May 2014nj

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ www.thepositivecommunity.com $2.95

May 2014

FOCUS: Health Public Safety

&

Sheilah Coley Newark’s First Female Police Director

Vaughn Harper Radio Legend Talks About Diabetes Rev. Stefanie Minatee & Jubilation Celebrate 15 years

Sheilah Coley

Antonio Martin COO NYC Health & Hospitals Corp.

Happy Mother's Day from

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May 2014

CONTENTS

Photo: Brian Branch Price

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Police Director SheilaH Coley is Newark’s Top Cop

SECTIONS MONEY ........................................12 HEALTH ........................................20 EDUCATION ..................................48 CULTURE ...................................... 56

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also inside

Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Antonio Martin Chooses Service Over Stardom

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Features Students Learn Financial Planning .................12 Start Planning for 2015 Taxes ........................14 NY First Lady Addresses Women’s Issues .........15 NANBPWC Scholarship Luncheon ....................17 Women Go Red for Heart Health .....................20 Vaughn Harper Talks Diabetes ........................22 Birthing Project Helps Women & Children .......24 Hilliard Holds Town Hall Meeting ....................28 Rutgers Debate Team Going All the Way ..........48 City College Black Engineering Students Excel ...50 NYTS Urban Angel Awards ...............................54 HCCI Holds Annual Gala .................................56 General Baptist Convention Holds Session .....58

Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Rev. Minatee & Jubilation Celebrate 15 Years..60

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner ..........................67

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

SHEILAH COLEY COVER PHOTO: BRIAN BRANCH PRICE

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The Positive Community May 2014

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The Eleanor Moody-Shepherd Resource Center for Women in Ministry presents...

2014 Women’s Conference June 26-27, 2014 Women, The Bible and

Gender Justice: Breaking Through!

“Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through [God] who loved us.” - Romans 8:37 Join us as we recognize, honor and learn from women who are BREAKING THROUGH barriers and obstacles that still face women in traditional and nontraditional ministries.

Workshops & plenaries to include: • disrupting sexism in black church spaces • effectively navigating through harmful patriarchal structures and religious traditions • breaking cycles of abuse and violence in the church • practical tools and self-care strategies for women in leadership • mentoring round table sessions • networking and resourcing • book gallery • peer preaching • worship and celebration

Featured Speakers: Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman CEO and President, WomanPreach!

“If it were not 4 the Women” Plenary Leader Rev. Dionne P. Boissière Chaplain of the Church Center for the United Nations Worship Leader Rev. Dr. Phyllis Carter Pastor, Refuge Church of Christ, Freeport, NY Workshop Leader Rev. Lisa Jenkins Pastor, St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, New York, NY Closing Worship Leader 2014 Resource Center Honoree

...and more

Registration $65. Includes meals and workshops

To register, please contact Wanda Lang at 212-870-1219 or wlang@nyts.edu. *Also available as a 2-credit course. Please contact RegistrarLB@nyts.edu for additional information.* 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | Tel: 212.870.1211 | Fax: 212.870.1236 | www.nyts.edu

GREAT

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

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

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor

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

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

First 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

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

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

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

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev. Alfonzo Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Jasper E. Peyton, Interim Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

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

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor

Grace & Restoration Fellowship, Paterson, NJ Jerry Wilder, Sr., Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Lagree Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Wayland Williams, Jr., Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter

Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

St. Mark AME Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Vernon Peters, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor

Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

JOHN M. PALMER, PH.D. GUEST EDITORIAL

John M. Palmer, Ph.D. is Director of Community Affairs at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Violence and Health esearchers into the effects of violence have long been aware of the existence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Called battle fatigue, found in veterans of WWII and PTSD diagnosed in Vietnam veterans, this response to overwhelming trauma has been under reported and unsuccessfully treated in the inner cities of urban America. Part of the problem is the lack of information and education on PTSD and its existence as a natural outcome of overwhelming trauma. Because PTSD carries the stigma of mental illness, many inner city sufferers choose to live in denial of the symptoms and their long-lasting debilitating effects on sleep, social skills, interpersonal interactions and health.

Do we have to contend with a pernicious form of PTSD that has it’s etiology in slavery? Can we really determine that the waves of violence in the AfricanAmerican community for the last 65 years have grown out of the damage done by institutional racism, one of the last remnants of slavery? We’ll hold that thought.

We need to determine that no intellectual exercise, no matter how meaningful, should stop us from stopping it!! We know it is bad for our health and happiness and costs billions of dollars in avoidable medical expense to care for the paraplegic, quadriplegic and brain dead victims of violence, not to mention the walking ticking time bombs primed with treatable but denied PTSD. Let’s get off our couches and help a brother and sister out! It could be the best thing we have done for ourselves and our community in a long time! First step, know your numbers—like you know your blood pressure, blood glucose levels, body mass index, and weight.

When you begin to understand and make changes in your personal health and life style for the better.

What are the levels of violence in your local community? How many murders, assaults and/or stabbings per 100,000 people? How many calls come into your local domestic violence hotline per day? What percentage of

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the murders comes from relationships, what percentage is considered to be gang related?

Research the governmental programs that have been deployed, in your neighborhood, to address these issues. Assess the effectiveness of the work being done in the African-American communities by these governmental entities. Find out what community-based organizations have received funding to address these issues.

Go to meetings where these groups discuss their programs and efforts to reduce the violence in the catchment areas they have been assigned to cover.

Join up! Volunteer your time to help the victims of violence. Contribute money to these groups for specific causes. But don’t let your elected officials off the hook.

Find out what legislation they are supporting and how it will impact the problem in your community. Give vigorous support legislation that promises to address the issues specific to decreasing violence in the community where you live.

Support the development of mental health programs designed to help adults, children, individuals, and families cope with the aftermath of violence. Encourage the development of programs that are designed to address the individual needs of the victims. Improve the programs already in place claiming to fulfill this function.

Fight the pernicious effect of stigma that causes African-Americans to deny the existence of symptoms of PTSD; sleep disorders, uncontrollable startle responses, re-experiencing the traumatic event, anxiety attacks, and development of phobias. In children symptoms include fear of being alone or abandonment, and loss of bladder and/or bowel control. Very prominent in victims but seldom acknowledged is an increase in dependence on weapons of choice for self- defense or to claim vengeance for the acts of violence perpetrated against them.

Get to work! Stop the cycle of violence in our community!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

A Tribute to Beatrice Jackson-Walls

omeone once said that if you want to know what a person is really like, don't ask them, their civic organizations, or their friends. It was recommended that one should ask their children. So, I did.

And Darryl Christopher Walls was more than happy to tell me about his loving mother, who, by all indications is leading a full life because she is committed to her God, her biological family and her church family.

Beatrice Jackson-Walls has been a long-time member and administrative assistant at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn. While some spend their entire lives without ever receiving any recognition, such is not the case with Mrs. Jackson-Walls. In 2005, former Rep. Edolphus Towns saw fit to cite her years of dedicated service by including such involvements into the House of Representatives' Congressional Record.

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May 2014

For more than 50 years, Mrs. Jackson-Walls has been a solid fixture at Cornerstone and has served in the church's Youth Fellowship, Young People's Choir and as a teacher in the Baptist Training Union, Junior Department.

The mother of two children, Darryl and Joseph Demetrius, Mrs. Jackson-Walls conceded that with all of the productive things she had done in her life, she was saddened that she did not finish her formal education. When advised that her academic acumen sans the degree still appeared to be impeccable, she graciously thanked this writer and said quietly, “I have tried.”

Her son, Darryl, is an in-demand motivational speaker, and when he talks about his mother, the superlatives fall from his lips like rain. He's just that proud of her. His mother —who is equally proud of him— made mention of the facts that he is both a “good father” and committed churchgoer. The grandmother of Jasmyne Marie, D. Christopher II, and Amara Aurellia, also said the community itself must be challenged and alert about what's going on in the various and sundry neighborhoods.

Her 66 years of stewardship at Cornerstone have taught her to face different challenges and also how to interact with others while working under three “spiritual giants”: the late Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Sandy F. Ray; the Rev. Dr. Harry S. Wright; and her present pastor, the Rev. Lawrence E. Aker, III. This dynamic individual also possesses musical gifts; she is a gifted soprano soloist in the Senior Choir and has performed in concerts throughout the New York Metropolitan area, including Carnegie Recital Hall and St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan.

She is a native daughter of Virginia and believes the African-American community as a whole must make black youth believe they are not only somebody but are quite valuable to themselves and to their communities. That is how she recalled being raised along with other family members.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club offers an elegant atmosphere, overlooking the New York skyline from the 22nd floor, with second-to-none dining by our world-class chef.

Discover our panoramic views for your corporate or social event by contacting (973) 242-0658 or info@MetroRoomNJ.com or visit www.MetroRoomNJ.com.

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May 2014 The Positive Community

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Money Business, Money & work

Career and Financial Planning at Marion P. Thomas Charter School

Reached 625 students from kindergarten through 8th grade using One Wells Fargo approach

Wells Fargo and Marion P. Thomas Students

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n conjunction with the American Bankers Association’s “Teach Children to Save” campaign, which is held annually during the month of April, Wells Fargo Northern NJ team members from participated in Junior Achievement (JA) Day (April 15) at Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark, NJ. Spearheaded by Junior Achievement of New Jersey (JANJ), 625 students in 25 classes learned about personal finance and career development from 50 Wells Fargo volunteers. Tomas Porturas, Wells Fargo Northern New Jersey Community Development Officer helped coordinate the effort.

“The JA day was extremely successful and the feedback we received from the students, teachers, and volunteers was overwhelmingly positive,” said Porturas. “Wells Fargo is committed to investing in the future of local communities, and we are very proud of our partnership with JANJ to add this criti-

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The Positive Community May 2014

cal program in New Jersey schools where children can learn about saving, budgeting and planning for their careers at an early age.”

Established in 1919, JA boasts that it is the world’s largest organization providing business, economic and life-skills programs to enhance the education of young people in urban, rural and suburban areas in all 50 states. Through a devoted volunteer network, JA offers in-school and after-school programs for students from kindergarten through high school.

JANJ is a local affiliate of the international organization. Wells Fargo’s Northeast Region President Michelle Y. Lee serves on its board of directors.

“I am thrilled to witness the continuing work and contributions of our team members to Junior Achievement, and even more pleased with the impact they’re having on the lives of young people,” said Lee. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Wells Fargo Team Members Teach Students

Karin Ferro and Kim Hall-Mitchell with Latoa Cargeor’s kindergarten

Daniel Epps and Jenny Oh and Michael Callissi”s 4th grade Ivon Creagh and Minerva Rimolo — Dionne Taylor’s 3rd grade

John Compton and Christiana Lim with Tiffany Allen’s 4th grade www.thepositivecommunity.com

Daniel Perez & Tiffany Davis — Kisha Slaughter’s 5th grade May 2014 The Positive Community

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Is your computer guy driving you crazy?

Tax Day is Over - Time to Celebrate!

(And start planning for next year)

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pril 15th might be the most stressful day of the year for business owners racing to get their taxes files — and certainly for accountants racing to make hundreds or even thousands of clients happy.

Once the madness of Tax Day subsides, however, most of us put the thought of W-2s and 1099s and deductible expenses far out of sight and even farther out of mind.

Which makes sense — after those Form 1040s are finally shipped off to the IRS, everyone deserves to celebrate (or mourn, depending on their tax liability).

But just because Tax Day is over doesn’t mean you should neglect your particular situation until next spring when the stressful cycle starts all over again. This year, be proactive and get a head start on next year’s taxes by following these Q2 preparation tips.

1. Stay organized. Keeping track of retirement contributions, deductible expenses, and charitable donations is much easier with a clean early year slate. Start a filing system now and stick to it throughout the year to make life less chaotic next spring.

2. Assess your withholding levels. Did you get a big tax refund in 2014? You’re likely having too much withheld — essentially lending the government interest-fee money throughout the year. If so, fill out a new W4 and increase the number of exemptions you claim. Did you owe the IRS extra above and beyond what was withheld from your paycheck? Decrease the number of exemptions you claim so the same scenario won’t repeat itself next year.

3. Get your health insurance house in order. The uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act continues — especially now that everyone is anxiously waiting to see how it will actually perform. In February, the employer mandate was delayed again until 2016 for medium-sized businesses (50 to 99 workers). And companies with more

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The Positive Community May 2014

than 100 employees are required to offer only 70% of their full-time workers coverage in 2015 instead of 95%.

But the individual penalty for non-coverage — 1% of yearly household income or $95 per person — is definitely in effect in 2014. Don’t wait any longer to develop a plan of action to secure health insurance for yourself and your employees.

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Whether it’s energy upgrades or technology investments, many improvements completed this year can yield lucrative tax breaks. (We all have our fingers crossed that the Senate will raise the maximum amount of depreciation allowed under IRS Code Section 179 from $25,000 back to $500,000, where it was from 2010-2013.) Beyond the tax benefit, investing in your home or business is a smart way to spend money.

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*Information dispensed in this QuickTip is for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed. CMIT Solutions and its owners, affiliates, and partners are not tax advisors, and no communications are intended to offer any definitive tax advice. Please consult with qualified tax professionals concerning your situation. www.thepositivecommunity.com

NYC First Lady Addresses Women’s Initiatives Networking L–R: CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor and Board Secretary Jay Hershenson greets Chirlane McCray as members of the WIN host committee look on

Dr. Barbara Kairson pins Ms. McCray as an honorary member of the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women. Looking on are WIN host committee members Robin Verges, Joyce Johnson, (partially hidden) Natatia Griffith and Virginia Montague

Jeremy Travis, president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Rebecca Seawright, CUNY board of visitors

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Dr. Marcia Keizs, president of York College/City University of New York

hirlane McCray, the First Lady of the City of New York and keynote speaker at a reception hosted

by The City University of New York (CUNY), delighted more than 200 guests as she spoke about the need for universal pre-k, her experiences in school, her immigrant heritage, growing up in Massachusetts and her career in New York. The event, on March 20 at the Shiva Art Gallery at John Jay College, was part of CUNY’s support for the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women’s (NYCOBW) inaugural WIN — Women’s Initiatives Networking — project. Organized to bring together diverse individuals and women’s groups to discuss common issues and form alliances, most importantly, WIN aims to present solutions to the issues important to women around the world.

CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor and Board Secretary Jay Hershenson joined Jeremy Travis, president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Avalyn Simon, president of the New York Coalition of One Hundred www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: CUNY Trustee Valerie Lancaster Beal, Chirlane McCray, and CUNY Trustee Freida Foster

Black Women to greet the First Lady and introduce her to CUNY leadership.

Senior Vice Chancellor Hershenson stated: “CUNY values programs that educate and empower women. As a prime example, we have worked with the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women for more than a dozen years on its signature Role Model program, which mentors college and high school students.” “We are delighted to expand our partnership with CUNY once again, and excited to have hosted the First Lady of the City of New York, Chirlane McCray, at the kickoff of WIN, which joins the Coalition's many signature programs working to empower and advocate for women and girls,” said Avalyn Simon, president of the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women.

Here’s a link to her remarks from her tumblr feed: http://flonyc.tumblr.com/post/80683355644/flonycshares-her-story-at-100-black-women-watch May 2014 The Positive Community

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Business and Professional Women Blaze New Pathways with Continuity, Creativity and Confidence

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he Union County Club (UCC) of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. recently celebrated their 42nd Annual Founder’s Day Scholarship Luncheon on April 26 at the Westwood in Garwood, NJ. The theme: Blazing New Pathways with Continuity, Creativity and Confidence. The 2014 honorees were: Regina Bagley-Gray – Sojourner Truth Award; Ella C. Pearyer – Community Service-Outreach Ministry Award; Vonda McPherson – Business Woman of the Year and Rudine Smith – Professional Woman of the Year.

