the fact that ninety percent of PUSH Excel Scholars graduate from college.

The PUSH Excel Scholarship Program was created to assist young people who are qualified but lack the financial resources to attend college. The goal of the program is to develop servant leadership potential in the scholarship students and encourage a spirit of social justice and social change.

Scholarship recipients will be selected from the pool of applicants who apply for a particular scholarship and meet the minimum criteria provided in the guidelines. There are no geographical limitations — applicants are selected from across the nation. Applications will be evaluated by a committee of educators and corporate executives.

There are four (4) different scholarships; applicants may apply for only one scholarship, so they should apply for the one that best fits their situation.

The application deadline for 2013 is April 15th.

Applicants will be notified of the results by May 31. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Honoring Harriet Tubman Legislation to Establish National Parks in Maryland and New York Introduced in Congress … Again!

By Helene Fox

H

arriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Maryland, where she spent nearly 30 years as a slave. She escaped slavery in 1849, but returned for more than 10 years to Dorchester and Caroline counties where she led hundreds of African Americans to freedom. Known as “Moses” by AfricanAmerican and white abolitionists, she reportedly never lost a “passenger” on the Underground Railroad.

This year is particularly significant to the legacy of Harriet Tubman because March 10, 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s death. Tubman lived to be 93 years old and passed away in Auburn, NY, in the rest home that bears her name and that she established specifically for the care of aging African Americans.

In February, congressional leaders and civil rights activists joined together to advocate for the passage of The Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act, which would establish two National Historical Parks, one in Maryland and one in New York. The congressional members and leadership from the NAACP, National Organization for Women, National Urban League and the National Council of Negro Women say that duel parks honor the legacy of freedom fighter and American hero Harriet Ross Tubman.

In Maryland, The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park would include

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The Positive Community March 2013

historically important landscapes in Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties that are evocative of the life of Harriet Tubman including her likely birthplace, where she worked as a young girl, where as a teenager she worked as a seamstress, and parcel that is believed to be the location of one of the first safe houses along the Underground Railroad. The park would also mark the place in Caroline County where Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849.

In New York, The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park would include important historical structures in Auburn, New York. They include Tubman’s home, the Home for the Aged that she established, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, and the Fort Hill Cemetery where she is buried.

Democratic Senators from New York Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are sponsors of the bill in the Senate, along with Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski (both D-MD). Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) is sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives.

“Harriet Tubman is a remarkable American hero who continues to inspire me today,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “Her unwavering commitment to helping others while risking her own life in the long fight for equality has left an indelible legacy.

This national park in Auburn, NY would provide an important place where men and women of all back-

grounds can come together and reflect on the significance of her life.”

Representing National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, vice chair, noted “Harriet Tubman’s legacy simply cannot be overstated!

Without her, we would lack a leadership and social justice model that has endured over these 100 years since her death. Honoring Harriet Tubman with a permanent and prominent place in both Maryland and New York is the honorable thing to do. Her footprints are still found on the contours of the civil, gender and human rights movements today. The National Council of Negro Women has a vested interest in making sure that our children and the children throughout the nation know that Harriet Tubman lead the way—for each of us, for them and for the generations yet to be born!”

Karen Hill, executive director of the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, spoke at the news conference announcing the legislation citing a 1999 documentary by the A&E cable network in which scholars ranked Tubman among the top 100 people who affected the world in the previous 1,000 years. “The bill is long overdue,” she said.

Bills to establish the parks have been introduced previously, but none gained the support that this one seems to have garnered in this year of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, so sponsors and advocates are hopeful that this year will be different. www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s happening at

Columbia in March

Friday, March 1–Friday, March 29 Exhibition: Collecting Oriental Books, 1886-1936 Chang Octagon Exhibition Room, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Morningside campus An exhibition in tribute to Richard Gottheil and A.V. Williams Jackson. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https://alumni-friends.library .columbia.edu/news.html.

Friday, March 1–Sunday, June 30 Exhibition: The Quarter-centenary of the House of Romanov Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https:// alumni-friends.library.columbia.edu/news.html.

Friday, March 1 Mozart’s Cosí Fan Tutte 8:00 p.m.

Union Theological Seminary Cosí Fan Tutte performed by the Opera Company of Brooklyn and Barnard Music. Tickets $10/$5 students and seniors. For more info, call (212) 854-5096 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Saturday, March 2 Jazz Theater: My Coma Dreams 3:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus A critically ill musician is rushed to a hospital, where, in a coma, he enters a dream world full of surreal comedy and ineffable beauty. Music composed and performed by Fred Hersch; written and directed by Herschel Garfein; starring Michael Winther and Fred Hersch & Ensemble.

For more info, call (212) 305-1952, email narrativemedicine@columbia.edu or visit www.narrativemedicine.org.

Tuesday, March 5 Women’s History Month Lecture Strategic Scrapbooks: 19thcentury Activists Remake the Newspaper 6:30 p.m.

Sulzberger Parlor, Barnard campus Speaker: Ellen Gruber Garvey, professor of English, New Jersey City University. For more info, call (212) 854-5096 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Music at St. Paul’s Columbia Classical Performers 6:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s chapel, Morningside campus An assortment of Columbia’s talented instrumental performance groups. For more info, call (212) 8541487 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/music.html.

Wednesday, March 6 The Writing Lives Series: An Evening With Nick Hornby

6:15 p.m.

Rennert Auditorium, Kraft Center, Morningside campus

Monday, March 11 New York Business History Forum: The Business of Building the United States Capitol 6:30 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus

Speaker: Award-winning novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby in conversation with Saskia Hamilton, Barnard College. For more info, call (212) 8548443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.

Speaker: Guy Gugliotta, author of Freedom’s Cap: The United States Capitol and the Coming of the Civil War. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https://alumni-friends.library.columbia.edu/ news.html.

The Bigger Picture Series: Joseph Stiglitz and Ramin Bahrani 6:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus

Café Columbia: Manhattan Street Grid: The Surprising Legacy of John Randel Jr. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street

The inaugural event of the series presents the film Wall Street, followed by a discussion about economic inequality with Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz and filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, both of Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Speaker: Marguerite Holloway, professor of journalism, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Thursday, March 7 Comics at Columbia: The Golden Age 6:00 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speakers: author Larry Tye; Batman producer Michael Uslan; and former president of DC Comics Paul Levitz. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https://alumni-friends.library.columbia .edu/news.html.

The Creative Writing Lecture Series: Wells Tower

7:00 p.m.

413 Dodge, Morningside campus

Tower is the author of the short story collection Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned and the recipient of two Pushcart Prizes and the Young Lions Fiction Award from the New York Public Library. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

The Land Was Ours: African American Beaches from Jim Crow to the Sunbelt South Noon Lehman Center, 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Speaker: Andrew W. Kahrl, Marquette University.

For more info, call (212) 854-2927 or email lehmancenter@columbia.edu.

Theater: Eye Piece 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Minor Latham Playhouse, Barnard campus A searching inquiry into the personal meaning and the mythological, historical, artistic and social significance of the loss of vision, written and directed by Obie Award-winner Rinde Eckert. Tickets $10/$5 students with CUID. For more info, call (212) 854-5096 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Tuesday, March 12 The Money Series: Should Business Schools Have a Future?

6:15 p.m.

Common room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Speaker: Rakesh Khurana, Harvard Business School. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.

Pop-Up Concerts: It’s Complicated 6:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Ensemble Signal takes the audience on a miniexploration of the wildly different ways composers confront complexity and virtuosity. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre .com/events.

Race, Riots and Roller Coasters: Segregated Recreation in America Noon Lehman Center, 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Speaker: Victoria W. Wolcott, State University of New York at Buffalo. For more info, call (212) 8542927 or email lehmancenter@columbia.edu.

Music at St. Paul’s C & S C New York 6:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s Chapel, Morningside campus New York City-based Korean Christian group plays classical favorites. For more info, call (212) 8541487 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/music.html.

Friday, March 15 Stargazing and Lecture: Cosmic Candles 7:00 p.m.

Pupin, Morningside campus Speaker: Ashley Pagnotta, Columbia University.

Lecture will be followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather-permitting. For directions, weather and more info, visit http://outreach.astro .columbia.edu.

Wednesday, March 27 Democratic Citizenship and the Public Good 6:30 p.m.

James Room, Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Photo exhibit and panel discussion with Kimberley Johnson, Barnard; Dorian Warren, Columbia University; and Rickie Solinger, historian and curator of “Claiming Citizenship: African Americans and New Deal Photography.” For more info, call (212) 854-7072 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Italy at Columbia Concert Series: Music of Busoni, Carter and Mozart 7:00 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus Rolf Schulte, violin, and James Winn, piano. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy.columbia.edu.

Thursday, March 28 Amiable With Big Teeth: Discovering Claude McKay’s Long-lost Novel 6:00 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speakers: doctoral candidate Jean-Christophe Cloutier and Brent Hayes Edwards, professor of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https://alumni-friends.library.columbia.edu/ news.html.

