November 2010 Issue by The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

THE NEWARK ISSUE Newark Alliance Cory Booker Speaks Wachovia’s Michelle Lee

FOCUS ON

HEALTH ANSWERED PRAYERS: THE JOURNEY OF REV. DR. M. WILLIAM HOWARD DR. M. WILLIAM HOWARD:

THIS IS WHERE YOU BELONG: In the place you call home. In the community you cherish. In the health plans created to keep you there. We’re VNSNY CHOICE, the health plans from the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. So, we understand how much your community means to you. And we do everything we can to help you live independently at home – where you belong. Last year alone we helped our members reduce unnecessary hospital admissions by 22%.* Please contact us to learn more. Call 1-877-99-VNSNY today (1-877-998-6769) TDD/TTY:1-888-844-5530 9 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday Or visit www.vnsnychoice.org *12 month 2009 medical management data for Dual Eligible plan members. © 2010 VNSNY CHOICE

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Our strength supports generations

Wachovia proudly celebrates the new milestones being reached by African Americans every day. In the home, in the community, and in the world, African Americans are taking the lead, achieving unity, and reaching new heights. And from these heights, our children not only have a clear view of today’s possibilities, but also tomorrow’s promise.

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November 2010

CONTENTS 45 COVER STORY DR. M. WILLIAM HOWARD: ANSWERED PRAYERS

Sections Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 SPECIAL SECTION: Newark Beth Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Features Michelle Lee: Donuts to Dollars . . . . . 16

also inside

Newark Alliance: Newark Helping Newark . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

BSDC: You’ve Got a Friend . . . . . . . . . 24

Shepherd’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Nia Froome Wins NTFE Top Honor . . . 30

Dr. Bonaparte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Newark School of Theology Expansion 32

Fitness Doctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cory Booker Exclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Spirit & Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 4

The Positive Community November 2010

Lofton Honored by NY Archdiocese. . . 57 New Jersey Black Issues Convention . 75 Harlem Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0 Diggs On Track for Greatness . . . . . . . 99 Cover photo: Bob Gore

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11/8 Job

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Prudential. Growing around the world.

Deeply rooted in New Jersey.

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As a financial services leader, the mission of Prudential is to help our clients grow and protect their wealth. As a corporate citizen, we have an equally vital missionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to help grow and protect the communities where we live and work. We pursue these goals by taking an important lesson from nature: Growth depends on strong and healthy roots. Prudential and New Jersey. As always, a Rock SolidÂŽ combination.

www.prudential.com

Prudential and the Rock logo are registered service marks of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. 0178718-00001-00

The Positive Community November 2010

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GREAT

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor

Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations

Archdiocese of New York

General Baptist Convention, NJ

Newark Dist. of AME Church, Newark, NJ

Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Howard Grant, Presiding Elder

Berean B. C., Brooklyn, NY

Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ

African American Heritage Parade African American Muslims for Interfaith Relationships (AAMIR)

125th St. BID

Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY

Greater Allen Cathedral, Queens, NY

Paterson’s Pastor’s Workshop, Paterson, NJ

Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor

Revs. Floyd and Elaine Flake, Co-Pastors

Rev. Dr. James Kuykendall, President

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ.

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ

American Heart Association, Northern, NJ

Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor

Birdel’s Tapes & Audio, Brooklyn

Beulah B.C., Newark, NJ

Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY

St Luke B. C., Paterson, NJ

Carver Federal Savings Bank

Rev. Gerald L. Dickson, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

City National Bank

Black Ministers Council of NJ

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI)

St. Albans, NY COGIC

Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, 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 Empire Missionary B.C. Convention NY Rev. Washington Lundy, President Fellowship Missionary B, C., Newark, NJ Rev. E.T. Byrd, Pastor First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ

Lucille McEwen, President & CEO Manhattan District AME Churches, NY Rev. Harold Rutherford, Presiding Elder Masjid Imam Ali K. Muslim, Newark, NJ Imam Akbar Muhammad Metropolitan B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY Rev. Adolphus Lacey, Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Ray Youngblood, Pastor

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

Rev. James E. Booker Jr., Pastor

Inner City Broadcasting Medgar Evers College NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference*

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ

New Brunswick Theological Seminary

Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

St. Paul Community B. C., Brooklyn, NY

New York Theological Seminary

Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

New York Urban League

The Cathedral Int’l., Perth Amboy, NJ

Newark School of Theology

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ

The New Hope B. C., Newark, NJ

Schomburg Center

Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

The Bozeman Law Firm

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

The College of New Rochelle The United Way of Essex and West Hudson

United Black Clergy of Westchester, Inc.

University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ

Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

WBGO-88.3FM

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY

WKMB-1070AM

Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Rev, Conrad B. Tillard, Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY

New Jerusalem B.C., Queens, NY

Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

Mildred Crump, Newark City Council St. John AME Church, Harlem, NY

Nazarene Congregational Church Brooklyn, NY

Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ

Rev. Ben Monroe

American Diabetes Association

Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Pastor

H. Grady James III, Pastor

“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

THE BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITY of the

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK extends

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS To Our Archbishop,

HIS EXCELLENCY, MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY M. DOLAN On your recent election as

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS (USCCB)

May Christ Our Hope continue to be your guide, and may His love continue to strengthen your faith and your service to His people, especially in your new, additional ministry! OFFICE OF BLACK MINISTRY~ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK & THE OBM COMMISSION & COMMITTEES

along with VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT GUILD PIERRE TOUSSAINT SCHOLARS COLLEGE PIERRE TOUSSAINT-SASSIER, HAITI NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE FOR LIFE FRANCISCAN HANDMAIDS OF MARY SOLID GROUND FRANCISCAN MINISTRY VICARIATE OF CENTRAL HARLEM RICE HIGH SCHOOL & CHRISTIAN BROTHERS COMMUNITY HAITIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF THE BRONX AND WESTCHESTER KIDANE MEHERET GE’EZ RITE (ERITREAN) CATHOLIC COMMUNITY BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF THE BRONX AND WESTCHESTER GHANAIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FRENCH-SPEAKING AFRICAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY GHANAIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IBO & NIGERIAN COMMUNITY GARAFUNA COMMUNITY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

The Black Catholic Community of the The BlackARCHDIOCESE Catholic Community OF NEW YORK of the

SALUTES

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

The Positive Community Magazine SALUTES On the occasionMagazine of your The Positive Community 10th ANNIVERSARY On the occasion of your We are to be supporters of such a great publication! 10proud th ANNIVERSARY

You challenge us and make us feel proud, as you share with us We are proud to be supporters of such a great publication! "Good News from The Church and Community!" You challenge us and make us feel proud, as you share with us May God continue to bless your great work on behalf of His People! "Good News from The Church and Community!" The Lord be with youâ&#x20AC;Ś May God continue to bless your great work on behalf of His People! The Lord be with youâ&#x20AC;Ś We speak various languages

The Black Catholic Community has been an The Black Catholic Community integral has beenpart an of the

including English, French, We speak various languages Creole, Spanish, Akan, including English, French, Igbo, and Tigrinya-to Creole, Spanish, Akan, name only a few. We Igbo, and Tigrinya-to

of New integral part Archdiocese of the for over 200 Archdiocese York* of New

name only a love few. our We God, our Church love our God, our and our

years. York* for over 200We include priests, deacons, reliyears. We include gious brothers & sisters, priests, deacons, reliand men and women. gious brothers & lay sisters, of us are native New and lay men Some and women. Yorkers, Some of us are nativewhile New others of us have

We stand for Church and Families. our lifestand and justice, and Families. We for against violence, racism and life and justice, and all formsracism of injustice. against violence, and We value

peace, ourvalue young and our all forms of education, injustice. We come from various parts of the United States, Yorkers, while others of us have and our we support and our collaborate with peace, elderly education, young and the Caribbean, and throughout the Continent come from various parts of the United States, others of like for with example, elderly and we support andvalues-as collaborate of and Africa and the rest the world. the Caribbean, throughout theofContinent PositiveforCommunity others of likeThe values-as example, magazine! of Africa and the rest of the world.

The Positive Brother Community Most Reverend Timothy M Dolan Tyronemagazine! A. Davis, C.F.C. Archbishop of New York Director, Office of Black Ministry U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Most ReverendPresident, Timothy M Dolan Brother Tyrone A. Davis, C.F.C. Archbishop of New York Director, OfficeofofNew BlackYork Ministry The Archdiocese President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 1011 First Avenue * New York, NY 10022 The Archdiocese of (212) New371-1011, York ext. 2681 1011ofFirst Avenue * New York, 10022 *The Archdiocese New York is currently comprised of theNY Boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City and the Counties(212) of Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, 371-1011, ext. 2681 Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester in New York State. *The Archdiocese of New York is currently comprised of the Boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City and the Counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester in New York State.

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DONALD PAYNE, JR. GUEST EDITORIAL

Donald Payne Jr. is President of the Newark Municipal Council.

Newark’s Green Movement uring the 19th and early 20th centuries, Newark evolved into a bustling port city and center of trade, manufacturing and commerce. While the largest city in the state of New Jersey remains a thriving and valuable commercial center and transportation artery for the region, these achievements came at a dear price. The immeasurable positive impact on the economic vitality of the city, state and region cannot be disputed. However, our environment and fragile ecosystem has become a casualty of progress, affecting the health and well-being of the most vulnerable citizens in our community, our youth and the elderly. Sites where former tanneries, mills and other manufacturing enterprises once operated are now contaminated with toxic pollutants that pose a continual health threat to area residents and hamper redevelopment efforts. Newark’s prominence as a vital transportation corridor exposes our citizens daily, to the harmful effects of nitrogen dioxides and black carbon soot emissions from diesel engines. The air quality of our city is affected by massive pollutants increasing the risk and incidence of respiratory illnesses including allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer among our residents. Fortunately, Newark city government is aware of its responsibility and taking steps to address Newark’s unique environmental health issues in a proactive and responsible manner. Newark is at the forefront of the movement to become a “green municipality” serving as a model for cities nationwide. Aware of the necessity to engage both private and public participation, the city has formed partnerships with not-for-profit organizations and the private sector to address the challenges and opportunities to create more sustainable communities. Efforts include remediation and redevelopment of “brownfields;” “green job creation;” identifying and implementing new, cost efficient “clean energy” technology; retrofitting energy inefficient homes and pursuing energy efficient alternatives within the municipal government infrastructure. During my first term on the Municipal Council, I

The Positive Community November 2010

sponsored legislation to accept funding from the United States Department of Energy to develop climate change mitigation and aggressively address wasteful energy conditions in municipal buildings. As elected officials entrusted to act in the best interest of the citizens we represent, we must serve as role models and lead by example. As City Council President, I am committed to pursuing and advancing legislation that will support the city’s environmental agenda. In March 2009, I participated in the swearing-in ceremony of the city’s newly created Environmental Commission. I am excited, inspired and encouraged by their commitment to serve as environmental advocates and policy advisors to the city’s administration and governing body. I pledged to be the “Green Councilman.” I have a son who suffers from asthma and quite naturally, I am alarmed about the rate of asthma among Newark’s school age children: twice the state and national average. For me, the urgency to curb toxic emissions from diesel engines really hits home. I established a partnership with Newark-based Innovation Fuels, a bio-diesel company to work to reduce our municipality’s carbon footprint. The desired result will aid city residents who suffer from a myriad of respiratory ailments caused by our toxic environment. Finally, while Newark has made significant strides on the environmental front, much work remains to be done. Every stakeholder in our community must work towards ensuring a community that will remain environmentally sound not just for today, but for generations to come. To that end, I have worked closely with the Greater Newark Conservancy, supporting their efforts to promote environmental stewardship through education and advocacy. An informed community is an empowered community willing and able to pursue change. The ultimate goal is to make our homes, neighborhoods and businesses better, safer and healthier. We all must take part in creating a sustainable environment in which all of us can live and prosper.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

We make things bloom. New Jersey’s future success depends on our ability to effectively manage the need for environmental protection with the need for a growing economy. At PSEG, we’re committed to both. For three decades, we’ve been working to reduce the environmetal impact of our own operations and working with others to achieve effective, innovative solutions to today’s environmental issues. We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint through investments in renewable energy, efficient central power generation and energy efficiency measures. And, through investments in our customers and communities we’re helping them reduce their carbon footprint as well. Balancing economic development and environmental protection is critical to creating a better, healthier world for our children. It’s one way in which we’re making things bloom in New Jersey.

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REVEREND REGINALD T. JACKSON A SHEPHERD’S CORNER

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

Where Were We? ast month in midterm elections, voters across the nation described as “angry” gave Republicans control of the U.S. House of Representatives, an additional six seats in the U.S. Senate and a majority of state governorships and state legislatures. There is no other way to describe it than as a big night for Republicans. However, with that being said, there are some other very important facts to be analyzed and lessons to be learned from the election and its results. The talking heads and political pundits broke down the election results as a rejection of President Obama and his agenda, namely the stimulus, bailout of the banks and automobile industry and the healthcare legislation. Each of these have increased federal spending and added to the national debt. “Angry” voters believed the President and Congress should be focused on jobs and the economy, and seemed to forget that the bank bailout happened on the previous President’s watch. While I do not argue with their analysis, it does not tell the whole story of the election. Other analysis needs to be considered and difficult lessons learned. Republicans won big because African Americans didn’t vote. Historically, African Americans and other minorities don’t vote in large numbers in mid-term elections. The turnout for this election was even lower than usual and might lead one to conclude that if African American voters had turned out in force as they had in November 2008, the Republicans might not have won big and may not have won control of the House of Representatives. The fact that African American voters didn’t turn out to vote is a sad story for all of us and a shameful teachable moment. Many Republicans and Tea Party candidates made their agendas abundantly clear, and that still didn’t motivate most African Americans to vote. They want to repeal the President’s healthcare legislation, and most of those in this country who don’t have healthcare are African Americans or other minorities. They want to do away with the minimum wage, which again affects many African Americans. They don’t want to increase wages for those on the low end of the pay scale; Republicans made it clear that they are not on the side of the poor or minorities. This is unfortunate because

The Positive Community November 2010

many may find out the hard way that “elections have consequences.” We should not vote for people just because they are Democrats, but in this election many Republicans were on the wrong side of the issues. We should heed this as a wake-up call because we cannot continue to depend on other folk to get our people to the polls. In other words, African Americans depend on “the party” and other groups to motivate our people to vote. We don’t, won’t or can’t do it ourselves. If the party apparatus doesn’t turn out our vote, we don’t vote en masse. When it is beneficial to “the party” it turns out the vote, when it is not it doesn’t. This was seen in last year’s gubernatorial election here in New Jersey, when” the party” leadership didn’t make the effort to turn out a large vote. The church, community leaders and organizations ought to be able to get African Americans to vote without depending on “the party.” This will enable us to also get better candidates who have our interests at heart and also demonstrate our independence. Finally, it should burden us because now we must educate and empower our community to act in our own best interest. Because we don’t vote, many political leaders feel there are no consequences for voting against us. This includes Democrats; we are their base and most loyal voters—we have to change this. Hispanics and other minorities are organizing, voting and gaining more clout and political influence in no small part because of gains made during the civil rights struggle of African Americans. If we don’t act to educate and empower our community our future will be bleak and all of our and our ancestors’ blood, sweat and tears will be for naught. We can’t afford to give Republicans—or anyone else— another big day because African Americans had a small voter turnout. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Make this Essex County holiday extravaganza your family tradition! Turtle Back Zoo will be turned into a Winter Wonderland with extraordinary seasonal lighting exhibits, costumed characters and more. Enjoy free admission, stroll the landscaped paths of our Zoo and admire the illuminated images of everything from toy soldiers to dancing penguins.â&#x20AC;? Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

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

Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular K K K Kk K K K K K K K K K K

FREE ADMISSION!!