Publisher, Adrian A. Council, Sr. was recipient of “Man of the Year” award. In his remarks, Mr. Council recognized his fellow honorees and the women assembled as “Deborahs” and “Esthers.” He then dedicated this honor to his spiritual leader, past UCC awardee Rev. Shirley B. Cathie, Ed.D., pastor emeritus; Community Church of God Plainfield, NJ for her faith, encouragement, unselfish service and unwavering commitment to a positive community ideal.

L–R: Delois I. Dawson, Union County Club president and Odessa James, president, North Jersey NANBPWC Scholarship Recipients, L–R: Samantha Hunter, Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Newark, NJ; Savannah Llewellyn, Academy for Performings Arts, Scotch Plains, NJ; Joyce A. Tumfour, Union High School, Union, NJ and Michele E. Lett - Bishop Ahr High School, Edison, NJ (Muriel E. Ingram Book Award)

Vonda McPherson, restaurateur and Sojourner Truth Awardee Regina Bagley-Gray

L–R: Front row; Lea, Adrian and Lynda Council, Back row; Rosetta Namutebi and Edward Semambya L–R: Ella C. Pearyer and Delois Dawson Photos: Karen Waters

Sitting - Jacqueline Clemons, luncheon chairperson; Adrian Council, The Positive Community & Delois I. Dawson, president

Rudine Smith

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The Positive Community May 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rutgers University-Newark.

A world-class urban research university.

An anchor institution in Newark, of Newark.

At Rutgers University-Newark, undergraduate and graduate students work with professors who are international leaders in their fields and engage an array of community partners in the dynamic metropolitan environment of New Jersey’s largest city and cultural capital.

Rutgers University-Newark invites you to explore the opportunities for undergraduate and graduate programs offered by: Newark College of Arts & Sciences School of Criminal Justice School of Law-Newark Rutgers Business School Graduate School-Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration

www.newark.rutgers.edu In Newark, of Newark

Photo: Juliet Foster

The Beauty of Diversity

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n March, L’Oréal, the leading beauty company, was recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, an independent center of research promoting best practices in corporate ethics and governance, as a World’s Most Ethical Company. In April, Angela Guy, senior vice president

of Diversity & Inclusion at L’Oréal USA, presented awardwinning broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien, chairman, Starfish Media Group with a 2014 Humanitarian Award at the American Conference on Diversity 2014 Humanitarian Awards and 66th Anniversary Dinner on April 3.

L–R: Angela Guy, SVP L'Oreal USA; awardee Soledad O'Brien, chairman, Starfish Media and Elizabeth WilliamsRiley, president/CEO American Conference of Diversity

In Service to the United States of America Newark’s James Souder Is Petty Officer 1st Class in the U.S. Navy U.S. Navy photo: Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward

Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward/ Released)

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etty Officer 1st Class James Souder, an operations specialist and 1993 Barringer High graduate from Newark, N.J., is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world's largest warships, the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). USS Ronald Reagan is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of only ten operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today, protecting and defending America on the world's oceans. Tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that, and they are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.

Approximately 3,000 men and women make up the ship's company, which keeps all parts of the aircraft carrier running smoothly -- this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors.

Another 2,500 or so form the air wing, the people who actually fly and maintain the aircraft. "I never cease to be impressed with the type and quality of work that goes on aboard the carrier each day," said Capt. Christopher E. Bolt, the carrier's commanding officer. "Our team is filled with highly qualified young adults - in many cases, 19 and 20 years old - and they're out here launching and recovering aircraft, running a complex propulsion system safely, serving as air traffic controllers, operating sophisticated electronics, and keeping this floating city alive and functioning.” He continued, “Their work ethic, enthusiasm, and esprit de corps are second to none. If you pick up a newspaper in any city and examine what other 19and 20-year-olds are doing, there is no comparison to the level of responsibility our Sailors hold. That caliber of sailor is what has earned us the title of America's Flagship.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

President Obama Headlines NAN Conference

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Rev. Al Sharpton, president, National Action Network

Photo: Seitu Oronde

day after he spoke at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas, President Barack Obama inspired the audience on Friday, April 11, 2014 at the National Action Network’s annual conference in New York.

In Austin, the President praised President Lyndon Johnson’s use of presidential power to create new opportunities for millions of Americans. In his speech in New York, he spoke about the positive effect the implementation of the Affordable Care Act has already had for many millions of Americans and the importance of renewing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“The principle of ‘one person, one vote’ is the single greatest tool we have to address an unjust status quo,” he said. “You would think there would not be an argument about this anymore. But the stark, simple truth is this: the right to vote is threatened today in a way that it has not been since the Voting Rights act became law, nearly five decades ago. Across the country, Republicans have led efforts to pass laws making it harder, not easier, for people to vote.”

Mr. Obama also spoke about his My Brother’s Keeper initiative. “Opportunity means answering the call to be my brother’s keeper and helping more boys and young men of color stay on track and reach their full potential. That’s not just something I do; that’s not just something the government does; it’s something everyone can participate in.”

Other highlights of the convention included speeches by Attorney General Eric Holder and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, panels on the state of prisons, HIV-AIDS, economics, issues concerning black men, a women’s breakfast, a youth summit and the William August Jones Memorial Breakfast honoring clergy and the Keepers of the Dream Awards Gala.

The Rev. Al Sharpton is president of the National Action Network; the conference was held at the Times Square Sheraton Hotel April 9-12.

L–R: Rev. Mike Walrond, First Corinthian BC, Harlem leads panel with Pastor A.R. Bernard, Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn and Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, Allen AME Cathedral, Queens

May 2014 The Positive Community

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

Chelsea Clinton

The New York Hilton

L–R: Maredia Warren, American Heart Association; Nellie Jenkins, Health and Human Services chair, Bergen County NJ Chapter of The Links, Inc.; Valerie Hamer and Armetta McQueen both representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Epsilon Omega Chapter

By Madinah Najla James Dr. Toni Bransford, senior Medical Director Novartis

Bonnie Evans, CEO of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ

Women GO RED Luncheons

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n February 2004, The American Heart Association unveiled Go Red For Women—a vibrant movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power that women have to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke while living longer, stronger, heart-healthy lives. In an effort to raise awareness, urge action to prevent or survive the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of women— heart disease and stroke—women from all walks of life throughout Northern New Jersey and New York attend The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement's annual luncheons.

The events raise financial support for this lifesaving movement, so that cutting-edge research, community programs and professional education are focused on

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cardiovascular health. Go Red For Women is presented nationally by Macy’s and locally by sponsors such as Barnabas Health, “Cities Go Red” sponsor, North ShoreLIJ Health System, The Geoffrey Beene Foundation and local media sponsors such as WNBC-TV, 4 New York and Telemundo 47.

Got Red? Just by wearing something red such as a red dress, red tie, red jacket, red scarf, red hat, red blouse, red skirt or a red shirt, on National Wear Red Day in February, you will help raise awareness and change lives.

The 2014 Northern New Jersey Go Red For Women Luncheon took place on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The New York Luncheon was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at the Hilton Hotel. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Health Coverage Options Available Now From Fidelis Care

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id you know that you can apply all year long for Child Health Plus or Medicaid Managed Care? If you or someone in your family is in need of health insurance, Fidelis Care has several quality, affordable health plans available, including coverage options for qualifying seniors.

“We want to be sure people know that quality, affordable health insurance plans are available. If you need coverage, the right plan for you may be available now,” said Pamela Hassen, Fidelis Care’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Many people have questions about what plans they can apply for and when they can enroll. Fidelis Care is here to help.”

Here are some of the coverage options available: Child Health Plus (CHP) - Enroll anytime Almost every child under age 19 is eligible for health insurance coverage through the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus program. Coverage may be free or you may pay a monthly premium based on family income and household size. Fidelis Care offers the lowest full premiums for CHP coverage in most areas. There are no copays.

Medicaid Managed Care - Enroll anytime The income threshold used to determine eligibility for Medicaid has expanded. Many people who didn’t qualify before will find that they may now be eligible. Cost of coverage is free and benefits offer comprehensive coverage.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment for those turning 65 If you turn 65 this year, the enrollment period for Medicare Advantage begins 3 months before you turn 65, and ends 3 months after your birthday. There are different Medicare Advantage products, each with its own benefits, costs, and premiums. If you are not turning 65 this year, Annual Open Enrollment will be October 15 – December 7 for coverage beginning January 1, 2015.

Dual Advantage - Enroll anytime Dual Advantage plans are for seniors who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. Options offer comprehensive coverage with little or no cost sharing.

Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) - Enroll anytime The Fidelis Care at Home program is for individuals age 18 or older who are Medicaid eligible and qualify for nursing home care. They must also be able to stay safely in their own homes with the right care and support. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fidelis Care President and CEO Rev. Patrick J. Frawley (center) cut the ribbon to officially open Fidelis Care's Ridgewood Community Office in March, located at 1674 Putnam Avenue.

NY State of Health Open Enrollment: November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015 Fidelis Care offers products through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. Individuals will be able to apply for “metal-level” coverage (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) during the next open enrollment period, from November 15 – February 15, for coverage in 2015.

You still may be able to apply for coverage through NY State of Health You may still be eligible for coverage if you apply within 60 days of the date of a “qualifying event.” Qualifying events are changes in your life such as: martial status, number of dependents, employment status, place of residence, eligibility, or employer-sponsored plan.

FIDELIS CARE IS HERE TO HELP For more information or assistance with enrollment, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), visitfideliscare.org, or meet with a representative at a Fidelis Care Community Office location: Bronx Community Office: 815 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460, phone: (718) 896-2531.

Chinatown Community Office: 168 Canal Street, Suite 308, New York, NY 10013, phone: (212) 226-6157.

Flushing Community Office: 36-36 Main Street, Suite 2SB, Flushing, NY 11354, phone: (718) 896-4511.

Inwood Community Office: 100-02 Post Avenue, New York, NY 10034, phone: (212) 942-3111 Ridgewood Community Office: 1674 Putnam Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385, phone: (718) 896-2694.

Sunset Park Community Office: 837 58th Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220, phone: (718) 633-5308.

May 2014 The Positive Community

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Vaughn Harper welcomes singer, Amanda Holley; members of Ray Goodman and Brown; with special guest host, R&B Diva Millie Jackson (front center) and co-host, Soul Songstress, Allison Williams

Vaughn Harper: Diabetes Won’t Stop His Show Legendary Former Radio Personality Hosts First Fridays At Mist Harlem Vaughn and Sandra with their daughter Dionnee (center)

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

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aughn Harper, whose “velvet voice” was heard on radio in the tri-state area for three decades, has a new audience. Harper now hosts a monthly First Fridays music and entertainment event at MIST Harlem.

Health Known for the intimate vibe he originated on the “Quiet Storm” program heard late nights on WBLS-FM (107.5) in NYC, what few people know is that Harper was diagnosed more than 20 years ago with Type 2 diabetes. Three times a week, he undergoes a four hour dialysis treatment, yet, Harper wants people who are living with diabetes to stay encouraged.

Denise Andersen, executive director of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Bridgewater, NJ explained, “Diabetes is a disease in which levels of blood glucose,

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also called blood sugar, are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into glucose and carried by the blood to cells throughout your body.” She continued, “Your cells use insulin, made in your pancreas, to help them use blood glucose for energy. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas no longer makes insulin so blood glucose can’t enter your cells to be used for energy.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, either your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body is unable to use insulin correctly.”

Andersen said that 26 million people nationwide have diabetes and, although 18 million have been diagnosed, between 6 and 7 million people remain undiagnosed. The prevalence among black Americans is nearly 13 percent.

“Everything is going well” Harper said of his health. Although he has supportive healthcare professionals, he attributes his wellness to one person. “My wife does whatever needs to be done,” referring to how she monitors his nutrition and prepares his medication.

“When I found out I had diabetes, at that particular point, I didn’t do anything” until “I had a drop attack.” His nearly 6’5” frame fell while at work at the radio station.

“I sat there and laughed because I didn’t understand what was going on,” he recalled. Once hospitalized, he was told his blood glucose level was about 500. According to African Americans for Health Awareness (AAHA) committee member Robin Rison McCoy, who is a registered nurse and diabetes educator, a normal blood glucose level is typically under 100. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Allison Williams with radio legend Bob Law

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very 1st Friday Harlem’s newest entertainment complex, MIST Harlem opens its doors to mature adult partygoers. It’s an evening of live music, classic R&B songs, dance, comedy and wholesome fun!

On Friday June 6th, host Vaughn Harper and co-host Allison Williams invite you and your friends

When it comes to caring for a loved one with diabetes, Sandra Harper explained, “There’s no formula. Read as much as you can find.

Pay attention to the food. You have to read. I have never read so many nutrition labels in all my life. Make sure the sugar content is not high. Cut back on the salt and minimize your starch intake because it converts to sugar in your body.”

Although her background is in real estate, Mrs. Harper has learned that balanced nutrition is essential.

She doesn’t keep sweets in their home, so when tempted, her husband can indulge in an occasional slice of sugar-free apple pie.

Sandra cautions those who have not been screened for diabetes, “If you’re 40 and nobody has checked your blood sugar, get it done, especially if you’re black.

They say you need to exercise too, www.thepositivecommunity.com

to celebrate Black Music Month with style and class at MIST with a special Soul Conscious Music and Dance Party; songs and sounds of freedom with special guest performers; the very best, In Classic Black.

Sponsored by The Positive Community and Razac Products Company.

but Vaughn was an athlete. He played basketball for years and years. So, it’s not like he had a sedentary lifestyle. He didn’t. He was on the go and moving.”

Andersen was resolute in her statement, “For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death. Early intervention via lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased physical activity can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating.”

“You have to know your history,” Sandra Harper pointed out. “You have to take the disease seriously.”

Heredity is important too. Many males in her husband’s family had diabetes. Because of the lack of circulation to the extremities, amputation is a concern and you have to pay special attention to your feet and your hands “because people with diabetes may experience a lack of sensation,” she explained.

It’s that attitude toward his fight against diabetes that led Harper to declare his feelings about Sandra, “I love everything about her. I love that lady.”

First Fridays “On every First Friday at 8 pm, come out to MIST Harlem,” Harper said. “It’s a place where anybody over 30 can come and enjoy great entertainment.”

May 2014 The Positive Community

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Baby shower in Malawi

L–R: Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, MPH and Nene Marks

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Birthing Project USA: Saving the Lives of Mothers & Babies

he Birthing Project’s Sister Friends have saved the lives of thousands of women and babies of color.

These volunteers, in cities and towns across the U.S. and overseas, have encouraged better birth outcomes by providing practical support to women during pregnancy and for one year after the birth of their children. The Sister Friends provide one-on-one friendship, education and practical support to pregnant teens and women.

“This has been a cost effective way of decreasing infant mortality and morbidity in the African-American community,” points out Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, MPH, founder of the Birthing Project USA. Under Hall-Trujillo’s direction, the Birthing Project model has been replicated in almost 100 communities in the U.S., Canada, Central America and Africa. There is even a group in Brooklyn.

Saving babies lives through assisting the Birthing Project USA is part of the business philosophy of ethnic hair care entrepreneurs Nene and Brian Marks, cofounders of Nene’s Secret. Over the last 15 years, the Queens, NY couple has donated nearly $1 million to the Birthing Project, the only national African American maternal and child health program in the U.S. Nene’s Secret is the sponsor of the Birthing Project’s 2014 National Awareness Campaign.

