May 2017

GGGO OOOO D NNE W SSS FFRFRRO M M TTHTHHEH U R C H AAN D CCO M M MM UUU N INITIN TITYTYIYY GOOG ODDO DND NEEW N EW E W W SFS F ROOR OM O MTM TEEH ECC ECH CHHC HUUH URRU RCCR CHHC HAH ANNA NDDN DCD COOC OM O MM M UNNU TY

May May May 2017 2017 2017 May May 2017 2017

Walter Walter Walter Walter Walter Douglas Douglas Douglas Douglas Douglas Brings Brings Brings Brings BringsItItItItIt Together Together Together Together Together at at at Rutgers Rutgers at atRutgers Rutgers Rutgers Medical Medical Medical Medical Medical

C CCourtney ourtney ourtney B. B. ance B.VVVance ance The The The Fundamentals Fundamentals Fundamentals The The Fundamentals Fundamentals of of of aaaaa Healthy Healthy Healthy Life— Life— Life— of of Healthy Healthy Life— Life— Balancing Balancing Balancing Career, Career, Career, Balancing Balancing Career, Career, Marriage, Marriage, Marriage, Family, Family, Family, Marriage, Marriage, Family, Family, and and and Faith Faith Faith and and Faith Faith

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GUEST GUEST GUEST GUEST GUEST EDITORIALS EDITORIALS EDITORIALS EDITORIALS EDITORIALS NYC NYC NYC First First First Lady Lady Lady NYC NYC First First Lady Lady Chirlane Chirlane Chirlane McCray McCray McCray Chirlane Chirlane McCray McCray Barbara Barbara Barbara Ingram Ingram Ingram Barbara Barbara Ingram Ingram Edmonds Edmonds Edmonds Edmonds Edmonds Michellene Michellene Michellene Davis Davis Davis Michellene Michellene Davis Davis

RYAN NETWORK RYAN/FREDERICK DOUGLASS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Primary Health Care – Adult Medicine and Pediatrics Ryan/Frederick Douglass Community Health Center 2381 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (@ 128th Street) Call today for an appointment: 212- 866-4400 Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday, 11:00am – 7:00pm | Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm The Ryan/Frederick Douglass Community Health Center is part of the William F. Ryan Community Health Network – a provider of primary, preventive, specialty and support services throughout New York City for almost 50 years.

At Ryan, we believe that “healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans; affordable sliding fee available based on family size and income.

Full-time college students riding NJ TRANSIT bus, rail or light rail to class: • Save 25% on already discounted monthly passes • Avoid the hassle of traffic • Forget the parking problem

It’s easy: • Sign up through your school website, just search for “Student Pass” or “NJ TRANSIT” • Have your pass sent to you each month • Enjoy convenient online registration and account management

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M AY 2 0 1 7

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY....................................16 HEALTH...................................33 EDUCATION.............................46 CULTURE ................................50

Features HCCI Annual Awards Gala ......................................... 15

29

Above: Vance as Johnnie Cochran in "People vs. O.J. Simpson" on FX On the cover: Vance wins Emmy Award for portrayal of Johnnie Cochran Photos courtesy of FX

ON THE COVER: Courtney B. Vance leads a healthy life balancing career, marriage, family, and faith

&also inside

Baptist Minister’s Conference Endorsement ............. 16 Ashley Stewart Returns to Newark ........................... 22 National Action Network Convention ........................ 24 State of Black NJ Conference .................................. 26 Bishop Forbes Leaves NJ ......................................... 28 CAMBA Showcase in Brooklyn .................................. 32 Walter Douglas Thrives at Rutgers Medical .............. 33

Guest Editorial – Chirlane McCray .......... 8 Dr. Jeff Gardere’s Prescription .................................. 36 Guest Editorial – Michellene Davis ....... 10 Guest Editorial – Barbara Edmonds ...... 12 Fitness Doctor .................................... 42 Gospel Train ....................................... 52

Celebrating Earth Day .............................................. 45 NCLC’s First Annual College Fair ............................... 46 NBIMC Interfaith Alliance Meeting ........................... 48

The Way Ahead ................................... 57 Jackie Robinson’s Legacy ........................................ 50 The Last Word .................................... 58 Traditional Worship in Jamaica ................................ 51 4

The Positive Community May 2017

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he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

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

Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe, Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Pastor

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

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

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

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

St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr, Pastor

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

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor

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

Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor

Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

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

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

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Faith Temple No. 1 B.C., East Orange, NJ Elder Arinzor Blue, Pastor

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. James D. Morrison, President

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

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

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald Christian, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Eric M. Beckham, M.Div., MFT Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

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 Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor

Good Neighbor Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

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

Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

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

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

Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

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

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Sheila Thorpe, Pastor

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

Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Marion P. Thomas Charter School Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Muslim American Chamber of Commerce NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary NobleNNJ Nubian Conservatory of Music Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center for Research The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.

“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 www.thepositivecommunity.com May 2017 The Positive Community 7 that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010

Join Weekend of Faith for Mental Health May 19–21 A Special Message from Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City

D

uring this Mental Health Awareness Month, we want everyone to know that mental illness and substance use disorders are diseases.

They are very common, treatable, and sometimes preventable, just like asthma or diabetes.

One in five Americans suffers from mental illness or substance misuse.

In NYC, with our comprehensive mental health plan, ThriveNYC, we are working hard to change the way people think about mental health and the way the city delivers services.

For example, we know that the first or second person many people are likely to turn to when discussing a sensitive issue like mental health is someone in their faith community. So from the very beginning, we worked hard to make sure that clergy plays a central role in planning and implementing ThriveNYC. And that's why last May, we organized the first Weekend of Faith for Mental Health. Between Friday and Sunday, a thousand houses of worship put mental health at the top of their agenda. For three days, I was out speaking, participating in the public conversation. I visited a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic church, a Baptist church, an interdenominational church, and two Seventh Day Adventist churches. I heard Spanish. I heard Hebrew. I heard Arabic. And I heard a whole lot of Amens.

But most of all, what I heard, and saw, and felt was a great call for more—more open conversation, more treatment and prevention resources, and more collaboration.

We’ve made a lot of progress on answering that call.

• We launched HealingNYC – a new initiative that builds on ThriveNYC’s efforts to address the root causes of addiction.

• We’ve set up a system to screen 80 percent of new mothers and pregnant women in the city for maternal depression.

• Every single one of our schools has some form of mental health support.

88The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community May May2017 2017

• We created NYC Well, a crisis hotline that also helps New Yorkers

connect to mental health care professionals. This service is free, confidential, and available 365 days a year, 24/7.

Those are just a few examples of how we’re transforming the way our city is helping those who struggle with mental illness or substance use disorders. But we still have a long, long way to go.

Building on the success of last year, our second Weekend of Faith will take place from May 19th through the 21st. We plan to focus on a topic we all need to be talking about - substance misuse.

Unfortunately, our nation is in the middle of an opioid crisis. In 2016, more people died of drug overdoses than car crashes and homicides combined in NYC. But heroin and prescription painkillers are far from the only problem.

Alcohol—a perfectly legal substance—is also a real issue that data shows leads to 70,000 emergency room visits in NYC each year.

This is an epidemic that has fatal consequences. Addiction is not a moral weakness – it is a disease. We need to let everyone know that help is available and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

We have the power to protect those we love and save lives. In NYC we are spreading the word about warning signs, educating clinicians to prescribe medications more judiciously and lifting the stigma that keeps people from seeking treatment.

I hope you will participate in the upcoming Weekend of Faith. Please consider hosting an event in your city. Being part of the weekend is easy.

RSVP by e-mailing communityaffairs@cityhall.nyc.gov. Help us spread the word!

Follow the First Lady: Twitter: www.twitter.com/nycfirstlady Facebook: www.facebook.com/nycfirstlady Instagram: www.instagram.com/nycfirstlady Tumblr: http://flo.nyc

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Weekend of

FAITH

SAVE THE DATE

May 19th May 21st, 2017

The second annual Mental Health Weekend of Faith is fast approaching – will you participate? We hope so!

Last year, clergy members from more than 1,000 houses of worship put mental health at the top of their agenda.

This year, we are taking the conversation national and focusing on addiction and substance misuse.

Being a part of the weekend is easy – all you need to do is teach or speak about mental health at your house of worship on the weekend of May 19th.

After you RSVP, we will send you a ThriveNYC toolkit. As the big weekend gets closer, we will hold a series of

conference calls to go over the content of the toolkit and answer any questions you may have.

RSVP by emailing communityaffairs@cityhall.nyc.gov or contact Anna Shats at 646-599-0856

Guest Editorial Editorial Guest RWJBarnabas: A A RWJBarnabas: Continued Legacy Legacy Continued of Community Community Service Service of

By Michellene Michellene Davis, Davis, Esq. Esq. By Executive Vice President and By Michellene Esq. and Executive ViceDavis, President Chief Affairs Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Corporate Affairs Officer Officer RWJBarnabas Chief CorporateHealth Affairs Officer RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health

TT

he African African American American tradition tradition in in this this country country is is one one he he American traditionand in this country is one of African rich history history of resilience resilience and perseverance.

Our of aa rich of perseverance.

Our of a rich and perseverance. past hashistory armedof usresilience with an an indomitable indomitable will to to Our conpast has armed us with will conhas armed us with an disparities indomitable to conquerpast inequity, inequality and disparities in will health and quer inequity, inequality and in health and quer inequity, inequality health education.

Today, studiesand nowdisparities evidence inthe the truthand the education.

Today, studies now evidence truth the education.

Today, studies now has evidence truth the African-American community has alwaysthe known, that African-American community always known, that African-American community has always known, that health and and well-being well-being are determined determined by factors factors outside health are by outside health and well-being arefactors, determined by factors outside of aa doctor doctor visit. These These factors, referred to as as the the social of visit. referred to social of a doctor visit. referred to to as contribute the social determinants of These health,factors, have been been shown to contribute determinants of health, have shown determinants ofoutcomes health, have shown to contribute towards health health outcomes at aabeen higher rate than than access to to towards at higher rate access towards health outcomes at a higher rate than access to care alone. alone. care careVulnerable alone.

Vulnerable populations are are at at greater greater risk risk for for medical medical populations Vulnerable populations are at greater riskdeterminants for medical conditions and disease in in part part due to social social determinants conditions and disease due to conditions and diseasenot in perceived part due toas determinants that were were previously previously not perceived associal directly connected that directly connected that were previously not perceived directly connected to health. health.

Job, housing, housing, and food food as insecurity; transportato Job, and insecurity; transportato health.

Job,violence housing,in foodand insecurity; transportation access, violence inand homes and communities; and tion access, homes communities; and tion violence in homesare and low access, educational attainment areand allcommunities; issues that that neganegalow educational attainment all issues low all issues and thatlead negativelyeducational affect our our attainment vulnerable are communities and lead to tively affect vulnerable communities to tively vulnerable communities and lead are to poor affect health our outcomes.

Therefore, health inequities inequities are poor health outcomes.

Therefore, health poor health outcomes. Therefore, health inequities are

MICHELLENE DAVIS, ESQ. MICHELLENE DAVIS, ESQ. inevitably linked linked to to social social and and economic economic inequities. inequities. inevitably inevitably linked to social and economic inequities.

So, while while RWJBarnabas Health has always always offered high high So, RWJBarnabas Health has offered So, while RWJBarnabas Health always offered high quality clinical care to to those those whohas come to our our hospitals, quality clinical care who come to hospitals, quality care to more those intently who come to our hospitals, we are are clinical now listening listening more intently to our our communities we now to communities we are now listening ourbe communities as they they tell us us which more social intently services to must be provided to to as tell which social services must provided as they tell us whichemergency social services must be visits provided prevent repeated emergency department visits and to to prevent repeated department and to prevent emergency department visits and to manage repeated chronic illness. illness.

This change change in focus focus is intended intended manage chronic This in is manage This change in focus is intended to better betterchronic assist in inillness. helping people to avert avert illness and betbetto assist helping people to illness and to assist in helping terbetter manage their lives. people to avert illness and better manage their lives. ter RWJBarnabas manage their lives.

RWJBarnabas Health—the state’s state’s largest largest integrated integrated Health—the RWJBarnabas Health—the state’s largest integratedaa health care system—with system—with 11 acute acute care hospitals—has health care 11 care hospitals—has health care system—with acute careto a large enough enough footprint in in11New New Jersey tohospitals—has forge aa positive positive large footprint Jersey forge large enoughimpact footprint in New Jersey forge a positive and lasting lasting impact on the the health andtowell-being well-being of our our and on health and of and lasting impact on thewe health and well-being our communities.

As aa result, result, we have developed developed newofvision vision communities.

As have aa new communities.

As a result, have developed a new vision of corporate corporate health health carewe innovation and have have launched of care innovation and launched of corporate healthand careCommunity innovation Investment and have launched our Social Impact Impact and Community Investment Practice. our Social Practice. our and Community Investment Practice.

Yes,Social we are areImpact mobilizing our resources resources to grow grow our our distinYes, we mobilizing our to distinYes, we are mobilizing our resources growbeyond our distinguished clinical programs.

But we we are aretogoing going beyond that guished clinical programs.

But that guished clinical programs.

But we areto going beyond that and embracing embracing our anchor anchor mission to utilize our placeplaceand our mission utilize our and embracing anchoreconomic mission to utilize in ourvulneraplacebased presenceour to create create economic stimulus in vulnerabased presence to stimulus based presence towhere createwe economic stimulus in vulnerable communities communities where we are located. located. ble are ble As communities where we are located.

As an anchor anchor institution, institution, our strategy is is laser laser focused: focused: an our strategy As an anchor our strategy laser Hire Local, Buy institution, Local and and Invest Invest Local.isWe We willfocused: support Hire Local, Buy Local Local. will support Hire Buyand Local and Invest Local.

We will support localLocal, suppliers and vendors, procure locally, invest in our our local suppliers vendors, procure locally, invest in local suppliers and locally, invest our communities, hire local localprocure residents in order order toin stimucommunities, and vendors, hire residents in to stimucommunities, and hire local residents in order to stimulate the the local local economy. economy. late lateA local economy.

Athe new report by the the New New Jersey Jersey Institute Institute for for Social Social new report by A newconcludes report by there the New Institute forjobs Social Justice concludes there areJersey nearly 140,000 jobs in Justice are nearly 140,000 in Justice there are jobs in Newark,concludes but city city residents residents holdnearly just 18 18140,000 percent of of them.

Newark, but hold just percent them.

Newark, city Ras residents hold 18 percent of them.

Newark but Mayor Ras Baraka hasjust created an initiative initiative to Newark Mayor Baraka has created an to Newark Ras Baraka has created an initiative to decreaseMayor the unemployment unemployment rate in Newark Newark by connectconnectdecrease the rate in by decrease unemployment rate in Newark by connecting 2,020 2,020the unemployed Newark residents to full full time jobs jobs ing unemployed Newark residents to time ing 2,020 unemployed Newark residents to full time jobs by the the Year 2020. by Year 2020. by the Year 2020. of As an an example of aa starting starting point point in in this this space, space, Newark Newark As example As an example of a starting in this space, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, point RWJBarnabas Health and Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Beth Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health and MayorIsrael Baraka’s Centers of Hope Hope Initiative partnered partnered in Mayor Baraka’s Centers of Initiative in Mayor Baraka’s Centers of Hope Initiative partnered in continued on page 56 continued on page 56 continued on page 56

The Positive Positive Community Community May May 2017 2017 10 2017 10 The The Positive Community 10 The Positive Community May 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Children’s Hospital New Jersey at Newark Beth IsraelofMedical Center: Newark BethGets IsraelRare Medical Center:Heart Surgery Tiny Patient Life-Saving Tiny Patient Gets Rare Life-Saving Heart Surgery As a nurse in the postpartum unit at Newark Beth IsraelinMedical Center (NBIMC), an As a nurse the postpartum unit at Newark RWJBarnabas Health facility, Tanisha Anderson, Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC), an had heard theHealth wordsfacility, beforeTanisha but, nothing could RWJBarnabas Anderson, have prepared her for the day the doctors told had heard the words before but, nothing could her “your babyher needs open surgery.” have prepared for the dayheart the doctors told her “your baby needs open heart surgery.”

Her son Omari was born at 31 weeks at Newark Beth Israel.

He weighed 3 pounds Her son Omari was born at 31 weeks at and 10.4 ounces and was immediately put in Newark Beth Israel. He weighed 3 pounds the hospital’s Neonatal Careput Unit and 10.4 ounces and wasIntensive immediately in (NICU) where doctors discovered that he the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit had a hole in his tiny heart.

(NICU) where doctors discovered that he had a hole inofhis tiny heart.surgery, Tanisha Frightened open-heart looked for other options.surgery, Tanisha Frightened of open-heart looked other options.

Dr. Rajivfor Verma, MD, director of the Children’s Heart Center atMD, the Children’s of New Jersey Dr. Rajiv Verma, director ofHospital the Children’s at NBIMC, told Tanisha that because of the hole Heart Center at the Children’s Hospital ofwhere New Jersey was located, Omari wasthat eligible for aofminimally at NBIMC, told Tanisha because where theinvasive hole catheter-based procedure, not usually available for was located, Omari was eligible for a minimally invasive young patients.procedure, He did notnot need open-heart catheter-based usually availablesurgery; for Dr. Verma could do the procedure at CHoNJ. young patients. He did not need open-heart surgery;

“Having a child in the NICU for that long was an emotional rollercoaster, “Having a child in the NICU for that and the staff was an amazing long was an emotional rollercoaster, support system getting me through and the staff was an amazing every step, said Tanisha.

Verma support system getting me “Dr. through and step, the NICU team respected my said Tanisha.

“Dr. Verma Dr. Verma could do the procedure Children’s Hospital of New JerseyatisCHoNJ. home to the state’s every wishes whenteam I didn’t want Omari the NICU respected my to largest pediatric cardiology program featuring only and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey is home to thethe state’s have when the heart surgery, pediatric Interventionalist, only pediatric wishes I didn’t want gave Omarime to largest pediatric cardiology the program featuringcardiac the only surgery program, and the only pediatric cardiac information options, have the heartand surgery, gaveand me pediatric Interventionalist, the only pediatric cardiac electrophysiology program. surgery program, and the only pediatric cardiac explained and all ofoptions, the risks.” information and electrophysiology program.

Today, Omari is an active 2-year-old boy ready to spend explained all of the risks.”

Mother’s Dayisatanhome his family. doctors gave Today, Omari activewith 2-year-old boyHis ready to spend him a clean bill of health.

Mother’s Day at home with his family. His doctors gave him a clean bill of health.

rwjbh.org/newarkbeth rwjbh.org/newarkbeth To request an appointment: 973.926.3500.

To request an appointment: 973.926.3500.

Guest Editorial Why Labor History Month is Important to Us

By Barbara Ingram Edmonds Director of Field Operations District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Greater New York City Area Executive Office

BARBARA INGRAM EDMONDS

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ay is Labor History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect upon the contributions of African-Americans to our labor movement, our community, and nation and across the globe.

Workers and the labor unions they belong to make a positive difference in the lives of their families, houses of worship, neighbors, and workplaces each and every day.

We are the everyday s/heroes from bus and subway workers to nurses, teachers, school crossing guards, sanitation workers, first responders, construction workers, librarians, engineers, and more. We are active leaders in our unions as shop stewards and officers; we serve on community boards, block associations, as elders and deacons in our houses of worship, and heads of our lodges.

The labor movement has served as a vehicle for social change in the black community, uplifting the masses for more than four centuries. From times of slavery and the 1866 Haymarket riot, to efforts of the Sleeping Car Porters and the anti-apartheid fights, the labor, civil

rights, and human rights movements have been intricately tied together in the struggles for African American women and men and their fight for dignity, equality, justice, and respect.