Friday, March 29 Assess: Chile at Columbia 1:00 p.m.

Wood Auditorium, 100 Avery, Morningside campus Architects and planners discuss recent urban projects, public space and architecture in Chile, including redevelopment interventions after the 2010 earthquake. For more info, call (212) 8543414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Friday, March 29 Getting to Columbia The Morningside Heights campus is located at 116th Street and Broadway.

By subway: No. 1 train to 116th Street station. By bus: M4, M11, M60 or M104.

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

Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

Baseball vs. Harvard Noon Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway Game two of this double header will begin at 3:00 p.m.

For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

You are cordially invited to

Open HOuse at

new YOrk THeOlOgical seminarY marcH 12-14, 2013 (4:00 - 6:00 pm) Roundtable discussions with the NYTS Community (6:00 - 9:00 pm) Visit the class(es) of your choice

~Reserve your life changing space at this transformative place~ Our Programs: For additional information, or to reserve your space, contact: • The Certificate Program in Christian Ministry (CP) Nicole Duncan-Smith • The Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Office of Recruitment • The Master of Divinity Degree (MDiv) ndsmith@nyts.edu • The Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MAPCC) www.nyts.edu • The Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE) 212-870-1212 • The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1212 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

Crimson, Cream and Community Service

Delta Sigma Theta

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

Sorority, Inc.

n this their centennial year, the line sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are boldly carrying the torch of sisterhood for what is the largest organization for African-American women in the country. With its theme A Sisterhood Called to Serve: Transforming Lives, Impacting Communities, the Delta women stand proudly on the shoulders of their founders whose insatiable passion and commitment inscribed black women’s agenda into the national equation for human rights.

The year was 1913, an era punctuated by racial strife and gender inequality. Around the world women were breaking bread and crossing swords with the powers that be as the campaigning for the suffrage movement peaked. Internationally the Panama Canal was nearing completion and at home the first coast-to-coast paved highway was opened. And Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was born.

On the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, 22 brave, dynamic young women had a vision of improving life in their community. They determined that their collective strength would be used to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to persons in need. On January 1, 1913 they established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as a means of expression for those ideals.

One hundred years later, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. boasts more than 250,000 members in 900 chapters in the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The sorority was incorporated as a national organization in 1930 and has a five-point programmat-

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ic agenda that includes: economic and educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health and political awareness and involvement.

Led by National President, Cynthia M. A. ButlerMcIntyre, the Washington-based organization has planned a full year of celebration that began with a Tournament of Roses Parade in Los Angeles on the first of January, 2013 and will culminate with its 51st National Convention from July 11–17.

“This [year] is not only a momentous occasion for our organization, but a testament to the power of all women determined to change the world for the better and be a voice for the underprivileged and underserved,” said Butler-McIntyre. “If it were not for our founders’ innate awareness of the power within every black woman and the realization of a need for an increase in social consciousness on their campus, we would not be the organization we are today.”

Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre

March 2013 The Positive Community

31

COVERSTORY

(L–R) Notable Sorors: Shirley Chisholm, Lena Horne, Cicely Tyson, Nikki Giovanni

On New Year’s Day, The Delta Torch, a burning symbol of the passion and commitment that has fueled the organization, was lit. The torch will make stops in 22 cities before the tour culminates at the National Convention in Washington, D.C. March 3, was another special day in the life of Delta Sorors from across the country as they joined with other leading organizations in a reenactment of the Women’s Suffrage March of 1913. The Deltas created history as the only African-American women’s organization in attendance in that momentous march. It marked the first official act of public service and social advocacy in the organization’s rich history.

“The participation of Delta Sigma Theta’s Founders in the Suffrage March displayed their fervent nature and collective strength,” said Butler-McIntyre. “Their courage, while standing together with other women to demand changes in governing laws that denied women one of this country’s most basic privileges and rights, is the example of social advocacy that has led and sustained Delta Sigma Theta for a Century.”

Other Centennial events included a Founders’ Day Weekend in January and Delta Days in the Capital, a series of meetings examining public policy and political issues led by the organization’s National Social Action Committee.

“The women of Delta Sigma Theta have been and remain a vital contributor to the success of our commu-

32 The Positive Community

March 2013

nities and a defender of rights of all people,” said ButlerMcIntyre. “We are going to take this year to honor the rich legacy of our 22 Founders, celebrate the inheritance they generously placed in our hands, and humbly take up the torch they lit for us to carry and pass on to the next generation.”

By far one of the most celebrated Delta woman is the late Dorothy Height, the organization’s 10th National President, who was installed in the basement of a Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas in 1947. She is credited for taking the organization “onward and upward” and securing its national headquarters in Washington, DC. But Delta women have made their mark in every field of endeavor. Notable sorors include: Mary McCleod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Lena Horne, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Cicely Tyson, Vashti M. Mckenzie, Judith Jamison, Dr. Regina Benjamin, Ruby Dee Davis, Olympia Scott, Nikki Giovanni and Johnnetta B. Cole.

As of the writing of this article, the Delta Torch was in Little Rock, Arkansas. As it passes through city after city, sorors from Los Angeles to Tokyo are going to be reenergized and in so doing recommit themselves to “sisterhood, scholarship and service.” Certainly, in the near future this commitment will translate into increased global social action because as “Ella’s Song” by Bernice Johnson of Sweet Honey in the Rock reminds us: [those] “who believe in freedom cannot rest…until it comes.” continued on next page

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Hail Delta!

Delta Sigma Theta has been a positive and rewarding experience for me. I pledged in 1973 at the University of Houston in Zeta Sigma Chapter. It was at this time that I had the opportunity to go through the pledge program under the guidance and wisdom of Soror Barbara Jordan. Her passion for sisterhood captured my attention and instilled the meaning of unconditional love and acceptance of each other into my life. I never forgot her stressing “Always let others see you at your best.” That passion for sisterhood remained with me and when I came to New York City I looked up Delta Sigma Theta in the telephone book and called to explain that I was here alone and did not know many people. Doris Dingle, then President of the Harlem Chapter said with so much love, “Well you have 90 sisters here” and invited me to a meeting. It was my first introduction to Harlem and I immediately became active on the Founder’s Committee, which afforded me the opportunity to meet Founder Osceola Adams. The number of rich experiences in my life because of Delta Sigma Theta are immeasurable. From walking the street and meeting a Soror wearing her tee shirt to developing long lasting relationships — I LOVE DST. Barbara Askins President & CEO 125th Street BID My experience as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has been extremely inspirational and rewarding. Many of the women in Delta are movers and shakers in all aspects of the world and have been important role models in my life. Whether it is in education, government or the arts, you will always find a Delta woman at the forefront. In addition, it has been rewarding because at our core is service. Personally, I have worked with the disadvantaged and needy and helped youth in developing and building self-esteem through workshops.

As a current member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter, I have established a bond with 33 women — my line sisters — who are a very special part of my life. We have supported each other through triumphs and trials and I can’t imagine my life without them.

Tonya L. Cantlo-Cockfield Counsel to the Housing, Corporations and Cities Committees New York Senate Democratic Conference What does it mean to be a Delta? I immediately think of service — selfless service to my community, my country and the world. Soror Shirley Chisholm said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. get that message first and foremost. We also

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understand that our sorority is a sisterhood striving for excellence and a business that the community depends on each and every day. Reflecting on the centennial, I can’t help but feel pride in the work we have done so far and at the same time, feel joy and anticipation of the service to come in the next 100 years.

La Rhetta Bradley, President Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter Wow! 100 years as a sisterhood. CENTENNIAL is such a phenomenal word with a strong meaning. What a special feeling it is for me to be a part of such a historic occasion. Over 25 years ago, as a high school student, I began a journey that I knew in my heart would one day include becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and when I look around at my Sorors and see the pride, joy and excitement that exist amongst us, I know it was a journey worth taking. The legacy created by the work of our 22 Founders in 1913 has paved a way for over 300,000 women in 2013 to continue the sisterhood, scholarship and service they dedicated their lives to. I hold Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. near and dear to my heart. The bonds and relationships developed are just a small part of a bigger picture that embraces serving communities around the world and no matter where I go, I can always look around and say how proud I am to be a Delta Girl!

Renee P. Evelyn, President Montclair Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Social Work Supervisor NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency In October 1985, I became a member of the Montclair Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization dedicated to Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service. I had always known that the women of Delta were the leaders and community organizers who reached out to provide education about various issues. They also took the next step and implemented programs to make sure people continue to receive education on these issues.

Being a member of this wonderful sorority has helped me to become a leader. As a member of the Montclair chapter, I served as the sergeant-at-arms, chaplain and the second vice president.

I also served as the chair of the scholarship committee. Delta has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in my community and has paved the way for me to serve as president of another distinguished women’s organization.