Hall-Trujillo credits the couple with aiding the growth of the grassroots organization. “We are a nonprofit that does not accept federal money and Nene and Brian have helped the project grow from 19 to over 100 projects globally,” said Hall-Trujillo, who holds a Masters degree in public health from UCLA and is a professor at Tulane University. “We are pleased to say that over 13,000 babies were born in the Birthing Project.”

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By Fern Gillespie

Nene’s Secret has been directly involved with the Birthing Project’s initiative in Malawi. The Marks have donated thousands of Safe Birth Kits that have saved lives of women and children in Malawi by giving mothers and babies a safe, hygienic kit filled with healthcare items that can be used in a rural community. The Safe Birthing Kit contains a clean pad to lie on for the birth; medicinal soap sheets to clean; gloves to prevent the spread of infection; a sterile razor blade to cut the umbilical cord and a plastic clamp to secure the baby’s cord. “Malawi has the fourth largest infant mortality rate in the world,” said Hall-Trujillo. “The Birthing Project didn’t lose a child.”

“Growing up in Liberia, I saw many women with problems in their pregnancies. The place that I came from, the women had a very difficult time,” said Nene (pronounced Nae Nae). “I’m a mom who has four children and I love babies. I come from a big family. I believe it’s important to help out others.”

Hall-Trujillo has an ongoing research project in Cuba focusing on the Cuban Maternal and Child Health system and the role of girls and women. She works closely with the Cuban Medical Scholarship Program that is training students from the U.S. to practice medicine in underserved areas in America.

This healthcare impact has earned Hall-Trujillo a reputation as one of the nation’s leading experts on infant mortality in African American communities. She has earned the CNN Hero Award, Essence Magazine “National Community Service Award,” The United States Public Health Service's “Women's Health Leadership Award” and the California State “Maternal and Child Health Certificate of Excellence. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Center for Advanced Pediatric Surgery

SAFE & SOUND When your child needs surgery, it can be challenging for the entire family.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ) is pleased to announce the opening of its new Center for Advanced Pediatric Surgery, located within The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJ. In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and physicians in the community, new procedure rooms set the stage for the most experienced surgical teams, including urology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and trauma – all in a new, family-friendly facility, featuring the latest in robotic technology and minimally invasive

procedure, choose the team that leads the region

1-888-MD-RWJUH BMSCH.org Kids are our ONLY Specialty!

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in comprehensive care for children.

Ink Colors: Trim: Live: Bleed:

When your child’s doctor recommends a surgical

CMYK 8x10.5 7x9.5 .125 all sides

surgery – just for kids.

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The Bessie Mae Women’s and Family Health Center

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he Bessie Mae Women’s and Family Health Center is based on practical, evidenced based methods of care made accessible to medically underserved individuals and families in Essex and Hudson County.

Our approach to health is beyond the traditional health care system and includes a focus on health equity, access to health services, electronic health records, an environment of care and positive health outcomes.

The health center was named after the grandmother of our founder, President/CEO, Esney M. Sharpe.

Opened in June 2012 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in a 3,500 square foot beautifully renovated building downtown East Orange, NJ at the end of the busy intersection in the historical center of the city. Only 20 minutes from downtown Newark, NJ and bus transportation is conveniently located right outside the door. It is surrounded by almost 1.5 acres of land that is used for complimentary parking. Our services includes: Primary Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chiropractic Services, Mental/Behavioral Health Services, Preventive Health Medical Care, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocacy Program, Family Planning Services, HIV Counseling/ Testing, Women’s Wellness and Nutrition, Parent Empowerment Workshops and Seminars, WIC Referral Services, Life Coaching, Weight Management Program, Social Services, Pastoral Care Counseling, Career and Educational Development Program, Intern/Externship Program,

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Student Empowerment Service Learning Program, Multi-Cultural Youth Program, and Breast/Cervical/Prostate/Colorectal Screenings, ACA navigation and enrollment assistance and more.

need your help so that we can continue to address the barriers to medical adherence, work to eliminate some of the major health disparities and increase the opportunities for overall good health outcomes.

We are based on the belief that the patient’s needs are of utmost importance. The courteous, friendly, multicultural and multi-lingual staff speaks up to five different languages. We

Contact us at 973-766-1303, 220 South Harrison Street, East Orange, NJ 07018 or bessiemaewhc@aol. com. Visit our website: www.bessiemaewh.weebly.com.

Esney M. Sharpe, President/CEO

220 So. Harrison Street, East Orange, NJ 07018 We provide the best in women’s health, wellness, education & nutrition!

We are a family practice community health center that’s with you on

“Your Journey To Better Health” Our services include:

• • • • • • • • •

Primary care for women, men & children Obstetrics and Gynecology Women’s wellness and nutrition Chiropractic Services Behavioral / Mental Health Services HIV Counseling and Testing Social Services Prostate & Colorectal Screenings Breast & Cervical Screenings

• • • • • • •

Assistance with: Rental, mortgage, car, tuition & child care Pastoral Care Counseling Career Development/Life Coaching and Counseling Fitness Coaching and Weight Management Program Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Advocacy Program Cancer Survivor Group Sessions Parenting / Co-Parenting Workshops DON’T DELAY…CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

“We :HOFRPH :DON ,QV”

973-766-1303 (phone)

SERVICING THE INSURED AND UNINSURED

Office hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Payment options: Insurance, cash, money orders, credit/debit cards Website: www.bessiemaehc.weebly.com Email: bessiemaewhc@aol.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique

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n answer to a calling to care for others, sisters, Levon and Sheila created ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique in 2007.

Levon holds a New York State License and a New Jersey State Certification in Massage Therapy and prior to forming ZenzaSpa taught Clinical Massage at the Academy of Massage Therapy in Hackensack, NJ. Aware that there was a missing element in NJ for Black women and their skincare needs, Sheila continued her education and earned a degree in Science and Esthetics. Both are members of ASCP (Associated Skin Care Professionals) and AMTA (American

Massage Therapy Association). Together the two work hand-in-hand overseeing ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique. Their mission is to bring overall wellness to their clients through touch therapy and healing of the mind and body through massage, skin care facials and spa treatments.

After four years and much success at their first location on Dean Street in Englewood, in 2011, they moved to their charming new facility at 10 Grand Avenue, also in Englewood.

Offering superior service in comfortable surroundings ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique was voted the Best Day Spa in Bergen County

2014, just one of a host of other Spa Industry Awards.

Active and concerned members of their community Levon and Sheila donate their services to several charities including Spring Bling Think Pink (supporting breast cancer), Gilda’s Club of Northern NJ, NCBW100 Bergen/Passaic, The Links Foundation and The Jessie Banks Foundation, just to name a few.

ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique is a haven of tranquility away from everyday stress, where clients relax and rejuvenate while finding physical and spiritual healing through the power of touch.

Open six days a week, including Sundays Levon and Sheila operate ZenzaSpa Wellness Boutique as a ministry of healing for the mind, body, and spirit through holistic massage and beauty.

10 Grand Avenue, Englewood, NJ 201-227-8070 • www.zenzaspa.com “The goal is to reduce stress and enhance well-being with relaxation, massage and beauty treatments.

Try the Tranquility Room and Far Infrared Chromotherapy Sauna Room for the ultimate in relaxation”

(201) Magazine’s The Best of Bergen 2014 Edition • “VOTED BEST DAY SPA”

Facials

Spa Treatments

Massages

Signature Teen Detox Oxygen Infusion Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion Gentlemen Hot Towel

Aromatherapy Wraps Hydrating Body Wraps Detox Body Wraps Back Scrubs Foot peels Far Infrared Sauna

Swedish Deep Tissue Aromatherapy Hot Stone Bamboo Thai Herbal Reflexology

SPAFINDER GIFT CARDS ACCEPTED ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED www.thepositivecommunity.com

Couples (side by side)

May 2014 The Positive Community

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Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. Bishop Donald Hilliard

Convenes Town Hall Meeting Addressing Familiy Crisis Photos: Brian Branch Price

Professor Obery Hendricks, Jr.

Fredrica Bey

Pastor Esteban Santa

Chris Broussard

Elder Kevin E. Taylor

Dr. Randall Pinkett

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thought-provoking town hall discussion took place on April 23rd at Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ. A town hall meeting called

by Cathedral’s senior pastor, Bishop Donald Hilliard, tackled the single-parenting issues that affect employment, education, social behavior and most importantly, the lack of a male presence as it relates to crime and incarceration, during the event titled “African-American and Latino Family Crisis: Do You Know Your Daddy?

Along with moderator, Dr. Randall Pinkett, panelists Chris Broussard, NBA Analyst – ESPN; Tyrone Muhammad, founder, Morticians That Care; Professor Obery Hendricks, Jr. of New York Theological Seminary; Fredrica Bey, executive director WISOMM Holistic Preschool Center; Elder Kevin E. Taylor, co-founder of Unity Fellow-

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ship Church NewArk; and Pastor Esteban Santa, Iglesia Cathedral Internacional engaged in a serious dialogue about the dynamics of fatherless households in America.

With approximately 1,000 people in attendance, 850 Twitter participants and viewers online at streamingfaith. com/Cathedral-International, a broad audience of concerned citizens, young and old was reached and many were in tune with Bishop Hilliard’s mantra that the conversation “… is not just an opportunity to voice frustration; its purpose is to determine how we can best resolve this epidemic.”

According to Hilliard, there will be more events, more planning and preparation aimed at specific solutions.

This is just the beginning of continued service to youth, family and communities to put a stop the epidemic of fatherless children. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

Felician College talks Higher Ed.

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ew Jersey State Senator Nellie Pou, vice chair of the New Jersey Senate Committee on Higher Education, meets at Felician College with Felician President Dr. Anne Prisco and key staff members to discuss key issues impacting higher education in the State of New Jersey.

L–R: Cynthia Montalvo, director of Financial Aid; Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Felician College; Senator Nellie Pou; Dr. Howard Burrell, special assistant to the President; Fernando Fuentes, Felician College consultant.

ShootingsBloodshed Deaths

Newark – Help us STOP them!

Anonymously Submit Your Tips 24/7 Here:

877-TIPS-4-EC toll free www.thepositivecommunity.com

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

Church Mothers: Fit and Faithful other’s Day is often the time when we pause to pay respect and show reverence to the women in our lives—our biological mothers, grandmothers, aunties, or even a church mother. I am so thankful to say that I have experienced the mothering of all of the above. I am better for it and grateful!

We keep hearing that “60 is the new 50” and “70 is the new 60.” Today, the senior citizen population accounts for roughly 1 in 8 people. The number of people 65 and older is projected to triple by mid-century, from 531 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050. In the U.S., the population of seniors is expected to slightly more than double, from 41 to 86 million. And it is clear that these active adults have placed staying healthy and fit as a priority.

I have marveled at how more of our “Seasoned Saints” are living healthier and more active lifestyles than those of the previous generation. Some of them have been active all or most of their lives. Many, however, began to exercise as a result of a medical diagnosis such as diabetes, heart disease, Lupus, or osteoporosis to name a few.

The spiritual mothers I have encountered over the past few years (especially the church mothers of It Is Well Living Church), have each managed to stay active and healthy by doing some of the basic activities that they love on a daily basis. Our church mothers are no longer content to share wise counsel on spiritual and personal matters of the heart for the generation coming up behind them. They are also leading the way in demonstrating a Godly example of how to live a long, healthy and balanced life.

I have long advocated that the best exercise for each of us is the exercise that we will do and these church mothers have grabbed hold of this advice! Mother Long is an avid tennis and golf player. She has competed and placed in the Senior Olympics and has regularly won titles in both sports respectively.

Sister Maxine, another seasoned saint and triple bypass (heart surgery) survivor, does strength training regularly.

This is especially important for seniors to prevent muscle breakdown and loss. Strength training helps seniors in their

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daily activities —walking up stairs, picking things up, and keeping their balance to prevent falls.

Mother Jackson likes to take walks as a means of staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight, and Mother Anderson is a strong advocate of fitness and wellness programs.

What inspires me most about all of these mothers is not the type of activity that they have chosen, but that they made a choice to take a stand for their health and to do their part.

It says in Proverbs 6:20-23: “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.” There is a lot to be learned from looking at the examples of these mothers and heeding their wisdom. I encourage each of you to take a look at what you can do today to begin the process of participating in your health and healing. And as always, consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Here are some tips, “The 5 W’s of Fitness” to get you started: 1. When? If not now, when? Decide when you will make time for exercise or an active sport that you are able to participate in.

2. What? What will you do? Have a plan for the type of activity that you will engage in.

3. Where? Where will you do your exercise? At home, a park, or a gym?

4. Who? Who will you work out with? Will you go it alone or will you get a buddy or a trainer?

5. Why? Why are you doing this activity? It is important to know the benefits of and what you hope to achieve from your commitment.

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

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“ We are passionate about getting you the best care.”

George Ingram, Horizon NJ Health

Horizon NJ Health is a compassionate and caring organization with employees who clearly understand the needs of the people they serve in New Jersey. We’re here to guide and assist you to get the health care you and your family needs.

If you are on Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, or are uninsured, Horizon NJ Health can help.

To enroll, visit HorizonNJHealth.com or call 877-765-4325 (TDD/TTY: 1-800-654-5505).

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2013 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

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May 2014 The Positive Community

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Jersey City Man Gives Thanks For Life-Saving Gift Jaime David de León’s reasons for joining the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board are simple: “I received a gift and I want to give back.” The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit organization responsible for recovering organs and tissue for transplant for the nearly 5,000 New Jersey residents on the waiting list.

PRESENTED BY

IN COOPERATION WITH

His extraordinary story begins more than a decade ago, when laboratory tests discovered high levels of a protein in his JD de León (on right) received a kidney from his blood that showed he was in friend Ken Wenger. renal failure. He began kidney dialysis and went on the transplant waiting list at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. He remained on dialysis for four years.

But JD’s blood type put him at a disadvantage. He was a type O, which means he can only accept an organ from someone with this rare blood type. However, people with blood type O can be universal donors and, as a result, their blood is in high demand.

“It seemed everyone was getting a kidney except me,” he said. His chances of finding a match “I received a gift were so slim doctors considered him for an and I want to give experimental procedure that allows recipients to receive a non-compatible kidney. His wife, back.”

Theresa, came to the hospital to be tested as a possible non-compatible donor. But doctors quickly ruled her out because her blood pressure was too high. Despondent, she shared her story with a colleague at PNC Bank, where she works as a vice president of wealth management.

The colleague was Ken Wenger. He soon offered his kidney. Theresa and JD were amazed by Ken’s generous offer. And it turns out that Wenger was a perfect match, a statistical improbability.

“Ken told me his brother was born with just one kidney,” JD recalls. “He always expected that he would donate his kidney sometime in his life.” JD said Ken discussed the donation with his brother after his brother had just beaten him in a basketball game. “His brother said, ‘I beat you with one kidney. Go ahead and give your kidney to someone who needs it,” JD recalled. Since the 2007 transplant JD has been healthy and wants to share the life-saving message of organ and tissue donation. “It’s my way of saying thanks,” he said.

JD also plans to celebrate his second chance at life with family and friends on June 8, 2014 at NJ Sharing Network’s 4th Annual 5K Walk & USATF Certified Race in New Providence to show the world the life-saving impact of organ donation and transplantation.

To learn more, to get involved, and to register as an organ and tissue donor today, call NJ Sharing Network at 1-800-742-7365 or visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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The Positive Community May 2014

SIGN UP TODAY!

To remember. To honor. To give hope.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014

4th ANNUAL 5K WALK & USATF CERTIFIED RACE 691 Central Ave, New Providence, NJ

www.NJSharingNetwork.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Stay Healthy by Staying Happy

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here is not one single person who is born with a natural ability to remain positive. It takes work and effort; we must train our thoughts to remain optimistic when we experience challenges. Sustaining a positive attitude can bring success to your personal and professional life as well as help you to stay healthy.