5 to 9 PM November 26, 27, 28; December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12; December 17 to January 2 Closed December 24th & 25th

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-5800 ~ www.essexcountynj.org Carousel Rides are $2 Sponsored by Coca Cola, Covanta, Prudential, PSE&G, Zoological Society of NJ and the Essex County Parks Foundation Donations of non-perishable food items and toys for the needy are appreciated.

Newark at a Glance Newark is the nation’s third oldest city

NEWARK HAS

147,000 commuters entering to work every day

76 companies with their corporate headquarters located within one mile of the intersection of Broad and Market Streets

NEWARK HAS

the 2nd busiest airport in the New York City region and the 10th busiest in the country for handling cargo (Source: Airports Council International, 2008)

NEWARK HAS

the largest port on the East Coast, and one of the most heavily used hubs on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

NEWARK HAS

NEWARK HAS NEWARK HAS

over 60,000 students and faculty at its six colleges and universities – making it the fourth highest concentration of higher education on the East Coast the state’s leading performing arts center

the largest museum and library in the state

Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in North America (with spires higher than those of Notre Dame or Westminster Abbey)

NEWARK'S

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Congratulates THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY ON THEIR

10 ANNIVERSARY TH

For their commitment in communicating values, ideas and ideals that promote self-acceptance, self-reliance and self-respect to our community.

Donald M. Payne, Jr. President and At- Large

Augusto Amador East Ward

Luis A. Quintana At-Large

Ras Baraka

Mildred C. Crump

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Ronald C. Rice

Darrin S. Sharif

South Ward

Vice President & North Ward

At-Large

West Ward

Robert P. Marasco, City Clerk â&#x20AC;˘ Kenneth Louis, Deputy City Clerk

At-Large

Central Ward

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From Donuts to Dollars:

Michelle Lee’s Journey to Executive Vice President at Wachovia

e’ve all heard the phrase about betting dollars to donuts. Wachovia’s Michelle Lee, a Newark, NJ native, turned the phrase around and literally went from donuts to dollars in 1984 when she took a job as a bank teller after completing a music degree in college. “I was working at Dunkin Donuts,” Lee recalls, “and I thought ‘there’s got to be more to life than jelly and glazed,’” she chuckled. On a whim, she decided to apply for a job in a bank; “I wasn’t thinking about a career in banking, I really

W 16

The Positive Community November 2010

wanted to pursue a music career and quite frankly didn’t know how to go about doing that—especially returning to Newark where there wasn’t a big outlet for opera singing.” And the rest, as they say, is history. The music industry’s loss was most definitely the banking world’s gain, but Lee was not yet aware of that. “I did not see myself doing it [working in banking] for a long time… In my first couple of weeks with the bank, a colleague was celebrating their 15th anniversary and I thought, ‘Gosh you’ve been here fifteen years!’ and it seemed like a really, really long time to me and I remember thinking, ‘I am never going to be here for that long.’” More than 25 years and several promotions later, she’s still in banking and still loves what she does. And despite countless mergers, acquisitions and name changes (the latest being the purchase of Wachovia by Wells Fargo), she has spent her entire career with the same company. Lee found her passion in banking and set out explore the possibilities and opportunities it might offer her. “I fell in love with banking and I wanted to learn more about it,” she reflected. In pursuit of her passion, Lee stayed late after work without pay to learn the inner workings and behind the scenes happenings at the bank, and then eventually studied Finance at the American Institute of Banking. Finance classes notwithstanding, Lee attributes much of her interest in and aptitude for banking and mathematics to her musical background. “I loved math but I had to work very hard at it, just as I did with music,” she explained. “But they both appeal to the same side of your brain so it makes complete sense to me that I got my degree in music and became a banker.” Michelle Lee isn’t just any banker; her very impressive title is quite a mouthful—Executive Vice President and Northeast Community Bank President at Wachovia, a Wells www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Fargo Company. Sometimes, she finds herself still in awe of her accomplishments, her title and the work that she does. “There are still days when I wake up and I can’t believe that this little girl from Newark is not just running Newark, but the state of New Jersey, the state of New York and the state of Connecticut. I feel incredibly blessed and favored and still, sometimes I have to pinch myself.” Her goals were not lofty in the beginning of her banking career. “I used to think, ‘If I can just become a branch manager…’ I saw myself doing that for the rest of my life—I never ever in a thousand years envisioned myself in the role that I’m in now.” Her current role places Lee at the helm of community banking for Wachovia in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. She never really saw herself arriving there, and actually took a roundabout route to get there. In 2004, she moved to Atlanta, GA to run the retail banks there. She loved the milder weather and the diversity of the people she encountered in that southern mecca, but still found herself flying back to Newark every second Sunday to direct the choir at Faith Temple Original Free Will Baptist Church, where Bishop L.N. Forbes is pastor. “I feel music is a gift and that church is where I am to use that gift,” she explained. After a lifetime and 20 years of church membership in New Jersey, and only 18 months in Georgia, Lee found herself with a truly puzzling dilemma before her—an opportunity to return to her home state. “I prayed about the decision to come back and knew that I should be back here —that’s been confirmed for me. I have no regrets about coming back,” she explained. Once back in the Garden State, she undertook not only her greatest professional challenge, but also a mission of service to her community. “Most of the time I’m doing it as a representative of Wells Fargo,” Lee said. “But it’s important to me that the mission of any organization that I’m associatwww.thepositivecommunity.com

ed with aligns with the vision and values of our company as well as my own personal vision and values and it is something that I can be passionate about…I think it’s really important that executives align themselves with companies whose mission appeals to them…that they are present and they are participating and not just writing a check. I’ve got a team of 5,000 people behind me.” Lee serves on the board of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School; “They hooked my heart,” she said lovingly. “I was born and raised in Newark and most of these kids come from modest backgrounds. But it’s important to me that regardless of what you have or where you come from, that you have access and you have opportunity. That’s what I see the Marion P. Thomas Charter School providing those kids and that’s why I’m a part of it.” She also serves on the boards of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation and the Greater YMCA of New York, as well as the Newark Alliance, about which she said, “That’s more about my love for the city I grew up in, the city my father still lives in… It’s important to me that I am able to participate in things that give back to a community that has meant so much to my life.” Lee is proud of her commitment to the local community and highlighted some of most recent achievements of Wells Fargo and Wachovia in the area, including $3 million contributed to local non-profits in 2010, 1.2 million hours of volunteering and a $1,000 grant to local non-profits from each of the 450 branches in Lee’s footprint. Nationally, Wells Fargo is the top lender to small businesses overall, as well as in low to moderate income areas and is committed to home preservation—helping people stave off foreclosure and remain in their homes. As a company, they have modified more than 500,000 mortgages and forgiven $3.5 billion in principal balances. Remaining committed to the community, Wells Fargo has also developed the Hands On Banking program (www.handsonbanking.org). The online program helps people in all aspects of finance from balancing a checkbook to saving for a home or retirement. Lee and her team are even teaching the curriculum to the YMCA so that they can assist in educating people and sharing the methods and tools. With more than 25 years in banking behind her and a continued bright future ahead of her, Lee is in a position to both reflect upon her accomplishments and look forward toward her next chapters. “My hope is that I look back and see a long line of people I’ve helped develop, people I’ve mentored and people who got some value from my leadership,” she stated. When asked about exploring her music and other creative interests in the future, she seemed assured that she would, but was unsure as to the vehicle. “The sky is the limit. Why limit myself by saying, ‘I only want that’ when it could be so much more than I’m able to dream of? I believe I’ve got a novel in me, so maybe in my years post-career I’ll get that novel down on paper,” she mused. “Whatever I do, I’ll be led by God.” Of that, she can be certain. November 2010 The Positive Community

Preaching for Economic Justice Momentum Grows for Fair Wages Act

A Brooklyn woman feels spirited for living wages at the New Life Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn

n the weekend of October 9 and 10, in more than 80 congregations throughout New York City, faith leaders called for the City Council to take a stand for economic justice and pass the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act. Living Wage Weekend was part of a larger movement to raise wages throughout the city, starting with those working in publicly subsidized developments. With the rich, getting richer, the wages for average Americans stagnant and the poor getting poorer trying to live on $7.25 the minimum wage, Living Wage NYC is at the forefront of a campaign to make corporations receiving subsidies, which come from taxpayer dollars pay a living wage with benefits, respect their employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; right to organize a union without threat or intimida-

tion and provide affordable community space for much needed community services, such as job training, youth services, English as a Second Language classes, financial counseling, etc. The fight is about money, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really more than that. The concept is that work should be rewarded, and no one who works full time should be destined to live in poverty. Councilmembers, community and labor leaders participated in the weekend services. One of the churches participating was Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem. You can view a video, of the sermon delivered by Pastor Jesse T. Williams Jr. at www.thepositivecommunity and learn more about this important initiative at http://livingwagenyc.org/updates/detail. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;JNW Crowds of church-goers gather at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church for a powerful sermon delivered by Reverend Jesse T. Williams

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Newark Alliance: Newark Working for a Better Newark Jean nash Wells and R.l. WitteR

Newark Alliance staffers L-r: Regina Barboza, program manager; Barbara Melone, office manager; Al Koeppe, CEO; Tanya Mitchell, CFO and Kathy Weaver, VP Programs Photos: Vincent Bryant

s the largest city in New Jersey, the seat of Essex County and the state’s transportation and shipping hub, as well as an arts, sports and entertainment destination, Newark has much to offer. With businesses, educational institutions, cultural centers and myriad retail enterprises, it can be difficult to bring all entities together to work toward the common goal of Newark’s greater good. Enter the Newark Alliance. Founded in 1999 by a group of concerned CEO’s and former New Jersey Governor Tom Keane, the Newark Alliance labors to connect Newark-based corporations and organizations with one another and then in turn, connect Newark residents with services, jobs and educational opportunities to better themselves and life in Newark. A non-profit organization comprised of key leaders from some of New Jersey’s major corporations, Newark’s higher education community and civic and non-profit organizations and led by President and CEO Alfred C. Koeppe, the Alliance strives to find feasible and lasting solutions to the problems that plague Newark. Koeppe recently told The Positive Community, “The value of the Alliance goes beyond the projects we’re involved in—whether they’re projects that deal with healthcare, which we’re working on with the healthcare providers in the city and with the state to provide job enhancement opportunities. It goes beyond the workforce development project. It also goes beyond solving those individual very difficult problems that occur on a sporadic basis. The acoustic cameras in response to the murders are an example of that.” Koeppe fell silent for a moment, recalling the brutal schoolyard slayings of 2007 that prompted the Alliance to raise money to have the cameras installed to assist authorities in pinpointing and reacting to gunshots in the city. Koeppe, who in a former life, in fact two former lives for most other people, held top positions at two of New Jersey’s most important utilities— president and chief executive officer of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey and following that, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G before joining the Newark Alliance. He continued, “The

Alliance’s value is that there is a forum that includes representatives from across the city. It includes not only corporations, but non-profits, religious institutions, higher education, healthcare providers, city government as well state entities—the Department of Labor, Attorney General’s office, Lt. Governor—all working together, but also serving as a forum for people to address critical issues thoughtfully without rancor and with an eye toward providing pragmatic and achievable solutions. That’s the Alliance’s part.” It’s a big job and though the staff of the Alliance is small, they get things done. Koeppe gives special mention to Kathy Weaver, vice president of programs and Tanya Mitchell, chief financial officer for their contributions. “We are really fortunate to have them here,” he beamed. Both Weaver and Mitchell brought a wealth of experience to their respective positions and find the work they are doing extremely rewarding. Tanya Mitchell describes the work that they do as “a marathon, it’s not a sprint. The nature of the work we do is trying to change the institutional processes and paradigms that have existed for a very long time. We work a lot but the work is rewarding because we’re working for a higher purpose— to help the residents of Newark.” “All the work is satisfying,” chimed in Kathy Weaver, “and when we see that we can really effect change, that’s rewarding. The Newark Alliance model is one of civic engagement bringing together all of the assets to create whatever is recommended, always with partnerships and always with the idea that we are building upon and enhancing existing institutions.” Rev. M. William Howard, the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church and an Alliance member agrees. He sees the relationships it fosters as essential to Newark’s progress. “The Newark Alliance is a vital bridge, connecting Newark’s corporate business leaders with every other leadership sector of the city,” he stated, “and it provides a premier forum for information-sharing on key issues impacting Newark’s development and growth.” With a membership made up of leaders like Howard,

The Positive Community november 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Cornell Brooks of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Clifford Janey superintendent of Newark Public Schools, the presidents of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Prudential, Continental, NJPAC and Wachovia to name a few, the Newark Alliance is able to effect change in many arenas. “We ask ‘What’s achievable and what are the measurable results? What do we need to get this done? Who needs to do it?’” Koeppe explained. “And we hold each other accountable to get results here and not just to build a beautiful vision.” Key accomplishments include a partnership with the City of Newark to open a One-Stop Career Center at Port Newark. The Alliance did the research and helped develop the plan for the center, which is owned and operated by the city. The center connects job seekers with employers who have jobs at and around the port. It’s an example of Newark helping Newark through a model they call link and leverage. “We connect the resources, provide the leadership, accomplish the task,” said Koeppe. “And then we let it sustain itself and endure.” These tasks were accomplished through Opportunity Newark, a non-profit initiative in partnership with Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). The comprehensive program not only established the career center, but also provides training for current and projected jobs at Port Newark, as well as establishing a marketing strategy to better publicize and position the port’s assets to spark growth and more job creation. “We’ll continue to identify the most pressing needs in the city of Newark,” assured Koeppe. “Another focus is something that was part of our roots when we formed the organization, education.” In addition to serving as a coordinating resource for the Newark Public School District, the Alliance is working to connect up-and-com-