Some of the great African-American leaders in our labor movement who have best illustrated this connectivity of labor, civil, and human rights, from slavery to the 21st century are highlighted below.

Isaac Myers, a trailblazer African-American trade unionist, organizer, and caulker, along with others, established the Colored Caulkers Trade Union Society in 1868 and Myers became the president. Myers also helped establish the Colored National Labor Union and became its first president in 1869.

Lucy Parsons was of African American, Native American, and Mexican heritage. She was born in Texas around 1853 and died in 1942. Lucy was a labor organizer, orator, and writer. Following the execution of her husband, Albert Parsons, in connection with the Haymarket incident, Parsons continued her activism as a founder of the Industrial Workers of the World.

Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist and activist, championed the anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. Wells worked with the National Equal Rights League to end discriminatory hiring practices for government jobs. She established the first African-American kindergarten in her community, and fought for women’s suffrage.

A. Philip Randolph, the trailblazing leader, organizer and social activist fought for equitable labor rights for African-American communities during the 20th century.

In 1937 he founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first official African-American labor union.

Instrumental in forcing an end to racial discrimination in government defense factories and desegregating the armed forces during the 1940s, he was a principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Randolph died in New York City in 1979. continued on page 56

12 The Positive Positive Community Community 12

May May 2017 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

UNITED FEDERATION

OF

TEACHERS

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

Walking by Faith – Growing in Grace

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Rev. Dr. Milton L. Hendricks of Faith Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ

Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. and First Lady DSS. Dr. Dorothy S. Campbell

Evergreen Baptist Church choir

Photos: Karen Waters

pastoral anniversary in recognition of 48 years of service to God called for celebration at Evergreen Baptist Church, in Palmyra, NJ, Wednesday, April 5 through Sunday, April 9.

Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. and First Lady Deaconess Dr. Dorothy S. Campbell were blessed by the words of guest preachers Rev. John Taylor, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Trenton, NJ; Rev. Paul Holloway, pastor of True Vine Memorial Baptist Church, Browns Mills, NJ; and Rev. W. Gregory Fleming, pastor of St. Joseph Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday’s commemoration concluded with jubilant songs of praise, worship, tributes, and a mighty sermon from Rev. Dr. Milton L. Hendricks taken from Jeremiah 1:5 KJV: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Dr. Hendricks is pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ.

St Luke Celebrates

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ev. Dr. J.G. McCann's 24th pastoral anniversary and the 80th anniversary of St. Luke Baptist Church coincided on one happy occasion. The VIP Country Club in New Rochelle, NY was filled to capacity with well-wishers on February 10, 2017 with St. Luke Baptist Church disciples, fellow ministers, guest churches, family and friends were on hand to honor Pastor J. G. McCann, Sr. and thank God for how far He has brought them over the past 80 years.

Rev. Clinton McFarland came all the way from Atlanta, GA to serve as banquet preacher for his friend. He is pastor of the Grace Baptist Church there. Toastmaster and “Covenant Buddy” of Dr. McCann, Rev. Gerald Lydell Dickson, pastor of the Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, traveled from Newark, NJ with no less enthusiasm for the occasion. The evening lived up to its theme, “Celebrating GOD’s Chosen Vessel for HIS Purpose and Direction,” Ephesians 4:11.

The St. Luke congregation is already looking forward to and making preparations for the 2018 affair, which will be a silver anniversary celebration for Pastor McCann’s 25th pastoral anniversary, and God willing, the

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The Positive Community May 2017

Rev. Dr. J. G. McCann, Sr. and First lady, Tselane S. Sampson

Photos: TheJOIofPhotography

Joshua B. Cortes, Bronx Borough Director Community Affairs Unit, presents Rev. Dr. McCann with proclamation from NYC Mayor’s office

celebration of their new edifice adjacent to their current home on Morningside Avenue in Harlem.

While “Moving from Vision to Victory,” St. Luke Baptist Church continues to serve and minister in the community of Harlem. To God be the Glory! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Let Us Break Bread Together HCCI Hosts Annual Awards Gala

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usiness owners, civic and community leaders, and an array of guests from all sectors of community life gathered on April 27, 2017 at Marina Del Rey in Throgs Neck, NY to break bread and pay tribute to those special New Yorkers —honorees— at the annual gala of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI).

Hosted by Mara Schiavacampo, ABC news correspondent and author, the awards recipients included: The Honorable Assemblywoman Inez E. Dickens, New York State Assembly District 70, recipient of HCCI’s most prestigious Canon Frederick Boyd Williams Community Service Award, which is endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation. Leah Abraham, co-owner of Settepani, received the Business Leadership Award. 125th Street BID President and CEO Barbara Askins received the Trailblazer Award; Parag R. Mehta, RA, AIA, LEED, AP, principal of PM Architecture, received the Community Builder Award; and Honorable Patricia Anne Williams, Supreme Court Justice (Ret) who presided over the Amadou Diallo trial, recieved the Distinguished Service Award. This year HCCI also presented Special Appreciation awards to founding board members Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington and Rev. Dr. Adolph Roberts. Dr. Roberts’ award was accepted on his behalf by his son, Min. Anthony Roberts.

President & CEO Malcolm A. Punter greeted guests and gave a brief accounting of HCCI’s recent accomplishments, which include preserving affordability of more than 600 units of housing, beginning the rehab of 10 limited equity co-ops in East Harlem, and the agency’s role in the Victoria Theater project on 125th Street.

L–R: HCCI President & CEO Malcolm A. Punter; his wife Aarian Punter, owner of A&A Entertainment Global, Inc.; and the Mistress Of Ceremonies Mara Schiavocampo.

L–R: Michael J. Garner, president, One Hundred Black Men; Honorable Charles B. Rangel; Honorable Inez E. Dickens, NYS Assembly, 70th District

L–R: HCCI Board member Virginia Montague; Barbara Askins, president and CEO, 125th Street BID; and Curtis Archer, president, Harlem Community Development Corporation

HCCI Board – Standing L–R: Rev. Nigel Pierce; Rev. Wendy J. Kelly Carter; Rev. Shepherd Lee, Sr.; Joan O. Dawson, PhD (1st Vice Chair), Mr. George H. Weldon, Jr. (2nd Vice Chair); Rev. Keith W. Roberson (Treasurer); Imam Talib Abdur Rashid (Corporate Secretary); Mr. Malcolm A. Punter (President & CEO); Seated L–R: Ms. Virginia Montague (Gala Co-Chair), Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis (Chairman), and Rev. Eva G. Duzant (Gala Chair) www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Honorable Charles B. Rangel and Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, HCCI chairman

May 2017 The Positive Community

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NYC’s NYC’s Baptist Baptist Ministers’ Ministers’ Conference Conference Endorses Endorses TPC’s TPC’s Great Great Roll Roll Call Call to to Progress!

Progress!

By: By: Rev. Rev.Dr. Dr.William WilliamT.L.Watkins, Watkins,Jr. Jr.

Photo: Bruce Moore

O

nn Monday Monday April April 24, 24, 2017, 2017, The The Positive Positive Community Community (TPC) received a much-valued (TPC) received a much-valued endorsement endorsement from from the the Baptist Baptist Ministers’ Ministers’ Conference Conference of of Greater New York and Vicinity (BMCGNY&V).

Greater New York and Vicinity (BMCGNY&V). In In addiaddition tion to to being being named named their their primary primary media media outlet outlet of of choice, the group had also voted and passed a choice, the group had also voted and passed a resoluresolution tion to to purchase purchase in-bulk, in-bulk, magazines magazines at at $1.50 $1.50 each. each.

(Minimum purchase 50 magazines for free (Minimum purchase 50 magazines for free delivery). delivery).

The The Conference Conference encourages encourages each each pastor pastor to to join join TPC’s TPC’s Great Roll Call to Progress by subscribing for bulk-delivGreat Roll Call to Progress by subscribing for bulk-deliveries eries to to their their congregation. congregation. The The organization organization agrees agrees to to advocate on TPC’s behalf to community and advocate on TPC’s behalf to community and business business leaders leaders throughout throughout the the region. region.

In his remarks, publisher In his remarks, publisher Adrian Adrian A. A. Council, Council, Sr. Sr. expressed his “sincere appreciation for the expressed his “sincere appreciation for the loving loving supsupport port of of this this Conference Conference over over the the years years and and for for the the

16 Positive Community May 2017 16 The 16The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community May May2017 2017

opportunity opportunity to to provide provide quality quality products products and and services services to to the the people people of of God God and and to to our our community. community. This This isis aa crecreative ative effort, effort, aa partnership partnership of of enormous enormous potential potential and and possibilities!” possibilities!”

Mr. Mr. Council Council said said “the “the objective objective of of The The Positive Positive Community’s Community’s Great Great Roll Roll Call Call to to Progress Progress (partial (partial listing listing pg. pg.7) 7)isisto toadvance advancepositive, positive,community-building community-buildingideals: ideals: self-acceptance, self-reliance, self-respect.

Indeed, self-acceptance, self-reliance, andand self-respect.

Indeed, great great economies; enduring, self-sustaining communieconomies; enduring, self-sustaining communi-ties, ties, nations; civilizationsare arebuilt built and and continue nations; andand civilizations continue toto thrive thrive and and prosper prosper one one dollar dollar at at aa time!” time!”

AA Tradition Tradition of of Greatness Greatness Established Establishedin in1898, 1898,the theBMCGNY&V BMCGNY&VisisNew NewYork YorkCity's City's oldest oldest and and largest largest clergy clergy leadership leadership organization. organization. This This great great institution institution of of faith faith and and fellowship fellowship continues continues to to www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

withstand and respond to the mighty winds of change withstand and respond to the winds of change and the many challenges of mighty our times.

The Baptist and the many challenges of our times.

The Ministers’ Conference has endured through theBaptist era of Ministers’ Conferenceand has lynching endured in through the era of Jim Crow segregation the South.

It has Jim Crow segregation and lynching in the South.

It has outlasted the Harlem Renaissance, the Great outlasted the Renaissance, Great Depression, two Harlem World Wars, the Greatthe Northern Depression,thetwo the right Greatdown Northern Migration, CivilWorld Rights Wars, Movement, to the Migration, Civil Rights Movement, right down to the times of thethe Obama presidency. times of the Obama presidency.

BMCGNY&V boasts a grand tradition of great reliBMCGNY&V boasts a grand tradition of great religious leaders, preachers and teachers—the legends— gious Dr. leaders, preachers and teachers—the legends— Rev. Garner C. Taylor, aka, “The Prince of Rev. Dr. Garner C. Taylor, aka, “The Prince of Preachers”; Reverends Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Preachers”; Reverends Adam Clayton Sr. and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; Rev. Dr. Wyatt Powell, Tee Walker; Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; Rev. Dr. Walker; Dr. William Augustus Jones; Dr. Wyatt ShellyTee Sampson; William Augustus Rev. Dr.others Shelly who Sampson; Dr. Timothy Mitchell; Jones; and countless were very Timothy Mitchell; and countless others were very active as members leaders. Rev. Dr. who Martin Luther active Jr. as visited members leaders. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, theand Conference frequently.

In fact, this King, Jr. visited the Conference frequently.

In fact, this Ministers’ Conference is credited for coordinating Ministers’ Conference is credited for of coordinating scores of buses and mobilizing thousands people for scores of buses and mobilizing thousands of people for the March on Washington in 1963. the March on Washington in 1963.

OBAMA TRIBUTE OBAMA TRIBUTE

According to Conference President, Rev. James D. According to Conference President,Conference Rev. James D. Morrison, “The Baptist Ministers’ of Morrison, Baptist Ministers’ Greater New“The York &Vicinity continues toConference be a beacon of Greater Yorkin&Vicinity continues to be aHe beacon of light thatNew shines our city and community.” added, light that in our and community.”

He added, “We haveshines watched thecity growth and influence of The “We have watchedover the the growth of The Positive Community years and and influence now together, we Positive Community thelevel yearsbyand nowvisible, together, we will strive to reachover a new being viable, will strive reach a new levelusbythat being visible,a viable, and vocal.toThe bible teaches “without vision and vocal. bible teaches that “without a vision the peopleThe perish.”

We too,us believe with Brother the people too, believe Council and perish.” the goodWepeople at TPC with when Brother we are Council and the“the good peopleof atourTPC when and we are reminded that: progress children the reminded that: “the American progress of our children andtradithe integrity of our African culture, values and integrity of collective our African Americaneverything!” culture, values and traditions—our soul—mean tions—our collective soul—mean everything!”

The Baptist Ministers’ Conference’s fellowship meetThe Baptist Ministers’ Conference’s meetings take place every Monday, 2pm, fellowship at the historic ings take Avenue place every Monday, the St. historic Convent Baptist Church2pm, on at 145th and Avenue Baptist Church St.is and Convent Ave. in Harlem.

Rev. Jesseon T. 145th Williams the Convent Ave. in Harlem. Rev. Jesse T. Williams is the host pastor. host “. pastor. . . Because a positive community is everybody’s business . Because positive . . .“.It. really paysato care!” community is everybody’s business . . . It really pays to care!”

On that day, April 24, Mr. On that day, 24, Mr. Council alsoApril addressed CouncilBaptist also addressed the Ministers’ the Baptist Conference aboutMinisters’ the ever Conference aboutPresident the ever popular TPC’s President popular Obama TPC’s Commemorative Obama Issue Commemorative . By-popularTribute By-popularTribute demand, Issue we’re. just weeks demand, we’re just weeks away from reprinting this away from reprinting this timeless issue in perfecttimeless in perfectbound highissue quality. bound high Among thequality. most positive

Among positive things you the canmost do right now things you can right now is purchase this perfect-bound reprint anddo proudly disis purchase perfect-bound reprintorand proudly display it in yourthis home, office, classroom, with the family play it in your home, office, classroom, with the family archives for the edification of future or generations—our archives for the edification future generations—our children’s children.

We must of never forget our collective children’s children.

We must never forget our collective sacrifices and achievements—our claim on the sacrifices Dream! and achievements—our claim and on the American Our history in this country American Dream! Our history this country and the Obama presidency affirms thatinclaim!

Own this proud Obama claim!school, Own this proud momentpresidency in Americanaffirms history.that No home, or church momentbeinwithout American history. No home, school, or church should one. should be without one.

Churches that missed out on the opportunity to

Churches that missed out are on invited the opportunity to advertise in the original edition to place your advertise in the special original message edition aretoinvited to place your congregation’s our President, our congregation’s message toyet ourunborn!

President, our community and special to the generations Reserve community and toad the yet unborn! a full or half-page at generations discounted rates before Reserve May 26. a full or half-page at discounted before May 26.

TPC’s Obama ad Issue makes forrates a great fundraiser!

TPC’s Issue makes for a great fundraiser!

Show yourObama love! Order this priceless commemorative Show today. your love!

Orderatthis priceless commemorative 973-233-9200 or order online issue Call TPC issue today. Call TPC at 973-233-9200 or order online www.thepositivecommunity.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

May 2017 The Positive Community May2017 2017 The Community May The Positive Positive Community

17 17

In the Beginning . . .

Leadership Matters . . . Teamwork Matters . . .

The Business about Our Future Matters!

THE BAPTIST MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE OF GREATER NEW YORK AND VICINITY 2017 The President and Cabinet Members Rev. James D. Morrison, Jr., President; Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, First Vice President; Rev. Dr. James B. Barnwell, III, Second Vice President; Rev. Dr. Dennis K. Williams, Recording Secretary; Rev. Geraldine L. Harris, Assistant Recording Secretary; Rev. Dr. Betty A. Spencer, Corresponding Secretary; Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter,Assistant Corresponding Secretary; Rev. Dr. Edgar W. Howard, Financial Secretary; Rev. Dr. Jannie Poullard, Assistant Financial Secretary; Rev. James Duckett, Treasurer; Rev. Robert Jones, Jr., Assistant Treasurer; Rev. Isaac Stucks, Sergeant at Arms; Rev. I. Holland,Assistant Sergeant at Arms

18 18The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community May May 2017 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Masterpiece, Collector’s Edition

Barack Obama Keepsake GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Winter 2017

$2.95

thepositivecommunity.com

124 !

Pages

Barack Obama

A Presidential Journey | 2009–2017

By popular demand, We are releasing a limited print run of the original blockbuster Winter ’17 Issue.

Don’t Miss Out. Order your copy of the ULTIMATE MASTERPIECE EDITION Save this keepsake issue for future generations. Let us never forget this special time on our freedom journey in American history.

Invest in the future. Own your history today!

Only $13.99 includes shipping and handling. Order today!

Order online www.thepositivecommunity.com. Allow 6 weeks for delivery.

Call 973-233-9200 for more information.

“We invite you to experience the beautiful vistas, scenic overlooks, modern recreation facilities and unique features of our historic Essex County Parks System. Whether you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of our busy streets, plan a birthday party or special event, there are activities for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite you to

Experience Essex County Essex County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs

115 Clifton Avenue, Newark ~ 973-268-3500 The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. It consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 23 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, paddle boating, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex – Codey Arena

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-3828

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex – Paddle Boating & Picnic Pavilion Cherry Lane, West Orange 973-731-5800

Essex County Environmental Center

621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland 973-228-8776

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex – Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-5800

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex – miniGOLF Safari

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 862-520-5024

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park

22 Crestmont Road, Verona 973-239-2485

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex – Treetop Adventure

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-3828

Play Essex County Golf

Essex County Francis Byrne Golf Course, West Orange Essex County Hendricks Field Golf Course, Belleville Essex County Weequahic Golf Course, Newark

Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair 973-783-5974

For more information, please visit www.essexcountynj.org

FAITH LEADERS ENDORSE PHIL MURPHY FOR GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY Faith leaders from throughout New Jersey gave their personal endorsement to Phil Murphy last week during a gathering at The Murphy 4 Governor headquarters in Newark.

Paid for by Murphy for Governor, One Gateway Center, Suite 1025, Newark, NJ 07102

Back in Newark:

Ashley Stewart

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The Positive Community May 2017

Ashley Stewart Exec. Chairman and CEO James Rhee with Nicole Goodman, Newark store manager

L–R: Newark Community Economic Development Corporation Acting President and CEO Aisha Glover; Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Cory Booker Hanna Mori; James Rhee, Ashley Stewart CEO; and Newark Council President Mildred C. Crump, Photos: Karen Waters

shley Stewart has returned to Newark after a four-year absence. The first store to open as part of the company’s reorganization spearheaded by CEO and Executive Chairman James Rhee, the women’s plus size retailer has come back from bankruptcy with a bang. The new 4,500 square feet Newark store offers a completely revolutionary shopping experience, coined "The Ashley Stewart Lab.” In a move to engage customers into Ashley's incredibly powerful, womendriven social universe, which is more than 70 percent African American, the store features a social lounge that serves as a fashion haven for girlfriends to gather and celebrate their curves. The store also has large fitting rooms, and a digital display that streams the brand's Ashley TV multimedia content. To customize the shopping experience, the store also features dedicated sections they call vignettes, including a Casual Shop, Career Shop, and Intimates Shop, all for women who love their curves.

According to company public relations messages, management believes that the store marks a significant move for the brand because it is also a return to Newark; a city that encompasses many of the same traits – perseverance, resilience, and hope – which drove Ashley Stewart to prevail. “In many ways Ashley is reconnecting with a good friend from the past, and we are thrilled to give her something to talk about with this new store concept,” remarked Nicole Goodman, manager of Ashley Stewart Newark.

The 90th store in the national fashion chain opened on April 13 and employs 11 women, eight of them Newark residents. Six of them were hired through job fairs held in Newark, four through the Mayor’s Career Training Center.

L–R: Nicole Goodman, Newark store manager; Kimberly Edwards, district store manager; Chary Wright, area manager; Mashell Tyson, store manager; Erica Young, director, Marketing and Public Relations

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Seeing America ON VIEW NOW

20 galleries of world-class American art • FREE admission for Newark Museum Members and Newark Residents.