In order to achieve a positive attitude, we have to make a conscious decision each day to be aware of our thoughts and actions. You are much more in control of your own health than you may realize!

The benefits of having a positive attitude are well worth the effort. Health and happiness are the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Here are some tips for keeping a positive attitude.

Give yourself extra time in the morning so that you aren’t feeling rushed and pressured to make it to work on time. Wake up a little earlier so that you can enjoy getting ready for the day ahead. Try to keep your mind focused on your positive goals for the day.

Make it a habit to take care of your health by eating a balanced diet. Consider investing some time and money in products and supplements that will help you achieve optimum health. Also, be sure to get some form of physical exercise on a daily basis.

Don’t allow yourself to fall prey to perfectionism. Remember that no one is perfect; just because you didn’t reach a goal, it doesn’t mean you failed. Learn from your mistakes and move forward.

Lastly, remember to focus on the unlimited possibilities that the future holds. Don’t dwell on past mistakes – they cannot be changed no matter how much you try.

Make a promise to yourself today to become your most optimistic and healthiest self ever and begin reaping the rewards. You’ll be glad you did.

By Dr. Alfred Davis, Jr.

Offering Medical, Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Physical Therapy Treatment for Adults and Children

Davis Integrated Medicine

“LIVELIFEWELL” Call Us to Schedule a FREE Consultation and Screening

DR. ALFRED DAVIS JR.

“Your Most Trusted Wellness Specialist” 309 Orange Road • Montclair (973) 783-3606 • HealthyAdjustments.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

May 2014 The Positive Community

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New Family Birth Place Delivers the Ultimate Maternity Experience Modern, High-Tech Design Meets Award-Winning Care at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center

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f you’re an expectant parent, you may be researching your options to find the best care for your baby - before and after your bundle of joy arrives. Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC) is taking the guesswork out of that process by offering a convenient one-stop-shop for all of your maternity care needs.

Moms and dads will not only benefit from EHMC’s long-standing tradition of award-winning maternity care, but a new Family Birth Place that is expanding to offer parents a contemporary, comforting, family-friendly experience. This modern, high-tech facility is designed to deliver the optimal birth experience, combining comprehensive, patient-centered care with the latest clinical advancements.

Unit at EHMC. “By providing a more modern, spacious experience, we are able to better accommodate family and friends who want to be present for this special occasion, while also providing a better bonding experience for mom, dad and baby.”

Phase two of the expansion is scheduled for completion in the fall. The new Labor and Delivery unit will include state-of-the-art equipment, triage and antepartum areas, and an enhanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with adjacent family rooms.

Phase one of the expansion – a redesigned Mother/Baby unit - was completed in December and features private suites and bathrooms, complete with state-of-the-art bedside care technology. The new unit also offers a well-baby nursery with advanced equipment and an enhanced lactation room with support staff. Other modern amenities include sleeper sofas, room service, warm and inviting décor, mounted flat screen televisions and more.

“We are so excited to approach the end of this project, now that the Mother/Baby Unit has been completed and Labor and Delivery construction is underway,” said Jackie Gonzalez, RNC-MNN, Patient Care Director of Labor and Delivery at EHMC. “The new unit is designed to meet the needs and preferences of our patients during their labor experience and to match the aesthetics to our quality outcomes. We also offer bathtubs for hydrotherapy, so patients can have more choices in modalities for labor support and pain relief.”

“We want our patients feel as though they have checked in to a 5-star hotel and the feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive,” said Shaija George, RN, MBA, MS, CPNP, Patient Care Director of the Mother/Baby

In addition to a newly-designed center, parents can rest easy knowing the health of their baby is in the best hands through every stage of pregnancy. EHMC’s nationally accredited

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Antepartum Testing Center combines medical expertise with advanced technology to diagnose and manage possible maternal or fetal problems.

“EHMC has been a recipient of the HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award and 5 Star Award for 11 consecutive years,” said Faith Frieden, MD, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at EHMC. “We are ranked among the top 5-percent nationwide for clinical excellence in maternity and newborn care, so families can feel confident and reassured mom and baby are receiving the expert care and attention they both deserve.”

The Family Birth Place’s top-rated NICU Nursery also offers an added sense of security for parents. The state of the art facility is staffed 24/7 with board-certified neonatologists and Neonatal nurses.

“Now, at EHMC, new parents can have a family-centered experience, as well as the benefits of a perinatal center, where we are prepared for any complications or extenuating circumstances that may come up,” said Elizabeth B. Carlin MD, Chief of Pediatrics and Newborn Medicine.

To learn more about The Family Birth Place or to schedule a tour, visit www.englewoodhospital.com or call 201-894-3727. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Protecting women’s health for generations.

When breast cancer runs in the family, early detection is crucial for all women. That’s why so many turn to the breast care specialists at Englewood Hospital.

Designated by Congress as a national model for breast cancer diagnosis and management, we have the region’s premier breast care center. We detect more early-stage breast cancer than most other NJ hospitals, delivering rapid, highly accurate diagnoses – often without surgery. Our groundbreaking 3D imaging technology is especially useful with dense or nodular breast tissue. For increased-risk patients, our High Risk Breast Cancer Program provides genetic counseling, testing, risk assessment and emotional support, while our Certified Breast Patient Navigator is there to guide you through every step, from diagnosis through treatment. You can also receive same-day screening and results at our breast care facility in Emerson.

Schedule your mammogram appointment today at 201-894-3202 or online at englewoodhospital.com.

Patient portrayal

Brick City’s Top Cop: Sheilah Coley: Born to Lead

BY R.L. WITTER

Photos by Brian Branch Price

ome people are born to do certain things. Sheilah Coley is one of those people. “I was a kid,” she explained, her voice audibly drifting back in time.

“I was probably 10 or 11 years old,” she continued. “In my family most of the men were in law enforcement.

There was a chief, sheriff’s officers, deputy sheriffs…”

Young Coley quickly set her sights on becoming an officer of the law. While some thought it was a pipe dream, others thought it impossible for a little brown girl from a tough upbringing to make it onto the police force. Coley knew better, so she showed them; she did better.

She now serves as police director of the Newark Police Department.

“It was always my passion,” Director Coley says of law enforcement. “The women in my family were either stay at home moms or they worked in a factory making stockings,” she reflected; but nothing resonated with her like the idea of donning a uniform and a badge and helping people. “I felt that I could either make stockings or get into law enforcement and I liked law enforcement,” she chuckled.

“When I came on the job in 1989, it wasn’t a matter of being a black woman—it was a problem being a woman, period,” Coley explained about joining the Newark Police Department 25 years ago. “There were only 15 women in the entire police department when I joined.

They were not familiar with women on patrol or in many of the different areas of police work,” she continued.

“Most of the women who were already on the job were in clerical positions or they were detectives in the Youth Aid Bureau or other similar positions… I didn’t want to do anything that had become stereotypical of women in the police department. So, if everyone else was patrolling, then I wanted to patrol.”

Sheilah Coley doesn’t do easy, yet she overcomes

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obstacles seemingly without effort. Her resolve likely formed during her early childhood. “I had cousins, uncles and cousins by marriage in law enforcement… At the time I was living with my great-uncle because I was orphaned at four years-old,” she explained quietly. “So that was the environment and the work ethic I was exposed to at a young age… We need to go through the struggles that we do in order to make us the strong people that we become. There’s a saying that you can’t go through Hell and not come out on the other side with some burns, so I think that I needed to go through everything that I’ve been through—good and bad—to make me become the person that I am.”

Today that person is tenacious and determined to do her best and motivate others to do the same. It’s easy to forget that 25 years ago, women hadn’t knocked down as many doors and burst through as many glass ceilings.

Coley cannot forget. She was there, pounding on the doors and the ceilings. “Although we were making strides as women, as supervisors in the agency, I didn’t see a career path where women would actually become chief of police or the director of the police department,” she reflected on her early days on the police force. “I just didn’t see it back then.” But she stepped out on faith and followed her heart toward attaining her goals, believing that somehow, she’d make a way. “I am proud of my accomplishments. I had always said in the police academy, ‘One day I’m going to be the Chief of Police or the Police Director.’ It was either or—NEVER did I dream that I would actually be able to do both. Every day as female officers, we come to work, we do our jobs, and check the gender at the door.”

It’s wasn’t an easy task by any stretch of the imagination, but Coley persevered and began her rise through the ranks. After two years on patrol, she was promoted to www.thepositivecommunity.com

detective, then sergeant, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. “The biggest challenge for me was when I was in Internal Affairs and I wanted to do the best job I possibly could, but that doesn’t always make you popular with your fellow officers. If there was ever a difficult time for me, that was it,” she recalled. “One of my proudest moments was when I was promoted to deputy chief,” she continued. “For all of the people who thought or hinted that I was promoted based upon my gender, it removed all doubt. When I was promoted to deputy chief, I simply became the first person in our agency to attain all ranks.”

With great power comes great responsibility and Coley is handling both with aplomb. “The biggest challenge right now is the lack of personnel. At one point we had 1,700 officers, today I’m faced with 976. So my greatest challenge is trying to find enough officers to put on the street…” she explained. “One of the first things I did when I became police director was put 80 police officers back on the street and it was hard. Just a couple of weeks ago, I put another 60 officers back on the street…When people pick up the phone and call the police, they want

“My faith helps me understand that for everything that happens, there is a reason.”

to know that the police are going to come… Feedback from the public is very positive; they’re seeing more officers, they’re feeling safer…They’re just happy to see officers on the streets.”

Feeling the squeeze of not having enough officers, Coley is leveraging her people skills and experience to ask the community to get involved in making Newark a safer place. “When I go to community meetings I ask that people organize and create block watches. The more of those that we have, the less likely it is that people will take residence on that particular block and begin creating crimes,” she explained. “And it shows a sense of pride in your community too, because it shows that you care what happens there.”

And Coley cares—about Newark’s residents, police officers and the entire community. “I rely on my faith and my upbringing in the Baptist church. My faith helps me understand that for everything that happens, there is a reason. When I look at the kids who get into trouble, I don’t just look at them as bad kids. I wonder what happened, what pain is causing them to do the things that they’re doing? What is it they’re trying to escape?” Coley further explained giving insight into the mind of a police officer when conducting a routine traffic stop.

“We need you to imagine that when we’re pulling a car over, we’re as anxious as the person being pulled over. So I always tell people, if you’re pulled over, put your hands continued on page 40

Director Coley with Captain Eugene Venable

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COO Antonio Martin gets his annual flu shot.

Boardroom Beats Broadway Service, not stardom is ticket to success for Antonio Martin

BY GLENDA CADOGAN an you imagine having a job where every day you know that something is going to go wrong? A job where you walk into the office every morning assured that there will be a problem requiring your attention? Even the most hardened individual will agree that someone shouldering this kind of responsibility requires a strong spiritual foundation and a robust character. Well, a solid foundation of personal development and faith are the keys that Antonio D. Martin brings with him, that have propelled him to the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer at New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation (HHC). This foundation includes what in his words are a “happy childhood,” an abiding faith in God, a sense of inner peace fostered through mediation, personal time and a happy marriage.

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In his capacity as VP/COO of HHC, Martin is responsible for all 22 facilities in the corporation including Kings County, Bellevue, Queens and Elmhurst Hospital Centers; Harlem, Coney Island and Lincoln Hospitals and Jacobi and Woodhull Medical Centers. In addition there are five diagnostic and treatment centers and 70 community clinics under his watch. Despite the obvious pressure of his job, Martin looks forward to going to work every day because: “I really care about our patients,” he says. “I am committed to being of service. Moreover, I believe what keeps me driven is the opportunity to help people.” The mission of HHC, he says, is to take care of everyone who comes through the doors regardless of their insurance or immigration status. “I am proud to support that mission and to make sure that we are taking care of some of the neediest in our city. I approach my work in a way that shows respect for everybody. I believe that everyone has value. And that’s what I want people to say about my leadership—‘That I value everyone.’”

At 61, Martin is happily married to Leslie Mays, whom he says, has “added value to” his life. “I got married three years ago and it is the best thing that could have happened to me. In my wife I have found a wonderful partner who is accomplished in her own right as the vice president of Diversity for Avon Products, but is extremely supportive of the work I do.”

Martin’s leadership style is one of teamwork and inclu-

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sion and has brought him many successes during his history in the healthcare field, which began in 1983 in the Medical Records Department at Metropolitan Hospital. However, in his mind, this first position was designed as a “quick fix’ to the problem of an extended period of financial famine while he pursued what he had purposed as a life on stage.

“I wanted to be the next Sidney Poitier,” he revealed, smiling at the reminiscence. “I spent five years in pursuit of this dream living from feast to famine until my mother got sick of paying my bills and insisted that I take the job at the hospital.”

After his “happy childhood” growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn and St. Albans, Queens, Martin entered Boston University unclear about a career path. So he became a communications major, reasoning that effective communications would be useful in whatever life path he eventually chose. It was while in Boston that the acting bug bit him and he transferred to Hunter College in New York to satisfy this thirst for the theater. His intent was to study with Lloyd Richards, who initially directed A Raisin in the Sun and was the first black director on Broadway. There were some modeling gigs, a few print ads, some small off-Broadway productions and serendipitously a role as an extra in a movie called, The Hospital.

Though he never made it to the “Great White Way” of Broadway, he did create big waves at Kings County Hospital (KCH) after he was transferred there on a massive medical records mission. At the time, medical records were still being kept on paper and KCH had 26 buildings, each with their own medical records department. Martin was tasked with converting everything into one system. A major undertaking that resulted in a major accomplishment when he got the job done handsomely. He became the “Sidney Poitier of medical record keeping,” catching the eye of those in upper

in management. Shortly after, he was recommended for a position at the East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center. “I was not at all enthusiastic about the position,” he told The Positive Community. “I wanted to be at the main campus where all the action was. However, this proved to be one of the best moves in my life.”

As the executive director of what was a large ambulatory care site, Martin had the opportunity to learn how to set up critical departments like finance, quality assurance and human resources. Though on a smaller level, it also gave him great insight into what it takes to run a hospital. The experience will serve him in good stead for his future positions running Kings County and Queens Hospital Centers, the latter position sealing his fate as a top-notch healthcare administrator.

Martin came to Queens Hospital Center at a critical time in the history and development of the site. The job gave him an opportunity to spearhead a $300 million rebuilding project. He left an indelible mark on that Queens community, subsequently building an Ambulatory Care Pavilion, Centers of Excellence for Cancer Care, Women’s Health, Diabetes and Behavioral Health and four affiliate family health centers in the hospital’s neighboring communities.

“I was excited and very happy in Queens where I had been for about 7 years and witnessed how the development in the facility increased morale in the staff and community as well,” he said. The fact is that Martin would have been comfortable staying in that community where, like most of his previous positions, he was a “rock star’ administrator.

But then in 2009, Kings County Hospital was thrown into the international spotlight. In a horrific incident, a woman was left unattended for 24 hours and subsequently died on the floor of the emergency room. KCH’s reputation was stained to the point that people on the streets casually called it “Kings Killing Hospital.” A major fix was needed to change the culture of neglect that permeated the hospital.

Martin was called to be that change. And he was. This time he stepped into the hospital as the senior vice president of the network and immediately set out to change the culture of the organization. His style was one of motivation, not demands. His approach was discussion not dictation.

His aim was respect not neglect. He accomplished all of this by holding town hall meetings with staff and gathering anonymous feedback. By the time he left the institution two years later Kings County Hospital was the hospital of choice even for the critically wounded. “My work at KCH is one of the things I am proudest of in my career,” said Martin.