Odessa H. James President, North Jersey Unit National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

March 2013 The Positive Community

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A PHENOMENAL WOMAN

By Ayorinde

M

rs. Rhoda Ann Williams struck a royal pose in her easy chair and savored the good wishes of family and friends who had come to celebrate her birthday. With a warm, inviting smile she greeted everyone as charmingly as a sweet 16-year old. But in fact, Mama, as she is affectionately called, is celebrating an even more spectacular milestone – she is 106 years old.

Born on February 15, 1907, Mrs. Williams has lived a full life and with her strength, stamina and courage continues to inspire others to do the same. An unapologetic woman of God, Miss Williams willingly shared the secret to a long life with everyone who greeted her – “Serve God with all your heart,” she whispered to her guests over and over. And at every opportunity, she punctuated the moment with her praise mantra: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creators here below. Praise him above the heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

According to those who bore witness on her behalf, Mrs. Williams has enriched the lives of those around

her through her joyous and sincere love for God and her faith. For 35 years she has been a member of the Flatbush Seventh Day Adventist Church and is a vigilant missionary who never misses an opportunity to minister to young children, teenagers and adults.

A native of Jamaica, WI she has lived in Brooklyn since her migration to the United States in 1970. With her husband, Thomas, whom she outlived by many years, she fought hard times to raise five children into successful and accomplished citizens. She worked as a nanny and ran a small business selling food and confectionary.

Today she can count among her offspring and their progeny, a vice president at IBM; a pilot; a nurse; a lawyer; an entrepreneur of several major businesses; an administrator of large worldwide companies; a contractor; a physician’s assistant; a chemist; a teacher; a soldier in the armed forces; a principal and chief radiographer to the Island of Jamaica.

At the age of 106, Mrs. Rhoda Ann Williams still lovingly makes tea for her daughters and routinely carries fish to her son’s house. Indeed Mama can say, like the poet Maya Angelou, “…I am a woman/Phenomenally/ Phenonomal woman/That’s me.”

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34PositiveComm_HalfAd_7x4.75_v2.indd The Positive Community March 2013 1

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Mezzo-soprano Lori Brown Mirabal, principle of Opera Soup Productions sings the Negro National Anthem

Culture L i f e , M u s i c , A r t & L i t e r at u r e James Oakes, distinguished professor of History and Graduate School Humanities at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York

Clement Price, PhD

Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series Largest Audience Ever Comes Out For This Year’s Lectures

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t was standing room only on Saturday, February 16, as crowds packed into the overflow rooms at Rutgers-Newark’s Paul Robeson Campus Center for the 33rd annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series sponsored by the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience, led by Distinguished Professor, Historian and Lecturer, Clement A. Price, moderator. In observance of the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the theme of this year’s event, Emancipation and the Work of Freedom, attracted perhaps the largest audience in the history of the lecture series.

An illustrious assemblage of experts gave lectures on topics including: Self Emancipation, African American Marriage, Slavery and Freedom: What Did the Slaves Think of Lincoln? Emancipation and Enslaved Women on the Civil War’s Battlefields and more.

The day’s activities concluded with a reception and tour of the Newark Museum collection related to the Civil War and Emancipation.

–AAC

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Steven Hahn, specialist on history of nineteenth-century America, African-American history, the history of the American South, and the international history of slavery and emancipation at the University of Pennsylvania

Newark Mayor Cory Booker

Thavolia Glymph, associate professor of history and African and African American studies at Duke University

Tera Hunter, professor of History and the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University

March 2013 The Positive Community

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Black History Month at New Hope BC Metuchen

Senior Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens and Rabbi Vaisberg of Temple Emanu-EL, exchange friendly words in the pulpit.

ABOVE: Members of the MetuchenEdison Area Interfaith Clergy Association L-R: Rev. Jeffrey Howell, Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Rev. Dr. James Miller, Rabbi David Vaisberg, Rev. Mark McCreary, Rev. Dr. Annari Griesel, Rev. Barbara Crafton, Rev. Dolores Davision and Cantor Jacquie Shucat-Marx

Over 300 community parishioners of diverse faiths came out to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

New Hope Diaconate Chair, Frances Moore (r) presents a scholarship check to Taryn Jones, who was one of four area high school seniors to receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Student of the Year Award. Scholarships are presented each year as a result of the generous offerings from the congregation.

BY Marilyn Matthews

T

L–R: Timothy Barrow, Andre Williams, Stephan Lally, Kira Cudjoe, Jordan Hargwood, Taryn Jones and Kandie Hartwell-Lawrence

he New Hope Baptist Church of Metuchen and the NAACP Metuchen-Edison Area Branch held their 14th Annual Martin Luther King Program on Sunday, January 21, 2013. The theme entitled, Where Do We Go From Here? is the title of a speech delivered by King at the Southern Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 16, 1967. The program was led by the Metuchen-Edison Area Interfaith Clergy Association and included remarks by Mayor Thomas Vahalla, Metuchen; Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison and Mayor Sharon-Robinson Briggs, Plainfield.

They each addressed issues our nation faces today including the needed improvement in the education system, how to prepare workers of today for the jobs of tomorrow, gun control and the protection of voter rights. Two late civil rights leaders

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The Positive Community March 2013

NAACP Metuchen-Edison Area Branch Executive Committee Members L–R: Steven Stewart, Stephany Kim, Mary Martin, Marilyn Matthews, Hyacinth Reynolds, Pattie Zamore and Branch President, Reginald Johnson

from New Jersey who passed away in 2012—long time Congressman Donald Payne (23 years) and U.S. Attorney General (under President Lyndon B. Johnson 1965-1966) Nicholas Katzenbach, received special tributes at the event.

In a special presentation, the New Hope Youth marched around the church protesting the social and economic injustices of today while Deaconess Kimberly Moore-Jones explained. “…in order to answer the question ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ we must recognize where we are now. We must continue to speak up for justice and speak out against atrocities that discriminate, oppress and depress all people.”

The youth marched out with the words of the song "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" echoing throughout the sanctuary. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Legendary Richard Smallwood In performance with the

Marble Community Gospel Choir and the

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March 2013 The Positive Community

37

Sweet Freedom The Story of Calas

BY R.L. WITTER

E

veryone loves a bake sale. I fondly recall my mother and I baking cakes, cookies and brownies to raise money for field trips, the cheerleading squad, the French Club and every other school function when I was a child. The nickels, dimes and quarters we earned from the sales of sweet baked goods helped purchase museum tickets, new cheerleading sweaters and lunch in Little Italy—all things that were important to an American teenage girl. Even today, I still bake. And I recently found out that my entrepreneurial husband sometimes sells my wares at his job in the interest of keeping his waistline svelte and subsidizing his lunch costs. And he gets paper money for each slice or cupcake, rather than coins. Imagine that! But long before in a land not so far away, sugary sweet fritters were sold on the streets of New Orleans in hopes of buying something far more precious… Life.

They are called “calas” and were once a popular street food much like New York City pretzels and zeppole, but they were sold in New Orleans by slave women and free women of color from the early 1700s until around 1940.

Calas are rice fritters, perhaps a cousin to the more popular beignets everyone loves and associates with The Big Easy. They are a West African food brought to the States by slave women, but their monetary and historic value are tied exclusively to the Crescent City Creole culture and the marketplaces where women would roam through crowds advertising “Belles calas! Tout chaud!”

“Beautiful calas! Very hot!” is the English translation

38 The Positive Community

March 2013

of the call that brought customers back weekly. During French rule in New Orleans, the Code Noir or the Black Codes ordered that slaves were given a day off on Sunday. Ingenious hard workers, many slave women took the day off as an opportunity to earn money and ventured to the squares and markets to sell their sweet, puffy rice mixture to customers who had never tasted anything quite like them. The codes also stipulated that if a slave approached his or her master with a reasonable offer to buy his or her freedom, the master had to accept it. Thus was born “freedom fritters” as calas became known.

Calas meant empowerment! Calas were something brought from Africa (Ghana) by African women; something they had continued to prepare after being brought to America. Because they only required a few simple ingredients, a treat that could be made by slaves using leftover rice flavored as savory or sweet.

In 1763, the Treaty of Paris ceded control of the port city to Spain. With Spanish rule came the term “coartación” that allowed slaves to purchase their freedom in successive payments for an estimated fair value. While manumission was the act of freeing a slave outright— either out of generosity or for payment, coartación was the state of a slave who was in the process of making payments for freedom. That slave became legally known as a coartado and achieved a nominally higher social standing than regular slaves. Coartación also meant that once the process of purchasing freedom had begun, the price could not be changed, nor could the agreement of sale— even if a master sold the coartado, the new master had to honor both the agreement and the original price.

Coartados were considered less desirable for sale, however, since potential buyers were aware of their impending freedom. Entering the process helped protect families from being separated. Coartación was the light at the end of the tunnel and calas was one vehicle that drove thousands through the tunnel to the other side—to freedom.