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ing leaders with some of the current leaders to bridge generational and service gaps. “One of the challenges in Newark is linking the wise old heads with the new people coming up in the city,” Koeppe continued. “We’ve talked about a program where we would groom these young men and women and introduce them to some of the elder statesmen in the city to pass the baton and continue the work we have started.” That work encompasses many facets, but also manages to blend them to establish innovative programs that are turning heads far beyond Newark. “Nobody bridges as many pieces of the extended Newark community as we do,” boasted Koeppe. “There is not an entity in the state that does that.” The Alliance has the proof to back up that statement; it’s called WIRED –Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development. Koeppe elaborated, “We administer the WIRED grant. The state came to us and said here is an opportunity for a grant and what the Federal Government is trying to do in bringing a regional presence for economical development is exactly what the Newark Alliance is already doing. So the Alliance itself serves as the project manager for the WIRED program.” That is no small achievement as the WIRED program involves a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. “We administer federal funds that flow into the Northern New Jersey region for training programs,” stated Koeppe, “Some of which fall into the Newark region. We’re there because we have that credibility across boundaries into the state level.” So far, the Newark Alliance has helped train more than 3,000 people under its Talent Network model. The model involves the coming together of industry, the public workforce system, one stop career centers, educational institutions and trade associations to develop curricula needed by employers to train individuals for jobs. “The focus for 2011 and beyond will be jobs for Newark and the region’s residents,” Koeppe added. “We’re going to have a significant interest in finding jobs in the Port— assuming that trade and the economy start to pick up— so that Newark’s residents are equipped to get those jobs.” Dennis Bone, president of Verizon NJ is huge fan of the Alliance and what it does for Newark. “The people sitting around the table are committed to the city,” he said. “They are people who define the city from a wide diversity of interests.” Koeppe agreed and reiterated the uniqueness of the Alliance. “I think it is unusual to find this type of forum where people can speak their minds even if they oppose the ideas of others but they know that there’s a civility and an earnest willingness to try to find common ground and work together. And that’s kind of unusual these days.” november 2010 The Positive Community

Jobs for Jersey ormer New Jersey governors and leading New Jersey business executives gathered at Montclair State University on October 27 to discuss the employment challenges facing the state in Jobs for Jersey: Forum for Economic Action. The event was the first in a series of similar roundtable discussions aimed at bringing economic recovery to New Jersey’s businesses, residents, and work force. Seeking real, practical, and bipartisan answers to the employment challenges facing New Jersey, participants offered their views on the job and economic situations as well as possible solutions that will be presented to the governor, state legislature and congressional delegation. Featured speakers included New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and Montclair State University School of Business Dean E. LaBrent Chrite, who presented an analysis of the current economic and employment situation in New Jersey. Remarks were also offered by Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole and NJN News’ Senior Political Correspondent Michael Aron, who served as the forum’s moderator. More information is available at www.jobsforjersey.com.

Denis Bone, president Verison NJ and chairman, Choose New Jersey

MSU President Dr. Susan A. Cole with former Governors (l-r) Donald DiFrancesco, Brendan Byrne and James McGreevey Former Gov. Brendan Byrne and E. LaBrent Chrite, dean of School of Business, MSU, Donald DiFrancesco

New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno

Beverlyn Grissom, CEO, The Camden Shipping Corporation and Ralph LaRossa, president/COO, PSE&G

The Positive Community November 2010

L–R: Dennis Bone, Barry Jaruzelsky, partner, Booz & Co. with Anthony Ndiege, Montclair State M.B.A. student

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NEWARK ADDRESS

158 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102 973-622-2229ph 973-622-5556fx

Construction Management • Project Management Sustainable Design & Construction Services • Emerging Business Mentoring • Workforce Development

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You’ve Got a Friend Bridge Street Development Corporation’s Rhonda Lewis sets sights on revitalization of Bed-Stuy By GLENDA CADOGAN ounded in 1995 and located in the BedfordStuyvesant section of Brooklyn, the Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC) is an entity that many view as a “good friend.” And not a fair-weather friend, but one who is there for you whether the chips are up or down. According to its president and chief executive officer Rhonda A. Lewis, BSDC is the kind of “friend” that helps you when you have no place to call home. “We are there for you when you are facing foreclosure or when you want to renovate your apartment but don’t know what to do,” she said. “During the tough times we are there to guide you, to hold your hand and help you through the process.” In addition, Bridge Street Development Corporation is also a good “friend” to block and tenants associations, helping them deal with the issues that are affecting their communities. Merchants and business owners also benefit from BSDC as the organization fulfills its mission to renovate and revitalize commercial corridors with the aim of strengthening the entire community to become a striving healthy and spiritual place to raise a family. Amazingly, the way to develop this “friendship” with BSDC is simple: just call or walk in the doors and ask for help. “It’s that simple,” says Lewis, who is a seasoned community development professional. “Maybe you are facing foreclosure, or you want to develop a lifetime financial plan or increase your financial literacy—we have programs that help in all these areas and a team of workers committed to assisting you.” The corporation, one of the premiere faith-based CDCs in New York City, was founded out of the Bridge Street AWME Church with a mission to provide services and housing for the residents of central Brooklyn. The 244-year-old church has a long history as an anchor in the community and was actually a stop along the Underground Railroad. Bridge Street was the place where people received, not only affordable housing and other great services, but spiritual attention as well. The corporation was started 15 years ago as a way of grouping all of the services under one roof. During her nine years at BSDC, Rhonda Lewis has charted a clear course for the organization. With a life committed to empowering people of color in neighborhoods across the city, Lewis took the proverbial

The Positive Community November 2010

bull by the horns and set her sights on the revitalization of Bedford-Stuyvesant. “I grew up in an inner city neighborhood in Brownsville,” she explained. “But in our household we were taught the value of a good education. So I know and understand that people do not have to live under the conditions in the projects. That they don’t have to live as if they do not have a voice.” Turning words into action, she has marshaled BSDC into developing innovative projects increasing and diversifying homeownership options, resulting in the development of nearly 500 units of affordable homeownership and rental housing in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Under her watch, the corporation created Bed-Stuy’s first condominium project. Taking a once derelict, drug infested, prostitution den located at 300 Putnam Avenue, BSDC turned it into a virtual oasis for its residents. “At the time we got involved with 300 Putnam Avenue, the building had had no heat or hot water for more than a year,” says Lewis. “In addition to the social ills, there were burned out apartments, absolutely deplorable conditions. The revitalized 52unit building now has solar panels on the roof and a state of the art security system.”

Under her watch, the corporation created Bed-Stuy’s first condominium project. Taking a once derelict, drug infested, prostitution den located at 300 Putnam Avenue, BSDC turned it into a virtual oasis for its residents. www.thepositivecommunity.com

BSDC’s housing agenda has also produced a 94-unit quasi living facility for seniors. The facility provides several health, wellness and recreational activities that are available to low and moderate income seniors BSDC’s housing agenda has also produced a 94unit quasi living facility for seniors. The facility provides several health, wellness and recreational activities that are available to low and moderate income seniors. “There is not another place in BedfordStuyvesant with programs that cater to the mental, physical and recreational health of seniors all under one roof,” Lewis declared. BSDC’s economic agenda includes programs that help small businesses with business plans, access to financing and investment opportunities. “It is extremely hard for small business owners to strive in this climate. But we work very hard with merchants and business owners to help them keep their doors open so that they can provide the goods and services to residents, many of whom do not want to go outside of their community.” Lewis’ vision for the BSDC is to continue providing opportunities for individuals to own their homes. “I’d like to see us expanding our services and also doing more work with the block associations, which we believe are the strength of our community. In this way we get people organized to take action and not just complain about what’s wrong in their community.” When she thinks of home, the vision Rhonda Lewis sees is a warm cozy place. “Home is a place where you want to sit and have hot chocolate,” she says, adding, “I want to create this feeling for the residents in all of our buildings. Fighting for the disadvantaged is my passion; it is what gets me up in the morning. I will go to the ends of the earth for good cause. And at the end of the day, the age old adage still rings true. It is much better to teach someone to fish than give them a one-time meal.” So when you are down and troubled and you need a helping hand … don’t just sit in despair, reach out to the hand of friendship extended by the Bridge Street Development Corporation.

Welcome New Roll Call Members! United Missionary Baptist Association of New York Rev. Lee Arrington, Moderator African American Clergy and Elected Officials Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, President Union Baptist Temple Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert Morgan, Pastor

The path to your first home. The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers first-time homebuyers: • 30- or 40- year fixed interest rates that are typically below market; • Financing up to 97%; • Flexible underwriting guidelines; • Down payment assistance (higher of $3,000 or 3% of the loan amount or up to $10,000); • No points; • No financing add ons.

For more information, call

1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit www.housing.ny.gov

www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2010 The Positive Community

JOETTA’S “P” PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESS LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM TRACK & FIELD Written by: 1988, 1992, 1996 & 2000 Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs

Written for individuals of all ages who are seeking direction and guidelines to achieve success in life, Joetta’s “P” Principles For Success portrays inspirational, intriguing, and real stories to inspire readers to develop their own empowering life template. Filled with relevant insights, this unique motivational book provides ways to unlock one’s true potential. In this powerful book, Clark Diggs comprehensively discusses her five P’s for achieving success. These five important words are effective guiding elements to change, direct, and reconfirm one’s course toward his or her triumphant destiny. As to how these five P’s are going to work in one’s life is for the readers to discover inside this book.

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Almighty Debt Rev. Buster Soaries Featured In Documentary Aired on CNN n Wednesday, October 13, CNN reporter Soledad O’Brien joined Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries and Pastors Floyd Flake, A.R. Barnard, and host Pastor Jesse Williams at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem for a discussion around CNN’s documentary Almighty Debt: A Black in America Special. Portions of the program which aired on October 21, were shown in the packed sanctuary. The program centers around two middle class families who are members of Soaries’ congregation and have fallen on hard financial times and a 17-year-old in a struggle to pay for college. The focus is on Soaries’ efforts to help them and his passion to have his parishioners become debt free, an initiative he hopes to spread to other churches nationwide. “Jesus followed this same balance,” said Soaries. “He often fed his followers, and focused both on their temporal needs and their future salvation.” For more information and photographs visit www. thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Greater Allen Cathedral; Pastor A. R. Bernard, Christian Cultural Center; CNN’s Soledad O’Brien; Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, First B.C. at Lincoln Gardens and host pastor, Rev. Jessie L. Williams, Convent Avenue B.C.

Rev. Floyd Flake and his son, Harold Hasan Vincent Morgan, VP TD Bank and chair 125th St. BID

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Producer Vy Higginsen with her daughter Knoelle Higginsen-Wydro and Soledad O’Brien

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athie hel

Nia Frome accepts $10,000 prize from Oppenheimer Funds for winning national entrepreneurial competition.

Local Girl Wins Entrepreneur Competition By MWANDIKAJI MANAFUNZI ia Froome, a 17-year-old member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) in Brooklyn, won first place this fall in a national youth competition for planning and marketing their businesses. She topped 28 finalists from various metropolitan regions in the 2010 annual competition sponsored by Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. and conducted by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), an international non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship in low-income communities. Competitors developed and presented original business plans as part of their entrepreneurial studies. Nia’s prizes included a $10,000 scholarship and a visit with President Barack Obama. Upon winning, Nia said, “I’m first going to take a thousand dollars and give that as a tithe,” reported her mother, Mrs. Dawn Froome. “That came purely from Nia. So it’s a wonderful thing that our child has been absorbing what we have been teaching her. When Nia said what she said, I started praising God right there in my seat. It was proof that she ‘gets it,’ as our associate pastor, Rev. Leslie Shannon says.” Nia calls her business ‘Mamma Nia’s’ Vegan Bakery.

The Positive Community November 2010

She has always enjoyed baking, and was motivated to study vegan baking by her mother’s battle against breast cancer. Mrs. Froome explains. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago, my husband and I became vegans to help make the situation better.” Unlike vegetarians, who bypass meat but do consume dairy products, vegans consume no animal products. After her parents shifted eating habits, “whenever I baked I had to alter the recipe so that they could eat what I baked.” Nia recalled. Mrs. Froome participates in the Breast Cancer Survivors Group, run by fellow SPCBC member Dr. Rita Strickland. “Once, at a session held at our home, Nia did a workshop on breast cancer and nutrition, and included vegan cupcakes in her presentation. She was so good that when Dr. Strickland conducted a similar workshop at St. Paul, she asked Nia to make the same nutrition presentation there.” Mrs. Froome remembered. Her interest in vegan nutrition did not immediately translate into business, according to her father, Orville Froome, an elder at SPCBC. “Until recently, Nia wasn’t thinking seriously about forming a business,” Elder Froome noted. “But last summer, 2009, she had the www.thepositivecommunity.com

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option to go to France – which would have helped with her study of the French language in school − or to undergo entrepreneurship training with NFTE. She went back and forth regarding which opportunity she would pursue. France sounded exciting, but she had already visited Costa Rica and England. So my wife and I encouraged her to consider the entrepreneurship because she had not done this before.” Entrepreneurship runs in the Froome family, so it was a logical step for Nia. Elder Froome owns People’s Computer Services, a Brooklyn-based information technology company. Did Dad’s business success influence Nia’s decision to go NFTE? “Nia came into People’s Computer a couple of times, but it wasn’t that extensive,” the elder commented. “So I wouldn’t take all of the credit for her decision. I grew up in a household where the man of the house had an accounting firm, and his uncle had his own engineering firm. So for me, seeing them supply their families’ needs through their own businesses showed me that I could do it. In college, I worked with my great uncle one summer and then returned to work with him after I graduated with an engineering degree. So when I later considered going into business for myself, it was a no-brainer.” For similar reasons, Elder Froome wants the broader black community to know about his daughter’s victory and NFTE’s entrepreneurial program. ”If other black youngsters who have business ideas see someone like themselves put her business plan together with the help of NFTE, it might motivate them to do likewise, either through NFTE or on their own,” he said. Nia’s victory has already impressed her younger brother, Jair. “I’ve always thought that Nia has a special sort of

drive,” the 14-yearold said. “She is one of the hardest working people I know besides my mom and dad. At first, I could only see it reflected in her academics, but when NFTE came Froome and other finalists meet President up, I think she found Barack Obama. her niche,” Jair said. Nia, meanwhile, sounds unpretentious. Regarding meeting President Obama, she said, “When the President congratulated me and said he was proud of me, that stood out because I should be congratulating him and telling him that I am proud of him.” At only 17-years-old, Nia Froome has met the President of the United States, won a national contest and rung the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Her accomplishment was heralded in New York newspapers as well as on local television. Looking beyond the moment and current hoopla, Nia already has plans for her future. “I want to go to college next year. Before that, I want the business to be national,” Nia said. “I want my parents to take it over while I’m in college, and after that, for it to be my lifelong business.” More than just a pretty face, a budding entrepreneur, an outstanding student and a young Christian, Nia also competes as a pole vaulter on the track team at Poly Prep Country Day School. Figuratively, perhaps her highest jump has been into the national spotlight as a promising young entrepreneur.