“That’s because I feel that I was able to positively affect the culture of the hospital.” continued on next page

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ANTONIO MARTIN continued from previous page

Two and a half years ago, Martin was asked to take over the restructuring of the $6.7 billion New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the largest municipal health service system in the country. He has led this charge with determined effort, registering successes with the organization’s process improvement system, “Breakthrough.” In addition, he has enhanced performance in all the areas he oversees, which include information technology, professional services, corporate support services, internal audits and materials management.

Undaunted by the ever-looming budgetary concerns, Martin is passionate about his part in the continued reconstruction and modernization projects at HHC sites throughout the city. These include a $16.3 million Women’s Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital Center and new 30,000-square-foot, $19 million state-of-the-art adult and pediatric emergency departments at Harlem Hospital. This

April, he joined other HHC officials and community leaders in the Bronx to celebrate the completion of a major modernization and expansion of Lincoln Medical Center’s emergency department, the busiest single site emergency room in the city. The new ER costing $24 million, expanded on the previous space by 70 percent and includes adult, pediatric and psychiatric emergency areas aimed at improving patient flow and comfort.

At one point Martin pursued careers as an actor and a healthcare administrator simultaneously. Each demanded unwavering attention, so reluctantly he decided to make a choice. He chose the latter. Broadway may have lost a star but 1.4 million New Yorkers served by the facilities in the Health and Hospitals Corporation gained a mountain mover committed to improving the city’s healthcare delivery system. “I love motivating people and I think I do that well,” he concluded. “But more so, I love being of service.”

Director Coley continued from page 37

on the steering wheel so both hands can be seen at all times and then just follow the officer’s instructions because as they’re getting your information, the officer is slowly decompressing and then you can ask questions …”

Education is important to Coley, who has attended programs at various schools, including Essex County College, Yale University Child Study Program, Penn State’s POLEX Program, Northwestern University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. “It was a little bit intimidating being on the Harvard campus,” she admitted. “But once you start meeting people and sharing your stories, it makes it easier.” Coley also strives to educate the public to help them better understand the job and mindset of police officers.

“We do various academies,” she said. “Citizens Academy, Senior Academy, Clergy Academy— we put them through some of the paces we go through as if we were training them to become a new police officer… After a few simulations, people get it.”

Beyond law enforcement, Coley has a passion for people and aims to inspire others, especially women, to realize their dreams. “For young girls who think they don’t have options or who dare not to dream, you can actually do whatever you want to do,” she advises. “And it doesn’t matter about your circumstances or your home life… you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do. I get to go

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to places, share my story and hopefully inspire someone else. I always make myself available to people after I speak so we can have that one-on-one and I always share my contact information . . . I always want to treat people how I should have been treated or how I should be treated now.”

When not fighting crime and inspiring others, Coley relishes her downtime and enjoys simple things that take her mind off of the stresses and strife of running the Newark Police Department. “I go home, I watch t.v. and watch something completely opposite of what I deal with at work,” she revealed. “I love TVLand. Those are my programs,” she chuckled. “I also go back to my upbring-ing, and church was always an escape for me, I’d start praying and singing—even now, I play gospel music when I clean my house. And if there’s no gospel, I don’t feel like my house is clean.”

Looking ahead, the future is bright for Sheilah Coley.

She feels that the grass is a fine shade of green where she is currently as Director of the Newark Police Department. “I don’t have my eye on any other job. I’m just concentrating on doing this one as well as I can,” she said. “Going forward, I think there are a lot of opportunities for me; I’m the one saying ‘No’ right now because I’m committed and dedicated to the position I have now.”

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Changing the Face of Health Care

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he medical profession may just be getting a few more recruits, now that students from the Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology got a behind-the-scenes look at University Hospital (UH). The ninthand tenth-grade students spent a day touring UH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Pediatric Emergency Department, the New Jersey Trauma Center and went inside an ambulance. The field trip literally ended on “a high,” when the teens visited the hospital’s rooftop helipad and met members of the NorthSTAR medevac team. When they returned to school, their teacher reported, the kids were bubbling over with enthusiasm. “They told me it was the best field trip they ever had, and several said they are ready to start medical school, RIGHT NOW. Your team touched lives and changes futures.”

Providing experiences such as these, particularly for minority students, is one of the many ways University Hospital is working toward closing the diversity gap in health care. Although health care in America is among the best in the world, not everyone has access to the lifesaving care they need. The statistics tell the

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story. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2013 that African-Americans have diabetes and high blood pressure at a rate twice that of whites; African-Americans have the highest rate of HIV compared to other racial and ethnic groups; African-American infants die two times more often that white infants; and the average life expectancy for whites is 78.8 years, while blacks can expect to live 75.3 years.

One way to provide care to all Americans is by increasing the number of minority health professionals.

Research consistently shows that minority patients—especially those whose first language is not English— who see practitioners from their own racial or ethnic group experience improved communication. This in turn leads to more and trust between the patient and the practitioner, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes. A more diverse healthcare workforce has also been shown to increase trust in the health care delivery system among minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, increasing the likelihood that they will use healthcare services. And finally, health professionals from racial and ethnic minor-

ity and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to provide leadership and advocacy for policies and programs that improve access and quality for these underrepresented populations.

Not all of the young students who visit UH will head to medical school, of course. But even a one-day visit exposes them to the many different careers in the medical field. “They learn that there is much more to medicine than just doctors and nurses,” says Barbara Hurley, executive director of Public Affairs at UH. “We often team up with one of schools in the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences unit, so they get an introduction to other facets of medicine.

For example, we may do a combined tour with the School of Health Related Professions or the School of Public Health. Often they are surprised to learn of all the different careers that are open to them.” She adds that by coming to the hospital and hearing from some of the health professionals, some students who thought a medical career was beyond their capabilities begin to feel differently.

“They go away with the feeling that they can actually do it. It’s very exciting to watch them get inspired.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

8 x 10.5 UH Generic Ad_Layout 1 4/14/14 2:32 PM Page 1

WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. EXCELLENT MEDICINE. EXCELLENT CARE. THAT IS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IS RANKED AMONG THE VERY BEST IN NEW JERSEY and INDEPENDENTLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY CARE. n Honor-roll recognition for the rapid treatment of stroke

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We’re very proud of this recognition. But please remember, your care will always be our number one priority. We promise to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

We understand that every one of our patients deserves and will receive not only the very best medical care but also our full attention and respect.

For more information about University Hospital, please call us at: 973-972-4300 or go to our website at: www.uhnj.org 1

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HEALTH

The Connie Dwyer Breast Center provides patients with sophisticated care in a comfortable setting.

TheThe Connie Connie Dwyer Dwyer Breast Breast Center Center provides provides patients patients with with sophisticated sophisticated care care in aincomfortable a comfortable setting. setting.

Saint Michael’s Medical Center— Saint SaintMichael’s Michael’sMedical MedicalCenter— Center— Offering a Full Spectrum Health Services for Women Offering OfferingaaFull FullSpectrum Spectrumofof ofHealth HealthServices Servicesfor forWomen Women

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t Saint Michael’s Medical Center, we t Saint tbelieve Saint Michael’s Michael’s Medical Medical Center, Center, wewe in treating the whole woman— believe believe inmind treating in treating the whole whole woman— woman— body, and the soul— offering body, body, mind mind andand soul— soul— offering offering diagnostic, treatment, wellness, education, diagnostic, diagnostic, treatment, treatment, wellness, wellness, education, education, and quality-of-life improvement services. andand quality-of-life quality-of-life improvement improvement services. services.

Too often, women put the health care needs TooToo often, women women putput the health health care care needs needs ofoften, their loved ones inthe front of their own, of their of their loved loved ones ones in front in front of their of their own, own, leaving themselves vulnerable to preventable leaving leaving themselves themselves vulnerable to preventable preventable diseases.

We alsovulnerable cater to a to woman’s busy diseases. diseases.

WeWe also also cater to to a woman’s a woman’s busy busy life, supporting hercater needs to coordinate her life,many life, supporting supporting herher needs needs to to coordinate coordinate her other obligations.

This is why weher offer many many other other obligations. obligations.

This is why iswe why we we offer offer a continuum of care toThis ensure are helping a continuum aour continuum of each care of care to to ensure ensure we arein are helping patients step of thewe way allhelping of their ourour patients patients each each step step of the of the way way in all in all of their of their health care needs. health health care care needs. needs.

We offer women personalized attention and WeWe offer offer women women personalized personalized attention attention andand extraordinary, customized service through our extraordinary, extraordinary, customized customized service service through through dedicated team of health care experts. ourour dedicated dedicated team team of health of health care care experts. experts.

Preventative medicine, such as regular Preventative Preventative medicine, medicine, such such regular testings and screenings, isas atas theregular heart testings testings and screenings, screenings, at is the atprograms the heart heartas of ourand women’s healthiscare of our of our women’s women’s health health care care programs programs as as regularly scheduled examinations can help regularly regularly scheduled examinations examinations can help help identifyscheduled potential medical issuescan before they identify identify potential potential medical medical issues issues before before they they become critical. While Saint Michael’s offers become become critical. critical.

While While Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s offers offers generalized health tests for males and females generalized generalized health health tests tests for males males andand females females through our Center forforPrimary and Specialty through through our our Center Center for for Primary Primary and and Specialty Specialty Care, there are a series of specialty exams Care, Care, there areare a series aoffered series of specifically specialty of specialty exams exams andthere screenings for women, andand screenings screenings offered offered specifically specifically forfor women, women, including pelvic, cervical and breast exams. including including pelvic, cervical cervical andand breast breast exams. exams.

If any ofpelvic, these screenings indicate the need If any Ifforany of these of these screenings screenings indicate indicate thethe need need further diagnostic testing, surgery or other forfor further further diagnostic diagnostic testing, testing, surgery surgery or or other other specialized procedures, our patient-centered specialized specialized procedures, procedures, our our patient-centered patient-centered Saint Michael’s staff will coordinate every step Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s staff will will coordinate coordinate every every step step of the healthstaff care process. of the of the health health care care process. process.

Saint Michael’s offers a full spectrum of Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s offers offers a full a full spectrum spectrum of of specialty health care services including specialty specialty health health care care services services including including supervised weight-loss plans and surgical supervised supervised weight-loss weight-loss plans plans andand surgical surgical options at our Metabolic and Bariatric options options at diabetes our at our Metabolic Metabolic andand Bariatric Bariatric and Center, detection, education Center, Center, diabetes diabetes detection, detection, education education andand

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management, and advanced cardiac care management, management, and advanced advanced cardiac cardiac care care In through ourand Heart and Vascular Institute. through through our our Heart Heart andand Vascular Vascular In Into every situation from the pointInstitute. ofInstitute. diagnosis every every situation situation from from thethe point point of diagnosis of diagnosis to to treatment and beyond, the Saint Michael’s treatment treatment and and beyond, beyond, the the Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s team guides and treats each patient and team team guides guides andand treats treats each each patient patient andand family member with the care and dignity family family member member with with the the care care and and dignity dignity they deserve to ensure the best possible they they deserve deserve toand to ensure ensure thethe best best possible possible experience medical outcome. experience experience andand medical medical outcome. outcome.

The Connie Dwyer Breast Center The The Connie Connie Dwyer Dwyer Breast Breast Center Center

giving radiologists giving giving radiologists radiologists the ability to identify theand the ability ability to to identify identify characterize andindividual and characterize characterize breast individual individual breast breast structures without structures structures without without the confusion of thethe confusion confusion of overlappingoftissue, overlapping overlapping tissue, tissue, the Miraluma® thenuclear the Miraluma® Miraluma® imaging nuclear nuclear imaging imaging technique used in technique technique used used in in conjunction with conjunction conjunction with withto mammography mammography mammography to to help find cancers help help find find cancers cancers in women with Nadine C. Pappas, M.D., in women in women with with particularly dense Nadine medical director of M.D., the Nadine C. Pappas, C. Pappas, M.D., particularly particularly dense dense breast tissue, and medical Connie Dwyer Breast medical director director of the of theCenter breast breast tissue, tissue, andand Connie Dwyer Dwyer Breast Breast Center Center high resolution breastConnie high high resolution resolution breast breast ultrasound, breast MRI and Stereotactic and ultrasound, ultrasound, breast breast MRI MRI andand Stereotactic Stereotactic andand ultrasound-guided biopsies. ultrasound-guided ultrasound-guided biopsies. biopsies.

Recognizing that breast cancer is a highly Recognizing Recognizing that that breast cancer is aishighly a highly curable disease if breast earlycancer detection and multicurable curable disease disease if early ifare early detection detection andand multimultidisciplinary care provided, The Connie disciplinary disciplinary care care areare provided, provided, The Connie Dwyer Breast Center reachesThe out toConnie more Dwyer Dwyer Breast Center Center reaches reaches out out to to more more thanBreast 1,500 women annually through a series than than 1,500 1,500 women women annually annually through through a series a series of free educational sessions and breast of free of free educational educational sessions sessions and and breast breast cancer screenings at the hospital and in the cancer cancer screenings screenings the at the hospital hospital andand in the in the community, withatoutreach performed at community, community, with with outreach outreach performed performed at atand churches, schools, community centers, churches, churches, schools, schools, community community centers, centers, andand other local organizations. other other local local organizations. organizations.

The Center’s mission is to provide advanced Specialty Services for Women TheThe Center’s Center’s to is to provide provide advanced advanced breast caremission —mission fromisscreening and diagnosis Specialty Specialty Services Services forfor Women Women breast breast care care —— from screening screening andand diagnosis diagnosis • Breast Care to treatment —from for all women, with a special • Breast • Breast Care Care to to treatment treatment —— forfor all all women, women, with with a special a special focus on addressing glaring statistical • Cardiology focus focus on on addressing addressing glaring glaring statistical statistical disparities in breast cancer’s impact among • Cardiology • Cardiology • Endocrinology disparities disparities in breast in breast cancer’s cancer’s impact impact among among African-American and Hispanic women.

Too • Endocrinology • Endocrinology • Gastroenterology African-American African-American and Hispanic Hispanic women. women.

Too often, the illnessand goes undetected until itToo has • Gastroenterology • Gastroenterology often, often, thethe illness goes goes undetected undetected until until it has it has reached anillness advanced state.

• General Surgery reached reached an an advanced advanced state. state.

• General • General Surgery Surgery • Gynecology To help ensure early cancer detection and • Gynecology • Gynecology To To help help ensure ensure early early cancer cancer detection detection and treatment, The Connie Dwyer Breastand Center • Metabolic & Bariatric treatment, treatment, The Connie Connie Dwyer Dwyer Breast Breast Center Center • Metabolic • Metabolic & Bariatric & Bariatric is a fully The digital breast center offering digital • Oncology is ais fully a fully digital digital breast breast center center offering offering digital digital mammography using computer imaging • Oncology • Oncology • Pain Management mammography mammography computer imaging imaging as a “second using setusing of computer eyes” to detect minute • Pain • Pain Management Management as as a “second a “second set set of eyes” of eyes” to to detect detect minute minute • Urology calcifications.

• Urology • Urology calcifications. calcifications.

The Center employs a host of advanced TheThe Center Center employs employs a host a host of advanced of diagnostic techniques, such asadvanced full-field For more information about Women’s Health diagnostic diagnostic techniques, techniques, such such as as full-field full-field digital mammography with computer-aided ForFor more more information about about Women’s Health Health Services orinformation to schedule anWomen’s appointment, digital digital mammography mammography with with computer-aided computer-aided detection, 3-D Tomosynthesis mammography Services Services or to 973-877-5189 to schedule schedule an an appointment, appointment, pleaseorcall or visit smmcnj.org. detection, detection, 3-D3-D Tomosynthesis Tomosynthesis mammography mammography please please callcall 973-877-5189 973-877-5189 or or visitvisit smmcnj.org. smmcnj.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

A STRONG HOSPITAL IS GROWING EVEN STRONGER.