• The Newark Museum participates in reciprocal museum programs: NARM, ROAM, ARMN and MARP. Albert Bierstadt, Western Landscape,1869. Oil on canvas, 36 ¼ x 54 ½ in.

Purchase 1961 The Members’ Fund 61.516

newarkmuseum.org

49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 973.596.6550 TTY 711 On-site parking available for a fee.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

May 2017 The Positive Community

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Al Sharpton introduces Keynote Speaker Former Attorney General Eric Holder (2nd from right) as Democratic National Committee Chairman Thomas Perez (center) looks on

National Action Network Everything is at Stake

N

ational Action Network Minister Conference “Everything is at Stake” The week of April 26TH – 29TH, 2017 The National Action Network held its annual convention— its theme was “Everything is at Stake” and with an emphasis on action.

With President Trump approaching his 100th day in office, the Harlem-based civil rights group, run by the Rev. Al Sharpton, stepped up its pressure on the White House with a vocal call to arms in the fights for immigration rights and health care protection.

“This will be the first major national convening of black leaders under Donald Trump as we assess the state of America around civil rights and social justice,” Sharpton said.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder kicked off the conference with an opening address which focused on gerrymandering and voting rights. Other highlights included panel discussions and remarks from African-American leaders including New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, who spoke about mental health in the black community.

On Friday, April 28th, NAN held the Reverend Dr. William A. Jones Memorial Luncheon, where community advocates and clergy leaders gathered to honor their colleagues and review their progress.

New York City Mayor de Blasio also attended.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson honored Harry Belafonte with a “Keepers of the Dream” award. The awards, given each year in April, mark the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, and honored those who have continued to advocate the principles for which Dr. King gave his life.

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The Positive Community May 2017

Ribbon cutting: Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and CEO; and Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman, National Action Network; and elected officials

Panelist Dr. Obery Hendricks, Columbia University visiting scholar

Panelist Rev. Michael A. Waldrond, Jr., senior pastor, First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Leroy Adams

L–R: Producer Voza Rivers; Halim Quddus, founder and president, Muslim American Chamber of Commerce; with Lloyd Williams, president Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sheila Thorne, CEO and founder, Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray gave remarks on “What We Can Do Together: Mental Health in the Black Community”

U.S. Representative Adriano D. Espaillat, (D-NY) 13th Congressional District.

Honoree June Ambrose, designer/author Honoree Mc Lyte, recording artist, DJ, and entertainer

Honoree Bishop Marvin Sapp, gospel recording artist, and National Board of Directors, NAN

Honoree Bishop Talbert Swan, pastor, Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ

Bishop Darrin Moore, Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District, AME Zion Church

Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

Jennifer Jones Austin CEO/Exec. Director, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies and National Board of Directors, NAN Rev. Adolphus C. Lacey, PhD, senior pastor Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY

Hon. Bill de Blasio, Mayor, New York City

Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo with Bill McCreary, journalist

Photos: Seitu Oronde and Wali Amin Muhammad and National Action Network

L–R: Keisha Sutton-James and Publicist Steve Manning

L–R: Martin Luther King III, Human rights advocate and community activist; LaTanya Richardson, actress; Samuel L. Jackson, actor/ producer; Harry Belafonte, singer/actor/social activist; his wife Pamela Frank; and Rev. Al Sharpton www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Modia “Mo” Butler, managing director, Mercury LLC; Sean L. Conner, Public Affairs manager, Uber, NJ and CT; and Nicole Cuellar, Operations and Logistics manager, Uber Tri-State area L–R: NAN Chairman Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo May 2017 The Positive Community

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State of Black New Jersey

T

he African American Chamber of Commerce, NJ hosted its annual State of Black New Jersey 2017 conference on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. This annual conference is designed to initiate substantive dialogue on critical issues seeking to forge strategies and alliances to to benefit the African American community in New Jersey.and foster relationships, obtain perspectives, develop best practices, and form solutions to strengthen collective efforts to make New Jersey more competitive.

Honorable Rochelle Hendricks, Secretary of Higher Education, for New Jersey gave an inspiring keynote address.

John E. Harmon, Sr. is president and CEO of the African American Chamber of New Jersey. Hosea Johnson is chairman.

L–R: Hosea Johnson, chairman, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ); Mayor, Ras Baraka, Newark, NJ; and John E. Harmon, Sr., president and CEO, (AACCNJ)

L–R: The Honorable Ronald L. Rice, State Senator, NJ; Kay Lucas, president, MediaSense, AACCNJ, board member

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Moderator, John Kahn, associate, Duane Morris, LLP; Christine Baker, Business Enterprise project manager, Delaware River Joint Toll Commission; Toni Proffitt-Brown, Esq., chief administrative officer, Delaware River Port Authority; Glenessa R. Gordon, P. E. manager, Business Initiatives and Planning Analysis, Port Authority, NY and NJ; Leslie A. Anderson, executive director, NJ Redevelopment Authority (NJRA); Leo Sanders, vice president, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity Programs, NJ Transit

L–R: Aretha McMillan, manager of the Student X-Change and Dr. Ursula Parrish Daniels, Ed.D, executive assistant to the president, Bergen Community College

26

The Positive Community May 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

2017 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.

Speaker Emeritus Sheila Y. Oliver

“AMERICA”

Senator Raymond J. Lesniak

BUILT BY THE HANDS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS. Please join the

Friends of New Jersey Legacy Foundation, Inc.

Assemblyman Gerald B. Green

for a FREE Statewide Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 24, 2017 2:00pm to 7:00pm

Elizabeth Councilwoman At Large Patricia Perkins Auguste

Assemblyman Jamel Holley

Newark Councilman Mildred Crump

Mrs. Kim Nesbitt Good Friends of NJLF, Inc. Elizabeth, NJ

Special Guest:

Roland S. Martin Host of News One Now

Mr. Robert Taylor, Esq. East Orange, NJ

Councilman William Gallman Jr.

Free Dinner • Music Elizabeth Waterfront Pier and Marina Broadway and East Jersey Streets, Elizabeth, New Jersey

ALL ARE WELCOME Former Ambassador Philip D. Murphy

Linden Mayor Derek Armstead

For additional information about these events you may contact any committee member or Mrs. Kim Nesbitt Good at 908-352-7078

Hillside Mayor Angela R. Garretson

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage

Pastor George E. & 1st Lady Britt

Pastor Orlando T. & 1st Lady Riley

Dr. Lawrence Powell Senior Pastor

Dr. Odessa McNeill Staff Elder

Mt. Teman A.M.E. Church

New Bethel Baptist Church

Elizabeth, NJ

Agape Family Worship Cen.

Elizabeth, NJ

Agape Family Worship Cen.

Rahway, NJ

Rahway, NJ

Mr. Robert & Mrs. Yvonne Davis Friends of NJLF Inc. Elizabeth, NJ

William D. Jones Executive Director Elizabeth Housing Auth.

Elizabeth, NJ

Mr. Samuel Arnold, President Garden State Funeral Directors Association

Mr. Randall Wood Chairman of the Board Premier Community Development Corp.

Elizabeth Councilman Carlos Torres

Rahway Councilman David Brown

Elizabeth Councilman Manuel R. Grova Jr.

Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee, “Jubilation”

Adrian A. Council, Sr. Publisher & Co-founder The Positive Comm.

Montclair, NJ

Mr. Teddy Good Co. Owner Nesbitt Funeral Home Elizabeth, NJ

Ms. Barbara Hayes Friends of NJLF Inc. Elizabeth, NJ

Founder/Artistic Director

End of an Era Bishop Forbes leaves New Jersey by g.r.mattox

O

n Palm Sunday, Pastor Emeritus Bishop L.N. Forbes worshiped with the congregation he founded over 57 years ago. It was one of the last services he attended before relocating to his home state of North Carolina to continue his retirement.

An exemplary preacher and servant of God, he leaves a legacy of wisdom and compassion to his congregations and the communities he served that will long be remembered. “A legend is going home,” said his brother and caretaker, W. Haywood Forbes.

In 1959, after establishing Faith Temple No.1 Original Free Will Baptist Church in East Orange, in 1962 Bishop Forbes founded a second Faith Temple, now located in Capitol Heights, MD. Never forgetting where he came from, in 1975 Forbes established The L.N. Forbes Tabernacle, Inc. in Wilson, NC, followed in 2003

by Faith Temple #1 and #2 Extension Church.

His vision and management skills garnered several leadership roles. During his term as president of the Middle Eastern District Original Free Will Baptist Church Conference from 1964 to 1968, the conference

Bishop L.N. Forbes greets members of the Sunshine Band of Faith Temple after Palm Sunday services.

Photo: g.r. maddox

grew significantly with churches forming from Connecticut to Georgia. He is Bishop Emeritus of the General Free Will Baptist Conference, the former vice president of the National Convention of Free Will Baptists, USA, the past president of the East Orange Clergy, and the past president of the Hampton Ministers’ Conference.

Bishop Forbes received a Doctorate in Humane Letters from the United Christian College of Goldsboro, NC. and honorary doctorates from other institutes of higher learning. He is the author of The High Cost of Leadership, which is included in, Voices of Experience: 20th Century Prophets Speak, Vol. 1 “We honor Bishop as he transitions to North Carolina,” remarked his successor, Bishop Arinzor Blue in a loving tribute. “He will always be our pastor.”

Jim Johnson visits Essex County

Jim Johnson, candidate for NJ Governor, addressing voters at a town hall in Essex County.

28

The Positive Community May 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Courtney CourtneyB.B.Vance: Vance: What WhataaMan! Man! By

By R.Witter L. Witter

By R.L. R.L. Witter

Photo Credit: Glen Wilson © 2016 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

OO

n an early Los Angeles Angeles morning, morning, his his voice is is quiet at at first, aa bit bit muffled as as though he’s distracted. distracted.

He n an annearly early Los Los Angeles morning, his voice voice is quiet quiet at first, first, bita muffled muffled as though though he’s he’s distracted.

He He adjusts adjusts the the telephone and suddenly suddenly his his voice fills fills air. theHis air. tone His tone vacillates vacillates between between deliberate, deliberate, professoprofessoadjusts the telephone telephone and and suddenly his voice voice fills the the air.

His tone vacillates between deliberate, professorial, ministerial, ministerial, fatherly, fatherly, and humorous. humorous.

His thoughts thoughts and words words form aa stream a stream of of consciousness that rial, rial, ministerial, fatherly, and and humorous.

His His thoughts and and words formform stream of consciousness consciousness that that

reveals reveals both his his League Ivy League and theological theological educations. educations.

Mr. Mr. Vance is is every good thing thing you heard heard he heevery is, every good reveals bothboth his Ivy Ivy League and and theological educations.

Mr. Vance Vance is every every goodgood thing you you heard he is, is, every goodgood thing thing you hoped hoped he he might be, be, and so so much more. more.

He He mastered has mastered the the balance between between confidence confidence and humility humility thing you you hoped he might might be, and and so much much more.

He has has mastered the balance balance between confidence and and humility that you often find in man a man of of God, and it it carries over into his his mastery of of balancing career, career, marriage, marriage, family family and that that you you oftenoften find find in aa in man of God, God, and and it carries carries overover into into his mastery mastery of balancing balancing career, marriage, family and and faith—the faith—the fundamentals fundamentals of healthy a healthy life. faith—the fundamentals of aa of healthy life. life.

“Healthy “Healthy living living means means keeping keeping it it moving, keeping keeping it it flowing,” he he announced boldly. boldly.

“The Bible says he he ‘who striv“Healthy living means keeping it moving, moving, keeping it flowing,” flowing,” he announced announced boldly.

“The“The BibleBible says says he ‘who ‘who striv-striveth eththe for mastery the mastery is is temperate in all things.’

Not eating eating too too much of of one any one thing thing and making making sure II get getwater my water eth for for the mastery is temperate temperate in all allinthings.’ things.’

Not Not eating too much much of any any one thing and and making suresure getI my my water and go to doctor’s my doctor’s appointments, appointments, my my dentist appointments, appointments, my my yearly check-up… check-up…

Healthy Healthy living living means means taking taking and and go to togomy my doctor’s appointments, my dentist dentist appointments, my yearly yearly check-up…

Healthy living means taking care of of this vessel vessel which which is is mine, not mine, but but His. I’m I’m aajust caretaker.” a caretaker.” carecare of this this vessel which is not not mine, but His. His. I’m just just caretaker.”

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

continued continued on on next page continued on next next pagepage May 2017 May 2017 The Positive The Positive Community Community 29 29 May 2017 The Positive Community 29 May 2017 The Positive Community 29

COURNEY VANCE VANCE COURNEY continued from previous page COURNEY continued from previous VANCE page continued from previous page

Man of of God: God: AA Healthy Healthy Spirit Spirit Man Vance peppers his speech with bible bible verses verses and and parables parables Vance Man ofpeppers God: A his Healthy speech Spirit with the way my mother sprinkles cinnamon and sugar on her her Vance the waypeppers my mother his speech sprinkles with cinnamon bible verses and and sugar parables on corn pudding.

It’s just the right amount, and in the same the way corn pudding. my mother It’s just sprinkles the right cinnamon amount,and andsugar in theonsame her way that that final It’s sprinkle bakes up and makes makes the whole corn way pudding. final sprinkle just the bakes rightup amount, and and inthe thewhole same house smell deliciously sweet, Vance’s words offer comway house that smell final deliciously sprinkle sweet, bakes Vance’s up andwords makesoffer the aawhole comfort and confidence that make you feel the way that corn house fort and smell confidence deliciously thatsweet, makeVance’s you feelwords the way offer that a comcorn pudding tastes—divine.

But Vance didn’t grow up in the fort and confidence pudding tastes—divine. thatBut make Vance you didn’t feel thegrow way up thatincorn the church, yet he exudes the swagger of a man of God. pudding yet church, tastes—divine. he exudes But the Vance swagger didn’t of agrow manup ofinGod. the “People yet don’t curse inthe front of me,” me,” revealed.

“I church, “People don’t he curse exudes in front swagger of of he aheman revealed. of God. “I didn’t tell them not to curse in front of me, they know.

“Peopletelldon’t didn’t themcurse not toincurse frontinoffront me,”of he me,revealed. they know.

“I It’s the thetell same with Angela they know her spirit.” didn’t It’s same them with not Angela to curse .. .. .. they in front know ofher me,spirit.” they know. asked him how his journey journey thus far has has brought him It’sIIthe asked same him with how Angela his . . . they thus know far herbrought spirit.” him to this place in his faith.

Some might not be aware that to Ithis asked place him inhow his faith. his journey Some thus might farnot hasbe brought aware him that beyond acting, Vance is an ordained and licensed ministo this place beyond acting, in Vance his faith. is anSome ordained mightand notlicensed be aware ministhat ter in in the the Church of God God inordained Christ. “I “Iand always had aa yearnyearnbeyond ter acting, Church Vance of is an in Christ. always licensed had minisinginfor for the Lordofand and didn’t know it,” he hehad explained. ter ing thethe Church Lord Goddidn’t in Christ. know “I always it,” explained. a yearn“When I was younger I was trying to get back into the the “When was Lord younger was trying get he back into ing for Ithe andI didn’t knowto it,” explained. church and The Preacher’s Wife happened—everything “When Iand church was The younger Preacher’s I was Wife trying happened—everything to get back into the came together together with The Preacher’s Preacher’s Wife and and II said said ‘I’m ‘I’m not not church came and The with Preacher’s The Wife Wife happened—everything going to get into that—do this role—without giving my came together going to get into with that—do The Preacher’s this role—without Wife and I saidgiving ‘I’m not my life to the Lord.’”

Something divine was definitely hapgoing life to to theget Lord.’” into that—do Something thisdivine role—without was definitely givinghapmy pening.

“I’d been yearning yearning mydivine whole life,” life,”definitely he continued. continued. pening.

“I’d been my whole he life to the Lord.’”

Something was hap“I remember remember I’d go go home for for summers andhe gocontinued. to church church pening.

“I “I’d been I’d yearning home mysummers whole life,” and go to ..“I..remember .. there there was wasI’d an altar call.

I got halfway down there and an go altar home call.for I got summers halfwayand down go there to church and then I got scared and went and sat back down . . .

You . . . there then I gotwas scared an altar and call. wentI got andhalfway sat backdown downthere . . . and You can’t hide from it.

It took a minute—He had to get everythen hide can’t I got from scared it. and It took went a minute—He and sat backhad down to get . . every. You thinghide together.

I needed needed Evelyn.”had to get everycan’t thing together. from Iit. It took Angela aAngela minute—He Evelyn.” thing together. I needed Angela Evelyn.”

Man in in Love: Love: AA Healthy Healthy Marriage Marriage AA Man In that film he played a minister facing difficulties difficulties in in his his A Man Love: A Healthy Marriage In that in film he played a minister facing marriage.

In real life, however, Vance’s 20-year marriage In that film marriage.

Inhe real played life, however, a ministerVance’s facing 20-year difficulties marriage in his to Angela AngelaIn Evelyn Bassett (who’s played20-year roles from from Tina marriage. to Evelyn real life, Bassett however, (who’s Vance’s played roles marriage Tina Turner to Biggie’s mother, and Betty Shabazz—TWICE, to Angela Turner to Biggie’s Evelyn Bassett mother, (who’s and Betty played Shabazz—TWICE, roles from Tina among to countless other memorable roles) isis right right up up Turner among countless Biggie’s other mother, memorable and Betty roles) Shabazz—TWICE, among countless other memorable roles) is right up

Vancewith withhis hiswife, wife,Actress ActressAngela AngelaBassett Bassett Vance Vance with his wife, Actress Angela Bassett 30The The Positive Positive Community Community May May2017 2017 30 The 30 Positive Community May 2017 30 The Positive Community May 2017

there with with Barack Barack and and Michelle Michelle on on the the black black love-olove-othere meter and their photo is often accompanied by the there with meter and Barack their photo and Michelle is often accompanied on the black by love-othe words “relationship goals.”

It’s not just because they are meter “relationship words and their photo goals.” is It’s often not accompanied just because they by the are both black and beautiful.

It’s also because they are so wordsblack both “relationship and beautiful. goals.” It’s It’s also not just because because theythey areare so obviously blessed.

They exude love—that quiet, everyday both blackblessed. obviously and beautiful.

They exude It’s love—that also because quiet, they everyday are so kind of of love love that They seemsexude to deepen deepen with quiet, time; everyday that “we “we obviously kind blessed. that seems to love—that with time; that know what we’ve got” kind of love that radiates from the kind of know what love we’ve thatgot” seems kind toofdeepen love that with radiates time; from that “we the inside out until its radiance glows brightly around them. know what inside out until we’veitsgot” radiance kind ofglows love brightly that radiates around from them. the Theout twountil authored bookglows in 2006, 2006, Friends: Lovethem.

Story. inside The two authored its radiance aa book in brightly Friends: around AA Love Story.

AsThe theirtwo love has continued, continued, so has has their their story; and Vance As their love authored has a book so in 2006, Friends: story; Aand LoveVance Story. is happy to reiterate what has worked for them in fosterAshappy is their love to reiterate has continued, what has soworked has their forstory; themand in fosterVance healthy, lastingwhat marriage.

“The focus focus offinof offosterme. II ising ing happy aa healthy, to reiterate lasting marriage. has worked “The for them isis off me. get up in the morning thinking ‘How can I help her?’I ing auphealthy, get in the lasting morning marriage. thinking “The ‘How focus canis Ioff help of me. her?’

What can I do?

And it’s not 50-50,” he explained. get upcan What in the I do? morning And thinking it’s not 50-50,” ‘How can he I explained. help her?’

“Sometimes it’s 150-0.

Asit’s man you’ve got toexplained. be willing willing What “Sometimes can Iit’s do?

150-0.