Froome family on vacation: Nia, brother Jair, mother Dawn and father Orville.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2010 The Positive Community

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Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Education Faith and Growth Newark School of Theology plans expansion to a four year institution By g.r. mattox

lmost overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the city and dwarfed by giant neighboring structures like the YMWCA and NJPAC, an old and well-kept mansion sits quietly nestled on the corner of Park Place and Rector Street. The former rectory of St. Philip’s Cathedral has had many inhabitants and could probably tell many stories, but the tale it tells today is a story of education, faith and growth. This former rectory of St. Philip’s Cathedral is the current location of the Newark School of Theology (NST). A school whose mission is to offer high quality seminary level theological education, NST opened its doors in 1997 to all that are able to do the course work, regardless of their faith tradition. The idea to teach the world’s religious traditions, increase understanding between religions and encourage ecumenical study and dialogue was first developed by its founder and president, the

L-R: Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D., president, Newark School of Theology with Pamela Parker-McGee, NST Trustee upon her graduation from New Brunswick Theological Seminary Linda Pace

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Reverend Dr. Douglas Bendall, while he was doing his doctoral work at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkley, California. The Baltimore native carried this idea for over 25 years, through teaching assignments and ecclesiastical positions in California and Nevada up to the time he assumed the pastorate of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newark in 1995. Bendall saw the school as a response to need. “We’re an ecumenical ministry here to serve lay people and inner-city ministers who do not have an undergraduate degree and therefore could not go off to, say Princeton or Drew seminary,” he explained. “We give them a good background in theology, while teaching and encouraging them to think deeply about life, about God and what God means.” At the same time the school demonstrates how the religious experience and belief can blend together with all aspects of life, serving to guide, give vision and set a moral tone. One of the dimensions of the school that makes it unique is the commitment to the student. “We do a lot of pastoral care here,” Bendall said. “We know many of our students need encouragement, nurturing and help with dealing with some of the issues in their lives that might pose a roadblock to their education.” Need extra help with a course lesson? Of course. Student needs a ride home? They’ll make it happen. “These kinds of above and beyond academic information activities are what is required and provided for the success of the student.” In the 13 years NST has been in operation, about 250 people have completed one of six certificate programs through classes mostly held during evening hours. “We have our market niche—the hard to reach,” Bendall said. “Working people, those caring for children or aging parents.” Because the students who come to NST are serious about wanting to learn, the continued on next page

November 2010 The Positive Community

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NEWARK SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY continued from previous page

The heart of New Jersey’s most dynamic university town. TEACHING. RESEARCH. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

NST Board of Trustees L-R: David Harris, Esq, Lowenstein Sandler PC, Roseland, NJ; Dr. Thomas A. Bryant, Ph.D., visiting professor, NST; Geoffrey Brooks, managing director, BNY-Mellon Bank, New York; Rev. Lauren Ackland, M.Div., rector Grace Church, Madison, NJ; Rev. Douglas Bendall Ph.D., president NST and Adrian A. Council Sr., publisher The Positive Community.

school naturally developed an extension to its ministry by helping its students move towards an undergraduate degree. Three years ago the school successfully applied for credit recommendation for several of their courses with the American Council of Education. Later an articulation agreement was formed with Thomas Edison State College where credited courses would be readily accepted. Presently, an NST student can earn 30 credits, or up to one full year of upper division undergraduate work. With this already in place, and a recent five-year credit recommendation renewal through the Department of Education of the State of New York, NST is making plans to take the next big step in its development and that of its students. Bendall plans for the school to become a four-year college by 2013. To accomplish this, Bendall and the school will draw from tenets of two historic and creative figures: Booker T. Washington and Martin Luther King, Jr. Bendall describes Washington, the first president of Tuskegee Institute, as an extraordinary entrepreneur who understood education and how to build a school. “He understood how to partner with people and how it is that education can meet the real needs of real people, emphasizing quality of character, industry, integrity and cooperation.” Martin Luther King has always been an icon for church leadership for Bendall and will be so for the school. “He is my model for doing theology, and I consider him the greatest theologian that this country has ever produced.” People like Washington and schools like Tuskegee, Fisk and Hampton Institute were crucially important factors during Reconstruction in helping African Americans begin to make their way in American society as full and equal members. King, along with the Civil Rights movement, further opened doors for blacks to advance. Just as Washington created a school that has had and continues to have a great influence on this country, Bendall seeks to build a school that can take its place in a second reconstruction. “Now it is possible for African Americans to enter any profession or aspire to any level of leadership in this country.” For this, an education that fills the soul as well as the mind is what is needed. “We want to produce mature and responsible citizens rather than making someone ready to take on some high paying job,” Bendall said. “While that is a concern, it is not the main goal of this college.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

It's all right here! A great public university isn't just a great place for students and classes. It's also a place for lectures and conferences, concerts, art shows, and athletic events. And a place where you can find tutoring programs, tax advice, legal, health care and small business assistance, continuing education, research libraries and much more. Visit us at www.newark.rutgers.edu

www.newark.rutgers.edu Newark College of Arts and Sciences • University College The Graduate School • Rutgers Business School College of Nursing • School of Public Affairs and Administration School of Criminal Justice • Rutgers School of Law - Newark November 2010 The Positive Community

One on One with

Cory Booker By R. L. WitteR

ayor Cory Booker has one of the toughest jobs in New Jersey, if not in the country. As mayor of Newark, the largest city in the Garden State, Booker spends his days and often nights building partnerships and making decisions to improve the lives of the nearly 280,000 Newark residents and the thousands of people who work, shop, eat and play there. Under Booker’s watchful eye, Brick City has made great strides, but the Mayor is the first to admit that there is still much work to be done and is dedicated to making things happen to keep Newark on an upswing. One way in which he is striving to do that is through his partnership with Governor Chris Christie and their mission to improve Newark Public Schools. While some have found their union rather curious, Booker welcomes any advocate who can assist him on his journey toward Newark excellence. “The best way to make change in Newark is to have high standards of old vision and to partner with our community to make a difference and really trust Newark in many ways to lead the reform,” explained the Mayor. “That was how he [Governor Christie] and I began talking about it. So many governors have been in office since 1995 when our school system was taken over, but it just seems that unfortunately we haven’t seen the kind of dramatic change that Newark residents desire and that our children deserve.” Booker continued; “So, the governor and I set out to do some really bold things…and we believed that we could raise a lot of philanthropy. We believe we can bring a lot of people together to support our efforts and we believed that the community would come forward and step forward with a vision for change

The Positive Community November 2010

and so far we see that really happening.” Part of the historic nature of this partnership is the fact that the Governor has ceded some of the state’s power to Mayor Booker in regard to Newark’s schools. It speaks to the level of admiration and trust between the two politicians that Christie would return some of the control that was wrested from the city of Newark 15 years ago due to failing grades. While some may see it as a power play—an attempt to bring the control and the budget back into Newark’s hands, Mayor Booker sees it as something altogether different and much more sentimental. “It’s the mayor stepping up as mayors should be doing in their cities, and saying that I’m going to be a part of the solution,” he said with conviction. “I’m going to work with the community to make a difference. I’m not going to stand idly by while our schools fail the genius of our children. I’m going to do whatever is necessary to support our children’s success and so this is just a mayor saying that our children are not succeeding at the levels they can and they’re not getting the support that they need and I’m going to do everything that I can.” Newark’s schools have been in the public eye quite frequently, lately, on sort of a media rollercoaster. On one day there were reports of how the schools are over budget and failing and a few days later there were praise and elation for the money being raised to support the schools. The most talked about, criticized and lauded moment for the schools recently has been the $100 million donation from Facebook founder and billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg, to improve Newark’s schools over the next ten years, which Booker sees as a product of his work with Governor Christie. “We’ve been able to pull in www.thepositivecommunity.com

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record-breaking philanthropy but more importantly, a lot of the great minds of Newark are coming together to begin to have a really robust conversation around how we can improve our Mayor Booker and Mark Zuckerburg with Newark Public Schools students schools and our community as a whole and make it better serve our children,” he said. Some critics and detractors have found fault with the donation, making accusations that Zuckerberg wants to have input into the running of Newark schools and that the future of Newark schools is at the mercy of the highest bidder; Booker passionately disagrees. “That smacks of a cynicism and negativity that really have nothing to do with the truth and more reflects the spiritual state of the person who made the criticism,” quipped the Mayor. “And people haven’t questioned the hundreds of millions that [Bill] Gates has been giving to schools… People aren’t questioning the philanthropy of Oprah Winfrey, who has given millions to Newark schools…We are raising tens of millions of dollars from other people as well who want to be a part of Newark’s transformation and want to be a part of us making a difference here.” Booker is also quick to remind that you don’t have to be wealthy or have a recognizable name to be a part of the progress of Newark and her schools. “Right now we are looking for people to come out and let their voices be heard,” he stated. “There are a lot of community forums on the PENewark (Partnership for Education in Newark) website that we are planning and hosting and we’re even asking churches to host coffee klatches through PENewark so that we can hear more directly from people about how to make a difference, how to make a change.”

Another challenge Booker faces head-on is Newark’s crime rate. I’d like everybody to be involved in that story,” he said. “Newark is now safer than Orlando, Washington and Philadelphia…But we have to admit the truth, which is that we still have a lot of work to do—we shouldn’t be bragging that we’re safer than Orlando or Philly when the truth of the matter is that there is still crime in the city and it’s too high. I’m looking forward to getting to where we don’t have to tell people that crime is going down, it’s just their feeling about their neighborhood and their city is so dramatically changed; where it’s so apparent and evident that Newark is a place that is as safe as any city or even surrounding suburbs. And I know we can get there.” One area in which Booker has had tremendous success has been the revitalization and restoration of downtown Newark and getting her on track to becoming a true destination city. “That area is becoming one the great engines for economic resurgence in the city,” he boasted. “We have an incredible set of new restaurants, bars and art galleries opening out there right now. We’ve got a new hotel coming right in front of the arena [The Prudential Center], which is going to bring a lot of economic opportunity to our city. It’s not only bringing millions of people into our city every year or two, but it’s also building up the residential market in the downtown area. It’s helping us to start luring and attracting other companies to the city as a benefit of having such a great venue here, so I’m thrilled to see what is happening in our downtown core in terms of job creation, in terms of arts and in celebrating the best of Newark.” Despite the obstacles and opposition he sometimes faces in his daily business, Mayor Booker maintains a broad smile that comes across in his voice. He exudes an air of positivity blended with humor and humility. “You don’t take yourself too seriously,” he explained. “You understand that at the end of the day you are just one person working as best you can but frankly that your success depends upon a lot of us coming together. I’ve got a lot of good friends who tease me mercilessly and help me to understand that joy is a choice…and that you can choose your attitude in any set of circumstances.” Booker takes it all in stride, even a little ribbing about his televised feud with former Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien, who made unsavory jokes about Newark. “I’m looking forward to seeing it,” he said of O’Brien’s new show. “After our kerfuffle, I would consider him someone I enjoy watching.” When asked if anyone was making sure that O’Brien was keeping to his promise to donate $500 to Newark charities every time he makes a joke at the city’s expense the Mayor responded, “My DVR isn’t working right now…but every little bit helps.”

Mayor Booker, Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg and Governor Chris Christie www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2010 The Positive Community

Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees Selects New President enry Lewis III, Pharm.D. has been selected president of Florida Memorial University. Dr. Lewis has served as dean and professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida for the past fifteen years. A former interim president of FAMU, he also served as dean of the Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for four years. He is the past president of the Minority Health Professions Foundation (MHPF) and the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools (AMHPS). Under his leadership, the two organizations secured over $100 million in support of programs improving the quality of education and availability of health care to underserved communities. Former chairman of the board of the Florida Education Fund, the nation’s largest producer of African-American Ph.D.’s., Lewis graduated from FAMU with a bach-

elor of science degree in pharmacy from the program where he served as dean until his recent appointment. He earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia and completed his post-doctoral studies at Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and 4 graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. It is South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU). For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.

Changing Hearts and Minds to Value Education Newark High School Students Awarded Scholarships from Nordstrom epresentatives from Nordstrom surprised four Science Park High School students with $10,000 scholarships to be used at the colleges of their choice. This is the first time four students from one high school have been selected to recieve the scholarships. Chad Coviel, Ivelisse Tirado, Sara Torres and Omaru Washington will receive $2,500 per year over four years. High school juniors with an unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Each year, Nordstrom awards 40 scholarships to students around the country.

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

How would you improve Newark schools? Kids have good ideas. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your turn. New resources for Newarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public schools give us a chance to do things differently and better. It all starts by telling us what you think needs to change. Please go to www.PENewark.org or text PEN to 56333 and take a stand for our kids. Our schools. Our children. Our future.

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Festival to the Lord ew Brunswick Theological Seminary welcomed alumni to a special worship service titled “A Festival to the Lord” on October 24, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. NBTS graduates reminisced about their time at NBTS and commemorated their seminary years with fellowship, dinner and worship. First Baptist’s Pastor DeForest Soaries welcomed the attendees. Rev. Dr. Jerry Sanders, pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ delivered a soul-stirring sermon. Later, members and trustees of Fountain Baptist announced a $300,000 gift to the seminary.