Once freed, women continued to sell calas, making their living as street vendors. They often saved the profits to be used to purchase the freedom of a spouse, child or other loved one. Some slave owners claimed the profits as their own in an effort to halt or slow the pace of the purchase of freedom. But thousands of slaves were freed by coartación and calas had something to do with that.

New Orleans reverted to French control in 1801 and then came under American rule with the Louisiana

Slaves were promised freedom that never came; but the calas remained.

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Purchase in 1803. Women still roamed the marketplaces with baskets perched atop their heads. They still called to potential customers, “Belles calas! Tout chaud!” But American slavery was quite different from European slavery and all of the proceeds were now the property of slave masters and mistresses. Coartación and the mandate that masters must allow slaves to purchase their freedom became things of the past. Slaves were promised freedom that never came; but the calas remained.

With thousands of free black people in New Orleans, the calas women continued to make and sell different varieties—shrimp calas, crab calas, calas with powdered sugar and honey. Slowly, however, the number of vendors diminished until finally, around 1940 there was only one known calas vendor left in the city. Historians believe that the rationing that took place during World War II is what likely put an end to calas vendors. But calas survived in Creole and African American households throughout the years. They were often served to “maskers” during Mardi Gras when they stopped by for a bit of respite from parading.

Calas have recently enjoyed a resurgence in New Orleans restaurants and now appear on the menus of several respected eateries. One, The Old Coffee Pot, boasts that calas have been a menu staple for decades.

Ironically, the renewed interest in the rice fritters is largely credited to Poppy Tooker, a Louisiana radio show host

who also teaches classes on cooking traditional Louisiana dishes. Tooker takes pride in relating the story of calas to all who will listen and repeats the mantra “Eat it to save it!” Tooker also happens to be white. She once related the story of how she was making calas for a convention and had a chef come in to assist her. She said the chef was “as white as me” and that after preparing the calas he told her how it took him back to his childhood. He then told her, “My grandmother was black.” It is also rumored that a respected and noted writer of New Orleans origin once said, “if you have the calas tradition in your family and y’all think you’re white folks, you have to look a little harder in your background.”

Regardless, calas is a part of African American history and tradition and should be shared with pride. With that, I share a calas recipe with you and hope you make them, eat them and enjoy them a little bit more now that you know that they helped free slaves.

Rice Calas (makes 12) 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 heaping tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash of nutmeg 2 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Vegetable oil (for deep-frying) Confectioners’ sugar

1. In bowl, combine rice, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg and mix well.

2. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.

3. Heat vegetable oil for deep-frying to 360-degrees.

4. Carefully drop rice mixture by spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until brown.

Illustration of Calas Woman from 1886 edition of Century Magazine

5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

6. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Serve hot.

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March 2013 The Positive Community

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BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

The Gospel According to Spring “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? —Isaiah 43:18 Grace & Peace! pring and springtime refer to the season where rain falls to clean and nourish the earth, flowers begin to bloom and the seeds planted (in the earth or in spirit) begin to grow. It is also used as a metaphor for the start of better times. So what’s new in the life of Gospel music?

Let’s start with labels —record labels that is. Verity Records became RCA Inspiration as of January 2013. RCA Inspiration will be led by Geo Bivins. The good news continues as exceptional musician and producer Stanley Brown, who aided the signing of artists Deon Kipping, Jason Nelson and Latice Crawford, is now the senior director of A&R. With Brown’s more than 20 years of experience in the music business, this label is in very capable hands.

Stay tuned for new music from William Murphy —keeping this label’s longevity alive. Speaking of longevity, would you believe it’s actually been 20 years for Kurt Carr and 25 years for Light Records’ Ricky Dillard in the music ministry?

These men are celebrating in a powerful way—Kurt with a double CD project that’s in stores now with guests Judith McAllister (“Let Everything”), Lorraine Stancil-Lawson (“We Cannot Be Silent”) and Vonnie Lopez. Ricky also has an all-star tribute in the works. We’re hearing that Donald Lawrence and Take 6 are somewhere in the mix of this soon-to-come extravaganza.

Reality TV has ventured into the Gospel world lately and it looks like there is more to come. With the success of Mary Mary, others are joining the trend. Sunday Best season two participants Latice Crawford and Jeff Spain have been given an opportunity on their new show on the Centric network, Almost Married. Pastors Marvin Sapp and Kim Burrell also have pilots for their own individual

S

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March 2013

reality TV series that can be seen online. It’s only a matter of time ‘til they get picked up by a TV network.

BET has picked up a show about a family you may have heard of—I’ll give you a hint, the mother is Karen Clark-Sheard. Singer Kierra “KiKi” Sheard and producer J. Drew Sheard, Jr. will share their family life on their own terms in their new show, The Sheards. The show will take a closer look at the family’s life with the ups, downs and in-betweens of it all. Karen went into a coma and was given a two percent chance of surviving after complications from what should have been a simple medical procedure; Kierra’s engagement to one of the most prominent young pastors in Detroit was cancelled, and J. Drew Jr. is an unwed father with baby-mama drama.

The Gospel music world is a small world after all and it is becoming more evident as several new artists are emerging with debut CDs that almost seem to be related.

Examples include season five Sunday Best winner Joshua Rogers and runner up Alexis; dReam Center’s William Murphy’s protégé Tasha Cobbs; Brooklyn’s own and Kirk Franklin’s singer, Anayshia Figueroa; and songwriter extraordinaire for the greats, Deon. Multitalented singer, songwriter and producer, Fred Hammond is coming out with something new also, but he won’t be alone.

He has joined some of the most creative male voices in the game of gospel and R&B — David Hollister, Brian Courtney Wilson and Eric Roberson in the new group, UT (Urban Tenors/United Tenors).

One more thing, Lovetta “Lovey” Goodman’s live recording project was mentioned in a previous column as March 15th, my apologies. The set date is May 15, 2013.

On that note, remember we all have a charge to keep, a destiny to fulfill and a song to sing. Keep praying for one another and preparing our lives for what’s to come. Selah!

In loving memory of my sister Belinda Baldwin and my cousin, Tomeka A. Baldwin.

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Bayard Rustin: An Unsung Hero for Equality

By Benjamin Todd Jealous NAACP President & CEO Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian

A

decade before Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, police dragged Bayard Rustin off a bus in Tennessee for the same act of protest. When pressed about why he was resisting segregation, Rustin gestured to a young white boy seated at the front of the bus. "If I sit in the back," Rustin said, "I am depriving that child of the knowledge that there is injustice here, which I believe is his right to know."

Bayard Rustin, an often unsung hero of the civil rights movement, spent his entire life exposing injustice in our nation. Even before he served as lead organizer of the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared his dream, Rustin was labeled a Communist and a radical by the government. When he traveled to the segregated South during the first-ever Freedom Rides, he experienced a barrage of racial slurs and violence.

But in America, in the 1950s and 60s, no label stuck to Bayard Rustin quite like "homosexual." As an openly gay man, Rustin was attacked by everyone -- Congressmen and activists, black and white -- simply for living openly. Yet, at a time when few others would, Rustin proudly wore that label.

To Bayard Rustin, fighting for his equality as a black man, while leaving his identity as a gay man unspoken, would have been an unthinkable betrayal. It was his firm belief that silence about either identity meant he accepted the system of discrimination that allowed hatred about both to persist.

Long before it was easy or safe, Rustin was motivated to live openly. He could have hidden the fact that he was gay. When confronted about it, he could have lied

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-- that's what everyone did in those days. But Bayard Rustin was exceptional. He lived openly because to do otherwise would be a missed opportunity in exposing the injustice and intolerance he, along with other members of the LGBT community, experienced.

Despite a lifetime lived in service to justice and nonviolence, Rustin's legacy was marginalized by his sexuality. His 1987 New York Times obituary demonstrated the evasive language about LGBT people that was all too common in the media just a few short years ago. The obituary skirted the topic of his being gay and referred to his longtime partner by euphemism only. Even today, his name is not nearly as well known as the other greats of the Civil Rights movement.

We should not forget trailblazers like Rustin. Out of dedication to his life and legacy, let us uplift the stories of LGBT African-Americans who felt and still feel the burdens of discrimination -- those whose very lives illustrate the insistent fact that the fight to treat all people equally is both this country's greatest accomplishment and its greatest unfinished obligation.