AndAs aa man not you’ve 50-50,”got heto be —when we first got married, Angela Bassett was ‘IT’ and “Sometimes —when we first it’s got 150-0. married, As a man Angela you’ve Bassett got to wasbe‘IT’ willing and my career was not where it is now . . .”

He continued, my career it is now .Bassett . .” Hewas continued, —when we was firstnot got where married, Angela ‘IT’ and “And the love lovenot thatwhere brought was. not not initially always my “And career the was that II brought it is now was . .” He initially continued, always money.

The love I brought was peace of mind, anything “And the money.

Thelove lovethat I brought I brought was peace was not of mind, initially anything always she needed needed taken care of of was was taken care of, the the house money. she The taken love I brought care was taken peace care of mind, of, anything house was secured, and so she could go out in that street and she secured, was needed taken and socare sheof could was taken go outcare in that of, the street house and know that she’s loved and secured.

And when a woman know that she’s and secured.

And a woman was secured, andloved so she could go out in when that street and knowsthat she’s loved andand secured, she’ll then turnaback, back, lift know knows she’s she’s loved loved and secured, secured. she’ll And then when turn woman lift you up . . .” knows you upshe’s . . .” loved and secured, she’ll then turn back, lift There’s that Courtney Courtney B. B. Vance Vance swagger swagger again. again. It’s It’s youThere’s up . . .”that that quiet strength he exudes as the type of man who that There’s quiet strength that Courtney he exudes B. Vance as theswagger type of again. man who It’s rarely has to to raise raise his his voice.

“Don’t betype trying to defend defend that rarely quiet has strength hevoice. exudes “Don’t as the be trying of to man who something you’ve done that you you already already knowto wrong. rarely something has to you’ve raise done his voice. that “Don’t be trying know isisdefend wrong.

Mess up, fess up…

If you’re going to be the leader, bethe the something you’ve thatgoing you already know is wrong.

Mess up, fess up… done If you’re to be the leader, be leader in ‘I’m sorry,’” he said firmly.

“So whatever I have Mess up, If you’re going to be leader, be the leader in fess ‘I’mup… sorry,’” he said firmly.

“Sothe whatever I have to do do to to get ussorry,’” back ..he Just firmly. tell me me“So what did and and I’ll leader to in get ‘I’mus back .. .. said Just tell what whatever II did I have I’ll apologize… and in half an hour, 40 minutes, we’ll be to do to get and apologize… us back in half . . . Just an hour, tell me 40what minutes, I did we’ll and I’ll be back . . . doing our thing.” apologize… and inthing.” half an hour, 40 minutes, we’ll be back . . . doing our back . . . doing our thing.”

As AA Father: Father: Raising Raising Healthy Healthy Children Children As In addition to the challenges all parents face, face, Vance Vance and and In As addition A Father:toRaising the challenges Healthyall Children parents his wife have to factor in dealing with fame and how In addition his wife have toto thefactor challenges in dealing all parents with fame face, and Vance how and itit affects their parenting and their children, 11-year-old his wifetheir affects have parenting to factor inand dealing their with children, fame and 11-year-old how it twins—a boy and and aa girl. girl. As As with his marriage, marriage, Vance looks affects twins—a their boy parenting and with their his children, Vance 11-year-old looks to God and the church for strength and guidance.

“The twins—a to God and boythe andchurch a girl. As forwith strength his marriage, and guidance.

Vance looks “The focus is the family,” he stresses.

“From the time they came to God focus is and the family,” the church he stresses. for strength “Fromand the guidance. time they came “The into this this world, they’ve grown“From up in inthe thetime church, we’ve focus into is the world, family,” they’ve he stresses. grown up the church, they we’ve came raised them in the the church.

Theyup doin scouts at the the church, church, into raised this them world, in they’ve church. grown They do scouts the church, at we’ve we try to do everything through the church…We’ve been raised we try to them do everything in the church. through Theythe do church…We’ve scouts at the church, been doing it for eleven years… so that’s all they know.”

Vance we try to doing it for do eleven everything years… through so that’s the all church…We’ve they know.” Vance been and his his wife have taken taken theso time to lay laythey the spiritual spiritual foundoing and itwife for eleven have years… the time that’s to all the know.” Vance foundation for their children that will see them though their and hisfor dation wifetheir havechildren taken the that time willtosee laythem the spiritual though fountheir lives.

“Eventually it’s just in them.

And when they go into dation“Eventually lives. for their children it’s just in that them. will And see them whenthough they gotheir into the world, they will be able to refer back for it to keep lives.world, the “Eventually they will it’s be justable in them. to refer Andback when for they it to gokeep into them on that that path. something seems little odd to the them world, on theypath. will be IfIf something able to refer seems backaafor little it to odd keep to them on that path. If something seems a little odd to thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Vance as Johnnie Cochran in The People vs.

O.J. Simpson: Vance Vance as as Johnnie Johnnie Cochran Cochran in in The The People People vs. vs. O.J. O.J. Simpson: Simpson: American Crime Story with Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Courtesy FX) American American Crime Crime Story Story with with Cuba Cuba Gooding, Gooding, Jr. Jr. (Courtesy (Courtesy FX) FX)

them, you won’t be able to describe what was, but they them, them, you you won’t won’t be be able able to to describe describe what what itit it was, was, but but they they will—the Holy Spirit makes sure they know…You just will—the will—the Holy Holy Spirit Spirit makes makes sure sure they they know…You know…You just just have to make sure that’s what they know so when they have have to to make make sure sure that’s that’s what what they they know know so so when when they they get out into the world, eventually they’ll seek out.” get get out out into into the the world, world, eventually eventually they’ll they’ll seek seek itit it out.” out.”

As An Actor: A Healthy Career As As An An Actor: Actor: A A Healthy Healthy Career Career Vance recently garnered quite bit of recognition and an Vance Vance recently recently garnered garnered quite quite aaa bit bit of of recognition recognition and and an an ® Emmy award for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in The ® ® Emmy Emmy award award for for his his portrayal portrayal of of Johnnie Johnnie Cochran Cochran in in The The People vs.

O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

It was one of People People vs. vs. O.J. O.J. Simpson: Simpson: American American Crime Crime Story.

Story. It It was was one one of of those performances where the actor disappeared and those those performances performances where where the the actor actor disappeared disappeared and and only the character appeared on screen; Vance was only only the the character character appeared appeared on on screen; screen; Vance Vance was was Johnnie Cochran—period.

He attributed his stellar perJohnnie Johnnie Cochran—period.

Cochran—period. He He attributed attributed his his stellar stellar perperformance to combination of his innate ability, training, formance formance to to aaa combination combination of of his his innate innate ability, ability, training, training, and faith.

“When you’re empty,” he explained, “you can and and faith. faith. “When “When you’re you’re empty,” empty,” he he explained, explained, “you “you can can be filled.

I’m empty.

Tell me where he starts, where he be be filled. filled. I’m I’m empty. empty. Tell Tell me me where where he he starts, starts, where where he he ends up, what’s in between and we start building the founends ends up, up, what’s what’s in in between between and and we we start start building building the the founfoundation.”

After playing Cochran, in December 2016 he dation.” dation.” After After playing playing Cochran, Cochran, in in December December 2016 2016 he he went from reserved businessman to party animal in Office went went from from reserved reserved businessman businessman to to party party animal animal in in Office Office Christmas Party, showing his comedic chops and that he Christmas Christmas Party, Party, showing showing his his comedic comedic chops chops and and that that he he

Vance with with Oprah Oprah Winfrey Winfrey in in The The The Vance Vance with Oprah Winfrey in Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Immortal Immortal Life Life of of Henrietta Henrietta Lacks Lacks (Courtesy HBO) (Courtesy (Courtesy HBO) HBO)

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

really can can excel excel in in any any role. role. This This summer summer he’ll he’ll star star with with really really can excel in any role.

This summer he’ll star with Tom Cruise in the much-anticipated reboot of The Tom Tom Cruise Cruise in in the the much-anticipated much-anticipated reboot reboot of of The The Mummy, and in 2018 he’ll reunite with the team from Mummy, Mummy, and and in in 2018 2018 he’ll he’ll reunite reunite with with the the team team from from American Crime Crime Story Story to to depict depict Hurricane Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina. That That American American Crime Story to depict Hurricane Katrina.

That doesn’t even begin to cover his more than 30 years of doesn’t doesn’t even even begin begin to to cover cover his his more more than than 30 30 years years of of film, television, and stage roles.

He’s also the proud winfilm, film, television, television, and and stage stage roles. roles. He’s He’s also also the the proud proud winwinner of of aaa Tony Tony®® award for his work in Six Degrees of ® award ner ner of Tony award for for his his work work in in Six Six Degrees Degrees of ® Separation and an Obie award for My Children!

My Africa! ® ® Separation Separation and and an an Obie Obie award award for for My My Children!

Children! My My Africa!

Africa!

As A Son and Caregiver: A Healthy Love As As A A Son Son and and Caregiver: Caregiver: A A Healthy Healthy Love Love In addition to his duties as minister, husband, father, In In addition addition to to his his duties duties as as minister, minister, husband, husband, father, father, and actor, Vance is also a loving son.

May is ALS (amyand and actor, actor, Vance Vance is is also also aa loving loving son. son. May May is is ALS ALS (amy(amyotrophic laterals sclerosis) Awareness Month and unforotrophic otrophic laterals laterals sclerosis) sclerosis) Awareness Awareness Month Month and and unforunfortunately, his mother, Leslie, has been battling the disease tunately, tunately, his his mother, mother, Leslie, Leslie, has has been been battling battling the the disease disease since 2012.

“Out of the blue she started lisping, we didn’t since since 2012.

2012. “Out “Out of of the the blue blue she she started started lisping, lisping, we we didn’t didn’t know what it was and it took a year for the diagnosis,” he know know what what itit was was and and itit took took aa year year for for the the diagnosis,” diagnosis,” he he explained, “then the transition from being able to walk, explained, explained, “then “then the the transition transition from from being being able able to to walk, walk, speak, and swallow.

Now it’s feeding tube and all she speak, speak, and and swallow. swallow. Now Now it’s it’s aaa feeding feeding tube tube and and all all she she can really do is blink . . .”

The sadness in his voice lincan can really really do do is is blink blink .. .. .” .” The The sadness sadness in in his his voice voice linlingered only for a moment before it was replaced with gered gered only only for for aa moment moment before before itit was was replaced replaced with with resounding love and pride.

“You talk about hero!

Most resounding resounding love love and and pride. pride. “You “You talk talk about about aaa hero! hero! Most Most people would give up.

She has her moments, but she people people would would give give up. up. She She has has her her moments, moments, but but she she refuses to let joy cease, and that’s the blessing . . .

She’s refuses refuses to to let let joy joy cease, cease, and and that’s that’s the the blessing blessing .. .. .. She’s She’s the strongest person have ever met!

She’s continually the the strongest strongest person person III have have ever ever met! met! She’s She’s continually continually teaching us how to live—it’s hard to live; it’s easy to die.” teaching teaching us us how how to to live—it’s live—it’s hard hard to to live; live; it’s it’s easy easy to to die.” die.”

There was really only one conclusion I could draw There There was was really really only only one one conclusion conclusion II could could draw draw from my conversation with Courtney B. Vance.

He’s the from from my my conversation conversation with with Courtney Courtney B. B. Vance.

Vance. He’s He’s the the man.

From his professional accomplishments to his comman. man. From From his his professional professional accomplishments accomplishments to to his his comcommitment to God and family, Vance is the type of man mitment mitment to to God God and and family, family, Vance Vance is is the the type type of of man man who leaves people and places better than when he found who who leaves leaves people people and and places places better better than than when when he he found found them.

He may not have grown up in the church, but he them. them. He He may may not not have have grown grown up up in in the the church, church, but but he he has grown in his faith, and it in him.

Psalms 37:23 tells has has grown grown in in his his faith, faith, and and itit in in him. him. Psalms Psalms 37:23 37:23 tells tells us, “the steps of [good] man are ordered by the LORD: us, us, “the “the steps steps of of aaa [good] [good] man man are are ordered ordered by by the the LORD: LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Courtney B. Vance is and and he he delighteth delighteth in in his his way.” way.” Courtney Courtney B. B. Vance Vance is is aaa good man and we’re praying for every step he takes. good good man man and and we’re we’re praying praying for for every every step step he he takes. takes.

May 2017 The Positive Community 31 May May 2017 2017 The The Positive Community May 2017 ThePositive Positive Community Community 31 31

CAMBA Showcase In Brooklyn South African Shona Sculptures

B

rooklyn-based nonprofit organization CAMBA showcased an extensive collection of sculptures from Zimbabwe at a four-day exhibition and public sale as part of their 40th anniversary.

CAMBA is the largest and most diverse gallery of Shona sculptures in the U.S. Purchases from the sale helped the multiservice agency continue providing services for 45,000 New Yorkers in need The festivities began with a benefit cocktail reception on Thursday, April 6. The exhibition featured original, affordable stone carvings created by some of the top sculptors in the world. Zimbabwe, which literally means “the house of stone,” is a country in southern Africa known for its remarkable stone sculptors. The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in the country.

The event, which was held at CAMBA’s Prospect Heights-Lefferts Gardens Shona Gallery April 6-9, 2017, also honored their dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Since 1977, CAMBA has kept true to its mission to connect people with opportunities to enhance their quality of life by offering integrated services and programs.

L–R: CAMBA Executive Vice President Valerie Barton-Richardson, Brooklyn City Councilman Mathieu Eugene (D), President and CEO Joanne M. Oplustil, and Board Chair Katherine O'Neill

Photos: Anthony Collins Photography

L–R: Faina Belle Simon and Jeffrey Evans, students at Collegiate Express; Molly Anne Light, project coordinator at Collegiate Express); Tahmid Nazrul, (youth advocate at Collegiate Express); Romel Lapay, (tutor at Collegiate Express); Henry Hatch, (tutor at Collegiate Express); Willie V. Roache, (tutor at Collegiate Express); Meredith Dros (VP and executive managing editor at Penguin Random House), Joanne M. Oplustil, CAMBA president and CEO; Karen Francois (volunteer at The Kensington Family Shelter); and Katherine O'Neill, CAMBA Board Chairwoman

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The Positive Community May 2017

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Health It’s Never the Same Job Twice Walter Douglas Makes It All Come Together at Rutgers Medical By g.r.mattox

W

hen you think of a corporation or institution, the first thing that usually comes to mind is what it produces. If it’s an insurance company, you think of the policy. If it’s the auto industry, you think of the make and model of the car. When it comes to a hospital or college, the first thoughts are of teaching students, treating patients, doing research. But there is a community of highly intelligent and talented individuals in these places that works behind the scenes to make things happen. It takes a unique person with superior leadership skills to fit diverse pieces of a complicated puzzle together and make everything work.

Walter Douglas is one of those unique people.

As chief operating officer of Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, he has a lot on his plate. Douglas

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is a prime example of someone who diligently worked up the ranks to attain his current position.

While a student at Rutgers, he interviewed Dr. Robert Johnson about a research project Johnson was working on concerning adolescent health. At the time, Johnson headed the adolescent medical division at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). That meeting led to Douglas’ involvement in some of the research projects at the medical school, and eventually Dr. Johnson became his mentor. When Douglas completed his studies at Rutgers he signed on as one of Johnson’s research assistants, which led to his promotion to administrator of the university’s adolescent health program, where he helped develop many of the HIV treatment and prevention programs in the Newark community. continued on next page May 2017 The ThePositive Positive Community Community May 2017

33 33

WALTER DOUGLAS WALTER continued WALTER from DOUGLAS DOUGLAS previous page continued continuedfrom fromprevious previouspage page

After working with the University for about 10 years, Douglas After Afterworking working transitioned with withthe to theUniversity the University UMDNJ for for Foundation about about10 10years, years, as a Douglas fundraiser.

Douglastransitioned transitioned He alsototo did the theshort UMDNJ UMDNJ stints Foundation Foundation at Fordham asasaa fundraiser.

University fundraiser. and He He also NJIT also did did before short short hisstints stints re-recruitment atat Fordham Fordham by University Johnson, University now and and Dean NJIT NJIT of the before before Medical his hisSchool, re-recruitment re-recruitment in 2005 as by his by Johnson, special Johnson, assistant. now nowDean Dean Beginning ofofthe theMedical Medical withSchool, School, the management inin2005 2005asashis his of special External special assistant. assistant.

Affairs, Beginning Beginning Government with with the the Relations, management managementand ofof External Community External Affairs, Affairs, Development, Government Government within two Relations, years Relations, Douglasand had and Community risen Community to executive Development, Development, director,within with within additional two twoyears yearsDouglas responsibility Douglashad had risen for risen Facilities, totoexecutive executive Information director, director,with Technology, withadditional additional Labor responsibility responsibility Relations, for and forFacilities, Facilities, Marketing Information Information and Community Technology, Technology, Relations.

Labor LaborFour Relations, Relations, years and later, andMarketing Marketing he was promoted and andCommunity Community to his current Relations.

Relations. position.

Four Fouryears years later, later, “The he hewas key waspromoted ispromoted staff management,” totohis hiscurrent current heposition. position. explained regarding “The “The howkey key he ishandles isstaff staffmanagement,” management,” his job. “When he he you’re explained explained in a complex regardregarding organization inghow howhe hehandles handles you have his hisjob. to job. be “When “When what you’re I you’re call aingreat inaacomplex complex middle organization manager, organization supervising you youhave havethose totobe bewho what whatreport I Icall calladirectly agreat greatmiddle to middle you, manager, as manager, well as supervising the supervising people they those those relate who whoto—customers report reportdirectly directly astoto well you, you, as ascolleagues. aswell wellasasthe theThen people people you they they must relate relate beto—customers to—customers able to manage asaswell up, wellasto as colleagues. your colleagues. boss and Then Then his you you boss, must must understanding be beable abletotomanage manage their interests up, up,toto your and yourcompeting boss bossand andhis priorities.” hisboss, boss,understanding understandingtheir theirinterests interests and and Dean competing competing Johnson priorities.” priorities.” is pleased to have him as a member of the team, “He’s isdoing an to excellent job,” acknowlDean Dean Johnson Johnson ispleased pleased tohave havehim him asasaahe member member ofof the edged. theteam, team, “He’s “He’s “He’s welldoing doing respected an anexcellent excellent and frequently job,” job,”he sought heacknowlacknowlafter edged. by edged. other “He’s “He’s schools well wellrespected in respected the Rutgers and andfrequently frequently Administration sought sought for after after his by expertise. byother otherschools schools He’s a in valuable inthe theRutgers Rutgers component Administration Administration of the Newfor for Jersey his his expertise.

Medical expertise.

School He’s He’saaand valuable valuable a realcomponent component gem.” ofofthe theNew NewJersey Jersey Medical Medical Douglas School School points and and with aareal real pride gem.” gem.” to a couple of accomplishments Douglas Douglas so far points points in hiswith with rolepride pride as COO. totoaaOne couple couple is his ofofaccomplishinvolvement accomplishments ments far farininhis his role roleasasCOO. COO.One One isishis hisinvolvement involvement in thesosomedical school’s Student Training Education inProgram in the the medical medical school’s school’s Student Student Training Education Education (S.T.E.P.).

Initiated fiveTraining years ago, it gives Program students Program (S.T.E.P.). from (S.T.E.P.). high Initiated Initiated school through five five years years graduate ago, ago, ititschool gives gives students the students opportunity from from high high to learn school school the business through throughside graduate graduate of an academschool school the themedical opportunity opportunity totolearn learnthe thebusiness business side sideof ofan anacademacademic center.

Many have been hired from the comicmedical medical center.Many Many havebeen been hired fromthe thecomcomicmunity have hired from incenter. marketing, finance, and administrative supmunity marketing,finance, finance,and andadministrative administrativesupsupmunity port areas. ininmarketing, port areas. his biggest achievement is helping to faciliport Perhaps areas.