Rev. DeForest "Buster" Soaries, Jr., First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens Dr. Wiliam L. Watley Jr. pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church

Dr. Greg Mast, NBTS president and Dr. Jessica Davis, dean of Students, NBTS

L–R: Dr. Jerry Sanders and Rev. Reginald T. Jackson

L–R: Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, President Greg Mast and TPC columnist Prof. Joanne Noelle, Somerset Theological Seminary Photos: Linda Pace

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Asbury Parent Academy Asbury Park Park Parent Academy Asbury Park Parent Academy Increasing Parent Involvement to Improve Student Achievement Increasing Involvement Improve Student Achievement AsburyParent Park ParenttoAcademy

Increasing Parent Involvement to Improve Student Achievement Can parents have an impact on the condition and performance of the schools that their children attend? In Asbury Park Can parents have an impact on the condition and performance of the schools that their children attend? In Asbury Park Increasing Parent Involvement to Improve Student Achievement New Jersey the Superintendent of Schools answers that question with a resounding YES! Dr. Denise Lowe, Asbury Park Can have an impact on the condition and performance of with the schools that their attend? AsburyPark Park Newparents Jersey the Superintendent of Schools answers that question a resounding YES!children Dr. Denise Lowe,InAsbury Superintendent of Schools, has started the 2010-2011 school year with a series of new and innovative programs and New Jersey the Superintendent of Schools thatschool question aaresounding YES! Dr.innovative Denise Lowe, Park Superintendent ofan Schools, started the answers 2010-2011 year withschools seriesthat of new and programs and Can parents have impacthas on the condition and performance of with the their children attend? InAsbury Asbury Park activities that welcome the community back to school! Superintendent of Schools, started the 2010-2011 yearwith withaaresounding series of new and programs activities that the has community back to school! New Jersey thewelcome Superintendent of Schools answers thatschool question YES! Dr.innovative Denise Lowe, Asburyand Park activities that welcome the community back to school! Superintendent of Schools, has startedwith the school year with a series ofworkshops new and innovative programs and The school year started in September a2010-2011 series of professional development that included renowned The school year started in September with a series of professional development workshops that included renowned activities welcomeKunjufu the community back to school! educatorsthat Dr. Jawanza and Principal Baruti Kafele. Both men focused their training sessions on motivating teachers The schoolDr. year startedKunjufu in September with a series professional development workshops that included renowned educators Jawanza and Principal Baruti of Kafele. Both men focused their training sessions on motivating teachers and providing practical strategies to educate educators Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Principal Baruti Kafele. Both men focused their training sessions on motivating teachers and providing practical to educate The school year startedstrategies in September with a series of professional development workshops that included renowned urban youth. Teachers are pleased to see the new and providing practical Kunjufu strategies toto educate urban youth. Teachers are pleased see theBaruti new Kafele. Both men focused their training sessions on motivating teachers educators Dr. Jawanza and Principal direction tthe school district is taking toward urban youth. are pleased see the new direction tthe Teachers school district is taking toward and providing practical strategies toto educate providing support for them. Many have said that direction tthe school is taking providing support fordistrict them. Many have said urban youth. Teachers are pleased totoward see thethat new it was quite refreshing to start the school year on providing support fordistrict them. Many have said it was quite refreshing to start the school yearthat on direction tthe school is taking toward such a high note. Dr. Lowe plans to continue staff it wasaquite refreshing to start thetoschool yearthat on such highsupport note. Dr. plans continue staff providing for Lowe them. Many have said training throughout the year by concentrating on such high note. Dr.the Lowe plans toschool continue training throughout bythe concentrating on it wasaquite refreshing toyear start yearstaff providing the latest information, professional training throughout the yearplans by concentrating on providing the latest professional such a high note. Dr.information, Lowe to continue staff development opportunities, and technologies to providing the opportunities, latest information, professional to development technologies training throughout the yearand by concentrating on support teachers in increasing student development and technologies support teachers in increasing student providing the opportunities, latest information, professional to achievement. support teachers in increasing student achievement. development opportunities, and technologies to achievement. support teachers in increasing student In addition to supporting teachers, Dr. Lowe has In addition to supporting teachers, Dr. Lowe has achievement. proven to be committed to finding new and In addition tocommitted supportingto teachers, Dr. Lowe proven to be finding new and has innovative methods of increasing parental involvement. To accomplish this goal she is instituting the Asbury Park Parent proven to be to findingparental new andinvolvement. innovative methods of increasing To accomplish this goal she is instituting the Asbury Park Parent In addition tocommitted supporting teachers, Dr. Lowe has Academy via the newly established Office of Community Relations. The Asbury Park Parent Academy provides a series of innovative methods of increasing involvement. accomplish goalPark she isParent instituting the Asbury Park Parentof Academy the newly established Office of CommunityTo Relations. Thethis Asbury Academy provides a series proven tovia be committed to findingparental new and parent workshops and activities designed to address issues that are important to Asbury Park parents. The workshops Academy via the newly established Office to of Community Relations. Asbury Academy provides a series parent workshops and designed address issues that are The important Asbury Park parents. The workshops innovative methods of activities increasing parental involvement. To accomplish this goaltoPark she isParent instituting the Asbury Park Parentof include: parent workshops and activities designed to address issues that are important to Asbury Park parents. The workshops include: Academy via the newly established Office of Community Relations. The Asbury Park Parent Academy provides a series of include: parent andFor activities to address issues that are important to Asbury Park parents. The workshops • workshops Helpful Hints Single designed Mothers and Grand Mothers Raising Boys (October 2, 2010) • Helpful Hints For Single Mothers and Grand Mothers Raising Boys (October 2, 2010) include: • Fathers Can Make A Difference In School (December 4, 2010) • Fathers Helpful Hints For Single MothersInand Grand Mothers 4, Raising Can Make A Difference School (December 2010)Boys (October 2, 2010) • Understanding Your Child’s Personality and Learning Style (February 26, 2011) Fathers Can Make A Difference Inand School (December 2010) • Understanding Your Child’s Personality and Learning Style (February 26, 2011) Helpful Hints For Single Mothers Grand Mothers 4, Raising Boys (October 2, 2010) • Fixing Family Finances (March 26, 2011) Understanding Your Child’s Personality Learning 4, Style (February 26, 2011) • Fixing Finances (March 26, 2011)and FathersFamily Can Make A Difference In School (December 2010) • Going Back To School For Parents (April 9, 2011) Fixing Family (March 26, (April 2011)and • Going Back ToFinances School For Parents 9, 2011) Understanding Your Child’s Personality Learning Style (February 26, 2011) Going Back To School For Parents (April 9, 2011) • Fixing Family Finances (March 26, 2011) These workshops are FREE to the public, conducted in the schools on Saturday mornings, and provide refreshments and These workshops are FREE to the public, conducted in the schools on Saturday mornings, and provide refreshments and Back Toages School ForChild Parents 9, 2011) child•careGoing for children 5-12. care(April services include face painting, balloon art, video games, arts and crafts, physical Thesecare workshops are FREE theChild public, conducted in the schools on Saturday mornings, andgames, provide refreshments and child for children ages to 5-12. care services include face painting, balloon art, video arts and crafts, physical activities, etc. To increase parent participation, local merchants are providing incentives for the schools, churches, and child for children agesparent 5-12. care services face are painting, balloon art, video arts and crafts, and physical activities, etc. To are increase participation, localinclude incentives for the schools, churches, Thesecare workshops FREE to theChild public, conducted inmerchants the schools onproviding Saturday mornings, andgames, provide refreshments and community groups that have the most parents attending the workshops (incentives include pizza parties, bowling night, activities, To increase parent participation, localinclude merchants are providing incentives forpizza the schools, churches, and community thatages have the Child most parents attending theface workshops (incentives include parties, bowling child care etc. forgroups children 5-12. care services painting, balloon art, video games, arts and crafts,night, physical discount coupons, etc.). Workshops are conducted by the Residential After School program Inc. (RASP). The PNC Bank, community groups that have the most attending workshops (incentives include pizza parties, bowling night, discount etc.). Workshops areparents conducted bymerchants thethe Residential After School program The PNC Bank, activities,coupons, etc. To increase parent participation, local are providing incentives forInc. the (RASP). schools, churches, and located in Neptune, New Jersey, is a partial sponsor and will speak to fathers about “Raising Money Smart Kids.” discount Workshops conducted by thewill Residential After School (RASP). The PNC Bank, located incoupons, Neptune, Newhave Jersey, a are partial sponsor and speak to fathers aboutprogram “Raising Money Smart Kids.” community groupsetc.). that theismost parents attending the workshops (incentives include Inc. pizza parties, bowling night, located in Neptune, New Jersey, is a partial sponsor and will speak to fathers about “Raising Money Smart Kids.” discount coupons, etc.). Workshops are conducted by the Residential After School program Inc. (RASP). The PNC Bank, For more information about the Asbury Park Parent Academy contact Nakell Williams, Coordinator of Community Relations For more information about the Asbury Park Parent Academy contact Nakell Williams, Coordinator of Community Relations located Neptune,visit New Jersey, is awebsite partial at sponsor and will speak toorfathers about Money Smart Kids.” at (732) in 776-2606, the district .Asburypark.k12.nj.us contact RASP“Raising at www.RASPINC.org For(732) more776-2606, information the Asbury ParkatParent Academy contactorNakell Williams, of Community Relations at visitabout the district website .Asburypark.k12.nj.us contact RASP atCoordinator www.RASPINC.org at visitabout the district website .Asburypark.k12.nj.us contact RASP atCoordinator www.RASPINC.org For(732) more776-2606, information the Asbury ParkatParent Academy contactorNakell Williams, of Community Relations at (732) 776-2606, visit the district website at .Asburypark.k12.nj.us or contact RASP at www.RASPINC.org

L–R: Bob Curvin, Ph.D.; David Grant and Dr. Price

IECME Open House n Thursday, September 23, the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience officially welcomed the campus and civic community to its new residence, 49 Bleeker Street in Newark. President Richard L. McCormick, Chancellor Steven Diner and Dean Philip Yeagle welcomed a crowd of over 200 guests during the open house celebration. A highlight of the event was a presentation of a $10,000 gift to the Institute by Sam Delgado of the Verizon Foundation to support one of its most important initiatives, the Gus Heningburg Civic Fellows Program. For twelve years, the Institute had been housed in an office in Conklin Hall; in June the Office of the Chancellor offered the historic brownstone on Bleeker Street to the Institute as its new home. The building also houses the newly established Center for Migration and the Global City. According to Institute director, Dr. Clement Price, “The Institute’s new home marks a giant step forward for public scholarship in Newark and will enrich the University’s commitment to meaningful engagement with the civic life of the city and the metropolitan area of which it is the center.”

The Positive Community November 2010

Dr. Clement Price Sam Delgado

FAR LEFT: Chancellor Steven Diner, Rutgers Newark

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photo: Margot Jordan

!"#$%$&'""($

)*%+,#-$ ./*0%#,12 ,2$3"4%'5$61'$ 71*'$89,+/:

Marion P. Thomas Charter School is now accepting applications for Preschool (Pre-K4) and Kindergarten students (limited openings for 1st through 7th grade) for the 2011-2012 school year.

Be part of a learning environment that offers: • Preschool (Pre-K4) through 8th grade • Smaller class sizes and low student-teacher ratio • Elementary school campus with 12 new air-conditioned classrooms with Computer centers in each classroom • Middle school campus with full-size gymnasium, sports program and computer lab • Rigorous project-based curriculum • Visual and performing arts, world language & physical education • After-care available until 5:00 p.m. • Afterschool and Saturday enrichment classes • Single gender and co-ed classes available for 2nd grade students

;1,2$*<$61'$1*'$=>"2$?1*<"@ Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at the Elementary School (Pre-K4 through 4th grade)

370 S. 7th St. | Newark, NJ 07103 | 973.621.0060 Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Middle School (5th through 8th grade)

308 S. 9th St. | Newark, NJ 07103 | 973.792.0060 Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. For additional information or to download an application log onto www.mptcs.org

The Positive Community November 2010

Eagle Academy Student To Attend West Point First Student from the Public School Sponsored by The One Hundred Black Men, Inc. to Attend any Service Academy ajor Michael Burns, Minority Admissions Officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point, surprised Eagle Academy senior 16-year old Roberto Huie, recently, with his letter of acceptance as a Cadet in the class of 2015. Roberto is the first student from the Eagle Academy to be accepted into a US service academy. Roberto was greeted in the Eagle Academy’s Senate Room by the top fifty students in the school along with Philip Banks, Jr., President of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York; Board member David Brand and 1st Vice President Fitzgerald Miller; Retired Army Colonel Francis Kairson, also a member of the One Hundred; Eagle Academy Principal Jonathan Foy and Donald Ruff, Director of College Counseling. In another special presentation, Col. Kairson presented Roberto with a Buffalo Soldier coin representing the 9th and 10th Cavalries. “This is something that I’ve always wanted to do.” Roberto said. When asked about joining the USMA in a time of war he replied, “I’ve thought about that a lot. This is a time when the country needs leaders the most. Hopefully, if I am needed, I’ll be prepared.” “The Eagle Academies are the One Hundred Black Men’s response to the high failure rate of Black and Hispanic boys in high school as well as college. We provide an example for young men with men taking a lead as mentors and taking responsibility for raising young men,” said Philip Banks, Jr., president of OHBMNY “The motto of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is ‘What they see is what they’ll be,’” Banks concluded.

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PosComm-winterim&spr-1110 10/19/10 1:09 PM Page 1

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Winterim: January 3-21, 2011 (Meadowlands)

With Winterim at Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands, students can ﬁnish three-credit courses in less than three weeks. • Convenient location • Flexible schedule — day and evening courses • General education courses ideal for transfer to fouryear schools • Open to Bergen students and those from other colleges/universities

Spring 2011: January 24, 2011 (Main Campus/Ciarco Learning Center) and February 28, 2011 (Meadowlands) • Three locations • Aﬀordable tuition • 88 degree and 53 certiﬁcate programs • Accomplished faculty • “SMART” technology in classrooms

Visit go.bergen.edu to register or call (201) 447-7200 or (201) 460-0610 for more information. Bergen Community College 400 Paramus Road • Paramus www.bergen.edu

H A C k e n S A C k

Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center 355 Main Street • Hackensack www.bergen.edu/ciarco

P A R A M u S

Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands 1280 Wall Street West • Lyndhurst www.bergen.edu/meadowlands

M e A d O W L A n d S

Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. Recruiting homes for children in need of foster care and adoption placement throughout the state of NJ

Celebrating National Adoption Month with all adoptive parents who have given the gift of a loving home; forever families.

630 Franklin Blvd., Somerset, NJ 08873 732-247-1270

Believe in Our Children, Open Your Hearts and Your Homes

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Answered Prayers

dr. M. William Howard reflects on his calling to pastor Bethany Baptist Church hen Rev. Dr. M. William Howard Jr. decided to leave his position as president of New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) to accept the pastorate at Bethany Baptist Church, Newark, there were people within his inner circle who were a bit perplexed. “As the process unfolded, there were people on both sides of the question,” Dr. Howard told The Positive Community magazine. “My family and other friends were supportive and very excited. But frankly, there were others who thought I was a bit loony,” he added. “For the first few months I would get calls from folks asking me if I was safe.” However, despite the ambivalence of his friends and colleagues, Dr. Howard knew in his heart that what was emerging was the answer to a direct prayer. As a wellestablished executive for most of his adult life, Dr. Howard has traveled the world and been at the forefront of international human rights and racial justice issues. He has served on the boards of the National Urban League, The Children’s Defense Fund and chaired Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s transition team. As the chair of the New Jersey Death Penalty Study Commission, he was instrumental in leading the State to become the first to abolish the death penalty since it was reauthorized by the US Supreme Court in 1976. In

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Photos: Bob Gore

By Glenda CadoGan

1990, he featured prominently in organizing Nelson Mandela’s visit to New York. It was at the culmination of this visit that he decided the time had come to move toward a more locally based agenda. “When in 1992 I was offered the position at NYTS, I thought that it was the answer to my earlier prayer,” he said. “But eight years down the road, as the process to install me as the pastor of Bethany Baptist became more serious, I recognized that God had made the determination that I was not ready for the real assignment. What God had done was give me an intermediary assignment so that I could acquaint myself with the lives of local churches in post industrial neighborhoods where African continued on next page Americans lived.”

As a well-established executive for most of his adult life, Dr. Howard has traveled the world and been at the forefront of international human rights and racial justice issues.