Today, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation's oldest civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, are proud to work together toward equality. And we're proud that President Barack Obama used his second inaugural address to link the Civil Rights movement and the LGBT Equality movement. But long before a president like Barack Obama was even possible, Bayard Rustin was preaching an equal future. We shouldn't forget his sacrifice, and the greatest tribute to his legacy would be to finish his work. www.thepositivecommunity.com

ARCHIVES Continued from page 24

Starting an archival program can seem daunting, but The Interchurch Center has developed a program to help start and guide you on your way. On April 23, 2013, The Library of The Interchurch Center is conducting an allday conference on Archiving & Records Management for Non-Professionals. The workshops are designed for staff members and volunteers of local churches and community organizations who are responsible for their organizations’ historical material but have little or no knowledge of archival practices. All sessions will be conducted by professional archivists from Columbia University, The Foundation Center, General Theological Seminary, NYU, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and United Methodist Archives. You will learn how to organize, preserve, evaluate and make use of your organization’s records. Topics to be covered include: what to keep and what not to keep; preservation; reference/outreach; exhibits and artifacts; oral history; and funding. Participants will come away with a knowledge of archival policies and procedures as well as practical solutions on how to put into practice what they have learned to move forward with archival programs for both their organization and their own histories.

The cost of the conference is $35.00 per person, $25.00 retirees, and $20.00 for students. Fees include continental breakfast, lunch, closing reception, and conference materials. For more information on the workshop or to register please contact Tracey Del Duca at tdelduca@interchurch-center.org or call 212-870-3804.

Upcoming Special Issue!

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March 2013 The Positive Community

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Babyland Executive Director Honored For Five Years of Exceptional Leadership Wesley N. Jenkins with Michellene Davis, Esq., SVP for Policy Development and Government Affairs, Barnabas Health.

E. Garcia Murray Babyland Board member

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n February 21, 2013, Wesley N. Jenkins was honored at the Robert Treat Hotel’s NJN Studios for his remarkable ability to lead Babyland Family Services, Inc. into a new era. Babyland Family Services, Inc. is a Non-Profit comprehensive family services organization located in Newark, NJ with services including a Domestic Violence Shelter and a Children Together Shelter. Babyland also has programs such as Foster Care, Childcare, Parent Education, Anger Management, Batterer’s Intervention, a Women’s Support Group and on On-site Family Success Center.

As this agency celebrates 45 years of service to the community, Wesley’s dedication, vision, humanitarianism, and style have allowed this organization to breathe a new life. The cornucopia of guests at the event consisted of a plethora of State and Local Government Officials, colleagues, longtime Babyland supporters, friends, family and staff.

L–R: Andrew Frazier, president /COO, A & J Management; Atinuke Akinwunmi, VP, PurH20; Laurana Edwards, principle, Profit Marketing Solutions; Jeff Dunn, executive director, Boss The Business One Stop Service, Plainfield, NJ; Jilletta Riley, executive director - Employee Benefits, Small Business and Identity Theft Specialist, Legal Shield

Power Breakfast

I

L–R: Don Viapree, director, Government Affairs, Cablevision; Ray Thomas, senior pastor, Word of Life Church; Keith Dozier, president, Innovative Restoration and Facility Services; Ken Miller, president, Intelligent earth Services, LLC

f you are a businessman or woman and looking for ways to increase productivity and sales, need help in determing your networking needs either online or one-to-one, looking for funding or just want to increase your business, the Brain Trust initiative Power Breakfast is right up your alley. Entrepreneurs from throughout the region are flocking to the quarterly events at the Newark Club. Andrew Frazier of A&J Management hosts the events, which always features dynamic speakers who are successful in their own right.

Details for the April 17th Power Breakfast are being completed.

Call 973) 851-6382 or visit www.aj-mgmt.com for more information.

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The Positive Community March 2013

NJ State Senator Theresa Ruiz

L–R: John Webb, CEO and Managing Partner, Quantum Reach was featured guest speaker at the January 30th Power Breakfast

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L–R: Chairman Donald Bernard Sr. with the morning’s speaker Pastor Lynda T. Rassman from Saint Paul AME, Pleasantville, NJ and former Assemblyman William D. Payne (2012 Parade Grand Marshall)

AAHPC's 20th Annual Interfaith Breakfast

Parade Chairman Donald Bernard Sr. joins community partners representing Beth Israel Medical Center

“Healing Our Generational Divide”

O

n Saturday, February 23, 2013, the African American Heritage Parade Committee hosted their 20th Annual Interfaith Spiritual Breakfast at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until noon. The Committee pays tribute each year to Black History month with this spiritual gathering. Well over 200 guests came out to join in spiritual uplift and communal spirit.

This year’s theme will focus on the principle, “Healing Our Generational Divide,” through dance, song, music and a spiritual message that mirrors culture and creates community awareness. The breakfast featured an uplifting message from Pastor Lynda T Rassmann, Saint Paul AME, Pleasantville, NJ. Mary W. Cudjoe, Roseville Manor; Mr. Maurice Levy, Paramount Assets and Younis Moheisen, Kings Family Restaurant & Catering, Inc. were presented with the Founder John A. Thomas Selfless Service Award.

Parade Technical Advisor Linda W. Brashear presents Selfless Service Award to Mr. Younis Moheisen of Kings Restaurant, joining the presentation are Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. and Newark City Council President Anibal Ramos.

United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Convention President

2013 Institute on Church Development

“Developing Healthy Churches to Impact Communities for Christ”

Friday, April 5 Saturday, April 6, 2013 Mount Olive Baptist Church 260 Central Avenue Hackensack, NJ 07601 Conference Preacher: Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Host Preacher

Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West, Senior Pastor

The Church Without Walls, Houston, TX

For information, please call Rev. Shawn T. Wallace at (973) 621-2151 www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2013 The Positive Community

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Photo: Bruce Moore

L-R: Rev. Reginald Williams, First Lady Sandra Williams with the happy “newlyweds� First Lady Patricia and Rev. Lee Arrington.

Arringtons Renew Wedding Vows

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n their 50th wedding anniversary First Lady Patricia and Rev. Lee Arrington renewed their wedding vows before family and friends at a celebration at Paradise Baptist Church in Harlem where Rev. Arrington is senior pastor. Rev. Reginald Williams, pastor of Charity Baptist Church in the Bronx officiated.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Beaver Hats, Butterflies and Dragonflies

By Glenda Cadogan

W

ith the healing light of art as his therapy, Marcus Malchijah tried desperately to navigate through the darkness of the tragic loss of his 6-year-old son. The end result of his maiden creative endeavor was a hat. The hat was a simple design but the colors were striking. However, the true essence of this hat was that it became an external expression that quieted his internal turmoil. And with it an enterprise was born.

“All I wanted to do was keep my brain occupied,” he told The Positive Community Magazine. “I was 30 years old at the time and had never made a hat. But once I sat at the sewing machine it became second nature.” With a new “hattitude” this native of Guyana established Malchijah Hats and 18 years later the store is one of the best known for custom made hats in New York City.

The only boy in a family of four, Malchijah was raised by a grandmother and great grandmother after his mother left Guyana in pursuit of the American Dream.

“I was 4 years old when my mother left my three sisters and me in the care of my grandmother and great grandmother, who taught me how to sew. It took about eight years before she could reunite the family but I am eternally grateful for those years I spent in the Guyana and the profound influence it has on my life.”

In fact, Malchijah credits his early childhood in the Caribbean as the main contributing factor in his expert use of colors. “For those formative years of my life I was surrounded by color,” he said.

“Everywhere there were dragonflies, butterflies and the croton plants, which we called the ‘coat of many colors.’

So when people say that I have a way of putting colors together, I tell them, ‘God was not color shy so neither am I.’” From his base on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, Malchijah continues to weave his magic attracting a clientele which ranges from celebrities to people from all walks of life. And though he prefers to call himself a simple craftsman, his artistic creations have been worn by the likes of Jada Pinkett Smith, Erykah Badu, Third World, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, the Ringmaster of the Universoul Circus, the church ladies of The Color Purple, Ben Vereen, theatrical and music groups.

Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

Marcus Malchijah

Photos: Glenda Cadogan

March 2013 The Positive Community

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issues for $20.00

n page 42 of our February 2013 issue, a photograph of Rev. Dr. Timothy West was incorrectly identified as Rev. Kevin J. White, pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Elizabeth.

Rev. White was honored by the congregation of New Zion on the occasion of his 10th pastoral anniversary at a banquet on November 16, 2012, at Pines Manor in Edison.

The correct photograph of Rev. White appears here.

HATS

A family publication you’ll be proud to have in your home...read about the progress and development of the contemporary church community, plus entertainment, health, education, reviews, business, and much much more...delivered monthly.

Join the Roll Call to Progress.

For bulk delivery to your church or organization.

Call 973-233-9200 Send check or money order to: The Positive Community, 133 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 Subscribe online at www.thepositivecommunity.com

50

CORRECTION: New Zion Baptist Church

The Positive Community March 2013

Continued from previous page But despite the fact that he adorns celebrities, it is working with church groups-- especially in the large numbers – that presents some of the most rewarding moments for Malchijah. “I have worked with church groups of 60 or more people who need to be uniformed but yet want a hat suited each member’s personal taste,” he explained. “So in these cases my approach is to have them agree on a color. Once that is established, I can create several variations of a design and the result is usually stunning.”