This

IS MY COMMUNITY Patients

ARE MY PRIORITY

Saint Michael’s Medical Center is thriving. And much of our bright future is due to the caliber of our physicians and staff who work here. They are dedicated professionals delivering compassionate care to thousands of patients in the Newark area. They are men and women who truly believe in our hospital and in this vibrant community. Our medical staff is 500 and growing – we’re hiring new physicians, and recently invested $30 million in renovating and expanding our Emergency Department and other areas of the hospital. Our leadership team is committed to strengthening Saint Michael’s future so it remains a pillar in the community for many years to come.

Find out more at www.smmcnj.org

Saint Michael’s

IS OUR HOSPITAL

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By Kevin J. Slavin

East Orange General’s Partnership Embraces the Future of Healthcare Delivery

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hroughout its 110-year history, East Orange General Hospital has been a constant in the community. Our doors have been the gateway to primary, emergency and behavioral healthcare services for countless thousands of individuals and families in Essex County who otherwise would have gone without the services they desperately needed.

The hospital has also been a pillar of the local economy, a loyal employer, a steadfast partner with government and a trusted steward of the public’s resources. We have embraced change when change was necessary, transforming our capabilities and practices to fit the challenges of the era and the evolving demands of the communities we serve.

Healthcare delivery is undergoing its most dramatic transformation since the enactment of Medicare five decades ago. With the convergence of payer and provider, shrinking reimbursement levels and comprehensive federal reform dictated by the Affordable Care Act, change is necessary once again.

We recently announced our response to this call to action. It is a strategic partnership between East Orange General and Prospect Medical Holdings, a nationally-recognized healthcare company that operates a growing number of hospitals, phy-

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The Positive Community May 2014

sician networks, clinics, and outpatient centers. Prospect brings a proven record of working with urban, community hospitals, and is known for high-quality care delivery and expertise in many of the same services found at East Orange General today, including behavioral health, primary care and emergency care.

This proposed partnership is founded upon a shared belief in the mission and values that have marked East Orange General’s first century of service. It will deliver a stronger, more financially viable acute care facility for years to come. Importantly, it will preserve and strengthen the public health safety-net resource that East Orange has maintained for the residents of Essex County since its founding. The East Orange General Board of Trustees has made it clear by choosing this path that its hospital will not meet the fate of other facilities in the region. Those hospitals limped along on life support and ultimately had to close their doors.

The Board has decided, instead, to proactively write the next great chapter in the hospital’s story, and that’s what this partnership will bring about. The selection of Prospect followed an extensive review process facilitated by a request for proposal issued by East Orange General to more than two dozen hospitals and health systems throughout New Jersey and the nation.

Prospect’s response included several components central to building a strong and vibrant future for the hospital, including a capital investment into the hospital of tens of millions of dollars over the next five years, absorbing the hospital’s debt and preserving the current employee base, management, trustees and physicians. Prospect also will dedicate significant resources directly to new initiatives that will enhance community health and wellness through the transition of the hospital’s Foundation.

Prospect’s ongoing success in operating urban hospitals similar to East Orange General has centered on a model that years ago prefigured the objectives of the Affordable Care Act. In short, one of Prospect’s unique strengths is its ability to bring together hospitals with physician groups and insurers to promote a practical and thriving continuum of care. Its goal, as is East Orange General’s, is to ensure that patient’s receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right setting.

Kevin J. Slavin, a 25-year-veteran of hospital management, is president and CEO of East Orange General Hospital. For the past nine years he has overseen and strengthened East Orange General’s role as a vital community healthcare resource. www.thepositivecommunity.com

SAVE THE DATE June 28 2014 9:00AM—1:00PM

2014 Wells Fargo Platinum Roundtable Series Power Principles of Creating, Managing and Growing True Wealth

Rutgers University New Brunswick

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Family Health Center

Citicare, Inc. is a health care facility dedicated to meeting the medical and mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults. The facility is centrally located in Harlem close to major means of transportation.

• Adult Physicals

• Nutrition

• Social Entitlement

• GYN

• Well Child Exams

• HIV Care

• Reunification Therapy

• Anger Management

• Sport Physicals

• Immigration Exams

• Cardiology

• Podiatry

• Pediatrics

• Immunizations

• Newborn Care

• Physical Therapy

• Adult Therapy

• Child/Family Therapy

• Psychiatry

• Immigration

• Stress Testing

• Psych Evaluations

“

Citicare offers a myriad of relevant services in Spanish, French, Creole, Wolof, and English. Our credentialed and friendly professionals are committed to promoting healthy living in our community.

154 West 127th Street New York, NY 10027

”

212-749-3507 (phone) 212-666-1679 (fax) Hours: 9-6 Monday through Saturday citicareinc.com May 2014 The Positive Community

47

Education T ea c h i n g , L ea r n i n g , M a k i n g a D i ffe r e n c e Photo:Shelley Kusnetz

Rutgers UniversityNewark Debate Team Impressive First Showing at 2014 National Debate Tournament

L–R: (seated) Kevon Haughton and Hannah Stafford; (standing) Christopher Kozak, Christopher Randall and Elijah Smith

F

or the first time in its history, Rutgers UniversityNewark (RU-N) debate team competed in its first National Debate Tournament (NDT). Hosted by Indiana University, March 27-30, the NDT is considered to be the most competitive and prestigious policy debate contest in the country. Only the top 78 teams in the United States out of hundreds participate.

Under the leadership of Christopher Kozak, a graduate student of RU-N’s School of Public Affairs and Administration, RU-N’s veteran duo of Elijah Smith and Christopher Randall and the first-year pair of Kevon Haughton and Hannah Stafford represented RU-N. Smith, who participated in a student exchange initiative between Emporia State University and RU-N during the 2012-2013 academic year, was named champion of both

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The Positive Community May 2014

the 2013 NDT and the 2013 Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) national championship as a member of Emporia’s debate team.

Smith and Randall had an impressive showing at the NDT, advancing as far as the Elite 8 of the the quarterfinal round. As a result of the successes of Smith and Randall throughout the entire 2013-2014 collegiate season, the NDT committee officially ranked RU-N fifth nationwide, keeping company with premier debate teams from Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Northwestern University.

“This is one of the greatest, but least widely known stories of student success at Rutgers University – Newark,” said Chancellor Nancy Cantor. “The debate team’s tradiContinued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

RUTGERS

Continued from previous page tion of excellence demonstrates compellingly how profound the student talent pool is at RU-N—and with many of them having come from Newark, how profound our city’s talent pool truly is. Our current team is burnishing that tradition and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The team closed this year’s season first among its CEDA competitors in the Northeast and 19th nationwide. Elijah Smith ranked as the number one speaker in the country, while Randall held the 19th spot.

Historically, the RU-N Debate Team originated during the fall semester of 2008 when then-sophomores Chris Pinho and Kevin Cenac joined forces to win the junior varsity division of the Binghamton Debate Tournament at Binghamton University. Then, under the leadership of Kurt Shelton, the team had its official debut in 2009 as a result of a partnership between the Office of the Chancellor, SPAA, and the Jersey Urban Debate League, now known as the Newark Debate Academy. Shelton served as the debate coach for three seasons, and in 2012 Kozak took over the reins. During his inaugural year, Kozak led the team to its first #1 ranking in the Northeast.

With as many as 15 members, since its inception, the team has debated in tournaments hosted by Binghamton University, George Mason University, Monmouth University, United States Military Academy, United

www.thepositivecommunity.com

States Naval Academy, Wake Forest University, Western Connecticut State University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Vermont, and has outranked many first-tier schools like Emory University, New York University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Debaters range from freshmen to seniors with varying majors such as history, English, political science, criminal justice, and economics.

No longer regarded as neophytes in the collegiate policy debate community, the RU-N Debate Team hosted its third annual tournament on Jan. 24-26, 2014.

The team welcomed eight schools, 30 debaters, and 26 judges to Hill Hall at Rutgers University-Newark.

In addition to policy debate competitions, the RU-N Debate Team has participated in a series of public debates in open space called the Streetcar Debate Series.

Topics have addressed whether the New York Islamic Cultural Center should be built near Ground Zero and whether cyberbullying should be criminalized. Dr. Mary Segers, RU-N professor of political science, and Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Power, RU-N assistant professor of social work, have served as moderators. —JNW To learn more about the debate team at Rutgers University-Newark, visit www.newark.rutgers.edu/about-us/ have-you-met-rutgers-newark/debate-team-rutgers-university-newark.

May 2014 The Positive Community

49

Grove School Engineers Win Hackathon Chapter Receives Awards and 16 Full-Time Employment Offers Are Made To Chapter Members Front row: Balson Sylvain, Claudy Philemon, Azeezat Azeez, Candice Chang, Oren Previl, and St. Claire Bramble

City College Students Excel at Black Engineers Convention

C

andice Chang, programs chair of the CCNY chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBC), received a $3,000 cash scholarship for academic performance, high GPA and community service, at NSBE's national convention in Nashville. Three other City College students also won scholarships.

A prize-winning app developed by three City College of New York engineering students took first place in a "Hackathon" competition held at the organization’s 40th annual national convention, March 26 - 30 in Nashville, TN. The award was one of the 11 accolades garnered by the 52 City College students participating in the event.

Dubbed "TRUVoice" (Track Record Upload), the app was created by senior computer engineering major Luis Disla, junior environmental engineering major Tyrone Kirk Shillingford and senior computer science major Dana Smith. It allows potential assault victims to safely and securely record interactions with potential abusers, and upload it to a secure remote server for future use.

Shawn Charles, City College student chapter president, who led CCNY’s Grove School of Engineering delegation to Nashville, said the three designers and their competitors were given several categories to choose from and 24 hours to create an app or website relating to the theme of their choice. The CCNY NSBE team chose the police policy "Stop and Frisk" as their category.

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The Positive Community May 2014

Other accolades given at the convention to CCNY NSBE and its members include: • Best NSBE Chapter award in Region 1 (northeastern United States, eastern Canada and West Africa) for the winter session (December – March 2014).

• Best NSBE Chapter award in Region 1 for TORCH (Technical OutReach and Community Help).

• NSBE cash scholarships for academic performance, high GPA and community service to chapter presi dent Shawn Charles ($1,500), programs chair Candice Chang ($3,000), external vice president Andre Smith son ($3,000) and member Infain Cruz ($500).

• Election of former student president Neville Green as NSBE national secretary, and chapter parliamentarian Joshua James as NSBE national business diversity chair.

In addition, the City College chapter was recognized as one of the top NSBE chapters nationally for 2013 – 2014.

A remarkable number of chapter members were offered full time employment and internship opportunities at the convention, noted Charles. "Of the 52 CCNY delegates that attended the convention, 16 received job offers, six garnered internships and two accepted coops.” The convention drew 10,000 participants from the United States, Canada and West Africa, and companies such as Toyota, Honda, 3M, General Electric, General Motors, Georgia Pacific and Johnson & Johnson. www.thepositivecommunity.com

WELCOME TO THE

LARGEST PUBLIC COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE NORTHEAST

NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

CITY TECH

www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.citytech.cuny.edu/summer 300 Jay Street • Brooklyn, NY 11201

718.260.5500

May 2014 The Positive Community

51

Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, conference keynote speaker

Host Committee

Shiloh Women’s Conference

L–R: Rev. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Ph.D., senior pastor, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe, assistant pastor

T

he Women’s Fellowship Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church held their 2nd annual Women’s Conference on March 22nd. The theme of the one day conference: Women in Worship; Moving Forward Beyond Age and Denomination.

The highlight of this wonderful day of fellowship, conference and ministry was keynote speaker, Honorable Judge Penny Reynolds, an ordained minister, Emmy nominated executive producer and television personality, entrepreneur and author.

That night, the ladies were treated to a special gospel concert featuring recording artist Zacardi Cortez, hosted

by WLIB radio personality Liz Black.

Photos: Charles Hand

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The Positive Community May 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Hard Hardwork work++Determination Determination==Success Success Students Students in urban in urban environments environments faceface a lota lot of challenges, of challenges, butbut thatthat doesn’t doesn’t mean mean thatthat theythey can’t can’t succeed. succeed.

NJEA NJEA salutes salutes thethe countless countless urban urban highhigh school school students students going going on on to college to college to achieve to achieve their their dreams. dreams.

WinnieWinnie Earle, Earle, HealthHealth Occupations/Careers Occupations/Careers TeacherTeacher with students with students at JohnatF.John Kennedy F. Kennedy High School, High School, Paterson, Paterson, NJ. NJ.

For more For more information, information, visit visit njea.org/urbansuccess njea.org/urbansuccess

TheThe members members of the of the NewNew Jersey Jersey Education Education Association...

Association... making making public public schools schools great great for for every every child! child!

Wendell Wendell Steinhauer, Steinhauer, President President

MarieMarie Blistan, Blistan, Vice President Vice President

Edward Edward J. Richardson, J. Richardson, Executive Executive Director Director

Sean Sean M. Spiller, M. Spiller, Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer

Steven Steven Swetsky, Swetsky, Assistant Assistant Executive Executive Director Director

NY Theological Seminary 11th Annual Urban Angels Awards Gala Bishop Martin D. McLee, resident bishop of the New York Episcopal Area, The United Methodist Church, greets the crowd at the 11th annual Urban Angel Awards Gala hosted

by New York Theological Seminary.

N

ew York Theological Seminary celebrated its 11th annual Urban Angel Awards Gala on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the Mandarin Oriental in New York. The Gala recognizes and honors individuals who have supported the Seminary's work and whose own work exemplifies a commitment to improving the quality of life in our communities. Three honorees were chosen this year who embody the theme "The Bible Lives in the City": The Museum for Biblical Art (New York), Obie L. McKenzie, Managing Director of BlackRock Inc. and Bible Economist, and Sun C. Kim, President of Bethel Industries Inc., President of CSK Foundation and Former President of the Korean Women’s International Network.

Photos: Bob Gore

New York Theological Seminary is the largest seminary in New York, offering the Doctor of Ministry degree, the Master of Divinity degree, the Master of Art in Religious Education, the Master of Art in Pastoral Care and Counseling, and the Master of Art in Urban Youth Ministry. Certificate offerings include the Certificate in Christian Ministry and the Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education. NYTS also offers the Master of Professional Studies to 1115 incarcerated men in Sing Sing prison each year since 1982. It remains the only institution offering a Master degree within the New York State Department of Corrections.

Craig Crawford of the Craig Crawford Players engages the crowd with a saxophone solo during dinner.