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COVERSTORY continued from previous page

On the first Sunday in May 2000, Dr. Howard assumed leadership of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark, where for him, the challenges facing residents in America’s third oldest city have become central. That same day, at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, he presided over his final commencement ceremony as president of the NYTS. On Mother’s Day, that same year he preached his first sermon as the called pastor of Bethany Baptist and in the past 10 years has never preached the same sermon twice. The 140 year-old Bethany Baptist Church has a worldwide reputation as a strong Christ-centered church. Founded in 1870, the church was first launched with 26 members but now has a vibrant 15,000 member congregation. According to Dr. Howard, one of his first endeavors at Bethany was to make a list of the things he wanted to accomplish. This year, as he celebrated his 10th Anniversary at the church, he reviewed the list and realized that he had checked every box. “I have now expanded the list,” he said with a sense of purpose. With the goal of having the church run like a small business, Howard brought in a financial planner who introduced business practices that have aided in the smooth running of the church’s operations. In addi-

This year, as he celebrated his 10th Anniversary at the church, he reviewed the list and realized that he had checked every box.

The Positive Community november 2010

tion, under his leadership, the church refinanced its mortgage resulting in what he called, “a more friendly arrangement for the church.” The Jazz Vespers he introduced is another creation that is now considered a church legacy. Every first Saturday of the month between October and June, a worship service begins at 6 p.m. and the featured music is jazz. “We call it worshipping the Lord to the sound of jazz,” said Rev. Howard. “Our aim is to teach the congregation and the community about the sacred dimension of what we call jazz.” Bethany Cares, Inc., founded shortly after his tenure began in Newark, is a community-development corporation that enhances the church’s outreach capacity and currently serves families and young people from all walks of life, including those who are incarcerated. Last Spring, Dr. Howard was successful in having the church embrace a new mission which is simply: “recruiting, equipping and deploying.” “Our aim is to bring people in, prepare them for service and then send them out,” he said. And in addition, he is in the process of organizing every department in the church to adopt its own mission that is complimentary to the overall mission of the church. Before coming to Bethany Baptist, Dr. Howard lived a full life. He traveled the world, met with world leaders and has been on at forefront of many international platforms. But with this his first pastorate, he embraces the difference between the two worlds in which he has lived. He articulated some of these differences by telling the following story: “One morning when I turned on my mobile phone I had five text messages sent to me around 4 o’clock that morning. They were from one of the 20-something-year-old young men in the church who had been in a fight. From about six o’clock that morning I was on the phone with the young man talking him down from doing something stupid. I realized then that as president of NYTS I never got those kinds of messages. Maybe on a snow day I would have a message from the dean wanting to know if we were going to close the school. In that moment I understood about the primary care that a pastor has for his flock.” The church, according to Dr. Howard, is now his pre-occupation. “I spend a lot of time there, I preach often and preside over almost every funeral,” he said. “It’s a different life but in the Gospel of Luke we are reminded that ‘to whom much is given much is required.’ This I think is the ethos of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark and it is one that I wholeheartedly embrace.”

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Rev. M. William Howard 10th Anniversary Celebration Photos and Text by Risasi Dais Dr. Howard in a playful mood with his wife, Barbara

n Sunday evening October 24, 2010, Rev. Dr. M. William Howard was honored by his congregation at a joyous celebration, “The Man and His Work” on the occasion of his 10th anniversary as pastor of Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church. The elegant affair, at The Mezzanine at 744 Broad Street, was the culmination of a week-long series of events. A twoday symposium explored the importance of reading and literacy in the urban community using the Civil Rights Movement as its theme. A day of jazz featured the WBGO Children’s Concert at noon at University Heights Charter School and a lecture on “Jazz And Spirituals” by Dwight Andrews of First Congregational Church in Atlanta, GA at 4:00 p.m at the church. Jazz Vespers followed at 6:00 p.m. with a most memorable evening highighted by The Geri Allen Trio, vocalist Carmen Lundy, Rev. Dwight Andrews on saxophone, renowned operatic tenor George Shirley, tap dancer Maurice Chestnut, and Bethany’s mass choir performing The Mary Lou’s Mass, the great jazz masterpiece written by the late Mary Lou Williams. On Sunday morning, Dr. Cornell West, the prolific author and professor at Princeton University, was the guest speaker during the 10 o’clock morning service at Bethany where he delivered an electrifying sermon-like speech praising Dr. Howard as a blessed gift from God. Amen!

Betty Neals and her husband Hon. Felix Neals

Dr. Zachary Yamba with Dr. Cornel West

Dr. Edythe Abdullah, president Essex County College

Newark City Councilmember Mildred Crump and Dr. Howard Rick Thigpen of PSE&G with Congressman Donald Payne

Newark Mayor Cory Booker greets Dr. Howard

WBGO’s Sheila Anderson, Rev. Howard, Rutgers Distinguished Service Professor Clement A. Price, Ph.D;; unknown; Atty. Junius Williams, executive director of tthe Abbott Leadership Institute at Rutgers University and his son Che

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Journalist Karen Hunter

Dr. Howard with Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick

November 2010 The Positive Community

Believe in our Children Share your Heart and your Home Our goal is to establish churches as hubs in all 21 counties in the state from which a steady pool of recruitment is ongoing By Maureen Archibald

e’re pausing this month to celebrate the children who have found forever homes and to remember those who are still looking for permanent families. We take pride in celebrating the 1,418 children in New Jersey who in 2009 found adoptive families. Of the 1,418, a great number of those children have found homes through Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. And while we have great reasons to celebrate, we are mindful that there are over 424,000 children in foster care in the U.S. Thirty percent of the children in foster care in the U.S are African American and 54% of them are 6-18 years old. New Jersey has over 7,861 children in foster care, with 50% of the children being African American. There are 114,556 children who are legally free for adoption in the U.S and 1,512 children who are legally free for adoption in New Jersey. We are also reminded of the more than 1 million children in Haiti left orphaned, many as a result of the earthquake of Jan. 12, 2010, and the millions of children in orphanages throughout the world. The large number of orphaned children around the world reminds me of the quote by Pearl S. Buck, “If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.” Harvest of Hope became a licensed adoption agency on Oct. 1, 2006. New Jersey shares the ongoing challenge of identifying adoptive homes for children who are considered hard to place, and are often not readily considered by prospective parents. These children are sometimes medically or emotionally fragile, have severe developmental delays, or are 9 years old or older. Harvest of Hope is working to fill the needs of the state to place these children in permanent homes. Recognizing the need for every child to have permanency, Harvest

of Hope has taken on the challenge of recruiting forever families for these children. Harvest of Hope’s current recruitment strategies include mobilizing churches, faith-based communities and other groups to respond to the needs of children who require out-of-home placement. Harvest of Hope works with recruiters to partner with churches throughout the State of N.J. Our goal is to establish churches as hubs in all 21 counties in the state from which a steady pool of recruitment is ongoing. In addition to the contracted services provided by Harvest of Hope, through our contract with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the churches are also able to provide a warm and supportive environment to the families and children entering the homes through the foster care system. Harvest of Hope started through the vision of the Rev. Dr. DeForest ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in response to the boarder babies crisis in 1996. Since its inception, Harvest of Hope has recruited more than 380 foster homes, placed more than 750 children in foster care, finalized adoption for 228 children and achieved an 88% retention rate of its foster parents. Harvest of Hope also continues its recruitment efforts through the Harvest of Hope network of churches, and social service and community-based organizations with a child advocacy agenda and/or the ability to motivate individuals and families to become foster and adoptive parents. If you would like more information and to become a part of the solution for children, please call 1-888-325-HOPE (4673) or visit us on the web @ www. harvestofhopefamily.com.

NEWA R K B E TH I S R A E L M E D I CA L CE NT E R A ND CHI LD R E N â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S H O SP I TA L O F NE W J E R SE Y

Celebrating our 15-year affiliation with the

Saint Barnabas Health Care System

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Proud Partners of the City of Newark Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) continues its strong commitment to Newark and the greater Newark area that began with its founding in 1901 and was reaffirmed by its affiliation with the Saint Barnabas Health Care System (SBHCS) in 1996. NBIMC has thrived during its 15 years as part of New Jersey’s largest integrated health care system, which provides the entire continuum of care to over two million patients each year at our six hospitals and affiliated facilities. Selected Recent Achievements Top 50 Best Hospitals in the United States for specialty care in Heart and Heart Surgery for the second consecutive year and top in New Jersey in 2010-2011 by U.S. News & World Report 2010 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Gold Achievement Award East Coast’s first septuple bypass surgery performed off-pump Top 10 Heart Transplant Program in the nation by volume Performed a total of 582 heart transplants Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program one of only two sites in the nation to achieve better than expected three-year heart transplant survival rates for 2004-2007, the latest dates available NBIMC performed state’s first simultaneous successful heart and kidney transplant Premier center for ventricular assist devices (VADs) Pioneering heart valve surgery One of the largest electrophysiology programs in NJ Center for Adult Congenital Heart Disease New Jersey’s only state-certified, CMS-approved Lung Transplant Program The Lung Transplant Program and The Heart Transplant Program received the Bronze Level Community of Practice Donation Award from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for outstanding patient outcomes Top 10 Renal and Pancreas Transplant Program by volume of 240 programs in the United States One of the nation’s first Living Donor Institutes In 2009 performed six-way kidney transplant chain, one of the largest simultaneous operations of its kind Major teaching affiliate of UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ) opened at NBIMC in 1998, providing state-of-the-art care in over 30 pediatric subspecialties CHoNJ treats more patients with sickle cell anemia and hemophilia than any hospital in the state Partnership with New York University School of Medicine for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

NBIMC/CHoNJ Volume Total Admissions Total Discharges Pediatric Admissions NICU Admissions Emergency Visits Emergency Admits Total Emergency Department Volume Deliveries Heart Transplants Kidney Transplants Number of Employees

November 2010

1996

2010 Annualized

21,689 21,911 2,051 622 34,036 10,905 44,941 2,759 18 46 3,311

25,659 25,702 2,542 752 73,569 13,536 87,105 3,199 53 95 3,681

Largest Pediatric Emergency Department in New Jersey Largest Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Level III – highest level – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with state’s only ECMO unit for severe respiratory distress One of the nation’s most comprehensive Robotic Surgery Programs Liberty Science Center live broadcast of robotic surgery programs “Live From…” gives young people the opportunity to gain knowledge of new surgical techniques through real time procedures at NBIMC Frederick B. Cohen, M.D., Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center opened new state-of-the-art facility in 2010 Cohen Cancer Center designated as a Regional Sickle Cell site and home to the state’s largest program State-of-the-art TomoTherapy radiation system one of first 100 in US One of the busiest Emergency Departments in New Jersey including the nation’s first kiosks for registration Blood Management Program enables blood conservation to decrease blood loss during and after surgical procedures to avoid need for donor blood transfusion Partnership with area schools and churches to combat obesity and promote weight loss through the awardwinning KidsFit and The Beth Challenge programs Top 10 percent ranking for quality and recipient of prestigious Press Ganey Award for Patient Satisfaction

TWOThe Positive Community 50

Quick Facts

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Dear Friends: It is with great pride that we share with you the outstanding achievements of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ). The 15 years as an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System have fostered significant medical advances, growth of programs and services and a partnership with Newark that enables us to provide world-class health care to residents of the city, New Jersey and beyond. As one of the state’s most respected health care institutions, we are recognized for expertise in many specialties and a history and tradition of excellence. For the second consecutive year, NBIMC was named one of the nation’s top 50 hospitals for specialty care in Heart and Heart Surgery and top in New Jersey in 2010-11 by U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Hospitals.” NBIMC ranks among the nation’s top 10 heart transplant centers by volume for the last five years with the shortest transplant waiting time in the northeast. Similarly, waiting times are measured in months rather than years at the state’s only Lung Transplant Program at NBIMC. The world-class Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division at Newark Beth Israel and Saint Barnabas Medical Centers is one of the 10 largest, most progressive programs among 240 in the U.S. In 1998, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey opened at NBIMC, offering outstanding pediatric programs in over 30 specialties, affirming our commitment to children and families. Over the years, NBIMC has been a partner in Newark’s growth and the health of its community as evidenced by its engagement in numerous programs throughout this distinguished city, including a recent new pilot program in area schools to combat pediatric obesity, weight loss programs embraced by area churches and many summer youth employment opportunities. The Medical Center is a major economic engine for area businesses, programs and services, and a large percentage of its over 3,600 employees are residents of Newark or the greater Newark area. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is the largest provider of jobs in the South Ward. The residents of Newark and neighboring communities have to look no further than their own backyards to find outstanding health care for the entire family. NBIMC and CHoNJ are proud to be part of this vibrant and positive community, and stand ready to provide patient care and medical advances to its residents in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Ronald J. Del Mauro Chief Executive Officer Saint Barnabas Health Care System

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John A. Brennan, MD Executive Director Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey

THREE November 2010 The Positive Community 51

C L I N I C A L P RO G R A M S A N D S E RV I C E S : Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 671-bed teaching hospital, is at the forefront in the delivery of high quality medical services and one of the nation’s outstanding centers for a wide range of specialty services. The Medical Center is recognized as a regional center for diagnostic cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, nephrology, heart/lung/kidney/pancreas transplantation, oncology, and perinatology, among many others, and home to Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. Following is a selection of some of the highly specialized services. Please see page eight for more complete listing.

SAINT BARNABAS HEART CENTER AT NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER

THE LUNG TRANSPLANT PROGRAM

New Jersey’s only Lung Transplant Program offers the most sophisticated care for people with advanced lung disease, including cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and thoracic surgery. The CMS-approved program expands access to this specialized treatment for more NJ residents where the wait time for a transplant is now measured in months instead of years.

SAINT BARNABAS RENAL AND PANCREAS TRANSPLANT DIVISION AT NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER Chunguang Chen, MD, Director of Cardiac Imaging at NBIMC, uses a live 3-D Transesophogeal Echo that offers real-time anatomical and functional images of the heart. Newark Beth Israel has been ranked one of the nation’s top 50 hospitals for specialty care in Heart and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Hospitals for two consecutive years and top in New Jersey in 2010-11. The adult and pediatric cardiac services are the most comprehensive in the state with complex cardiac surgery, heart failure treatment and transplant, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, as well as state-of-the-art imaging technology. At this premier center, patients have access to the latest research including the next generation of ventricular assist devices (VADs). The most advanced techniques are combined with compassionate care and support for the entire family.

In a 12-person kidney transplant chain in 2009, six people donated a kidney to give six others a chance at a new life. Ten of the donors and recipients are pictured above as they first met face to face after surgery. The transplants were performed at Newark Beth Israel, Saint Barnabas and Weil-Cornell Medical Centers. The world-class Saint Barnabas Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division, located at Newark Beth Israel and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, is one of the 10 most active of 240 programs in the U.S. This premier program performed an historic six-way paired kidney exchange in 2009. This Division has served NJ residents for more than 30 years. A pioneer in robotic transplant techniques, the Division is home to one of the nation’s first living donor transplant programs.