Perhaps hisbiggest biggest achievement ishelping helping Perhaps his totofacilitate the integration ofachievement UMDNJ andisRutgers, two offacilithe tatethe thelargest integration UMDNJ and Rutgers, twoofofIthe the tate state’s integration universities, ofofUMDNJ fourand years Rutgers, ago. “What two am state’sproud largest universities, fouryears years ago.“What “What am state’s most largest ofuniversities, is the role I four played in helping ago. my UMDNJ I Iam mostproud proudofof therole roleI Iplayed playedit helpingmy myUMDNJ UMDNJ most colleagues understand isisthe what ininhelping meant to be part colleagues understand what meant be part part colleagues of Rutgers,understand and makingwhat our new itit meant Rutgers totocolleagues be of Rutgers, Rutgers,the andculture makingofour our new Rutgers Rutgers colleagues ofappreciate and making new colleagues UMDNJ, the academic sciappreciate the culture of UMDNJ, UMDNJ, the academic sciappreciate ences, andthe how culture both ofwould havethe a better academic Rutgers sciences, and and how both would would have have aa better better Rutgers Rutgers ences, because of the how merger. both because themerger. merger. because “Thatofof I the can be part of an organization that provides “ThatI Ican can be part part anorganization organization that provides a “That platform to be better discovery ofofan in well-carethat andprovides work in aplatform platform better discovery well-care and work in aan environment totobetter to watch discovery andinin help well-care people and grow work to in be anenvironment environment watch and help people grow be an better as individuals totowatch is what and I love help about people my job,” grow he toto conbe betterasas“It’s individuals whatI Ilove love aboutmy myjob,” job,”he heconconbetter tinued. individuals never the isiswhat same job twice.” about tinued.

“It’snever never the same job twice.” tinued.

“It’s same job twice.”

For these worksthe and many more, Douglas was named For these worksand and manymore, more, Douglas wasnamed named the For 2016 these Steering works Committee many Chair Douglas – Leadership was – the 2016 2016 Steering Committee Committee Chair Leadership –of– the Group onSteering Instructional Planning Chair for the –– Leadership Association Groupon onInstructional Instructional Planning forthe theHe Association Group Planning for Association ofof American Medical Colleges (AAMC). is the first American Medical Colleges Colleges (AAMC).

He is is the the first American African American Medical to hold that (AAMC). position.

He The AAMC first African American American toto hold hold that that position. position. The The AAMC AAMC African

34 The Positive Community May 2017 34 The Positive Community May 2017 34The ThePositive PositiveCommunity CommunityMay May2017 2017

Douglas congratulates award winner at Annual Fine Arts Fair A (for Art) in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering A(rt) Mathematics).

administers the Medical College Admission Test administers administers the Medical Medical College Admission Admission Test Test (MCAT) andthe operates the College American Medical College (MCAT) (MCAT)and andoperates operatesand the theAmerican American Medical Medical College College Application Service the Electronic Residency Application ApplicationService, Service Servicewhich and andfacilitate the the Electronic Electronic Residency Application students Residency applying to Application Application Service, Service, which facilitate facilitate students studentsapplying applyingtoto medical schools andwhich residency programs. medical medical schools schools and and residency programs. programs.

Douglas’ work inresidency the community speaks to his comDouglas’ Douglas’ work work ininthe theHe community community speaks speaks totothe his hisYMCA comcommitment and character. works closely with mitment mitment and andcharacter. character.

He Heworks works closely closely with the theYMCA YMCA of Montclair, and through his work aswith a member of ofOmega ofMontclair, Montclair, and through through hiswork workasasthe aamember member ofof Psi Phiand Fraternity hehis has chaired yearly backOmega Omega Psi PsiPhi PhiFraternity Fraternity he hehas has chaired chaired the theyearly backbackpack drive, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr.yearly breakfast; pack packdrive, drive,instrumental the theannual annualMartin Martin Luther Luther King, Jr.Jr.breakfast; breakfast; and been in their “ToysKing, for Tots” program and andthe been been instrumental instrumental inintheir their “Toys “Toys for forupon Tots” Tots”to program program for past five years. “He can be relied step-up for forthe thepast pastfive fiveyears. years.

“He “Hecan canbe berelied relied upon upon totostep-up step-up in any way,” said his fraternity brother, Jack Farrell.

“His inenthusiasm inany anyway,” way,”said saidthe his hisfraternity fraternitybrother, brother, Jackitself.

Farrell.

Farrell.

“His “His for community speaksJack for He’s an enthusiasm enthusiasm for the the community community speaks speaks for foritself. itself.

He’san an example forfor the younger fraternity brothers in He’s terms of example examplefor forthe the younger fraternity fraternity brothers brothers ininterms termsofof fraternal work asyounger well as his professional work.” fraternal fraternal work workaasas well wellasas his hisprofessional professional work.”

Crediting strong family life, whichwork.” includes wife, Diarra; Crediting Crediting son, Noah, aastrong strong 5; and family family daughter, life, life,which which Noelle, includes includes 3 (known wife, wife, by Diarra; their Diarra; dad son, son, asNoah, “Thing Noah,5;5; #1 and and and daughter, daughter, Thing #2) Noelle, Noelle, and a 3faith 3(known (known that carbyby their ries theirhim dad dadas forward, as“Thing “Thing Douglas #1 #1and andThing feels Thingblessed. #2) #2)and and“I aafaith would faiththat that not carcarbe ries where rieshim him I forward, am forward, without Douglas Douglas a Christian feels feelsblessed. foundation. blessed.“I“Iwould would It is not not notbe my be where intent whereI Ito am amwear without without my afaith aChristian Christian on my foundation. foundation. sleeve, but ItItisto isnot not live my my it intent through intent totomy wear wear work.” my myThis faith faithnative on on my my of Orange, sleeve, sleeve, but NJ butsummed toto live live ititit through up, through “Recognition my mywork.” work.” and This This accolades native nativeofofare Orange, Orange, great,NJ but NJsummed summed when they itit up, do up,“Recognition not “Recognition come, theand and work accolades accolades is its own are are reward.” great, great,but butwhen whenthey they do donot notcome, come,the thework workisisitsitsown ownreward.” reward.” thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

.

H T L .

A Y E SE H R S E R J E G EW T RU LL N W A E N R L O L F A Now you’re closer than ever to benefiting from exceptional health care, innovative research and the latest in medical education. In virtually every New Jersey community, Rutgers Health offers a broad range of services. Patients can be treated by providers who are making breakthrough medical history in their laboratories. The scope of the new Rutgers Health is extensive, yet the care is personal, coordinated and community-centered. Learn more about this health care revolution. Visit RutgersHealth.org.

Dr. Jeff Gardere: Dr. Jeff Gardere: A Prescription for A Prescription Healthy Living for Healthy Living By Glenda Cadogan

By Glenda Cadogan

“A “A

merica’s Psychologist” is concerned about America’s mental health. As one of the leadmerica’s Psychologist” is concerned about ing experts in the field of mental health, Dr. America’s mental health. As one of the leadJeff Gardere earned the sobriquet of “America’s ing experts in the field of mental health, Dr. Psychologist” as every day he brings his unique problemJeff Gardere earned the sobriquet of “America’s solving brand to the classroom, the boardroom, and the Psychologist” as every day he brings his unique problemgreen room. Now he is sounding a tsunami type signal solving brand to the classroom, the boardroom, and the about America’s mental health. “My concern is that we green room. Now he is sounding a tsunami type signal are seeing an overwhelming amount of depression that is about America’s mental health. “My concern is that we tied to fatalistic, pessimistic, and negative views,” he are seeing an overwhelming amount of depression that is explained. “I am even more concerned that we are creattied to fatalistic, pessimistic, and negative views,” he ing a society in which painting certain people as being explained. “I am even more concerned that we are createnemies is commonplace. So instead of looking for ways ing a society in which painting certain people as being we can negotiate a win-win situation, the approach is: enemies is commonplace. So instead of looking for ways how much can I win and how much can I make the other we can negotiate a win-win situation, the approach is: side lose,” says Dr. Jeff, who has been a contributor to the how much can I win and how much can I make the other FOX network, the Today Show, MSNBC, and CNN. side lose,” says Dr. Jeff, who has been a contributor to the With this kind of prevailing behavioral “prescription” FOX network, the Today Show, MSNBC, and CNN. in today’s society, Dr. Jeff is standing up and willing to With this kind of prevailing behavioral “prescription” prescribe an alternative treatment protocol aimed our in today’s society, Dr. Jeff is standing up and willing to individual and collective healing. “First we need to get prescribe an alternative treatment protocol aimed our more active about volunteerism,” he says. “Then we need individual and collective healing. “First we need to get to get back to living in the question of ‘not what my more active about volunteerism,” he says. “Then we need country can do for me but what can I do for my country?’ to get back to living in the question of ‘not what my We can accomplish both things by willingly working with country can do for me but what can I do for my country?’ the most vulnerable among us—the poor, children, We can accomplish both things by willingly working with immigrants, and senior citizens.” the most vulnerable among us—the poor, children, Taking personal responsibility for our holistic health immigrants, and senior citizens.” is also included in Dr. Jeff’s prescription. “The biggest Taking personal responsibility for our holistic health threat to our mental health is stress,” he says. “So, our is also included in Dr. Jeff’s prescription. “The biggest greatest challenge is how do we frame and reframe threat to our mental health is stress,” he says. “So, our stress? We do so by having a positive mental attitude and greatest challenge is how do we frame and reframe focusing on the blessings in our lives. We need the triad stress? We do so by having a positive mental attitude and of mental, physical, and spiritual health in order to be focusing on the blessings in our lives. We need the triad our best selves.” of mental, physical, and spiritual health in order to be In moving toward a society of better mental health, our best selves.”

Dr. Jeff—who in addition to his private practice in In moving toward a society of better mental health, Manhattan is an assistant professor and course director Dr. Jeff—who in addition to his private practice in of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Manhattan is an assistant professor and course director Medicine in New York City—recommends that we look at of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic ways of moving away from the stigma associated with the Medicine in New York City—recommends that we look at issue. “Unfortunately, too many people still hold on to ways of moving away from the stigma associated with the the view that you only need counseling if you are crazy,” issue. “Unfortunately, too many people still hold on to he says. “Contrary to this belief, most of the counseling I the view that you only need counseling if you are crazy,” do in my private practice is for problems of living,” he he says. “Contrary to this belief, most of the counseling I do in my private practice is for problems of living,” he

36 The The Positive Positive Community Community 36 36 The Positive Community

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says, adding, “and we all have those. We have all run into those road blocks that come up in our lives from time to says, adding, “and we all have those. We have all run into time. Therefore, we must understand that it should not those road blocks that come up in our lives from time to be taboo to receive counseling for our mental health time. Therefore, we must understand that it should not challenges or illnesses.” be taboo to receive counseling for our mental health According to Dr. Jeff, his personal philosophy is that challenges or illnesses.” we must understand the connection between mental According to Dr. Jeff, his personal philosophy is that health and physical health. “I am one who truly believes we must understand the connection between mental that all of us need to be involved in physical exercise to health and physical health. “I am one who truly believes the point our bodies can tolerate. Once we take care of that all of us need to be involved in physical exercise to our bodies, our minds are much healthier.” Dr. Jeff was the point our bodies can tolerate. Once we take care of host of VH1’s Dad Camp and most recently, resident psyour bodies, our minds are much healthier.” Dr. Jeff was chologist on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. host of VH1’s Dad Camp and most recently, resident psyTaking a view from all angles, Dr. Jeff also spoke chologist on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. “truth” to our elected leaders calling for a compassionTaking a view from all angles, Dr. Jeff also spoke ate, commonsense approach to the overhauling of the “truth” to our elected leaders calling for a compassionAffordable Care Act (ACA). “Despite whatever they ate, commonsense approach to the overhauling of the come up with in terms of repeal, I think the most imporAffordable Care Act (ACA). “Despite whatever they tant thing is pre-existing conditions,” says Dr. Jeff. come up with in terms of repeal, I think the most impor“Though I am no expert in this regard, I know it is crititant thing is pre-existing conditions,” says Dr. Jeff. cal that this aspect not be gutted. The issue is not about “Though I am no expert in this regard, I know it is critiaccess to healthcare, but the right to healthcare for all. It cal that this aspect not be gutted. The issue is not about is not the same; access is not affordability,” he explains. access to healthcare, but the right to healthcare for all. It “In my view we should be looking at nothing less than is not the same; access is not affordability,” he explains. taking care of every single person in need. Therefore, “In my view we should be looking at nothing less than universal healthcare for all is certainly the way to go.” taking care of every single person in need. Therefore, Born in Manhattan of Haitian parentage, Dr. Jeff, at universal healthcare for all is certainly the way to go.”

61, also has his self-prescribed medicine for living a full Born in Manhattan of Haitian parentage, Dr. Jeff, at life. “If you talk the talk then you must walk the walk,” he 61, also has his self-prescribed medicine for living a full says. “So I approach my ’walk‘ in a way that says I am not life. “If you talk the talk then you must walk the walk,” he trying to stay young, but rather age gracefully. And every says. “So I approach my ’walk‘ in a way that says I am not day I thank the Creator and count my blessings. I cherish trying to stay young, but rather age gracefully. And every all the things that are good in my life and what’s not so day I thank the Creator and count my blessings. I cherish good I work at turning it into the positive.” Beyond a all the things that are good in my life and what’s not so doubt, this, too, is good medicine for all—not written on good I work at turning it into the positive.” Beyond a a prescription pad, but evidenced in the life of doubt, this, too, is good medicine for all—not written on “America’s Psychologist.” a prescription pad, but evidenced in the life of “America’s Psychologist.”

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37

A M E N ’ S G U I D E TO

Urologic Cancers Men can look forward to many things as they age: retirement parties and leisure activities with a 9 iron are often top contenders. But with age also comes an increase in health risks, particularly for cancer, that can put a hold on those after-50 goals. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2017, there will be about 161,000 new cases of prostate cancer, 61,000 men will be diagnosed with bladder cancer and about 40,500 men will be told they have kidney cancer.

New to Bergen County is Dr. Maximiliano Sorbellini, director of urologic oncology and associate director of The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Sorbellini previously served as the head of urology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital and received urologic oncology training from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. He is among a select group of urologists who focus on organ-preserving surgery to treat bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. We sat down with him to learn more about the complex world of urologic cancer.

Q What are some of your goals for expanding care at Englewood Hospital?

Dr. Sorbellini: Urologic conditions, especially for men, can be embarrassing and as a result, patients don’t always seek treatment. So I am always working to try to make people feel comfortable having the difficult conversations. My principal goal is to address my patient’s disease or condition using the least invasive approach possible to help them get back to living their lives sooner with improved quality of life.

Dr. Maximiliano Sorbellini

but a normal initial biopsy. Because noncancerous conditions can also elevate PSA levels, this technology might allow us to better understand the origin of the PSA elevation: cancer vs non-cancer.

Choline C-11 PET scan uses a PET scan and a form of choline to identify cancer cells outside the prostate. This is for patients with suspected recurrent prostate cancer who had definitive treatment but still have rising PSA levels. These patients may benefit from a more tailored treatment.

Q What’s your treatment approach?

Dr. Sorbellini: I take a very individualized approach to my patients’ health needs. I’ll ask, “What do you want to accomplish in the next five to 10 years? What’s very important to you?” I want to know about their lifestyle and goals so we can decide together the best care plan. Treatments don’t come risk free or symptom free and that’s where personalized care plans make a difference – and it’s at the core of our cancer center philosophy.

Q What technologies are available to detect urologic cancer?

Dr. Sorbellini: Lab tests, imaging studies, and diagnostic endoscopies comprise the diagnostic armamentarium we have in urology. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams for prostate cancer are still important for screening and early detection. Biopsies of suspicious lesions are the industry standards used to diagnose prostate cancer.

Q Are there any new tools for early detection of prostate cancer?

Dr. Sorbellini: MRI fusion-guided biopsy combines multiparametric MRI technology with real-time ultrasound images. The MRI study allows for the identification of possible prostate cancer lesions within the prostate so we can then biopsy those.

It’s especially useful for men with continuously elevated PSA

EHMC_Sorbellini_QA_8x10.5.indd 1

Q How have treatments for prostate cancer improved over the years?

Dr. Sorbellini: Precision medicine using drugs that target tumor cells and radiation therapy that uses motion-management software and high-energy waves to kill tumor cells while avoiding healthy tissue. One of these is stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer, which uses a GPS-like tumor mapping system and real-time tracking to locate the tumor and deliver a precisely targeted high-dose radiation treatment in five or fewer sessions. Patients typically have fewer and milder side effects and better outcomes than conventional radiation therapies.

In my specialty, I perform minimally invasive surgical procedures whenever possible, using robotic or laparoscopic techniques to spare tissue and nerves and preserve organ function.

That often means less pain and bleeding after surgery as well as a faster recovery, and lower chance of impotence, urinary incontinence, and other treatment side effects. The goal when using these therapies is to focus on destroying cancer while sparing healthy tissues.

For a urologic evaluation with Dr. Sorbellini, call 201-608-2349.

5/5/17 10:15 AM

Natasha Chinn, MD, with new mom Nathalie B.

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I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I run 3 miles a day.

I still need a mammogram.

Breast cancer doesn’t know May from June, or December from January, which is why it can strike at any time. At Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, we recognize that women must be aware of breast cancer year round. } About one in eight US women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. } Although breast cancer in men is rare, this year, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed. } Less than 15 percent of women who get breast cancer have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease.

Early Detection Saves Lives. When breast cancer is caught early, the prognosis is often excellent. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer found early and confined to the breast is 99 percent.

Let’s beat breast cancer together.

Mammography is widely recognized as the “gold standard” in detecting breast cancer.

It is recommended that women get their first annual mammogram at age 40.

This month, remind your mother or your grandmother, your aunt, your cousin, your sister, your colleagues, your wife or your best friend to schedule her annual mammogram. Tell her how much she means to you and ask her to schedule her appointment. Because the first step in breast cancer prevention is early detection. And, don’t forget to schedule your own mammography appointment.

Visit rwjbh.org/mammo to make the appointment or call The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at 973.926.7466.

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, named a breast imaging center of excellence by the American College of Radiology, offers state-of-the-art technologies and diagnostic services, outstanding clinical care, navigation and guidance. In addition, the Center provides breast health education, support services and flexible scheduling all in a comfortable, spa-like environment.

“They were the best.

Any time I’d call or have a question, they were there.

They would hold your hand.

They made me feel like my case was the most important one at that moment. “For me, early detection was a blessing.”

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Martha Diaz, Old Bridge 18-year Newark Beth Israel Medical Center employee Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, in December 2015, following a 3D screening mammogram at The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Martha celebrated her one-year cancerfree anniversary in April 2017.

KAHLIL KAHLIL CARMICHAEL CARMICHAEL THE THE FITNESS FITNESS DOCTOR DOCTOR Kahlil Kahlil Carmichael Carmichael is is the the spiritual spiritual director director and and founder founder of of It It Is Is Well Well Wellness Wellness and and Worship Worship Center Center in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a spiritual leader and the owner of The Fitness Doctor; a fitness in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a spiritual leader and the owner of The Fitness Doctor; a fitness and and wellwellness ness consulting consulting company. company. He He writes writes a a monthly monthly column column for for The The Positive Positive Community Community Magazine Magazine and and is is the the author author of of 50 50 Tips Tips for for a a Better Better You! You! To To grow grow spiritually spiritually and and improve improve physically, physically, or or have have Pastor Pastor Carmichael Carmichael present present his his wellness wellness seminar seminar to to your your church church or or group group you you can can email email Kahlil Kahlil at at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com Pastor@itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746. or call 732-921-3746.