But perhaps the biggest challenge for this artist comes with doing bridal parties. According to Malchijah, designing a hat for the mother of the bride is “an intricate matter. It’s important to consider that to the mother of the bride, this is also a shining moment,” he said, adding, “but of course the bride must not be outdone.

It is always a challenge to make sure that the mother is fabulous enough so she can have a great moment. I am happy that at the end it always works out well.”

According to Malchijah, though it was 17 years ago that he lost his only son, some days the pain feels “as fresh as yesterday. But the healing is in the art,” he said. “It is in making people happy and sharing beauty with the world.”

Offering himself as a living example, Malchijah encourages others to find the beauty in their individual creative expression. “Even in your darkest moments there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “I am proof of that pudding.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Nationally recognized.

Clinically outstanding.

Top 5% of Nation for Clinical Excellence Recognized for outstanding patient outcomes Healthgrades,® a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals

Top-ranked in the NY Metro Area A “Best Regional Hospital” and high-performer in 10 clinical areas U.S. News & World Report

Top Grade for Patient Safety Awarded an “A” in a nationwide evaluation of 2600+ hospitals The Leapfrog Group, a national leader in comparing hospitals’ performance of safety, quality and efficiency

Excellence in Nursing 10 consecutive years of Magnet Designation, awarded to only 7% of U.S. hospitals American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

100%

100% survival rate in Cardiac Bypass Surgery One of only 3 hospitals in NJ with a perfect record NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

Certified Primary Stroke Center Among 150 U.S. hospitals recognized for significantly improved outcomes The Joint Commission and NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services

englewoodhospital.com/awards/

ATTIRE FIT FOR A QUEEN: L–R: Atiya Jaha-Rashidi, RN, director of Patient Experience at NBIMC and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and Harriet Reaves, data manager, Epidemiology & Infection Prevention at NBIMC.

Health P r e v e nt i o n , T r e atm e nt & C u r e

L–R: John A. Brennan, MD; Marilyn Harris, Rev. Ronald Slaughter, Jerry LaMothe, Carolyn B. ThompsonWallace, Rev. Eric Beckham and Darrell K. Terry, Sr.

Local Trailblazers Honored Black History Month Program at Newark Beth Israel

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he 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (1863-2013) was highlighted and the achievements of a diverse group of trailblazers were celebrated as a standing room only crowd looked on at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Music, singing and an inspirational word from guest speaker Rev. Ronald Slaughter, pastor of St. James AME Church in Newark, completed the Black History Month program.

Serving as emcee of the celebration, John A. Brennan, MD, MPH, president and chief executive officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, remarked, “This is an extraordinarily essential part of our culture at Newark Beth. We have assembled people who have contributed to Newark’s progress and promise from our singers to our guest speakers and our honorees. We have posters and displays in the patient discharge lobby that tell the story of the impor-

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The Positive Community March 2013

tant role that African Americans have played in shaping our lives and our country. This year we’re focusing our program on the Emancipation Proclamation.”

In his message, Rev. Slaughter asked “What Happens When Faith Meets Determination?” stirring the crowd of more than 200 community residents, St. James A.M.E. Church members and The Beth staff members. “The Emancipation Proclamation simply offered our people a glimmer of hope and an opportunity for freedom,” he explained.

“The questions that permeate within my mind and my spirit today are ‘What hope are we offering the 21st century persons who work 40 to 50 hours a week, yet still cannot feed their families? What hope are we are offering those today who are struggling with chronic illnesses and cannot afford health care and medication?’” He challenged the audience to find ways of addressing issues of “racism, classism, sexism Continued on page 58 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pastor Joe Carter, New Hope Baptist Church, Newark

The New Hope Baptist Church Opens Satellite Location at Newark Extended Care

L–R: Morton Paneth (owner of Newark Extended Care); Mayor Cory Booker; Councilman At Large, Carlos Gonzalez (Newark Municipal Council); L’Tanya Williamson (Director of Dept. of Child & Family Well Being); Pastor Joe Carter; Dr. Nelson Aluyah (NEC Doctor); Dr. Adeniyi Ogunkoya (NEC Doctor); Elke Stein, (NEC Administrator)

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astor Joe Carter of The New Hope Baptist Church and Newark Mayor Cory Booker officiated at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Newark Extended Care on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. The event celebrated the revitalization of the facility with the renovation of an entire floor and overall improvement initiatives for residents and the surrounding community.

The festive Mardi Gras theme featured a live jazz band.

“I really wanted to be here at this event because I’ve been visiting this community now for over a decade, and there is a warmth and professionalism here; a sense of spirit and love, and this is how, in my opinion, we should be caring for each other,” stated Mayor Cory Booker.

“I’m also very happy to see that you are investing so much capital in making what was a very solid community even that much better.” Among the improvements on the floor, which will accommodate 86 people, are new beds, furniture, fixtures, a beautiful dining area and www.thepositivecommunity.com

family lounge, which includes a fireplace.

In addition to a focus on renewal and improvement, quality nursing care, top doctors and improved safety, this occasion also marked the new partnership between Newark Extended Care and The New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, which will begin providing regular Sunday church services at the facility.

“We are looking forward to starting New Hope Baptist Church here at Newark Extended Care. We will have afternoon services here every single Sunday, and not just for the residents but for the family members and for those in this community,” commented Pastor Joe A. Carter of New Hope Baptist Church. “We are just excited for the opportunity to get to know you even more and to partner with the wonderful people you already have here,” he said.

Continued on page 58 March 2013 The Positive Community

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In the U.S., 6,000 liver transplants are performed each year. The liver is the second largest organ in your body and is located under your rib cage on the right side. It weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side. The liver performs many jobs in your body. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients your body can use. The liver also removes harmful substances from your blood.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: NEW JERSEY’S LARGEST LIVER TRANSPLANT PROGRAM Baburao Koneru, MD, chief of liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgery at University Hospital in Newark

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The University Hospital liver unit accommodates patients who are potential transplant candidates; those who are listed for transplant and await a donor organ. The University’s surgeons are skilled at handling the most complex cases. For example, one young woman from Jersey City came to University Hospital as a critically ill high school student. There she ultimately underwent three liver transplants over a four-year period. Her healing process spanned several years, but she did make a full recovery. “Most patients who survive the first year will remain healthy for 10 to 15 years or more,” says Koneru.

here are only two liver transplant programs in New Jersey. We are the first and the largest,“ says Baburao Koneru, MD, chief of liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgery at University Hospital in Newark. Dr. Koneru launched the program in 1989 and that year, 15 transplants were performed. Since then, he and his team have transplanted more than 1,300 livers, currently averaging 45 to 50 transplants a year. One-quarter of these patients have liver cancer.

Another patient, a 57 year old male, battled a devastating illness that left him pale and weak, vomiting and losing weight. Diagnosed with advanced cirrhosis, he was advised to go straight to the liver transplant center at University Hospital. "They will save your life," his doctor said. On March 10, he received a new liver in a grueling 12-hour operation. The next morning, his wife was amazed to find him sitting up in his hospital bed, eating a light breakfast. "I couldn't believe the transformation in my husband — in less than a day," she said.

Other major reasons for liver transplantation include hepatitis C, alcoholic cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Wilson's disease and other serious disorders. The team also performs approximately 150 major liver operations annually for those requiring special care short of a transplant.

Transplanting an organ is not unlike staging a large, complex opera. There is so much drama — some of it life and death. The starring players — physicians, patients, nurses and myriad support staff — often face obstacles and conflict. There's the quest for a ‘holy grail'— in this case, a healthy liver.

The liver transplant program is organized around a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, hepatologists (liver specialists), physician assistants, social workers, a psychiatrist with expertise in transplant issues, and financial coordinators to help navigate the maze of payment and reimbursement.

Nurse coordinators (pre- and post-op) are available 24/7 to serve as the liaison between the transplant team and patients, overseeing the logistics of surgery and recovery.

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includes support for patients and evaluation for drug and alcohol abuse - both primary factors in hepatitis C infection. Transplant candidates with alcohol or drug-related illness must agree to give up these substances completely. Their names will not go on the waiting list until they complete six months of sobriety.

Those who are accepted into the program go on a national waiting list until a liver becomes available. Statistical formulas are used to predict which patients' are in the greatest need of a new liver and they are placed higher on the list. Patients' placement on the list changes as their health status changes.

The wait for a liver can be days, weeks, or months. It's part of the drama. When the call finally comes that a liver is available, the patient and the team are ready. And in the best-case scenario, there is a happy ending.

To reach the Division of Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at University Hospital in Newark, call 973-972-7218.

“Most patients are referred by their physicians, but some people find us by themselves,” says University Hospital nurse coordinator Maureen Hester. “When they come here, they're frightened. They expect to go on the transplant list right away, but it doesn't work that way.”