FOURThe Positive Community 52

November 2010

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A COMMITMENT

OUR COMMUNITY

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF NEW JERSEY (CHONJ)

The Frederick B. Cohen, M.D., Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center recently opened. Left to right, Marc E. Berson, Chairman, NBIMC and CHoNJ; Alice Cohen, MD, Director, Division of Hematology/Oncology; Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Attending, Division of Hematology/Oncology; and John A. Brennan, MD, Executive Director, NBIMC and CHoNJ.

A nearly fatal asthma attack caused 13-year-old Samaad Betheato to suffer a 19-day paralysis and spend a month in CHoNJ’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Extensive therapy and treatment helped Samaad to return to an active life playing sports.

The most advanced cancer services for diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer are offered at this center. Recognized as a leader for cancer care in the greater Newark area, its reputation for quality and clinical expertise attracts patients from throughout northern and central New Jersey.

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

CHoNJ is the state’s premier hospital caring for children, with specialized services to treat ill and injured children from newborn to adolescent years and preventative programs that promote wellness. More than 150 pediatricians provide care in nearly every pediatric specialty and sub-specialty. Highly specialized services include: Level III Regional Perinatal Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with NJ’s only ECMO unit; pediatric cardiac surgery; NJ’s largest Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; NJ’s largest Pediatric Emergency Department; Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; Neonatal Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Apnea Center; Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center for child abuse evaluation and diagnosis.

Some Additional Highly Specialized Services:

The Lester M. Bornstein Department of Emergency Medicine features kiosks to help reduce waiting time by allowing patients to self-register. The Emergency Department (ED) is staffed 24 hours a day by full-time emergency physicians and nurses treating nearly 90,000 patients annually, one of the busiest ED’s in the state. Fully equipped to handle all medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergencies, quality care is provided to all ages from newborns to the elderly. Pediatric emergency specialists staff the Pediatric Emergency Department that features a state-of-the-art waiting room. A $4.5 million expansion is in progress with full completion by early 2011. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Robotic Surgery – cardiac, general surgery, gynecologic oncology, pediatric and adult urology, renal, thoracic Obstetrics and Gynecology – nearly 3,200 babies born annually; full range of women’s services Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Institute Region’s first accredited Respiratory and Sleep Disorders Center Largest hospital-based Dental Program in New Jersey. Center for Geriatric Health Care Nine-bed Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center Inpatient Unit

IVE November 2010 The Positive Community F53

C O M M U N I T Y I N VO LV E M E N T : A P RO U D PA RT N E R Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey’s (CHoNJ) commitment to the City of Newark and Greater Newark go well beyond providing high-quality health care services. The Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey are active participants in the community. Each year countless initiatives are launched to improve the health and wellbeing of our neighbors and families. As a community partner, NBIMC and CHoNJ provide over $30 million annually of uncompensated care to our communities. Moreover, the Medical Center provides financial support to numerous non-profit organizations throughout Newark and the Newark area. Following is a selection of programs designed to enhance our communities: The Beth Challenge and KidsFit – These wellness initiatives are designed to educate and promote healthy living and eating and to combat obesity. At present, the programs include teachers and students at Maple Avenue School, congregants of Clear View Baptist and Philemon Baptist Churches, the Mayor’s Office and all municipal employees.

Breast Cancer Screening – A free annual Breast Cancer Screening Day for the community is hosted by the staff of the Frederick B. Cohen, M.D., Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. More than 175 participants were recently screened and 15 women require additional services due to suspicious findings.

Farmers’ Market – NBIMC has partnered with Garden State Urban Farms, South Ward Councilman Ras J. Baraka and Shaping NJ to create an outdoor Farmers’ Market of locally grown fruits and vegetables on Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. adjacent to Maple Avenue School on Lyons Avenue.

Orange Health Wellness Alliance – This partnership with the Cities of Newark and Orange brings doctors and nurses to three senior recreation centers three days a week where patients are cared for in familiar surroundings close to home. Community Health Fair – NBIMC annually hosts a health fair to promote health, provide education and awareness and offer screenings. The hospital also participates in dozens of health fairs throughout the greater Newark area. Wellness Walk – A Walk for Wellness was held as part of NBIMC’s annual health fair. The walk began at Osborne Terrace and ended at Weequahic Park with over 120 participants. Many activities were offered such as Zumba, Tai Chi, KidsFit Boot Camp, and face painting for children. Pictured below, front row, second from right, is Ras J. Baraka, Newark South Ward Councilman, and far right, Darrell K. Terry, Senior Vice President of Operations.

Wynona’s House – This child advocacy center, implemented by the Metropolitan Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center at NBIMC, provides individual and family counseling for sexual abuse and associated trauma for children and families in Essex County.

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The Positive Community November 2010

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THE CITY

N E WA R K

Heart & Sole Walk – NBIMC recently hosted its annual Heart & Sole Walk in Verona Park, with 200 participants, including 40 transplant recipients, to raise awareness of organ donation and heart failure. Structured Learning Experience Program – Designed to increase the career potential of high school students with disabilities, the students are chosen from various Newark high schools to spend their senior year at NBIMC, working in different areas of the hospital in an on-site work program. Emergency Department Mentoring (Yees2Beth program) – Students from the Alternative Education High School in Newark shadow medical and surgical residents in the Emergency Department. Summer Youth Employment Program – To increase students’ employability skills, NBIMC partners with the Newark Works program to provide supervised, meaningful work assignments for six weeks during the summer.

Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program – Each year, NBIMC employees support an “Adopt-a-Family” program to ensure that low-income families have a full holiday celebration. Jordan Farmar Foundation – Children and their families will be treated to a special VIP experience at five New Jersey NETS games at the Prudential Center during the 20102011 season by NETS Guard Jordan Farmar and his mother.

Major Grants that Support Our Community Outreach Breast Cancer support services with grants from: Avon Foundation, Eisai Inc, E. J. Grassman Trust and Komen for the Cure North New Jersey Affiliate Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders support services with grants from: Hyundai Hope on Wheels, Hemophilia Association of New Jersey, National Hockey League and Devils Players Association, Louis Messer and Helen Messer Charitable Foundation, Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and Valerie Fund Education and support for teenage girls who may experience domestic violence with a grant from Verizon, New Jersey State-of-the-art technology and equipment from The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

Big Picture Learning Program – NBIMC hosts 10 high school students from the different Big Picture Academies throughout the Newark Public School System, attending classes and also working at NBIMC in various departments for real-world experience. NBIMC Youth Job Readiness Program – Funded by Wachovia Wells Fargo Bank, NBIMC offers a job readiness support program for youth who are likely to encounter barriers to employment and further education opportunities. Project Hope – Funded by the Health Care Foundation of New Jersey, NBIMC offers substance abuse training for community members who learn to recognize the warning signs and counsel those in need. Children’s Hospital/Valerie Fund Annual Holiday Party – Each year, NBIMC hosts a holiday party for over 500 people for families of children with cancer and other blood disorders.

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Prevention of HIV/AIDS with a five-year federal grant and nutritional education and support for people with HIV/AIDS from the MAC-AIDS Fund Prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity with grants from Merck Company Foundation and the Newark International Airport Airline Managers Council Basic medical education of men and women who are caring for geriatric patients with a grant from the Grotta Fund for Senior Care Expansion of residency programs in pediatric and internal medicine with multi-year grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Continuity of care to men and women with sickle cell anemia with a multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alleviate the fear and anxiety of a child’s hospital experience with a grant from the Starlight Children’s Foundation

SEVEN November 2010 The Positive Community 55

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of New Jersey

(Area code is 973 unless noted) Main Number Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 926.7000 Patient Information 926.8000 Physician Referral 1.800.THE.BETH Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of New Jersey 1.888.702.KIDS or 973.926.7000 Admitting 926.7100 Adult Day Health Care Center 926.3004 Anesthesiology 926.7143 Audiology/Speech and Hearing 926.7815 Behavioral Health 926.7026 Beth Prime Care 926.3535 Blood Bank 926.7041 Blood Management (Bloodless Surgery) 926.8539 Cancer Center, Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center 926.7230 Cardiac Services: The Saint Barnabas Heart Center at NBIMC 1.888.8.HEART.1 Cardiology 926.7852 Cardiac Rehabilitation 926.7388 Cardiothoracic Surgery 926.7325 Electrophysiology 926.7340 Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program 926.7205 Invasive Cardiovascular Lab 926.7340 Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Lab 926.7475 Pacemaker Center 926.2287 Case Management/Social Work Services 926.7278 Dental, Beth Dental Practice/Health Services 926.7338 Diabetes Treatment 926.3218 Emergency Department 926.7240 Family Treatment Center (Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Services) 926.5212 Foundation/Fundraising 926.7018 Food and Nutrition 926.7150 Gastroenterology Practice 926.7472 Geriatric Health Care Center 926.8491 Hemodialysis 926.7318 Hemophilia Treatment Center 926.6511 Hospice Inpatient Department 929.8400 Internal Medicine Practice 926.7472 Interventional Radiology/Special Procedures 926.7038 Lung Transplant and Advanced Pulmonary Disease Program 926.4430 Medicine, Department of 926.7333 Metabolic and Nutrition Service 926.7550 Neonatology 926.6808 Neurology Practice 926.7472 Nuclear Medicine 926.7887 Nursing 926.7048 Obstetrics/Gynecology 926.4882

Otolaryngology Palliative Care Pathology Pharmaceutical Services Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Radiation Oncology Radiology Imaging Outpatient CT/ MRI Reports/Media Renal Services, Kidney/Pancreas Transplantation Renal Treatment Center Rheumatology Same Day Center Sleep Disorders Center Surgery Department of Neurosurgery Orthopedic Surgery Practice Robotic Surgery Surgical Services Practice Vascular Surgery Wound Care/ Hyperbaric Medicine Tobacco Dependence Treatment Urology Vascular Non-Invasive Lab Volunteer Services

November 2010

926.7466 926.6560 926.7691 926.7555 926.7600 926.7472 926.2500 926.7163 926.7330 926.2418 926.7846 926.8242 926.7331 926.8372 926.8230 926.7978 373.3001 926.7591 926.7194

Support Groups and Community Education Programs (Area code is 973 unless noted) Alcoholics Anonymous 926.7851 Alzheimer's Support Group 926.8491 Blindness and Eye Disorder Support Group 926.7498 Breast Cancer Support Group 926.7976 Cancer Patient Support Group 926.7565 Cancer Services-Caregiver Support Group 926.7565 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 926.7407 and 1.888.277.2281 (1.888.CPR.ACT1) Center For Geriatric Health Care Free Senior Membership Program 926.6771 Childbirth Education Class 926.2642 Circle of Caring Maternal Support Network 926.7289 Food For Thought (Emotional Eaters Support Group) 926.2542 Look Good, Feel Good Program 926.7565 Narcotics Anonymous 926.7851 Physician/Dentist Referral Service 1.800.THE.BETH Society of Hearty Hearts Support Group (for heart transplant patients and their families) 926.7509

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926.7158 926.3636 926.7307 926.7344 926.7245 926.8204 926.7320

888.SBHS.123 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Health

p r e v e n t i o n , t r e at m e n t & c u r e

Kevin E. Lofton committed to quality healthcare for all the people of God By Helene Fox evin E. Lofton is president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI). Based in Denver, CO, it is one of the largest Catholic health ministries in the United States, serving some 70 communities in 18 states, inclusive of 72 hospitals, with revenues of $8.6 billion, and more than 65,000 associates. Raised in New York City, Kevin attended and graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx. “After graduating from Boston University,” he said in an interview with the American College of Healthcare Executives. “The only two things I knew were that I didn’t want to go home and I wasn’t ready for graduate school. I got a job in the office of admissions at Harvard Medical School, one of the graduate schools of Harvard University, which placed me in the healthcare environment. I worked with physicians who selected students for the school, and my role sometimes brought me inside Harvard teaching hospitals. One of the physicians put me in contact with a couple of hospital administrators, and they told me what their job entailed. I decided then that this was what I wanted to do.” It must have been the hand of God that put him at CHI because almost from birth, Kevin’s life (and that of his family) has been intertwined with the Catholic community, in

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particular the local and global ministries of the Franciscan Handmaids of Mary, black religious sisters in Harlem. Lofton was recently honored by the Archdiocese of New York and presented with its prestigious Venerable Pierre Toussaint Medallion, in recognition of his “…special merit[s] in advancing the cause of Life, Health and Wellness for all the People of God.” Prior to joining CHI, Kevin served as CEO of Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is widely recognized at the national level and serves in leadership capacities in many major healthcare organizations. Active with the American Hospital Association (AHA), he was the 2007 chairman of its board of directors. He currently serves as chairman of an AHA special advisory group designed to help America’s hospitals eliminate disparities of care for minority patients. Lofton also serves on the boards of Gilead Science, Inc; the Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the Morehouse School of Medicine. In 2007, he was listed in Ebony Magazine as one of “150 Most Influential Blacks in America.” When asked if he would recommend a similar career to young people today, Lofton told the American College of Healthcare Executives interviewer, “This field is the best of both worlds of management and healthcare. The average business student doesn’t think of healthcare management when he or she thinks of working in the Fortune 500 corporate world. The work administrators do inside hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term-care facilities touches the lives of both the individual patient and the entire community. That is very rewarding, not only from the standpoint of having a person-to-person encounter but also from the perspective of using management skills to make a difference. In addition, working in a faith-based health ministry adds to the personal fulfillment I experience.” He is married to Maude Brown Lofton, M.D., a child development pediatrician; and has two adult children, Kevin Russell and Johanna. Even with all his honors and accomplishments, Kevin Lofton has remained committed to life-long relationships and basic needs—especially that of quality healthcare for All the People of God! november 2010 The Positive Community

PHILIP M. BONAPARTE M.D. ON CALL

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

Focus on the Flu Question: I am confused about the immunizations and flu shots my children should get. Can you help me understand why they have to get so many and are they all important? Answer: The schedules for vaccines can be confusing. However, childhood immunizations and flu shots are necessary and very important for your children’s health—at any age. Although you did not give the ages for your children, the most important reason for getting them age appropriate immunizations and flu shots is that these vaccinations prevent illness and protect children, as well as adults, from diseases. To help your children stay healthy, make sure they have all necessary and recommended shots at the recommended time. Your doctor or nurse practitioner is a helpful and available resource who can assist you in making sense of information about schedules and the types of flu and immunizations. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can keep you on target as far as scheduling visits for various vaccines and the need for shots. Talk with your doctor about when to make your next appointment to better coordinate your children’s well visits with their scheduled immunizations. Babies, toddlers and children are very vulnerable to infection. If they do not receive their immu-

The Positive Community November 2010

nizations, they are even more vulnerable and those diseases that we all have protection against can very easily come back to infect, sicken and possibly end the lives of many infants, children as well as adults. A virus can be quite aggressive and usually spreads fast. The flu, which is a virus, can be quickly transferred from one person to another and can reach thousands. Viruses are everywhere, merely waiting for a place to spread. When they enter the body, they start breaking down our own cells, infecting our bodies. Once in the body, the virus reproduces, making thousands more and creates a viral infection that spreads throughout the body, possibly into the lungs, stomach or the immune system. Then, we can quickly infect others by a sneeze, cough or a touch. Think how fast we can send a message by just hitting the “send” button on our computer when we electronically transmit messages or photos via e-mail, social networks and the Web. Thousands receive these transmissions worldwide in a matter of minutes and often within seconds. Infectious diseases are equally fast and mobile, spreading quickly throughout a family, workplace, a whole community, a state, a nation and worldwide as we saw during the H1N1 flu pandemic last year. Fortunately, in the United States, our past history and programs for immunizations have

helped protect our nation, children and adults, from continuing epidemics and spread of many dangerous, childhood diseases, including polio. Yet, without the appropriate immunizations, children whose immune systems are not yet strong can be and are at risk. Get the shots for FLU This year and every year, prepare for the flu. The best way you can prepare for the 2010-2011 flu season is to get your yearly flu shot. The flu vaccine should be available now and should be taken early. The vaccine’s protection should last for the rest of the flu season, which may peak in January and February, but could continue through May. Although the flu strains always seem to change, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the vaccine for the 2010–2011 flu will help protect Americans from three different flu viruses, including the H1N1 virus that spread so much illness in infants and women who were pregnant last year. Recommendation this year: everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu shot, especially those who are pregnant, have a chronic disease and are older than 6 months and those over 65 years of age. Be prepared. Make a plan and share it. For more information visit: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699450/.