Finish Strong, Mom

A

ss we we celebrate celebrate all all “moms” “moms” this this month, month, II am am remindreminded of how much I love my beautiful mother ed of how much I love my beautiful mother and and of of all of the women that “mother” me into greatness. all of the women that “mother” me into greatness.

There There are are the the “church “church mothers” mothers” who who offer offer wisdom wisdom and and corcorrection, and dare not I forget the scores of wise and rection, and dare not I forget the scores of wise and insightinsightful ful women women II encounter encounter at at some some of of the the senior senior facilities facilities and and active adult communities where I offer fitness active adult communities where I offer fitness and and spiritual spiritual exercise exercise classes. classes. These These moms, moms, aunties, aunties, and and sisters sisters are are well well worth celebrating.

Many of them have lived full lives worth celebrating. Many of them have lived full lives and and have have very very few few regrets. regrets.

We We have have heard heard many many times times over over this this past past decade decade that that 60 60 is the new 50, and 70 is the new 60.

I am here to tell is the new 50, and 70 is the new 60. I am here to tell you, you, these these are are not not just just catchy catchy phrases phrases used used to to help help those those of of us us who are fast approaching these milestones to feel better who are fast approaching these milestones to feel better about about ourselves. ourselves.

Today, Today, the the senior senior or or active active adult adult population population continues continues to to grow, largely due to women who have placed grow, largely due to women who have placed staying staying healthy healthy and and fit fit as as aa priority. priority. When When II ask ask these these wonderful wonderful “moms” and “mom figures” what motivates “moms” and “mom figures” what motivates them them to to keep keep going (even though they are advanced in their numerical going (even though they are advanced in their numerical years). years). Many Many of of them them say say they’re they’re determined determined to to “finish “finish strong!” strong!”

II am am aa longtime longtime admirer admirer of of marathon marathon runners. runners.

Truthfully, I am even a fan of those who Truthfully, I am even a fan of those who are are in in training training for for aa marathon. marathon. Thinking Thinking about about the the time time and and consistent consistent discidiscipline pline it it takes takes to to complete complete aa marathon—all marathon—all 26.2 26.2 miles miles of of it— it— truly captivates my heart and imagination.

It is fascinating truly captivates my heart and imagination. It is fascinating to to witness witness the the determination determination of of these these magnificent magnificent athletes’ athletes’ unwavering will to finish strong! unwavering will to finish strong!

It It is is equally equally as as inspiring inspiring to to witness witness the the will will of of strong strong mothers everywhere who strive to finish strong.

I ask mothers everywhere who strive to finish strong. I ask them, them, “What “What keeps keeps you you going? going? What What makes makes you you put put staying staying healthy healthy and and being being fit fit as as aa top top priority priority in in your your life? life? Especially Especially since many of you are well over 55?” since many of you are well over 55?”

According According to to 75-year-old 75-year-old mother mother of of four four Anne Anne Franklin, Franklin, the answer is, “I want to be around to actively the answer is, “I want to be around to actively engage engage and and love love on on my my great-grandchildren.” great-grandchildren.” Mrs. Mrs. Franklin Franklin continued, continued, “I “I want want to to have have enough enough energy energy to to chase chase my my ‘great-grands’ ‘great-grands’ around the living room or hug my grandson around the living room or hug my grandson so so tight tight that that II squeeze a smile out of him.” squeeze a smile out of him.”

Someone Someone once once said, said, “Start “Start strong, strong, stay stay strong, strong, and and finish finish strong by remembering why you started in the first strong by remembering why you started in the first place.” place.” II have have “Finish “Finish Strong” Strong” on on my my mirror mirror as as aa reminder reminder to to finish finish

42 42 The The Positive Positive Community Community

May May 2017 2017 May 2017

what what II start. start. Remembering Remembering why why II started started in in the the first first place place helps me complete what I have begun. helps me complete what I have begun.

Although Although II am am aa big big believer believer in in new new beginnings beginnings and and startstarting right where you are, I have truly grown to appreciate ing right where you are, I have truly grown to appreciate the the qualities qualities of of aa finisher finisher as as it it relates relates to to getting getting fit. fit. When When we we do do what what we we have have previously previously deemed deemed impossible, impossible, such such as as work work out out at at 5:00a.m., 5:00a.m., stop stop smoking smoking cigarettes, cigarettes, or or even even train train to to run run aa marathon, it builds us physically and mentally. marathon, it builds us physically and mentally.

So So how how can can we we make make sure sure that that the the women women who who mothered mothered us (biologically or otherwise) finish strong in us (biologically or otherwise) finish strong in mind, mind, body, body, and and spirit? spirit?

We We can can remind remind them them to: to: 1.)

Learn how to deal 1.) Learn how to deal with with stress. stress. Like Like it it or or not, not, stress stress is is aa part of life.

Practice good coping skills: try one-minute stress part of life. Practice good coping skills: try one-minute stress strategies, strategies, do do Tai Tai Chi, Chi, take take aa nature nature walk, walk, play play with with your your pet, pet, or try journal writing as a stress reducer.

Also, remember or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to to smile smile and and see see the the humor humor in in life. life. Research Research shows shows that that laughlaughter ter can can boost boost your your immune immune system, system, ease ease pain, pain, relax relax your your body, and reduce stress. body, and reduce stress.

2.)

2.) Take Take care care of of your your body. body. Taking Taking care care of of yourself yourself physically physically can improve your mental health.

Be sure can improve your mental health. Be sure to: to: eat eat nutritious nutritious meals; meals; avoid avoid cigarettes; cigarettes; drink drink plenty plenty of of water; water; exercise, exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety which helps decrease depression and anxiety and and improve improve moods; moods; and and get get enough enough sleep—researchers sleep—researchers believe believe that that lack lack of of sleep sleep contributes contributes to to aa high high rate rate of of depression. depression.

The The Apostle Apostle Paul Paul says says in in 22 Timothy Timothy 4:7, 4:7, “I “I have have fought fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept kept the the faith.” faith.” On On this this Mother’s Mother’s Day Day 2017, 2017, II want want to to encourage encourage all all moms moms to to finish finish running running their their race race with with grace, grace, courage, courage, and and strength. strength. Why? Why? Because Because we we need need you you to to finish finish strong strong so so we we can finish strong! can finish strong!

Happy Happy Mother’s Mother’s Day, Day, Mom! Mom! If If you’re you’re interested interested in in aa free free consultation consultation or or more more in-formation on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 in-formation on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or or email email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com. thefitnessdoctor@aol.com.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The The information information contained contained in in this this column column is is of a general nature.

You should consult your physician of a general nature. You should consult your physician or or health health care care professional professional before before beginning beginning any any exercise exercise prgram prgram or changing your dietary regimen. or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

What Would You Do With a Second Chance at Life?

Darius Webster, kidney transplant recipient and member of the Iron Knights

D

arius Webster’s favorite pastimes include riding his motorcycle and giving back to his community.

So when his life became dependent on dialysis and he desperately needed a kidney transplant, he found a way to combine those passions.

The Newark resident approached fellow members of the Iron Knights

Motorcycle Club about volunteering for NJ Sharing Network, the nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant.

Each year, Darius and his buddies can be seen with their leather vests and shiny bikes serving as course marshals at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life in New Providence.

Members of the family-oriented club also serve as advocates for organ and tissue donation throughout the year at various motorcycle events.

In New Jersey, over 4,000 people are on the waiting list, and one person dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. However, one organ donor can save 8 lives and one tissue donor can restore health to over 75 people.

Darius received his life-saving transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in 2013. He no longer requires dialysis treatments three times a week. Six grandchildren have been born since his life was saved. He’s also back to coaching and mentoring Little League players in his beloved city.

“You have to be willing to give back and be thankful for things you have,” says Darius. “NJ Sharing Network is a great organization to contribute to since they are actually dedicated to saving lives and making a difference.”

Darius isn’t the only member of the Iron Knights whose life has been touched by donation. Another member, Jack McDermott, is a grateful liver transplant recipient. The club’s president, George Lodato, honors the memory of his niece, who became an organ and tissue donor when she passed away tragically after a car accident.

“Everyone should register to be an organ and tissue donor,” says Darius. “You have the ability to save somebody’s life, which is remarkable.”

You can help save a life by registering as an organ and tissue donor, having a conversation with your family and friends and educating your community about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

TO SIGN UP OR VOLUNTEER, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org/5K

JUNE 4

5K Walk & USATF Certified Race NJ Sharing Network Headquarters 691 Central Avenue, New Providence 7:30am Event Begins 8:30am Race, 10:00am Walk Chris Bautista, father of organ and tissue donor Luke Bautista, shares a special moment with Keath Gerald, a grateful heart and liver transplant recipient at the 5K Celebration of Life.

Presenting Sponsor:

#NJSN #CelebrateLife

“ It is the duty of the whole community to support

these efforts and show what we're able to do when we work together.

Celebrating Earth Day

E

ast New York Restoration Local Development Corp. celebrated Earth Day, April 20, 2017, with a lunch honoring Hasani Douglas. Douglas, a senior in the Environmental Science program (ENYRLDC) at Medgar Evers College, has developed an innovative urban gardening design. Hasani grew up in East New York, and when the opportunity arose to work in his community, “It was serendipity,” he said. Since the beginning of the year, Hasani has been holding workshops on environmental topics for community groups as part of the Greener NYC Initiative, funded through the office of City Councilwoman Inez Barron.

” Hasani Douglas checking the growth of the plants

Khadijah Okoh, also highlighted at the event, is a recent graduate of NYC Tech with a degree in Computer Science. Ms. Okoh has developed a basic math literacy curriculum that is also part of the Greener NYC initiative.

Research shows that lack of math skills is a significant barrier for individuals seeking jobs in the green economy.

Khadijah helps them become comfortable with math. She also works with We Define IT, a local community business and is beginning her own business as well.

Professor Christopher Blaszczak-Boxe praised the innovative ideas and hard work shown by both young adults. Viola Plummer, chief of staff for Assemblyman Charles Barron, said, “It is the duty of the whole community to support these efforts and show what we're able to do when we work together.”

Photos: Lem Peterkin

L–R: Keron Alleyne, staff member office of Assemblyman Charles Barron; Christopher Blaszczak-Boxe, Ph.D., associate prof. of Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York; honoree Hasani Douglas; Colette Pean, executive director East New York Restoration Local Development Corp.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Jahi Issa, PhD; Viola Plummer, chief of staff for Assemblyman Charles Barron; and Khadijah Okoh, program assistant for Greener NYC.

May 2017 The Positive Community

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Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

First Annual NCLC College Fair

BY CARLA CAPIZZ

Higher Education Opportunities for Newark Students

T

he Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC), in partnership with the Newark Public Schools (NPS), hosted the first annual District-Wide College Fair for NPS high school students and their parents at the Rutgers University-Newark Golden Dome Athletic Center earlier this month.

More than 600 NPS students, ranging from grades 9 through 12, from high schools throughout the city had the opportunity to interact with college admissions representatives from around the country. Nearly 40 colleges and universities participated, including Centenary College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, Morgan State University, Pennsylvania State University, Clark Atlanta University, Harvard University, Princeton University, the United States Naval Academy, University of Pittsburgh, and several community colleges and vocational programs.

Several branches of the United States Armed Forces and Wells Fargo Bank also participated.

Throughout the day, students from 9th to 12th grade were able to meet face-to-face with various college representatives to ask questions about each program.

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The Positive Community May 2017

NCLC is an ambitious effort to help Newark become a more economically vibrant city by increasing the number of residents that have education or training beyond high school. Working with a cross-section of 60 partners throughout the city, NCLC aims to increase Newark’s post-secondary attainment rate from the current 18.1 percent to 25 percent by 2025.

“We’re working to expand the college-going culture throughout the city,” says NCLC Executive Director Reginald Lewis. “We want to make sure that every student in Newark receives the information and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about choosing a college.”

“College and career readiness opportunities allow our students, who have a multitude of interests and widerange of goals, to be proactive and plan a meaningful future for themselves,” said Christopher D. Cerf, superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “Thanks to the strong partnerships that have developed between NPS, the Newark City of Learning Collaborative, and others, students across our city are able to explore the many collegiate and professional opportunities that are available in order www.thepositivecommunity.com

For more information on NCLC please visit www.nclc2025.org.

Photos courtesy of Newark City of Learning Colaborative

to successfully compete in the 21st century global economy.”

“It is exhilarating that hundreds of high school students engaged in gathering information, conversing with university representatives, and taking a very proactive part in determining their own futures. These students will go to college, and hopefully, many of them will go to college in Newark,” stated Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, whose office co-sponsored the fair.

“We also expect that many of them will return to Newark after college with additional skills and knowledge to help improve our city.

“I wish to thank NCLC, the Newark Public Schools, the Newark Municipal Council and the five Newarkbased colleges that co-sponsored this successful college fair for Newark students,” said Baraka. The college sponsors were the five NCLC higher education partners: Essex County College, Pillar College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bloomfield College, and Rutgers University-Newark.

Places of Worship Represented: Agape Baptist Church, CCPM, Church Power Ministry, Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, First Mount Zion Baptist Church, Friendship Ministries, Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church, Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Greater Level Hill Baptist Church, Holy Temple Baptist Church, Masjid Al-Haqq, Masjid Al-Quddus, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, New Psalmist Worship Center, Newborn Wesleyan Church, NIA Masjid and Community Center, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Resurrection Temple of Christ, Royal Priesthood Church of God, Smith Memorial Church Of God In Christ, St. James AME Church, The Apostolic Church of New Jersey, Trinity Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, Unity Fellowship Church Newark, and Yes Lord Ministries

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Hosts Newark InterFaith Alliance Meeting

F

or the first time ever, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) hosted Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s Office of Clergy Affairs/Newark InterFaith Alliance meeting. Representatives from more than thirty faith groups and places of worship were in attendance. The meeting was led by Reverend Louise Scott-Rountree of the

Mayor’s Office of Clergy Affairs and facilitated by NBIMC Vice President of Community Affairs Marilyn Harris and President/CEO Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE. Dr. Jennifer LaRosa, MD, FCCM, FCCP, Patient Safety and Quality officer at Newark Beth Israel, gave a brief presentation on patient safety initiatives at the hospital.

Convent Avenue Baptist Church

14th Annual NYTS Urban Angel Awards Photo: Bob Gore

Women’s Day Celebration THEME: GOD’S PROMISES ARE ALWAYS YEA AND AMEN. 2nd Corinthians 1:20

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, Senior Pastor Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis, TN

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The Positive Community May 2017

New York Theological Seminary held their 14th Annual Urban Angel Awards Gala on April 19, 2017 at the Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan.

Pictured above are left to right: President Dale T. Irvin, NYTS; 2017 Urban Angel Honoree Bishop Yvette Flunder; and Auburn Seminary’s Lisa Anderson. Other honorees were Elder David Kwon, Chemtech International Inc.; Rev. Michael L. Lindvall; and The Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Visit Our New Bold Website!

MAY 19–20, 8PM PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART

COUNT MEETS THE DUKE Wynton Marsalis, Vincent Gardner, and Rodney Whitaker are joined by the next generation of jazz greats to perform the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie ROSE THEATER THELONIOUS MONK FESTIVAL JUNE 1–3, 8PM

WORLD OF MONK

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guests Baqir Abbas and Hamilton de Holanda ROSE THEATER

THELONIOUS MONK FESTIVAL JUNE 2–3, 7PM & 9:30PM

’ROUND MIDNIGHT: MONK’S LEGACY Featuring pianists Joey Alexander and Sullivan Fortner THE APPEL ROOM

ELLA FITZGERALD FESTIVAL JUNE 7, 7PM • JUNE 8, 7PM & 9PM

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: ELLA ON MY MIND Michael Feinstein with Nicole Henry, Jessie Mueller, Vuyo Sotashe, and the Tedd Firth Big Band THE APPEL ROOM

thepositivecommunity.com

venue frederick p. rose hall box office broadway at 60th st., ground fl. centercharge 212-721-6500 @jazzdotorg JAZZ.ORG

www.thepositivecommunity.com

May 2017 The Positive Community

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Culture L I F E , M U S I C , A R T & L I T E R AT U R E

Until Everyone Has it Made Jackie Robinson’s Legacy COURTESY ELLEN COOK, NATIONAL GRID BHS Trustee, Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah; SVP, National Grid, Ken Daly; Baseball Hall of Famer Mookie Wilson; Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams; President of the Brooklyn Historical Society, Deborah Schwartz, and SVP, National Grid, Rudy Wynter

O

n April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier during his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Seventy years later, the Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) is commemorating the occasion with a pop-up exhibit at the National Grid MetroTech facility in Brooklyn and a special year-long exhibition– a stone’s throw from where Jackie made history as a Brooklyn Dodger. “Until Everyone Has it Made: Jackie Robinson’s Legacy” will run through June 2018 at the Brooklyn Historical Society and feature programs, memorabilia, photography and more.

“Jackie Robinson’s commitment to Brooklyn – and his perseverance and courage – paved a way into the history of baseball and the civil rights movement,” said Ken Daly, National Grid NY Jurisdiction president. “On a personal note, Jackie Robinson was a hero to my dad, who has special memories of being a Dodgers fan as a child, and I am now privileged to share Jackie’s lessons with my own four children.”

Hundreds of people inside and outside the company attended the celebration at the MetroTech exhibit’s opening on April 5. The exhibit includes images from various collections of Jackie’s life, career as a baseball legend and activist for equality. Along with Ken, our FERC Jurisdiction President Rudy Wynter and VP Customer

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The Positive Community May 2017

and Community Management/event MC Melanie Littlejohn shared ‘dad’ stories about how Jackie affected each of them. They also spoke about what Jackie Robinson’s historic career means to baseball and society in general.

Special guests included legendary baseball player Mookie Wilson of the 1986 World’s Series-winning New York Mets, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who presented exhibit sponsors with a proclamation.

“When people see the Dodger helmet, I think a chill goes down their spine,” said Brooklyn Historical Society’s Marcia Ely about the nearby exhibit at BHS. “When people look at the ball, it shows autographs of each of the players. It makes history come to life.”

The exhibits are part of a collaborative celebration with National Grid, BHS and St. Francis College. Earlier that day, the college hosted a lunchtime lecture on Robinson’s contribution to American history. Freshmen also produced a brochure about this moment in history and how it relates to the art of protest.

“In honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson, we are thrilled to partner with some of Brooklyn’s finest institutions,” said BHS President Deborah Schwartz.

“By engaging students of all ages in this celebration, we are able to impart the importance of Robinson’s role in shaping American history to a new generation.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

“God and nature first made us

what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be.

Follow always that great law.

Let the sky and God be our limit

”

and Eternity our measurement.

Marcus Garvey STORY AND PHOTO BY BOB GORE

Traditional Worship in Jamaica

N

o weekend in Jamaica is complete without a visit to my favorite house of worship, Rose of Sharon Church, a Revivalist congregation in Leith Hall, St. Thomas Parish. The worshipers are inviting, the services-soul stirring, and the drive to church a personal connection with the elders and the culture.

Along the road, we gave rides to elderly ladies elegantly attired in long, stately dresses; colorful hats; and umbrellas. Others in majestic robes and head wraps made their way to the various area churches, elderly saints carrying the weight of their years with dignity and poise— what faith looks like to me.

Nearing the church, my thoughts return to intense music, robust preaching, and charming faces from earlier visits. The reception is always warm, though the youngsters find me and my camera a curiosity. The little children I photographed then are teenagers with smart phones now.

Back then the photo album was mailed to the church.

Today, with digital delivery, everyone can have a set.

The forceful singing, call and response, and hymn lining during the service reminded me of childhood worship at my great grandfather’s church, Fielding’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church in rural Georgia, and my grandfather’s congregation at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church on Chicago’s Southside. The distinct differences between the Afro-American and Jamaican worship reflects the distinctive church histories. According to the Harvard Journal, the 75,000 West African captives brought to Jamaica during the late 18th century brought with them three African influenced religions—Obeah, Pukumania (or Pocomania), and Rastafari.