Patients are first examined to determine whether they are transplant candidates. The workup includes evaluation by transplant hepatologists and surgeons, cardiologists, social workers and dietitians. A psychiatric workup

Dr. Koneru making hospital rounds www.thepositivecommunity.com

PHILIP M. BONAPARTE M.D. ON CALL

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

Affordable Care Act Q & A Question: Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), (commonly known as Obamacare), I can’t say I really understand the law. What do I as a consumer and user of health insurance policies need to know?

Answer: Now that the political and legal limbo surrounding the law has gone, we need to understand what is really going on with this law and what it means for each of us. Here are some questions and answers about the Affordable Care Act: Q: How many Americans who are now uninsured will get coverage under the ACA? A: As many as 30 million may be able to gain coverage under the ACA. Q: Are some parts of the law already in effect? If so, what has changed so far?

A: Yes, adult children under the age of 26 can be covered by their parents’ existing health insurance coverage. Also, before the law’s advent, insurers could drop your coverage if they felt that your condition might be too costly to cover. They can no longer do that.

Q: If I don’t have insurance, do I have to buy it?

A: The ACA mandates that everyone who is uninsured will be required to buy health insurance.

You can, however, choose to pay a penalty instead of buying insurance.

As well, if you do not want to buy insurance, no matter your income, you have a choice to decline. You will be required to pay a $695 fine, or 2.5 percent of your income, whichever is greater.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Q: How will I buy insurance if I don’t receive it through my employer?

A: A system of affordable insurance exchanges is now being set up by states or the federal government and will be operational in 2014.

Exchanges will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like NJ FamilyCare, and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs.

Q: If I cannot afford to buy insurance, what should I do?

A: If you are one of the few people for whom the cheapest or most available insurance policy you can find costs more than 8 percent of your income, you will not be made to buy insurance. However, there will still be a multitude of options available for people who are uninsured, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout New Jersey.

Q: How does the new law impact seniors?

A: The ACA strengthens Medicare, offers eligible seniors a range of preventive services with no cost to the beneficiary and provides discounts on drugs when in the coverage gap known as the “donut hole.” If you have high prescription drug costs that put you in the donut hole, you now get a 50% discount on covered brand-name drugs while you’re in the donut hole. The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020.

Advantage plan members by taking strong steps that limit the amount these plans spend on administrative costs, insurance company profits, and things other than health care.

Q: Will I be able to keep my doctor?

A: Of course you can keep your doctor. If you already have a health care plan you are satisfied with, you do not have to switch to another plan.

You can keep your current insurance plan.

Q: I haven’t been able to get insurance because I have a preexisting condition.

How will I be able to get insurance under the ACA? A: Beginning in 2014, health insurance companies will not be allowed to discriminate against individuals because of a pre-existing or chronic condition. Insurance companies will only be allowed to vary premiums within limits, based on age, tobacco use, family size, and geography.

Health insurance companies would be prohibited from denying coverage to any American because of a pre-existing condition or from charging higher premiums to certain enrollees because of their current or past health problems, gender, occupation, or small employer size or industry.

For more information, please go to www.healthcare.gov.

Q: What about Medicare Advantage?

A: Starting in 2014, the ACA offers additional protections for Medicare March 2013 The Positive Community

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“We know our community.

We live here.”

Dr Philip Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer, Horizon NJ Health “I feel the need to make a difference, not only in my life, but in the lives of others. I am involved in health issues facing predominantly the African-American and Latino community. I understand what it’s like to come from humble backgrounds.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield lives in New Jersey and we believe in access to quality healthcare for every resident.

To me......it’s as important as breathing air.”

Horizon NJ Health can help you and your family, too.

If you are uninsured, enroll in our NJ FamilyCare or NJ FamilyCare Advantage plans.

To see if you’re eligible, call 1-877-4-KIDS-NJ.

Horizon NJ Health Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®’ and SM Registered and service marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2011 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Monroe, NJ. He is the CEO of the Fitness Doctor Inc., a Fitness Rehabilitation and Wellness Consultation company. To contact Kahlil to become spiritually and physically fit visit www.itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746

A Notable Woman

here are many notable women throughout history and March is the month we have set aside to celebrate their accomplishments. Women such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Myrlie Evers, Sonia Sotomayor, and survivor of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963, Carolyn McKinstry. All of these ladies are notable women despite the obstacles, challenges and personal issues they had to endure. Just because you are a notable woman does not mean that you are without some personal issues.

Take my good friend and client Ms. Alma Smith—a powerful woman in business, faithful servant at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ and longtime active member of the prestigious Links organization. A notable woman indeed! Yet she has been faced with a few challenges and issues concerning her physical fitness and health.

Ms. Smith has battled hypertension due to an unhealthy lifestyle void of exercise and healthy eating.

When Alma called me about a year ago (after reading this column in The Positive Community magazine), her blood pressure was elevated and she was approximately 35 pounds overweight. Compounding these serious health issues, she did not know how to exercise to achieve her desired health and fitness goals.

This notable woman needed help as well as a plan.

After obtaining clearance from her physician to start my prescribed exercise plan, I immediately started her walk-

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March 2013

ing 1 mile 3-4 times per week, performing 100 crunches per day, and meeting for 30 minutes two times per week with yours truly!

Well I am happy to report that after a year of working out consistently, intelligently and with supervised intensity, Ms. Alma has lowered her blood pressure and (under the guidance of her physician) will soon be off all blood pressure medication! She has successfully lost weight, improved her strength, and even looks forward to working out. Hallelujah!

There was a notable woman in the bible that, despite losing her son, was able to declare, “It is well.” (2 Kings 4:26) And it was this declaration that kept her moving forward by faith until her son was miraculously brought back to life by the Man of God! Many notable women throughout history have declared “It is well” despite facing unimaginable circumstances and challenges. I want to encourage all my notable sisters who are challenged by obesity and obesity related illnesses to be persistent, keep moving forward by faith, exercise consistently and eat healthy, all while declaring that “It is well.” God honors that kind of faith!

Don’t believe me? Just ask Ms. Alma Smith!

Here is a great workout that any notable woman can do!

• Walk 1 mile 3 times per week. Record the time of

each mile and try to beat the time from your previous walk.

• Do 100 crunches per day! Break them up by doing

25 in the morning, 25 after lunch, 25 before dinner and 25 before bed.

• Do 50 bicep curls per day with 5–8lb weights (adjust for your strength level).

• Get some rest/sleep at least eight hours per night.

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

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Continued from page 23

The first participants are: • Jennifer Bailey, food justice advocate and Master of Divinity student at Vanderbilt University, Nashville • Tina Frundt, anti-trafficking advocate and recent “Frederick Douglass” Freedom Award-winner, Washington, D.C. • Emma Jordan-Simpson, child advocate and associate pastor of Concord Baptist Church of Christ, New York City • Janyce L. Jackson, LGBTQ Equality and HIV/AIDS activist, pastor of Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church, Newark, NJ • Denise Kumani Gantt, women’s health and arts advocate, artistic and executive director of the Village of Arts and Humanities, Joppa, MD • Yavilah McCoy, Jewish social and racial justice advocate, director of Dimensions Educational Consulting, Newtonville, MA • Brenita Mitchell, homeless and domestic violence advocacy, doctoral student, United Theological Seminary, Carteret, NJ • Aleese Moore-Orbih, domestic violence activist, director of Advocacy for Victims of Abuse of the Evangelical Covenant Denomination, Durham, NC • Farah Tanis, black women’s human rights advocate, executive director of Black Women’s Blueprint, Brooklyn, NY • Melinda E. Weekes, movement building strategist, managing director of the Applied Research Center, Brooklyn, NY • Je-Shawna C. Wholley, LGBTQ advocacy, Programs and Outreach associate at the National Black Justice Coalition, Temple Hills, MD • Lisa Williams, anti-trafficking activist, founder of Circle of Friends Celebrating Life, Inc., Atlanta, GA “There is an urgent need for committed activists to be empowered to care for themselves physically, mentally and spiritually for the many years that will be required for true advancement of justice, and I am proud to be contributing to this important work,” said Lisa Anderson, Director of Women’s Multifaith Education. “Self-care gives me a new heart for feel-

ing, a new back for bearing the load, new eyes for seeing with compassion and a new spirit for loving the people.”

Auburn Theological Seminary equips bold and resilient leaders who can brid ge religious divides, build community, pursue justice, and heal the world. Learn more at www.AuburnSeminary.org

TRAILBLAZERS

NEW HOPE

Continued from page 52

Continued from page 53

and the outrageous health care costs. I cannot offer you any new Emancipation Proclamation myself, but through the lenses of my own history I can offer you hope through the story of my ancestors who showed me exactly what happens when determination meets faith.”