L–R: NYTS Board Chair, William K. Lee, MD.; Urban Angel Awardee Richard Townsend, executive director of The Museum for Biblical Art (New York); Urban Angel Awardee Obie L. McKenzie, managing director of BlackRock Inc. and Bible Economist; Urban Angel Awardee Sun C. Kim, president of Bethel Industries Inc., president of CSK Foundation and former president of the Korean Women’s International Network; and NYTS President, Rev. Dr. Dale T. Irvin

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The Positive Community May 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Harlem Ministers Endorse Charlie Rangel

A Salute to

Salutetoto AASalute OutstandingMen MenofofCharacter Character Outstanding A Salute to 2014 Honorees A Salute to 2014 Honorees Outstanding Men of Character

Harlem ministers led by Reverends Charles Curtis and John ScottOutstanding Men of Character annouced their support of Rep. Charlie Rangel 2014 Honorees for Congress

Salute to OutstandingAMen of Character Outstanding Men2014 of Character Honorees 2014 Honorees 2014 Honorees

A Salute to A Salute to Wednesday, 11, 2014 Outstanding Men ofJune Character A Salute Outstanding Men toof Character Newark Museum Outstanding Men of Character Wednesday,June June11, 11,2014 2014 2014 Honorees Wednesday, 2014 Honorees 2014 Honorees 6-9 PM Wednesday, June 11, 2014 VAUGHN E. CROWE MCJ Amelior

ROSS DANIS Newark Trust for Education

VAUGHN E. CROWE VAUGHN E. CROWE Amelior MCJMCJ Amelior

GLENN F. SCOTLAND McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC

ROSS DANIS ROSS DANIS Newark for Education Newark TrustTrust for Education VAUGHN E. CROWE MCJ Amelior

Rev. RONALD L. SLAUGHTER St. James AME Church

GLENN F. SCOTLAND GLENN F. SCOTLAND McManimon, Scotland McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, & Baumann, LLC LLC

RONALD L. SLAUGHTER Rev.Rev. RONALD L. SLAUGHTER St. James Church St. James AMEAME Church GLENN F. SCOTLAND

McManimon, Scotland F. SCOTLAND GLENNGLENN F. SCOTLAND ROSS DANIS & Baumann, LLC McManimon, Scotland McManimon, Scotland Newark Trust for Education RONALD SLAUGHTER ROSS DANIS & Baumann, Rev.Rev. RONALD L. L. SLAUGHTER ROSS DANIS & Baumann, LLC LLC St. James AME Church Newark Trust for Education St. James AME Church Newark Trust for Education

VAUGHN E. CROWE VAUGHN E. CROWE MCJ AmeliorMCJ Amelior

49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ

Rev. RONALD St. James A

Newark Museum Wednesday, June 11,2014 2014 Newark Museum Wednesday, June 11, presented by 49 Washington Street, Newark, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ NJ Newark Museum Newark Museum The Marion P. Thomas Charter School Foundation Newark Museum 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 6-9 PM 6-9 PM 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 6-9 PM presented 6-9 PM presented byby 6-9 PM presented bySchool presented by The Marion Thomas Charter School Foundation The Marion P. P. Thomas Charter Foundation

VAUGHN E. CROWE MCJ Amelior

VAUGHN E. CROWE MCJ Amelior

ROSS DANIS Newark Trust for Education

GLENN F. SCOTLAND McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC

Rev. RONALD L. SLAUGHTER St. James AME Church

by School The Marion P.presented Thomas Foundation The Charter Marion P. Thomas Charter School Foundation The Marion P. Thomas Charter School Foundation

GLENN F. SCOTLAND McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC www.mptcs.org

Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Newark Museum

For more info about the event log onto www.mptcs.org Rev. RONALD L. SLAUGHTER For more info To secure sponsorship and ticket information or to place an advertisement in the souvenir journal, St. and James AME Church To secure sponsorship ticket information or to place an advertisement in the souvenir journal, please contact Michele Griffin at 973.621.0060, ext.contact 1010 orMichele via email at at mgriffin@mptcs.org.

Proceeds from at themgriffin@mptcs.org. event will fund scholarships for please Griffin 973.621.0060, ext. 1010 or via email Newark youth attending tuition-basedProceeds high schools andevent universities.

Contributions tax deductible to thetuition-based full extent provided by law. from the will fund scholarships forare Newark youth attending high schools 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ and universities. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law. aboutROSS the DANIS event log onto Newark Trust for Education

Wednesday, June 11, 2014 www.thepositivecommunity.com 6-9 PM Newark Museum VAUGHN E. CROWE

For more info about the event log onto www.mptcs.org

2014 The Positive Community For more info about theMay event log onto www.mptcs.org

55

For sponsorship more info the For event onto www.mptcs.org more info the event log onto www.mptcs.org To secure andabout ticket information or tolog place anabout advertisement in the souvenir journal, presented by GLENN F. SCOTLAND please contact Michele Griffininformation at 973.621.0060, ext.place 1010 an or via email at mgriffin@mptcs.org.

To secure sponsorship and ticket or to advertisement in the journal, For more info about the event log onto www.mptcs.org To secure sponsorship and ticket information or to place ansouvenir advertisement in the souve To secure sponsorship and ticket information or to place an advertisement in the souvenir journal, Proceeds fromMichele the eventGriffin willScotland fund for Newark youth attending tuition-based high schools The Marion McManimon, please contact atscholarships 973.621.0060, ext.

1010 or via email atext. mgriffin@mptcs.org. please contact Michele Griffin at 973.621.0060, 1010 or via email at mgriffin@mp MCJ AmeliorP. Thomas Charter School Foundation To please contact Michele Griffin at 973.621.0060, ext.

1010 or via email at mgriffin@mptcs.org. and universities. deductible to the full extent by law. secure sponsorship and ticketContributions informationare or tax to place an advertisement in provided the souvenir journal, MPT-Poster.indd 1

4/14/14 4:20 PM

49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ

Rev. RONALD L. SLAUGHTER youth attending tuition-based high schools ROSS DANIS Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships for Newark

Culture L i fe , M u s i c , A r t & L i te r at u r e

Let Us Break Bread Together HCCI Awards Gala at The Prince George Ballroom

L–R: Commissioner Darryl C. Towns with honoree NYS Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Rev. Charles A. Curtis, Ed.D. and Landon Dais.

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arlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) celebrated its 12th Annual “Let Us Break Bread Together” Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at The Prince George Ballroom in New York City. The elegant ballroom played host to an array of powerful guests including business owners, civic, and community leaders such as Congressman Charles Rangel, Commissioner Darryl C. Towns, former Mayor David N. Dinkins and others.

Hosted by Dean Meminger of NY1 News the awards dinner honored: The Honorable Keith L.T. Wright, member of the New York State Assembly and chair of Housing Committee, recipient of HCCI’s prestigious Rev. Canon Frederick B. Williams Community Service Award; Thomas N. DeCaro, founder/president of Benchmark Title Agency, LLC, recipient of the Community Partner Award; The Honorable Maria A. Luna, District Leader, 71st Assembly District, recipient of the Trailblazer Award; Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes. Jr., senior pastor emeritus of The Riverside Church, now president of the Healing of the Nations Foundation, recipient of the Humanitarian Award; and the The Honorable John C. Liu, Former Comptroller of New York City, the Distinguished Service Award.

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“Finally! It’s about time I got one of these,” exclaimed Assemblyman Wright, upon receiving the first award of the night. The festivities rolled on as patrons ate, drank and made merry at the annual fundraiser that raised approximately $120,000.

“Chairing the dinner was a great opportunity for me to further demonstrate my commitment to the incredible work we do at HCCI,” said Rev. Gwendolyn Watts, HCCI Board member. “It’s a celebration of our impact on the Harlem community, a chance to acknowledge our supporters and to really highlight the resilience of the Harlem community.”

Vy Higginsen’s Harlem Gospel Teen Choir and music impresario John Stanley rocked the house! In addition, three academic scholarships were presented.

The HCCI/H&N Insurance Agency & Financial Group Scholarship awards for $1000 each were presented to Krismely Rodriguez and Eric Perez; Nahtigue Guillory received the $1000 Canon Frederick Boyd Williams Community Service Scholarship funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.

“Tonight represented 28 years of growth and hard work,” said HCCI Chairman, Rev. Charles Curtis, Ed.D. “Our honorees are symbolic of HCCI’s strength and www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Honoree Thomas N. Decaro and Derek E. Broomes

L–R: Bettye Franks Forbes and honoree Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.

HCCI Board of Directors L–R: Derek E. Broomes, president and CEO; Rev. Dr. Dedrick L. Blue; Rev. Gwendolyn Watts; George H. Weldon, Jr.; Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D.; Rev. Charles A. Curtis Ed.D. and Landon Dais.

vision for a future marked by improved social services and an increasingly stimulated local economy.”

President of HCCI, Derek Broomes noted, “The gala is a wonderful affair, which allows us to celebrate our successes and to reaffirm the support of friends and community partners who help bring the HCCI vision to fruition.”

For three years, through the gala, HCCI has proudly supported a colleague in the fight for affordable housing. The Prince George Ballroom is owned by Common Ground, a nonprofit with a mission to provide affordable housing to New York City residents.

Proceeds from this event benefit the ongoing work of HCCI, a diverse, interfaith consortium of congregations established to revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, and spiritual conditions of the Harlem community. HCCI has made a substantial impact on the social and living conditions prevalent in Harlem by developing low to moderate income housing; creating supportive health and human service facilities and programs; providing commercial development opportunities to local businesses; and expanding cultural programs. To learn more about HCCI and to view testimonials by residents who have been impacted by HCCI’s programs, please visit www.hcci.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Vy Higginsen's Harlem Gospel Teen Choir featuring Ahmaya Knoelle as choir director May 2014 The Positive Community

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NJ General Baptists

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L–R: Rev. David Jefferson, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Nwk, NJ; Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., convention president; Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver and Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, pastor Tabernacle Baptist Church

L–R: Rev. Jesse V. Bottoms, National Baptist Convention USA Inc.(NBC); Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney, pastor Calvary B.C., Garfield NJ and general secretary NBC ; Dr. Jerry Young, VP at Large, pastor of New Hope B.C. Jackson, MS and Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., NJ State Convention president, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ

L–R: Sis. Jackie Carter, Women's Auxiliary president, GBCNJ; Pastor James Moore Sr., Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Phil, PA; Min. Leatha G. Williams, Christian Education president GBCNJ, Second Baptist Church, Matawan, NJ; Rev. Dr. Jesse V. Bottoms, NBC USA and pastor Beulah Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, NY

Photos: Karen Waters

nder the leadership of state president Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., the General Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc. (GBCNJ) recently hosted its Semi Annual Session at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Newark, NJ where Rev. Jeffery Bryan is host pastor.

The theme for the session was: “Servants in God’s Vineyard---Give Them Their Flowers.” It was a celebration of the leadership of Sis. Jackie Carter, president GBCNJ Women’s Auxiliary; NJ Assembly Woman Sheila Oliver and Dr. Jerry Young, 1st VP at-Large, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver, NJ Legislature

Sis. Nellie Suggs at Women's March

L–R: Sis. Jackie Carter, Women's Auxiliary President, GBCNJ and Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver

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Deaconess Doris Bryant, First Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Newark, NJ

L–R: (Holding banner) Nancy Bell and Martha Meyers www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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15 Year Celebration for Stefanie Minatee and Jubilation L–R: Dana Owens, Rita Owens and Rev. Dr. Stef

Rita Owens and Family

Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee

Presenting Award to Tracy Parris

Harold E. Dudley singing "Happy"

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he Grammy award-winning Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee and the Jubilation Choir celebrated their 15th anniversary during a spirit-filled gala at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, NJ on April 14, 2014.

The event featured a welcome reception and sit down dinner for approximately 300 guests. Valarie Adams and Dimension Band provided entertainment.

Rev. Stef, artistic director and founder of the worldrenowned Jubilation Choir, led 60 choir members in several selections from their repertoire including the popular Pharrell Williams song "Happy," which brought everyone to their feet, clapping and singing.

A highlight of the gala were the awards presented by co-chairs, Penny Joseph, vice president, Community Affairs and Government Relations, Panasonic Corporation of North America; Wanda L. Dixon, president, CP Rising, LLC and management company for Jubilation, along with Rev. Dr. Minatee to Panasonic Corporation of North America, Michael Parris (accepted by his wife Tracey), and Larry Goldman former president and

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CEO, NJPAC—all of whom have played significant roles in the choirs’ history.

Rita Owens, one of the original choir members, was also honored with a recognition award. Her daughter, Queen Latifah, with whom Jubilation won a Grammy for “Oh Happy Day,” attended the celebration along with several family members.

The event also marked the birthday of Dr. Minatee, who was surprised with a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” sing-a-long by the many former choir members, co-workers from her 30-year tenure at Plainfield High School, and friends who traveled from Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and California to honor her and Jubilation.

Guests included Caroline Whigham of Whigham Funeral Home, gospel great Nancy Jackson Johnson, Kim Nesbitt Good, Virginia Perry, Minister Angel Garrett, Pastor Tonya Fields, former Plainfield schools superintendent Dr. Larry Leverett and Don Viapree of Cablevision, to name a few, along with Rev. Stef's family members and church family from Community Baptist Church in Englewood, NJ. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

Member of Rita Owen's family

L–R: Ken Matsuo, friend and Rev. Dr. Stef

L–R: Katrina Watson, Erika StaleyWilliams, Nicole Davis, Breea Williams and Adrian Champion Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Pastor Marilyn Harris, Deacon Richard Stanard and Pastor Albert Morgan Penny Jones Joseph, Panasonic and Don Viapree, Cablevision L–R: Rev. Michael Ottey, Pastor Ronald Slaughter, Mrs. Tracy Ottely and First Lady Kyla Slaughter, Saint James AME Church, Newark

L–R: Dr. Larry Leverett and Keith DaCosta

UMBA Quarterly Session L–R: Rev. Dr. Bosie Kimber, president Conn. State Missionary Baptist Convention; 2nd vice moderator, UMBA, Rev. Dr. Renee Washington-Garner, pastor, Memorial BC, Harlem; Rev. Malobe Sampson, pastor-elect, Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx; Vice Moderator, UMBA, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, pastor, Mt. Carmel BC, Bronx and Rev. Dr. Kris Erskine, pastor, Bethany BC, Harlem

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nited Missionary Baptist Association’s (UMBA) 2nd Quarterly Session recently took place at Thessalonia Worship Center in the Bronx.

Christian Education was the focus of the week-long fellowship conference where Rev. Dr. Kris Erskine, president of the UMBA Congress of Christian Education and pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Harlem presided.

Among the most touching moments was the opening session’s worship service when the membership of UMBA and the Congress of Christian Education came together to celebrate the life and legacy of their dean, www.thepositivecommunity.com

the late Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Jr.(December 15, 1940—January 20, 2014), senior pastor of Thessalonia Worship Center and president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity. A moving tribute and sermon was delivered by his son, PastorElect, Rev. Malobe Sampson.

The United Missionary Baptist Association represents over 147 churches in Manhattan, Bronx and lower Westchester County. Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr. is Moderator. UMBA is a member of the statewide parent organization, Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY, Rev. Ronald Grant, president. —AAC May 2014 The Positive Community

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JANUARY 12 Wycliffe Gordon

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Jazz Vespers with violinist Regina Carter at 6 For more info, visit: Refreshmentswww.bethany-newark.org and fellowship following the ser www.thepositivecommunity.com

May 2014 The Positive Community 63 For more info, visit: www.bethany-newark.or

SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT To Build the First Life Size Bronze Monument of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Bergen County

“Grand Gala Celebration” Fundraiser Saturday, May 17, 2014 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Glenpointe Marriott Teaneck, New Jersey Featuring Valerie Adams and the Dimension Band Master of Ceremonies

Mr. Anthony Johnson (WABC-TV New York)

For Tickets contact Gwyn Worthy Brown 201 315-6333 www.MLKJrbergencountymonument.org

Bergen County Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Committee

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“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

—Matthew 18:20

The Power of Two Grace & Peace! he power of two is underestimated. Many things are better the second time around; the union of two is a blessing by God and the double portion mentioned in the scripture is something to which we can look forward. My column’s title has two words and focuses on a two word topic, Gospel Music, and this month I decided to give you a double feature. They’re both outstanding singers with amazing vocal range who can stand there flat-footed and minister with power and conviction! They both sang back-up and led a song or two for Donald Lawrence, they’re both recording for Motown Gospel, and finally, each of these Grammy®-nominated ladies are coming out with a highly anticipated sophomore album and it’s my duty to tell you about their new project so you can pick it up ASAP.