Revivalism is an authentic Afro-Christian religious folk form that evolved during the 18th and 19th centuries.

According to former Jamaica Prime Minister Edward www.thepositivecommunity.com

Seaga, “It was the native Baptists who joined forces with the Moravians and other non-conformist churches to become the forerunners of the movement. However, Jamaica was said to have experienced a religious movement called the Great Revival in 1861, which saw the incorporation of much more African retention in the movement. Revivalism is divided into two groups, Zion and Pocomania.”

This Sunday was the beginning of a four-day crusade, drawing clergy from across the region who participated in prayers and sermonizing.

The alter is covered with a white cloth on which flowers, fruits, bibles, hymnals, and candles are placed, arranged in a step design. The worshipers move around in a circle, counterclockwise, in forward-stepping motions with a forward bend of the body. They also link, dancing counterclockwise to powerful drumming, while breathing very deeply. This “trumping” sometimes brings on the spirit.

Noted New York choirmaster Jeff Bolding wrote this assessment: The video transports us to a moment and place in our current times where our historical and spiritual traditions are authentically honored and kept relevant. The melodic and harmonic interchanges are clearly from the African/Caribbean singing traditions. The singing is supported by contemporary rhythms and movements, rooted in our African worship traditions. It's a wonderful blending of the past and the current, that transcends time, place, and space. Clearly, celebrating the “holy spirit” is timeless and eternal.

Special thanks to Mr. Leonard McKenzie for introducing me to his hometown and the delightful people in St. Thomas, Jamaica.

May 2017 The Positive Community

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BY PATRICIA BALDWIN BY

BY PATRICIA PATRICIA BALDWIN BALDWIN

Warryn Campbell Warryn Warryn Campbell Campbell

What’s Block!

My Block! on My Happening on What’s Happening Sing unto God a new song!

Sing Sing unto unto God God a a new new song! song!

GRACE & PEACE FAMILY, GRACE PEACE FAMILY, GRACE & PEACE FAMILY, f you & haven’t heard of Warryn Campbell, just know that ffhis you haven’t heard of Campbell, just know that you of Warryn Warryn Campbell, just know that hathaven’t comesheard with not just titles, but works and skills to his hat comes with not just titles, but works and skills his hatit.comes withultimate not just producer, titles, but works skills to to prove He’s the singer,and songwriter, He’s ultimate producer, songwriter, prove it.industry He’s the thepioneer. ultimateYears producer, singer, songwriter, andprove musicit. ago, hesinger, was the vice presand industry pioneer.

Years was presand music industry pioneer.

Years ago, ago, he was the theinvice vice presidentmusic of A&R for Elektra Records, buthe decided 2009 to ident of A&R for Elektra Records, but decided in 2009 ident of A&R forand Elektra Records,hisbut decided 2009 to to work God’s plan established own recordincompany work and record company work God’s plan and established established his own record company simplyGod’s titledplan My Block.

This label his wasown to take all of the talsimply titled Block.

This label take all talsimply titled My Block.the Thisworld labeltowas was to(and take profit all of of the the talents that he’sMy allowed seeto from), ents that he’s allowed the world to see (and profit from), ents world see credit (and profit and that buildhe’s an allowed empire the under his toown for a from), future and build an his credit for future and buildbigger an empire empire under his own own My credit for aamission future probably than under he expected.

Block’s probably bigger than he expected.

My Block’s mission probably than hetoexpected.

My Block’s includes abigger commitment staying ahead of themission curve. includes aa commitment to of includes commitment to staying staying ahead of the the curve.

Cultivating the highest quality musicahead with the bestcurve. label Cultivating the highest quality the Cultivating theBlock highest quality music with the best best label practices, My leads as a music musicwith authority in label West practices, My practices, My Block Block leads leads as as aa music music authority authority in in West West Coast entertainment.

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Now, although he has worked with major secular music Now, although he worked with major secular music Now, although he has has worked with major secular music artists like Alicia Keys, Brandy, and Kanye West (trust, the artists like Alicia Keys, Brandy, and Kanye West (trust, the artists like Alicia Keys, Brandy, and Kanye West (trust, and the list goes on), Campbell is also credited for production list goes on), Campbell is also credited for production and list goes on), for Campbell also credited forYolanda production and songwriting gospelisgreats such as Adams, songwriting for greats such Yolanda songwriting for gospel gospelKierra greats Sheard, such as as and Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, MaryAdams, Mary.

Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kierra Sheard, and Mary.

Dorinda Kierra Sheard, andonMary Mary Mary.

Campbell’sClark-Cole, heart pumps musical brilliance an infinite Campbell’s heart pumps musical brilliance on an infinite Campbell’s heartlimited pumpstomusical onofan infinite level; he’s never any onebrilliance genre style music.

As level; he’s to one style of level; he’sofnever never limited to any any one genre genre style of music. music. As As a matter fact, limited he is also a member of the modern-tradiaational matter of he of modern-tradimatter of fact, fact,group he is is also also member of the the(GospoCentric modern-tradiquartet Theaa member Soul Seekers tional quartet group (GospoCentric tional quartet group The Soul Seekers (GospoCentric Records), who may be The heardSoul on aSeekers top chart hit with the Records), who may be heard on a top chart Records), who may be heard on a top chart hit hit with with the the Rev. Marvin Winans, “It’s All God.” Rev. Marvin Winans, “It’s All God.” Rev.Campbell Marvin Winans, All God.” is also “It’s a loving father and husband who Campbell is loving and husband who Campbelltime is also also loving father and and husband who appreciates spentaa with bothfather his family his church appreciates time spent with both his family and his church appreciates spent both of histhe family and hisWorship church family. He istime pastor andwith founder California family. pastor and of California Worship family.

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II

52 The Positive Community Positive Community 52 The The Positive Community 52

May 2017 2017 May May May 2017 2017

Him. Now, you know the service is amazing if your pastor Him. Now, you service is pastor Him. Now, you know know the service is amazing amazing if ifofyour your pastor finishes preaching andthe grabs an instrument his choice finishes preaching and grabs an instrument of his choice finishes grabs instrument of his choice and goespreaching on to workand it out!

Theananointing on Campbell easand goes to it The anointing Campbell and goes on onand to work work it out! out!

Thebecause anointing on Campbell easily inspires blesses others he on allows himselfeasto ily and blesses because he ily inspires andwith blesses others because he allows allows himself to be inspires transparent his others past and pertinent for thehimself future. to be transparent with past pertinent for future. be Back transparent with his his past and andhas pertinent for the the future. to business, Campbell 2017 tied up with new Back to Campbell has tied up new Back to business, business, Campbell has 2017 2017 tiedHe upiswith with new music from a few of his already-signed artists. working music from a few of his already-signed artists.

He is working music from a fewfrom of hisvocalist already-signed artists. Heslated is working on a new album Jason Champion for a on aa new album from Jason Champion slated for on newrelease, album as from vocalist Jasonnew Champion slated forhisaa summer wellvocalist as exciting solo music from summer release, as well as exciting new solo music from his summer release, as well as exciting soloonmusic fromthat his wife, Erica Campbell.

He’s got a fullnew roster his team wife, Erica Campbell.

He’s got a full roster on his team that ® wife, EricaGrammy Campbell. He’s gotwinners a full roster on his teamErica that includes Award Mary Mary, includes Grammy® Award winners Mary Mary, ® and includes Award winners MaryMcGee Mary, &Erica Erica Campbell,Grammy JoiStaRR, rising star Jason The Campbell, JoiStaRR, and rising star Jason McGee & Campbell, JoiStaRR, and rising JasontoMcGee & The The Choir. However, My Block, Inc, isstar pleased announce its Choir.

However, My Inc, to its Choir.

However, My Block, Block, Inc, is is pleased pleased to announce announce its most recent addition, Oakland-based songbird Lena Byrdmost recent addition, Oakland-based songbird Lena Byrdmost addition, Oakland-based songbird Lena ByrdMiles.recent This woman is undoubtedly a passionate worshiper Miles.

This woman is undoubtedly aa passionate worshiper Miles.

This loves woman is Lord. undoubtedly passionate worshiper who visibly The Lena Byrd-Miles is not a newwho visibly loves The Lord.

Lena Byrd-Miles is not who visibly loves Thething, Lord.she’s Lenathe Byrd-Miles not aa newnewcomer to this record one alwaysishelping out comer to thing, one always helping out comer to this this record thing, she’s she’s the the oneshe’s alwaysbeen helping out somebody in record the background.

Lately getting somebody in the background.

Lately she’s been getting somebody in and the background.

Lately she’s getting “hits,” “likes,” “shares” online—where youbeen might have “hits,” “likes,” and online—where might have “hits,” “likes,” and “shares” “shares” online—where you mightyou have seen her ministering at various churches, you drawing in seen her ministering at various churches, drawing you in seen herI first ministering at various churches, drawing in further. saw her on The Dorinda Clark-Cole Show you on the further.

I first saw her on The Dorinda Clark-Cole Show on the further.

I first saw her onupThe Dorindawith Clark-Cole Show classic, on the Word Network singing a storm a Hawkins Word Network singing storm with aa Hawkins classic, Word NetworkMs. singing up stormnoted with as Hawkins classic, “Be Grateful.”

Lenaup hasaabeen one of the most “Be Grateful.”

Ms. Lena has been noted as one of the most “Be Grateful.”vocalists Ms. Lena been noted gospel. as one of thesultry, most sought-after in has contemporary Her sought-after vocalists in contemporary gospel.

Her sultry, sought-after vocalists in contemporary Her sultry, soulful, and extraordinary vocal prowessgospel. has captured the soulful, vocal has the soulful, and extraordinary vocal prowess prowess has captured captured the attentionand of extraordinary countless musicians and artists.

Byrd-Miles’ attention of countless musicians and artists.

Byrd-Miles’ attention countlessmoments musicians and artists. Byrd-Miles’ vocal styleofembraces of contemporary jazz with vocal style embraces moments contemporary jazz vocal style embracesthat moments of this contemporary jazz with with melodic harmonies are out of world. melodic harmonies that are out of this world. melodic harmonies of this world.

Campbell began that workare onout Byrd-Miles’ debut album this Campbell began on Byrd-Miles’ debut album this Campbell began work on studio Byrd-Miles’ debut “Some album peothis spring with plans forwork live and recordings. spring with plans for live and studio recordings.

“Some peospring plans Some for livepeople and studio recordings. ple arewith talented. are gifted.

Some “Some peoplepeoare ple are talented.

Some people are gifted. people are ple are skilled. talented.Some Somepeople peopleare are anointed. gifted. Some Some people are highly Some people highly skilled.

Some people are anointed.

Some people highly skilled.

Somerare people Some people work hard.

It is very to findare all anointed. those people in one perwork It all one work hard.

It is is very very rare rare to find all those those people in one perperson,” hard. said Campbell said to of find his new artist.people “Lena in Byrd-Miles son,” said Campbell said of his new artist.

“Lena Byrd-Miles son,” said Campbell of hisWe new “Lenaand Byrd-Miles is all of that and thensaid some... areartist. so proud excited is of some...

We so excited is all of that that and and then some...gifted We are areyoung so proud proud and excited to all welcome this then amazingly lady and to the My to welcome this amazingly gifted young lady to the to welcome this amazingly gifted young lady to the My My Block Inc. family.”

Block Block Inc. Inc. family.” family.” thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring into action... experience the magic of live performance!

Chaka Khan | El Debarge Friday, June 23 at 8pm

An Evening with

Diana Krall Friday, June 16 at 8pm Multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz pianist and world-renowned singer Diana Krall returns to NJPAC.

Jill Scott Saturday, July 15 at 8pm The three-time GRAMMYwinning singer and songwriter performs her sensuous R&B hits like “He Loves Me” and “Fool’s Gold.”

World Music Series sponsored by American Express

Earthquake’s Father’s Day Comedy Show

Delray Davis, Donnell Rawlings, Luenell & DC Young Fly Sunday, June 18 at 7pm Earthquake returns with a side-splitting Father’s Day Celebration.

Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths and Third World Take Time to Love Tour Saturday, July 22 at 8pm Reggae royalty! Three of Jamaica’s most influential singers (“Electric Boogie Song,” “See You Again”) team up in concert.

The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes & Tonino Baliardo Thursday, June 29 at 7:30pm The world music superstars celebrate 30 years of their GRAMMY-winning, partystarting blend of flamenco, salsa and pop.

DMX, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep & DJ Chuck Chillout The Art of Rap Friday, June 30 at 8pm Art of Rap brings together some of the best-known artists in hip-hop.

The Temptations and The Four Tops

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

Friday, October 6 at 8pm An evening of timeless soul and R&B with two of the music’s most enduring supergroups!

Saturday, October 14 at 2pm & 5:30pm Be our neighbor at this interactive musical adventure for young audiences, adapted from the beloved PBS KIDS series.

Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series

Bring It! Live Thursday, July 13 at 8pm Fans get a chance to be part of the action when Miss D and her Dancing Dolls perform never-seen routines live on stage!

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with pianist Andre Watts Sunday, October 22 at 3pm Cherubini: Overture Orpheus Commission (TBD) Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9, K.271 “Jeunehomme”

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Directed and Choreographed by PATRICIA BIRCH

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55

EDMONDS BARBARA BARBARA EDMONDS 12 12 page page 12 from page continued continued from A. A.Philip Philip Randolph Randolph

William William (Bill) (Bill) Lucy Lucy Lucy became became the the first first first president president of of the the Coalition Coalition of of Black Black Trade Trade TradeUnionists Unionists in in 1972.

1972.He Hewas wasthe thefirst first African-American African-American to to be be elected elected International International International SecretarySecretaryTreasurer Treasurer of of the the then then then 1.3 1.3 million-member million-member million-member American American Federation Federation of of State, State, County, County, and and Municipal Municipal Municipal Employees Employees (AFSCME) (AFSCME) and and the the first first African-American African-American African-American elected elected presipresident dent of of Public Public Services Services Services International International International (PSI), (PSI), the the internainternational tional public public sector sector federation federation federation of of unions. unions. unions. He He worked workedclosecloselyly with with Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther King, King, Jr. Jr. Jr. during during the the 1968 1968 Memphis Memphis sanitation sanitation strike strike until until the the the civil civil rights rights leader’s leader’s

assassination. assassination. assassination.He He Hewas was wasinstrumental instrumental instrumentalin in inthe the theanti-apartheid anti-apartheid anti-apartheid movement movement movementthat that thatfreed freed freedNelson Nelson NelsonMandela Mandela Mandelaand and andpaved paved pavedthe the theway way way for fordemocratic democratic democraticelections elections electionsin in inSouth South SouthAfrica.

Africa.

Africa.

In In2004, 2004, 2004,Clayola Clayola ClayolaBrown Brown Brownbecame became becamethe the thefirst first firstfemale female femalepresipresipresident dentof of ofthe the theA. A. A.Philip Philip PhilipRandolph Randolph RandolphInstitute Institute Institute(APRI), (APRI), (APRI),the the theoldoldoldest est constituency constituency constituency group group group of of of the the the American American AmericanFederation Federation Federationof of of Labor-Congress Labor-Congress Labor-Congress of of ofIndustrial Industrial IndustrialOrganizations Organizations Organizations(AFL-CIO).

(AFL-CIO).

(AFL-CIO).

APRI APRIhas has haspromoted promoted promotedracial racial racialequality equality equalityand and andeconomic economic economicjustice justice justice since sinceits its itsestablishment establishment establishmentin in in1965.

1965.

1965.

Elected Elected Elected the the the first first first African-American African-American African-Americanwoman woman womanexecutive executive executive director director director of of of District District District Council Council Council 37, 37, 37, AFSCME AFSCME AFSCME in in in 2002, 2002, 2002, renowned renowned renowned labor labor labor leader leader leaderLillian Lillian LillianRoberts Roberts Robertsretired retired retiredin in in2014.

2014.

2014.

Henry HenryGarrido Garrido Garridoisisisthe the thecurrent current currentexecutive executive executivedirector. director. director.

Lee Lee Saunders Saunders Saundersisisisthe the thefirst first firstAfrican-American African-American African-Americanpresident president president of of the the the American American American Federation Federation Federation of of of State, State, State, County County County and and and Municipal Municipal Municipal Employees Employees Employees (AFSCME), (AFSCME), (AFSCME), AFL-CIO AFL-CIO AFL-CIO representrepresentrepresenting1.6 ing1.6 million million million members. members. members.He He Hewas was waselected elected electedat at atthe the theunion’s union’s union’s 40th 40thInternational International InternationalConvention Convention Conventionin in inJune June June2012.

2012.

2012.

At Ataaatime time timewhen when whenthe the thefreedoms freedoms freedomsAfrican-Americans African-Americans African-Americanshave have have fought foughtfor for forand and andwon won wonare are areat at atstake, stake, stake,we we wemust must muststand stand standin in insolidarsolidarsolidarity ity with with with our our our sisters sisters sisters and and and brothers brothers brothers across across acrossthe the theglobe globe globeand and and recommit recommit recommit to to to educate, educate, educate, organize organize organizeand and andmobilize mobilize mobilizeour our ourfamifamifamilies, lies, communities, communities, communities,and and andcongregants congregants congregantsabout about aboutthe the thevital vital vitalrole role role African-Americans African-Americans African-Americans continue continue continue to to to play play play in in in our our our labor labor labor movement. movement. movement. Remembering Remembering Remembering our our our history history historywill will willensure ensure ensurethat that that we we are are are victorious victorious victorious in in in the the the struggles struggles struggles facing facing facing us us us into into into the the the 21st 21stCentury!

Century!

Century!

MICHELLENE MICHELLENE DAVIS DAVIS continued continued from from page page page 10 10 10

2015 2015 to to create create the the Hire Hire Newark Newark Employment Employment Employment Ready Ready Boot Boot Camp.

Camp. This This partnership partnership partnership has has helped helped to to to create create job job opporopportunities tunities for for economic economic economic growth growth and and income income income in in the the City City of of Newark Newark for for aa total total to to to date date of of 36 36 program program program graduates. graduates. The The unique unique 5-week 5-week job job readiness readiness readiness program program program for for Newark Newark resiresidents dents allows allows participants participants participants to to actively actively engage engage engage in in both both hard hard and and soft soft skill skill enhancement. enhancement. enhancement. However, However, However, the the Newark Newark 2020 2020 vision vision and and the the RWJBH RWJBH RWJBH plan plan are are to to improve improve improve upon upon these these results results by by tweaking tweaking the the the program program to to be be be more more reflective reflective of of the the collective collective impact impact impact methodology methodology methodology effective effective in in social social innovation. innovation. More, More, the the the social social impact impact plan plan takes takes ahold ahold of of the the concentric concentric circle circle circle of of hiring hiring local local within within the the procureprocurement ment sphere sphere and and creates creates creates pathways pathways to to to community community wealth wealth creation creation and and urban urban entrepreneurship. entrepreneurship. entrepreneurship.