Following Rev. Slaughter’s remarks, Dr. Brennan and COO Darrell K. Terry, Sr. recognized the honorees for their tremendous contributions to the greater Newark community as well as the health care and entertainment industries. They are: Trevor Forbes, MD, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry NBIMC and CHoNJ; Rev. Eric Beckham, pastor of Clear View Baptist Church in Newark; Carolyn B. Thompson-Wallace, former executive director and co-founder of the International Youth Organization (IYO); Jerry LaMothe, a respiratory technician at NBIMC, who is also an awardwinning filmmaker and founder of Tru Life Films.

Beth employees Kim Armstrong Green, Rainey Lassiter and Kasoundra Clemons were the featured singers and Ms. Alma Beatty, the former vice president of Community Relations, was acknowledged for establishing the annual Black History Month Celebration at the Beth more than 10 years ago.

The Beth also hosted a reception recognizing black doctors who have participated in international medical missions and conducted community service in Newark and throughout Essex County.

“We are so deeply thrilled to be working with Pastor Carter and The New Hope Baptist Church,” added Ms. Elky, assistant administrator. “With our various programs designed for empowerment and wellness, we are happy to add another dynamic, one of spiritual revitalization to our residents and their families. We are really looking forward to it.”

Also in attendance were Newark Councilwoman-AtLarge Mildred Crump; Councilman-At-Large Carlos Gonzalez; L’Tanya Williamson, director of the Newark Department of Child and Family Well Being; Iris Alvarez, Office of Aging program coordinator of Newark Department of Child and Family Well Being; and many members of the healthcare community throughout the city.

For photo gallery, visit: http://tinyurl.com/newhopeextendedcare About Newark Extended Care: Newark Extended Care is a 430-bed health care facility that has been identified as a top performing Skilled Nursing Facility for 2012 by the American College of Health Care Administrators. For 40 years, Newark Extended Care has provided seniors with skilled nursing services including rehabilitation services, respite care and care for serious illnesses or disabilities 24-hours a day delivered by highly skilled registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse’s aides.

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The Positive Community March 2013

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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That’s one less thing to worry about.

If you have both Medicaid and Medicare Parts A and B, find out what you could be missing. You could get more benefits than Original Medicare with UnitedHealthcare® Dual Complete™ (HMO SNP)

Call: 1-855-518-4413 (TTY: 711) Contracted, independent licensed agent authorized to sell products within the UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Solutions portfolio.

Your benefits may include: Heath Screenings and Preventive Services $0 copay for screenings and services.

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Personal Care Specialist Specialized health assistance at no cost.

UHCCommunityPlan.com UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and its affiliated companies, a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. For more information call 1-855-518-4413, TTY: 711, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Co-pays may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive.

Please contact the plan for further details.

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Our staff is always available to assist you through the grieving process.

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The Little Chapel with a Big Heart 60

The Positive Community March 2013

For many years Florence E. Browne has served many communities locally and abroad. Feel free to visit our Funeral Home located in the Village of Harlem, New York. Our Service Family would be more than happy to sit and answer your questions regarding funeral arrangements, cremations & pre-arrangements. In addition, we provide notary services as well as referrals for anyone desiring professional grief counseling.

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Why Does Resurrection Sunday Come in March this Year? esurrection Sunday occurs in March this year.

Usually, it happens in April. And even when it is in April, it falls within different April weeks in different years. What’s up with that? Why does the date of the most important Christian celebration shift so drastically from year to year?

It is because Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday are determined by a lunar calendar, while in America we deal mostly with a solar calendar. Solar calendars base a year on the time it takes for the earth to circle the sun, which is slightly more than 365 days.

Lunar calendars measure a year by the completion of a certain number of cycles of moon phases, such as from New Moon to New Moon, which happens approximately 12.37 times every solar year.

The Gregorian solar calendar, the calendar most widely used in the United States and throughout the world, contains 12 months, January through December. As you know, each month contains 28 to 31 days, and February, which usually has 28 days, gets a day added every four years (leap year) to compensate for the quarter of a day lost during every 365-day year.

The Jewish lunar calendar also has 12 months: Tishrei, Marcheshvan, Kislev, Tevet, Shevat, Adar, Nisan, Iyar, Sivan, Tammuz, Av, and Elul. The dates of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday are determined by this Jewish lunar calendar.

More precisely, the Jewish calendar is “lunar-solar.”

Since the basic Jewish calendar consists of 12 months containing 29 to 30 days each, the result is a lunar calendar year that is approximately 11 days shorter than a basic solar year. So, to get back in sync, an additional month is added every two or three years. Should we call it a “leap month?” This assures that Jewish holidays occur at about the same season every solar year, although on different Gregorian calendar days.

What’s all this got to do with Resurrection Sunday?

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Jesus Christ was born of a Jewish earthly parent, lived and ministered mostly in an ancient Jewish environment, was crucified during the Jewish holiday called Passover, and was resurrected on the third day afterward (counting the day of His crucifixion as the first day), as recorded in the Gospels.

In the Old Testament, Exodus Chapter 12 records that, more than a millennium before Christ’s birth, God commanded the ancient Israelites to commemorate Passover in future generations. God was about to lead the ancient Israelites out of Egypt, where they had been oppressed for centuries. To effectuate this exit, God was about to impose on the land of Egypt the last of several plagues: the death of the first born of human families and of livestock. But in order for the people of God not to be negatively impacted, God instructed them to place the blood of sacrificed lambs over their doors, so that when the Angel of Death flew over to carry out the sentence, he would see the blood and skip (i.e. pass over) them.

As Jesus Christ prepared to begin his ministry centuries later, John 1:21 records that upon seeing Jesus, John the Baptist —the prophet, announced to his followers, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Christ’s crucifixion was the final, perfect sacrifice, so that no further lambs, cattle, or whatever need be sacrificed ever again, neither to atone for human sins nor to provide a path to life. Jesus Himself is the Way. It was appropriate that Christ’s death and resurrection occurred at Passover.

Since the celebrations of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday are tied to Passover, their celebration dates remain tied to the Jewish calendar. So, from year to year, we Christians be shoutin’ “He got up!” around Passover time (whether we realize it or not), on whatever date Resurrection Sunday happens to fall, in April or March.

March 2013 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com March 2013

We Are Women, Hear Us Roar

Vol. 13, No. 3

BY R.L. WITTER

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

s the year 2013 begins to fly by, we find ourselves marking Women’s History Month. I find it apropos that Women’s History Month is celebrated in March, the month that “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” We’ve all heard of “Old Man Winter,” but notice that spring is thought of as a feminine season, always represented by a female character, often “Mother Nature.”

The legend of Mother Nature dates back to Greek mythology and the young Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest.

Persephone was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld to serve as his queen. Distraught, Demeter refused to allow any crops to grow and thus sentenced mankind to famine and the slow, painful death of starvation. The mighty Zeus, king of the gods, had to intervene and order Persephone returned to her mother in order to prevent the catastrophe.

Because Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds, the food of the dead, she was relegated to spending part of each year in the underworld and due to Demeter’s grief, they were barren months—winter. Upon Persephone’s annual return, flowers bloomed, seeds sprouted and nature was reborn—spring.

If ever there was a cautionary tale about the power and vengeance of women, that was it. Thankfully, we of the fairer sex prefer to use our power for the greater good. Thoughts of renewal bring to mind great women like Mother Clara Hale, the Harlem icon who went from daycare provider to foster mother and helped more than 1,000 children born addicted to drugs. Her legacy, Hale House, continues her work more than 20 years after her death. I’m placing Mother Hale in the lamb category but we know she must have had some lioness moments to have advocated and cared

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62 The Positive Community

The Last Word

March 2013

for all of those children whose lives would have been unfathomably dire without her.

With the fate of the Voting Rights Act in the news lately, Fannie Lou Hamer comes to mind as well.

Without her there might not have been a “Freedom Summer” in 1964 and a Voting Rights Act of 1965 for people to question today. Mrs. Hamer fought tirelessly so that you and I can vote today and reminded us that “Nobody's free until everybody's free.” We’ll place her squarely in the lioness column.

Of course, none of the rights and privileges we enjoy today would be possible without education, and Mary McCleod Bethune was both an educator and a civil rights activist. Not only did she found a school for African American girls that eventually became Bethune-Cookman University, but she also headed several women’s organizations and later became an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was a college president when women simply weren’t college presidents.

Mrs. Bethune didn’t know the meaning of limitations and if she did, they certainly did not apply to her. Her talents as an educator and advisor lead me to believe that Mrs. Bethune was both lioness and lamb.

If these women were not impressive enough individually, please know that all three of them were also members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., whose founders grace the cover of this issue. Mother Hale, Mrs. Hamer and Mrs. Bethune proudly represent the ladies of the crimson and cream and their mission of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service.

As the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta make history in celebrating their organization’s centennial, we thank them profoundly for their commitment to making the world a Positive Community, one chapter at a time.

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National Women’s History Month Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics NJEA salutes innovative women making history each and every day.

“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”

Dr. Mae Jemison, American physician and NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel in space.

New Jersey Education Association… working for great public schools for every child.

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