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Sheri Jones-Moffett—Power & Authority (Live in Memphis) Sherri Jones-Moffett spent more than 20 years in the business as a member of Memphis’ popular Voices of Binghamton, a much-admired soloist with Donald Lawrence’s TriCity Singers, and one-half of the popular duo Ted & Sheri. While she has been successful at each platform, Sheri made the decision to go forth on her solo career to do it her way.

However she continues to stay true to her own artistry, and then translating it to everyone else to enjoy and celebrate with her.

Sheri had the privilege of recording this project in her hometown of Memphis, TN, produced by the unparalleled Myron Butler. The lead single, “Shine,” takes the classic “This Little Light of Mine” tune and puts her spin on how she’s going to let her light shine. The single has been in heavy rotation for a while, which had people clamoring for the completed project. Well wait no longer ‘cause it’s here and making impact! Sherri makes

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classics her own with her signature vocals on songs like the beautifully melodious “Mighty God,” the Percy Badypenned Milton Brunson remake, “There Is No Failure,” and “Grace of God,” a live version that was featured from her 2009 debut album, Renewed. She made good on a Thomas Whitfield classic, “Wash Me,” which made her powerful voice ignite the soul. The anointing is always present when Mrs. Jones-Moffett goes forth and it’s not just a collection of songs, but her story in music. Every song comes from a special place in her life and each implies something she has to say. “Everything you hear is my life,” said Moffett.

Anita Wilson—Vintage Worship Anita Wilson is known for a new style in today’s gospel that infuses Gospel and soul known as Worship Soul, which was also the name of her first album. Her jazz-inspired vibe and dynamic vocals allowed her to become a much in demand backup singer for contemporary gospel and praise & worship acts like Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, DeWayne Woods, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. She was also in the award-winning ensemble Donald Lawrence & Company and now, ready to go forth in the same power, she releases her sophomore album Vintage Worship. The album’s lead single, “That’s What He’s Done for Me,” made its debut on the James Fortune Radio Show and shows how Vintage Worship truly lives up to its name. With an updated old school sound, “That’s What He’s Done for Me” is a tribute to traditional gospel, but seasoned with Anita’s unmistakable soulful flair. It’s scheduled to be released June 24th, but in the meantime, you can get a sneak peak for yourself by listening to Anita on The Gospel According to Dorinda on the Word Network this month. Congratulations ladies on your success as you continue to inspire, encourage and add to The Kingdom! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Community Award: Presenter Madison Wills with honoree Carla Hinds, director, Family and Schools Together (FAST) East Orange School District, East Orange, NJ

Education Award: L–R: Presenter Valerie Best; Mary Puryear; honoree Jean James, vocal music teacher and choir director, Cicely Tyson Performing & Fine Arts School, East Orange and Thomas L. Puryear, president Oranges & Maplewood Unit of the NAACP

Spiritual Award: Rev. Verenander Hughes, pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Orange, NJ Leadership Award: Presenter Elmo Randolph, DDS and honoree Dr. Robert Johnson, Adolescent Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ

President’s Award: Presenter Althia Tweitan and honoree Sandra Mordecai, president, West Orange Board of Education, West Orange, NJ

Celebrating 101 years of Activism Oranges & Maplewood Unit of NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Darryl Hall

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embers and their families, friends and colleagues gathered on April 4, 2014 at the Richfield Regency in Verona, NJ for the 101st Freedom Dinner of the Oranges & Maplewood Unit of the NAACP. A major fundraiser for the unit, the dinner has become an iconic event in northern New Jersey, where diverse leadership from throughout the area comes together to celebrate the achievements of the individuals who are honored, but also to network and engage one another over issues and concerns.

The keynote speech, delivered by Reverend Hodari Sadiki Williams, associate pastor of Congregational and Community Development at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange, captivated the audience.

Called a “next generation theologian,” Rev. Williams is committed to keeping the culture of prophetic preaching alive in the 21st century.

The agenda of the Oranges & Maplewood Unit is embedded in its mission, to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality for all citizens while eliminating race-based discrimination.

CEO EOGH Kevin Slavin

L–R: Lester Taylor, East Orange mayor with his wife, Bibi

Corporate Award: presenter Harriet Reaves with honoree Darrell Terry, COO Newark Beth Israel Medical Center May 2014 The Positive Community

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

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

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for Housing

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May 2014 The Positive Community

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

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issues for $20.00

Retraction The article “Aquaponics Program brings the Passaic River Back to Newark” by Donald Harris that appeared on page 28 the February issue of The Positive Community was written without the express consent of Metropolitan Baptist Church and its leadership team.

The MRCDC is evaluating a number of community driven projects that could potentially work in the space that it currently owns and will assess these projects based upon the needs and approval of the church.”

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FREE CONCERT Presented by

Adler Aphasia Center

JOIN US FOR

Raising Our Voices for Aphasia GOSPEL CONCERT

featuring Vy Higginsen’s famed GOSPEL FOR TEENS Choir With Lori Stokes, Anchor, ABC Eyewitness News, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies

A FREE CONCERT AND DESSERT RECEPTION OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Sunday, June 1, 2014 • 6:00 PM • Doors open at 5:30 PM Community Baptist Church of Englewood 224 First Street, Englewood FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONCERT AND ADLER APHASIA CENTER, CALL 201.368.8585.

Did you know? ∙ That African-Americans are more impacted by STROKE than any other racial group in the U.S.? ∙ That 40% of STROKE survivors have aphasia - a language disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate, but does not affect one’s intellect? ∙ That there is a place of help and hope for people with aphasia and their families in Bergen County?

a•pha•sia (uh-fay’-zhuh) n. A language disorder that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken language, reading, and writing. It occurs most often from a stroke or brain injury. This frustrating condition affects a person’s ability to communicate, but does not affect his or her intellect.

www.adleraphasiacenter.org Adler Aphasia Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

60 WEST HUNTER AVE., MAYWOOD, NJ I 760 NORTHFIELD AVE., WEST ORANGE, NJ I 775 TALAMINI RD., BRIDGEWATER, NJ We wish to thank the following members of our community for helping to make this concert happen: ELAINE AND MIKE ADLER • BEVERLY BAKER, ESQ. • CHARLES P. AND RACHEL BERKOWITZ • RABBI NEAL BOROVITZ • LINDA BOWDEN • ANTHONY CURETON WARREN GELLER • EDDIE RAYNORD HADDEN • BRUCE HARPER • ASW. VALERIE VANIERI HUTTLE AND MAYOR FRANK HUTTLE III • DEBORAH WITCHER JACKSON REV. GREGORY J. JACKSON • ELLEN JACOBS • ASM. GORDON JOHNSON • BERNIE KOSTER AND NORMA WELLINGTON • KAY LUCAS • SUSAN AND DR. DEANE PENN JEANNETTE CURTIS-RIDEAU • JOANNE ENGLISH-ROLLIESON • REVEREND LESTER AND GAYLE TAYLOR • REBECCA TAYLOR • JEAN NASH WELLS

Photo: Glen Frieson

L–R: Freeholder Bilal Beasley, Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, Freeholder Leonard Luciano, Freeholder President Blonnie Watson, Essex County Executive DiVincenzo, Essex County Democratic Chairman Leroy Jones, Thigpen's niece Amanda Joyner, Thigpen's son Rick, Thigpen's cousin Gail Allen, Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne, Terry Tucker from the Essex County Register's Office, Sheriff Armando Fontoura and an unidentified family member.

Bronze Plaque Dedicated to the Late Philip Thigpen

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he life and legacy of the late Essex County Register and Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman Philip A. Thigpen was celebrated with the placing of a bronze plaque on the promenade in the Essex County Government Complex. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo presided at the ceremony on Wednesday, April 16. The plaque was placed to raise awareness of Mr.Thigpen's contributions to Essex County.

He was a resident of Montclair when he passed away on October 29, 2013, at the age of 87.

April 27, 1926 – April 16, 2014 Basil Alexander Paterson

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asil Alexander Paterson was born in Manhattan on April 27, 1926 to Caribbean immigrants, Leonard and Evangeline Rondon Paterson.

His father was from the Grenadines, his mother from Jamaica. He grew up in Harlem, graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1942 and enrolled at St. John’s University. After two years in the Army in World War II, he returned to St. John’s. and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1948 and a Law degree in 1951.

He served in the New York Senate, was Deputy Mayor to Ed Koch and New York Secretary of State, the first African American to serve in that position. He was a member of the law firm off Meyer, Suozzim English & Klein, P.C. where he was co-chair of the firm’s labor practice. He is survived by his wife, Portia, children David (the former New York State Governor) and Daniel, and five grandchildren.

From Our Hearts to Your Hearts! From Our Hands To Your Hands!

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

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The Little Chapel with a Big Heart 72

The Positive Community May 2014

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

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Let’s Curtail the HIV/AIDS Epidemic ith The Positive Community focusing on health within this May 2014 issue, now is a good time to discuss HIV/AIDS, which plagues many, if not all, of the communities that our subscribing congregations directly serve.

AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a viral disease that suppresses the human immune system, so that those infected are more likely to contract, suffer, and die from illnesses that an AIDS-free body would reject or suppress. Untreated AIDS is typically a death sentence. HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, refers to persons whose bodies contain the AIDS virus, but in whom fullblown AIDS disease symptoms have not yet manifested.

The only effective treatment for AIDS in adults is an expensive combination of medications that the infected person must take daily for the rest of his or her life in order to survive (there have been at least two reported cases of infants born with AIDS being cured of AIDS after being given the medications combination continually from birth).

Black folks are disproportionately impacted by the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic. HIV/AIDS is more prevalent in Africa than on any other continent. Next in prevalence is the Caribbean, which has a predominantly black and Latino population. Third prevalent is the United States; within the U.S., blacks and Latinos are the most highly impacted groups.

Africa contains 19 of the countries with the most reported HIV/AIDS infections in the world. South Africa has 5 million reported HIV/AIDS infected people, more than any other country. Nigeria has the second largest infected population.

India, which is not in Africa, is third.

Within the United States, more than 1.1 million people are HIV positive, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Approximately 1 in 6 (15.8%) of these do not know they are infected. Blacks are America’s racial group most infected by HIV/AIDS, and approximately 50,000 new HIV infections occur each year within the U.S. New York City is “the epicenter of HIV/AIDS in the United States,” according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Approximately 100,000 New Yorkers – 1.3% of the city’s population – have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Many additional New Yorkers likely have undiagnosed HIV/AIDS, according to DOHMH. Blacks and Latinos comprise more than 75% of HIV-infected persons in New York City, although these two racial/ethnic groups comprise only 51% of the City’s population. More than 80% of AIDS deaths in the City occurred among blacks and Latinos, according to DOHMH.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

The AIDS virus resides within the bodily fluids of infected persons. Contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids typically transmits the disease. Accordingly, HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through blood transfusions, or by sharing hypodermic needles, as heroin addicts often to do.

But HIV/AIDS is most commonly spread through sexual activity. Sexual liaisons typically result in the participants sharing body fluids. A person has sex with someone, contracts the disease from that person, and then has sex with a third person, thereby transmitting the disease to that third person, and so on.

Obeying God’s commands should drastically slow the spread of HIV/AIDS. God’s commands concerning sex – including linking sexual intercourse with marriage, prohibiting adultery, and limiting divorce – lean acutely toward sexual fidelity.

God’s commands in general, including commands concerning sex, are often counterintuitive. In other words, what seems okay to the natural human mind, what the world assumes to be all right, may be neither right nor healthy. As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version), “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Read the Bible passages listed below concerning sexual activity. In most of these, God expresses his will either directly, through Jesus Christ, or through the Prophet Moses.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Matthew 5:17-20 Exodus 22:16-17 Deuteronomy 22:28-29 Exodus 20:14 Matthew 19:3-12 Mark 10:2-12 Matthew 5:31-32 Deuteronomy 24:1-4 Deuteronomy 24:5 Leviticus 18:22 Leviticus 20:13 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Christ also said, in John 14:15 (New American Standard Bible), “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Later, in John 16:33 (NIV), he said, “In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As lovers of Christ, let’s keep God’s commandments, teach and lead others to do likewise, and thereby, ultimately, be vehicles through which Christ overcomes the HIV/AIDS trouble that presently so disproportionately afflicts our people in this world.

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com May 2014

™

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 14, No. 5

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

MOTHER’S LOVE n acquaintance recently said that she “would never disrespect my living or known mother by calling another woman ‘Mom.’” I could tell that she meant it from deep down in her soul, but for whatever reason, her feelings didn’t resonate with me at all. In fact, I couldn’t disagree with her more.

Growing up as the youngest of three children, there were always plenty of other kids around. My oldest brother’s football buddies, my youngest brother’s track buddies, my friends from dance class and droves of kids from the neighborhood. Most frequently, you could find all of us at our house. Rarely did my mother come home to find three children; more often than not there were at least six or seven playing and then one would stay for dinner and possibly spend the night. I sometimes thought it was the ping pong table or the Atari console that brought the kids around, but looking back as an adult, our mom probably was the bigger draw.

Beyond her beauty and intellect, our mom is a fun and generous person.

Friends would often take a break from whatever we were playing to go and sit beside her and share a little conversation. To my adolescent mind, these were talks about homework, chores and the proper way to hold a fork and knife — the things Mom repeatedly discussed with us. But now I know that sometimes she was consoling and counseling a friend whose parents were divorcing or whose mother was hospitalized or simply not in the picture. Sometimes Mom would invite our friends over for some activity that also included a lesson of some sort; other times our friends would simply want a hug from her and she always obliged them.

A

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Associate Editor R. L. Witter

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74 The Positive Community

The Last Word

May 2014

Eventually, there was a chorus of kids running in and out of our home and our lives, all of whom called her “Mom.” And similarly, I’d catch a ride home from my friend Lynn’s mother and yell “Thanks, Mom!” as I exited the car. I’d have Sunday dinner at my friend April’s grandmother’s home; we all called her “Gammy.” April’s family was my family, so wasn’t she my Gammy, too?

As a young adult I moved across the country and sometimes found myself separated from my biological family on holidays. Thankfully I befriended women who had children, so they possessed that tacit quality that all mothers seem to have, a sixth sense perhaps. Soon I had “momfriends,” older women who were motherly toward me and helped fill the day-today void of separation that phone calls and cards couldn’t fill. I could go shopping with them or help cook Easter dinner —things that distance simply didn’t allow me to do with my mother.

And I noticed that my momfriends all had something in common with my mother. Tall or short, black or white, they always seemed to have room for one more in their lives and their hearts and there were always a few extra kids calling them “Mom.” Kids not born of their bellies, but still nurtured in their hearts. Kids who got something they needed from an unexpected place and drew strength and comfort from it.

Our friends still greet our mother with a “Hi Mom,” and now my mother-in-law has a daughter calling her “Mom.” So I respectfully disagree with that acquaintance and consider myself blessed to be able to say “Happy Mother’s Day!” to a group of women who have mothered a community of children and generously spread their love. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Antonio Douthit-Boyd. Photo by Andrew Eccles

One Center Street, Newark, NJ

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Earth, Wind and Fire • 6/19 & 6/20

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Pat Metheny Unity Group Bruce Hornsby with Sonny Emory • 8/8

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Season at a glance May 2014 May 10–11 May 16 May May

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May May

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June 2014 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Stuart Little Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Freddie Roman The Monkees The Midtown Men

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Broadway at Moorland Cinderella The Remix Imagination Stage Gisela João Portuguese fado singer RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles El Gran Combo with special guest Charlie Cruz Il Volo Earth, Wind & Fire

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The Wayans Brothers Gabriel Iglesias, comedian Pat Metheny Unity Group Bruce Hornsby with Sonny Emory Beres Hammond

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