Khalif Khalif Thomas, Thomas, owner owner owner of of Rock Rock Ya Ya Ya Sock Sock LLC LLC isis aa perperfect fect example example of of Invest Invest Invest and and Buy Buy Local, Local, Local, aa strategy strategy by bywhich which RWJBH RWJBH serves serves to to connect connect connect small, small, minority-owned minority-owned minority-owned local local businesses businesses to to the the right right right resources resources to to support support support the the business business needs needs of of aa small small entity entity entity in in order order to to grow grow grow the the capacity capacity of of local local small small businesses businesses businesses or or organizations. organizations. organizations. We We have have worked worked with with the the City City of of Newark Newark Newark and and Rutgers Rutgers Rutgers University University to to grow grow this this urban urban Newark Newark entrepreneur’s entrepreneur’s entrepreneur’s business business business in in order order to to serve serve as as our our vendor vendor for for patient patient socks socks socks at at NBI. NBI. Rock Rock Ya Ya

56 The Positive Community May 2017 56 56 The The Positive Positive Community Community Community May May 2017 2017 2017

Sock Sock LLC, LLC, LLC,which which whichhad had hadbeen been beenoperating operating operatingout out outof of ofaaahome, home, home,isisis now now co-located co-located co-located with with with another another another manufacturer manufacturer manufacturerin in inNewark, Newark, Newark, Unionware Unionware Unionware Hats, Hats, Hats, and and andhas has hasobtained obtained obtainedupgraded upgraded upgradedmanufacmanufacmanufacturing turingequipment equipment equipmentenabling enabling enablingKhalif Khalif Khalifto to tonow now nowgrow grow growhis his hisbusibusibusiness nessto to toserve serve serveother other otherlarge large largescale scale scaleorganizations organizations organizationsand and andto to tohire hire hire more moreNewarkers.

Newarkers.

Newarkers.

RWJBarnabas RWJBarnabas RWJBarnabasHealth Health Healthembraces embraces embracesthe the theneed need needto to tobe be beboth both bothin in in our our communities communities communities and and and of of of our our our communities. communities. communities. As As As true true true anchors, anchors, anchors,we we weare are arecommitted committed committedto to todelivering delivering deliveringcomprehensive comprehensive comprehensive wellness wellness wellness to to to our our our communities communities communitiesthrough through throughhigh high highquality, quality, quality,culculculturally turallycompetent competent competentclinical clinical clinicalcare, care, care, and and andby by byfully fully fullyutilizing utilizing utilizingour our our place-based place-based place-basedpresence presence presenceto to tobuild build buildcommunity community communitywealth wealth wealthand and andcolcolcollaboratively laboratively laboratively address address address the the the issues issues issues of of of economic economic economic instability instability instability (unemployment, (unemployment, (unemployment,food food foodand and andhousing housing housingsecurity), security), security),communicommunicommunitytycohesion, cohesion, cohesion,and and andeducation education educationvia via viacollective collective collectiveimpact. impact. impact.

We Werealize realize realizethat that thatwhile while whilethese these theseare are areaspirational aspirational aspirationalgoals, goals, goals,they they they are areimportant important importantobligations obligations obligationsin in inour our ourrole role roleas as asmembers members membersof of ofthe the the community. community. community. As As As nonprofit nonprofit nonprofithealth health healthcare, care, care,we we weare are arenot not notreimreimreimbursed bursed bursedfor for forthese these theseprograms programs programsand and andthe the thereturn return returnon on oninvestment investment investment may may not not notbe be beseen seen seenin in inthis this thisgeneration; generation; generation;nevertheless nevertheless neverthelesswe we wesee see see our ourmission mission missionto to tomake make makeaaasocial social socialimpact impact impactas as asan an anessential essential essentialpath path path to tosecuring securing securingthe the thehealth health healthand and andwellness wellness wellnesswhich which whichour our ourcommunicommunicommunities tiesneed need needand and anddeserve. deserve. deserve. www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI MWANDIKAJI K. THE WAY MWANAFUNZI MWANDIKAJI K. AHEAD THE WAY MWANAFUNZI AHEAD THE WAY AHEAD

Ascension Day and Implementation Ascension Day and Implementation Ascension Day and Implementation of the Great Commission of of the the Great Great Commission Commission

L L L

ast month I discussed Palm Sunday, Passion Week, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday. Christians ast month I discussed Palm Sunday, Passion Week, commemorated these four Biblical events ast month I discussed Palmsuccessive Sunday, Passion Week, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday.

Christians in April 2017.

This month, May 2017, I’m touching on: the Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday.

Christians commemorated these four successive Biblical events 40 days following the Resurrection, the Ascension, and commemorated theseMay four2017, successive Biblicalon: events in April 2017. This month, I’m touching the some long-term impacts of the Great Commission. in April 2017.

This month, May 2017, I’m touching on: the 40 days following the Resurrection, the Ascension, and Regarding Jesus Christ’s communication with his closest 40 days following the Resurrection, the Ascension, and some long-term impacts of the Great Commission. followers duringimpacts the 40ofdays starting with Resurrection some long-term the Great Commission.

Regarding Jesus Christ’s communication with his closest Sunday: Regarding Jesusthe Christ’s communication his closest followers during 40 days starting withwith Resurrection followers during the 40 days starting with Resurrection Sunday: To these He also presented himself alive after his suffering, by Sunday: many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of To these He also presented himself alive after his suffering, by forty daysHeand of himself the things concerning the kingdom To these alsospeaking presented alive after his many convincing proofs, appearing to them oversuffering, a period by of of God. Gathering them together, He commanded them not of to many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promforty days and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God. Gathering them of together, He commanded them not to ised, “Which,” He said, “you heard ofcommanded from Me; forthem Johnnot bapof God. Gathering them together, He to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promtized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John bapnot many days He from now.” heard of from Me; for John bapised, said, tized “Which,” with water, but you“you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit —Acts 1:3-5 (New American Standard Bible) tized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” not many days from now.”

—Acts 1:3-5 (New American Standard Bible) Not long after this, Jesus ascended bodily into the sky.

—Acts 1:3-5 (New American Standard Bible) While the disciples watched this, two other men, dressed in Not long after this, Jesus ascended bodily into the sky. white, suddenly beside them andbodily said, “into . . . the Men of Notthe long afterstood this, Jesusthis, ascended While disciples watched two other men, dressedsky. in Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?

This Jesus, While disciples watched twoand other men, white, the suddenly stood besidethis, them said, “ . .dressed . Men in of who has been taken upbeside from you into in white, stood them andheaven, said,sky? “ will . This . .come Men of Galilee,suddenly why do you stand looking into the Jesus, just the why samedoway asstand you have watched Himsky? go This into Jesus, heavGalilee, you looking into the who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in en.”—Acts 1:11taken (NASB) Ascension Day commemorated on who has same been into isheaven, willinto come in just the way asup youfrom haveyou watched Him go heavThursday, May 25 this year. just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”—Acts 1:11 (NASB) Ascension Day is commemorated on Earlier, after Christ’sAscension resurrection before His ascenen.”—Acts 1:1125 (NASB) Daybut is commemorated on Thursday, May this year. sion, Jesus had issued “The Great Commission,” which Thursday, May 25 this year.

Earlier, after Christ’s resurrection but before His asceninstructed His 11Christ’s remaining key disciples. “. . . AllHis authority Earlier, before ascension, Jesusafter had issued resurrection “The Great but Commission,” which in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore, go sion, Jesus had issued “The Great Commission,” which instructed His 11 remaining key disciples. “. . . All authority and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the instructed His on 11 remaining key disciples. “. . Therefore, . All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. go name of the Father andhas ofbeen the Son and of the Spirit, and in heaven and on earth given to me.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the teaching them to obey everything I baptizing have commanded you. and make disciples of all nations, them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Spirit, and And surely I Father am with toand theofvery of and the name of the andyou of always, the Son the end Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. age.”—Mathew 28:18-20 (NIV) teaching them to with obey you everything have And surely I am always, Ito thecommanded very end of you. the The Book of Acts reports this command being obeyed And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”—Mathew 28:18-20 (NIV) and carried out by the apostles and others. Thus, during the age.”—Mathew (NIV)this The Book of28:18-20 Acts reports command being obeyed firstThe century A.D., Christianity spread within the Holy Land Bookout ofbyActs being obeyed and carried the reports apostlesthis andcommand others. Thus, during the and throughout various parts of the Roman Empire, includand

by Christianity the apostles spread and others.

Thus, during the first carried centuryout A.D., within the Holy Land first century A.D., Christianity spread within the Holy Land and throughout various parts of the Roman Empire, includand throughout various parts of the Roman Empire, includ-

ing locations within western Asia, northern Africa, and southern Europe. ing locations within western Asia, northern Africa, and Paul and Barnabas parted company after spreading the ing locations within western Asia, northern Africa, and southern Europe.

Gospel together.

Paul, accompanied by Silas, travelled southern Europe.

Paul and Barnabas parted company after spreading the through SyriaBarnabas and Cilicia, strengthening churches in those Paul and parted company after spreading the Gospel together. Paul, accompanied

by Silas, travelled areas.

Barnabas, accompanied by John Mark, sailed to Gospel together.

Paul, accompanied by Silas, travelled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening churches in those Cyprus. I seem to recall that an historical source other than through Syria andaccompanied Cilicia, strengthening in those areas. Barnabas,

by Johnchurches Mark, sailed to the Bible reports that Barnabas and John Mark subsequentareas.

Barnabas, accompanied by John Mark, sailed to Cyprus. I seem to recall that an historical source other than ly travelled from Cyprusthat to an Egypt and spread the Gospel Cyprus.

I seem to recall historical source other than the Bible reports that Barnabas and John Mark subsequentthere.

Within the next few centuries, Christianity became the Bible reports Barnabas and and John Mark subsequently travelled from that Cyprus to Egypt spread the Gospel established in Abyssinia, located in Africa significantly ly travelled from to centuries, Egypt andChristianity spread the became Gospel there.

Within the Cyprus next few southeast of Egypt. Today, Christianity remains the domithere.

Within the next few centuries, Christianity became established in Abyssinia, located in Africa significantly nant religion in Abyssinia, now called Ethiopia. established Abyssinia, in Africa southeast of in Egypt.

Today, located Christianity remainssignificantly the domiThe “Great Commission,” i.e. processremains of Christians travsoutheast of Egypt.

Today, Christianity nant religion in Abyssinia, now called Ethiopia. the domiellingreligion throughout the world andcalled spreading the Gospel, has nant Abyssinia, now Ethiopia.

The “GreatinCommission,” i.e. process of Christians travcontinued through two millennia into the present, resultThethroughout “Great Commission,” i.e. spreading process of the Christians elling the world and Gospel,travhas ing in large numbers of hearers accepting Jesus Christ as elling throughout world and spreading Gospel, has continued throughthe two millennia into the the present, resultLord and Savior.

Today, there are Christians on every continued twoofmillennia into the present, resulting in largethrough numbers hearers accepting Jesus Christ as inhabited continent onofEarth.

And the Christian faith coning in large numbers hearers accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Today, there are Christians on every tinues to spread.

Lord and Savior.

Today, there are Christians on every inhabited continent on Earth. And the Christian faith conAccordingly, it is on notEarth. surprising thatChristian before the inhabited continent And the faithGreat continues to spread.

Awakening chattel slavery was the norm in North America, tinues to spread.

Accordingly, it is not surprising that before the Great South America, itand the surprising Caribbean,that yet by the late 1800s Accordingly, not Great Awakening chattel isslavery was the norm inbefore Norththe America, chattel slavery had essentially ended throughout these Awakening chattel slavery was the norm America, South America, and the Caribbean, yet in byNorth the late 1800s areas.

I strongly suspect that through Christ-based Bible South and the Caribbean, yet throughout by the late 1800s chattel America, slavery had essentially ended these study, meditation, and discussion—enough people, organichattel essentially ended Christ-based throughout these areas. I slavery stronglyhad suspect that through Bible zations, and nations realized that, although God doesBible not areas.

I strongly suspect that through Christ-based study, meditation, and discussion—enough people, organioutlaw slavery, He specifies that it be conducted in a manstudy, andrealized discussion—enough organizations,meditation, and nations that, althoughpeople, God does not ner far less harsh andrealized far morethat, humane thanGod was practiced zations, and nations although does not outlaw slavery, He specifies that it be conducted in a manin the slavery, Americas.

Ispecifies stronglythat suspect that Christ-centered outlaw He it be conducted in a manner far less harsh and far more humane than was practiced thinking resulted in actions and reactions that ner far less harsh and far more humane than wasultimately practiced in the Americas.

I strongly suspect that Christ-centered outlawed chattel slavery in the Western Hemisphere. in the Americas.

I strongly suspect that Christ-centered thinking resulted in actions and reactions that ultimately Although chattel slavery and was reactions legal in that all of the 13 thinking in actions ultimately outlawed resulted chattel slavery in the Western Hemisphere.

American colonies that rebelled against British rule in 1775, outlawed chattel slavery in thewas Western Although chattel slavery legalHemisphere. in all of the 13 theAlthough northern states among them later outlawed chattel slavchattel was legalBritish in allrule of in the 13 American colonies thatslavery rebelled against 1775, ery, well before the Civil War commenced in the early 1860s.

American colonies that rebelled against British rule in 1775, the northern states among them later outlawed chattel slavDuring the Civil War, the Union issued the Emancipation the states among later outlawed slavery, northern well before the Civil Warthem commenced in the chattel early 1860s.

Proclamation to outlaw chattel slavery in the Confederate ery, well before the Civil War commenced in the early 1860s.

During the Civil War, the Union issued the Emancipation States.

And the North won the the the Civil War in 1865, During the when Civil War, the Union issued Proclamation to outlaw chattel slavery in theEmancipation Confederate the victorious Northern troops were singling “Mine eyes Proclamation to outlaw chattel the War Confederate States. And when the North wonslavery the theinCivil in 1865, have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

States.

And when the North won were the the Civil War in 1865, the victorious Northern troops singling “Mine eyes the victorious Northern troops were singling “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

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thepositivecommunity.com ™ thepositivecommunity.com May 2017 Vol. 17, No. 5 May 2017 Vol. 17, No. 5 Publisher Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor Associate R. L. Witter Editor R. L. Witter Sales Sales Angela Ridenour Angela RidenourJr. Adrian Council, Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. NGS Inc. SatoriCommunications, MPR Satori MPR Marc Williams Marc Williams Contributing Writers Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Mwandikaji g.r. mattox K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Theresa Nance Glenda Cadogan Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Helene Rev. Dr. Fox Joanne Noel Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Photographers Bob Gore Bob Wali Gore A. Muhammad Wali Muhammad SeituA.Oronde Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Rev. Dr.Hall William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Hubert Williams Brian Branch Price Brian KarenBranch WatersPrice Karen Waters Art Direction & Layout Art Direction Layout Penguin Design& Group Penguin Design Group Peter Gillo Peter Gillo The Positive Community Corp.

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The The Last Last Word Word

BY R.L. WITTER

BY R.L. WITTER

THE THE MOTHER MOTHER OF OF ALL ALL BLESSINGS BLESSINGS

W

hen in second or third grade hen in second or third grade my mother referred to me as my mother referred to me as a logophile, I bounded into a logophile, I bounded into the library to retrieve the Webster’s the librarythat to was retrieve thesix-inches Webster’s Dictionary at least Dictionary that was at least six-inches thick and heavy enough that I was thick andover heavy enough was hunched carrying it. I that didn’tI rechunched over carrying it.

I didn’t recognize the word and simply had to ognize the itword andPart simply know what meant. of mehad wastoa know what it meant.

Part of me was a bit frightened as my beloved Grandma bit frightened as my beloved Grandma would sometimes use Latin plant and would sometimes use us Latin plant flower names to make think she and was flower names to make us think was using foul language when we she misbeusing foul language when we misbehaved. In my mind, logophile might haved.

In my mind, logophile be tantamount to a “rotten littlemight rhobe tantamount to a “rotten rhododendron,” and if that was little the case, dodendron,” and if that was the case, I’d need to find out what I had done I’d need my to find out what to merit mother’s ire. I had done to merit my mother’s ire. amusement, Much to my relief and Much to my relief and I found that logophile wasamusement, just a fancy Ititle found logophile justwords. a fancyI for that someone whowas loves title for someone who loves words. was thrilled to learn a new word, espe-I was to learn a new word,so especiallythrilled one that seemed to apply fitcially one that seemed to apply so fittingly to me. I remember asking why tingly to me.

I remember asking why we needed a longer word for somewe needed a longer had word and for something we already Miss thing we already had and America explaining nuance andMiss the America explaining nuance and the importance of choosing exactly the importance of choosing exactly the right word to best express oneself. She right word to best express oneself. She not only explained synonyms and not only explained and antonyms, but also howsynonyms rarely a word antonyms, but also how rarely a word like the modifier “very” should be like the modifier “very” should be used. “Nothing is ‘very cold,’” she used.

“Nothing is ‘veryfrigid, cold,’” she explained; “it’s freezing, arctic, explained; “it’s freezing, frigid, arctic, or perhaps glacial.” I marveled at her or perhaps glacial.”

I marveled her knowledge of so many wordsat that knowledge of so many words that meant almost the same thing, and how meant almost the same thing, and how the nuances and subtleties could the nuances and subtleties could change a sentence. change a sentence.

As a person who writes and edits for As a person who writes and edits for a living, choosing the most appropriaateliving, the most appropriwordchoosing for a situation is of utmost ate word for a situation is of utmost importance; I often find myself not importance; I often find myself not just looking up words in dictionaries just looking up words in dictionaries and thesauri, but researching their etyand thesauri, but researching their etymology.

I chuckle at the fact that there mology.

I chuckle at the fact that there are words I love, such as “persnickety” are words I love, or “obelisk,” and such wordsasI“persnickety” loathe, such or “obelisk,” and words I loathe, such as “loath” and more recently, “bigly.” as “loath” and more recently, “bigly.”

Beyond my love of words, I love to Beyond my love of words, I love to study their etymology—their origin study their etymology—their origin and common usage. I also enjoy puzand common usage. I also enjoy puzzles and patterns and have noticed zles and patterns and have noticed something about the word “mother.” something about the word “mother.”

When you return to the place where When you return to the place where your ancestors lived, it’s the “motheryour ancestors lived, it’s the land,” and you are educated“motherat your land,” and you are educated at your alma mater (nourishing mother). alma mater (nourishing mother).

Latin is considered the “mother Latin the “mother tongue”is ofconsidered all romance languages, tongue” of all romance languages, and when you come upon a large and when you come upon a large quantity or the origin of a supply, it’s quantity or the origin of a supply, it’s the “mother lode.” A designer handthe “mother lode.”

A designer handbag on clearance for $39 would be bag on clearance for $39 would be considered the “mother of all deals,” considered the “mother of all deals,” and Africa, the land where everything and Africa, the land where everything began, is referred to as the “Mother began, is referred to as the “Mother Land.” A woman who is sweet, kind, Land.”

A woman who sweet, kind, sage, and affectionate isis described as sage, and affectionate is described as “motherly,” and attending a person “motherly,” and attending a person or animal with tenderness and care is or animal with tenderness and care is called “mothering.” Worldwide, when called Worldwide, when babies“mothering.” speak, their first word— babies speak, their first word— in whatever language—is usually in whatever language—is usually “Mama.” Even when someone hugs “Mama.”

Even when someone and kisses you relentlessly or payshugs you and kisses you relentlessly or pays you lots and lots of attention, it’s called lots and lots of attention, it’s called “smothering”—and you can’t spell “smothering”—and you can’t spell “smother” without “mother.” “smother” without “mother.”

I guess what I’ve noticed is that I guess what I’ve noticed is that mother is the root of all things, espemother is the root of all things, especially good things. Almost every comcially good Almost every compliment I’vethings. ever received from the pliment I’ve ever received from the cuteness of my freckles to my quirky cuteness of my freckles to my quirky sense of humor; my talent for baking; sense of humor; my talent for baking; and my long, tapered fingers; to my and my long, tapered fingers; to my love of literature, writing, and love of literature, writing, and words—can be traced back as an words—can be traced back as an inheritance from either my mother inheritance from either my mother or one of my grandmothers.

I’ve or one of my grandmothers.

I’ve often heard it said that nothing comoften heard it said that nothing compares to a mother’s love. I agree. And pares to a mother’s love. I agree. And although I’ve always found that synalthough always found that synonyms forI’ve “love” fail to hit the mark, onyms for “love” fail to hit the mark, realistically, “mother” covers that realistically, “mother” covers that one, too. one, too.

Happy Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day! thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

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