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My emergency? Daddy’s heart attack. When Daddy’s chest began to hurt, mommy called 911. An ambulance took daddy to Englewood Hospital’s new Emergency Care Center. The doctor took us all to a special room right away. Mommy says they took really good care of him. Now Daddy’s better, and we play all the time. Englewood Hospital is my favorite hospital! Our #1 priority is giving patients the highest quality emergency care in a safe, compassionate environment. Now we’re providing that care in a new, state-of-the-art facility offering minimal wait times; 40 large, private rooms; skilled emergency care physicians; award-winning nurses; and a dedicated imaging center. Englewood Hospital has more “Top Doctors”* than any other hospital in northern New Jersey, and has been rated #1 in N.J. and #3 in the U.S. for heart attack survival.** For more information, visit englewoodhospital.com.

mergency Care Center

*As reported by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research company. ** Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2008 data.

Recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for “Outstanding Emergency Experience”

Mount Sinai Celebrates Legends in Adolescent Health Advocacy Alma Powell, Chair of America’s Promise Alliance, delivered the keynote address at The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center's annual Breakfast of Legends.

he Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center hosted its annual Breakfast of Legends on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York. The event commemorated the successes of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, including its recent multi-million dollar renovation, and celebrated the legends who made the center possible. Alma Powell, chair of America’s Promise Alliance and wife of General Colin Powell, delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the critical resources that children need to succeed at home, in school and in the community, and how the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center helps children meet those needs. “Adolescence is a turbulent time for our young people, and Mount Sinai does a wonderful job helping them overcome huge obstacles,” said Mrs. Powell. “They have to weather new challenges every day, and the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center provides a sympathetic ear and the crucial support they need. The Center is a constant in lives filled with uncertainty.”

L–R: Dr. Angela Diaz, Director of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center and Dr. Kenneth Davis, President & CEO of The Mount Sinai Medical Center

Photos: Cathy Clarke

Several legends were recognized, including Bonnie M. Davis, MD, a trustee of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, President & CEO of The Mount Sinai Medical Center. They were honored for their tireless commitment to the youth of New York City, for recognizing the barriers that these teens face, and helping to implement programs that allow them to overcome those barriers. The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center is one of few centers of its kind in the world, providing comprehensive medical and mental health services to more than 10,000 of the city’s most vulnerable adolescents each year, ages 10 to 22, regardless of their ability to pay. According to a study conducted by the Center, its efforts have resulted in lowered rates of teen pregnancy, substance abuse and untreated mental health issues and learning differences. As a result of its recent expansion, the Center plans to increase its reach, and in a few years achieve its goal of serving 15,000 individual adolescents every year.

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The Positive Community November 2010

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Providing Quality Health Coverage has always been the Fidelis Care Mission idelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, offers free or low-cost health insurance coverage through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs, as well as a variety of benefit options for seniors in the Fidelis Medicare Advantage, Fidelis Dual Advantage, and Fidelis Medicaid Advantage Plus plans. With more than 660,000 members in 55 counties across New York State, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all residents should have access to affordable, quality health insurance coverage. There are more than 340,000 uninsured children in the State, but most don't realize that almost every child is eligible for Child Health Plus - the State's health insurance program for children under 19. Coverage may be free or as little as $9 per child per month. Adults ages 19 to 64 may qualify for low-cost health coverage through Family Health Plus, based on their household size and gross monthly income. Fidelis Care members are covered for regular check-

ups, preventive care, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more. To apply for enrollment in Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, or Medicaid Managed Care through Fidelis Care, individuals will need proof of age, income, and address. With Medicare open enrollment now underway through December 31, Fidelis Care encourages seniors to do their homework when it comes to selecting a Medicare plan that is right for them. Price, prescription drug coverage, doctor and hospital choices, benefits, monthly plan premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and deductibles are all areas that seniors should carefully consider and compare before making their selection. For more information about Fidelis Medicare Advantage or Dual Advantage, call 1-800-860-8707. Those seeking information about Fidelis Care's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus or Medicaid Managed care programs should call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

It’s Our Mission. Quality Health Coverage Family Health Plus with Fidelis Care • Health insurance coverage for adults 19-64 in New York State who qualify • Checkups with your own doctor • X-rays and lab tests • Hospital and emergency care • Dental and vision care • Speech and hearing services • Behavioral health services • More than 42,000 quality providers Family Health Plus is a New York State-sponsored health insurance program offered by Fidelis Care. Some services require a copayment.

Proof of age, income, and address necessary to enroll. To find out if you are eligible for one of our government-sponsored heath insurance programs, call Fidelis Care at:

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) (TTY: 1-800-421-1220)

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•

fideliscare.org

1-866-435-9521

November 2010 The Positive Community

www.healthfirstnj.org A

Healthy Living with Diabetes

we put your health first

Managing diabetes can be as simple as learning the ABC’s Healthfirst NJ because continues to expand into more counties in New Jersey. Visit our website at www.healthfirstnj.org to learn more about Healthfirst NJ and our service areas. Healthfirst NJ offers the health care benefits and services you need to monitor your diabetes. ©2010 Healthfirst Health Plan of New Jersey, Inc.

What does having diabetes mean? Diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is too high because your body can not produce or properly use insulin. Glucose comes from the food we eat. An organ called the pancreas (PAN-kree-as) makes insulin (IN-suh-lin). Insulin helps glucose get from your blood into your cells. Cells take the glucose and turn it into energy. THE ABC’s The ABC’s of diabetes stand for: A — A1C The hemoglobin A1C (A-one-C) test measures your average blood glucose over the last 3 months. The A1C goal for most people is below 7. B — Blood Pressure High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. Maintaining a blood pressure target below 130/80 will help keep your heart healthy longer. C — Cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL is also called the bad type of cholesterol) in large amounts can build up and clog your blood vessels. Maintaining your LDL cholesterol below 100 will help to manage diabetes and keep your heart healthy longer.

What can affect my blood glucose levels? Things that make blood glucose too HIGH: • Eating more than usual • Eating foods high in glucose (sugar) • Exercising less than usual • Stress • Sickness • Taking certain medicines • Not taking your diabetes medication Things that make blood glucose too LOW: • Eating less than usual, delaying, or skipping a meal • Exercising more than usual • Taking more insulin than needed • Taking too much diabetes medication Information contained in this health publication was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the National Diabetes Education Program.

What types of diabetes can affect me or a family member?

Diabetes can occur in three ways, including: • Type 1 diabetes – Means that the pancreas does not make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin everyday. Type 1 is also called “insulin-dependent” diabetes. • Type 2 diabetes – Means the body does not make enough innosotros ponemos su salud primero sulin or use it very well resulting in glucose building-up in your blood and not getting into your cells. If the blood glucose stays too high, it can damage your body. Adults most often get type 2 diabetes. • Gestational (jes-TAY-shon-al) diabetes – Occurs when a woman is pregnant. It raises her risk of getting diabetes for the rest of her life and her child is at risk for being overweight and getting diabetes. What are the health risks of having diabetes? High blood pressure and high cholesterol along with diabetes increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Other complications of diabetes include, blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). The good news is that by seeing your health care provider regularly and managing your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol, the risk can be decreased. What steps can I take to lower my risk of heart disease and other diabetes problems? • Know your ABC’s – Work with your PCP to learn how and when to test your blood glucose and use the results to manage your diabetes. • Ask your PCP for a diabetes meal plan – It will help you choose healthy food options. Healthy meal options include foods low in fat and salt and high in fiber like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. • Stay at a healthy weight – Set a goal to get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days. Simple activity, such as a brisk walk, will help monitor your weight and diabetes. Consult with your provider before starting an exercise plan. • Stop smoking! – Ask your provider for help. • Continue to take your medications – Even when you feel good. • Ask your doctor about taking aspirin. • Check your feet every day – Call your PCP if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your feet or toes does not begin to heal or improve after one day. • Brush your teeth and floss daily – This way you will avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums. • Report changes in your eyesight to your PCP. • Seek help – From a friend, support group, clergy, or family member if you feel down.

Healthfirst NJ Member Services is available to assist you Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm at: 1-888-GO4-HFNJ • (1-888-464-4365) • TTY 1-800-852-7897 (for the hearing or speech impaired) www.healthfirstnj.org

093-009-10

Your Community

Our Focus Healthfirst NJ builds strong community and strong hospital relationships to deliver quality and affordable healthcare coverage to our members.

Become a Healthfirst NJ member today.

1-800-639-0000 TTY: 1-800-852-7897 (for the hearing or speech impaired)

www.healthfirstnj.org

we put your health first Healthfirst NJ continues to expand into more counties in New Jersey. Visit our website at www.healthfirstnj.org to learn more about Healthfirst NJ and our service areas. ÂŠ2010 Healthfirst Health Plan of New Jersey, Inc.

093-009-10

At Calvary Hospital, the family member is our patient, too. End-of-life cancer pain spreads from the patient to every member of the family. The anguish, stress, and feeling of abandonment experienced by family members are just as significant as the patient’s physical pain. For this very reason, Calvary Hospital is the model for delivering palliative care to terminally ill patients, and also world-renowned “family care”. From our special social workers – known at Calvary as “Family Care Practitioners” – to our doctors, nurses, cancer care technicians… to our recreational therapists, Family Care Center personnel, clergy, nutritionists, bereavement specialists, administration and support staff…the family members are embraced with love, compassion, care and non-abandonment with often needed hugs and companionship. We walk arm-in-arm with the patient and their family members…together as one. Calvary Hospital is the place Where Life Continues. For more information call 718-518-2300 or visit www.calvaryhospital.org.

1740 Eastchester Road • Bronx, NY 10461 • (718) 518-2300 Calvary Hospital Inpatient Service • Outpatient Services • Calvary@Home (Home Care/Hospice) Center for Curative and Palliative Wound Care • Satellite Services at Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn NY 11220 (Calvary@Home programs are Medicare-certified and contract with most major insurances.)

CALVARY HOSPITAL’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

Founded in 1899,

Calvary Hospital St. Martin De Porres, the son of a Spanish nobleman and an is the nation’s only African woman, is the patron saint of Calvary. In addition to a 200-bed hospital in the Bronx, Calvary fully accredited acute care hospital devoted to providing palliative care to adult advanced cancer patients regard- cares for inpatients at its Brooklyn satellite at Lutheran Medless of their race, religion, or economic status. Each year, ical Center. When it opened it 2001, our Brooklyn Satellite Calvary cares for more than 5,500 patients and families became the first “hospital within a hospital” in New York through inpatient and outpatient care, care of complex State. To date, Calvary has cared for more than 3,500 patients and their families there. Staffed entirely by Calvary wounds, hospice, nursing home hospice, and home care. Calvary serves about 12% of all individuals who die of employees, patients at our Brooklyn satellite receive the cancer in the New York metropolitan area each year. The same hallmark care that patients receive at our main facilaverage length of an inpatient stay is 26 days. Our pa- ity in the Bronx. The patient and staff population reflects the tients come from across the New York tri-state area and diversity of the greater New York area. The Hospital’s Pastoral Care Department is fundamental to its from other places. They range in age from 21 and up, with a majority (82%) over the age the age of 55. Minorities commitment to care for the whole person. Its staff consists of (Asian, African American, and Hispanic) make up 46% of pastoral care providers of all faith traditions – priests and reall inpatients. ligious, rabbis, ministers, and lay people – who are trained What distinguishes Calvary from other healthcare facili- to attend to the spiritual needs of our patients and families. ties is its focus on principles on compassion, respect for the It offers a special ministry to Spanish-speaking people. Pasdignity of every patient, and non-abandonment of our pa- toral care providers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a tients and families. The Hospital’s primary goal is to address week. Year-round bereavement support groups for adults, the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of the pa- teens, and children are also available at no charge. tients and their families. Calvary@Home offers home care, hospice, and nursing Calvary partners with patients’ families to promote qual- home hospice for patients suffering from advanced cancer ity of life, address pain management and other symptoms, and other chronic and acute terminal illnesses. Home care and help prepare both the patient and loved ones on what is available in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and lower to expect in the final days of life. Westchester, and hospice services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, People are often unaware of the role African-Americans Queens, Manhattan, as well as Nassau, Westchester, and – especially women -- have played in our success. Rockland counties. Calvary’s hospice services are also In the early 1960s, Calvary created a rigorous six-month available in 25 nursing homes located throughout the End-of-life cancer spreads from patientNew to York every member of the family. training program for cancer care pain technicians (CCT), whothe greater area. The anguish, stress, and feeling of abandonment experienced family learn how to help people with advanced cancer achieve At Calvary’s Center for by Curative and members Palliative Wound Care, are just as significant as the patient’s physical pain. For this very reason, Calvary the best possible quality of life. These talented, dedicated a team of experienced physicians, surgeons, and certified Hospital is the model for delivering palliative care to terminally ill patients, and alsopatients to health care professionals are responsible for skin care, as- wound care nurses has helped more than 800 “family care”.comfort From our workers – known Calvary sistance with world-renowned feeding, patient safety, and overall of special date withsocial complex chronic wounds at caused by complicaas “Family Care Practitioners” – to our doctors, nurses, cancer care technicians… Calvary patients. Despite a marketplace of steadily escalat- tions of diabetes, cancer, venous and arterial disease, and to our recreational therapists, Family Care Center personnel, clergy, nutritionists, ing healthcare costs, Calvary’s CCT program has become other illnesses. bereavement specialists, administration and support staff…the family members a national model appropriate, cost-effective, and com- care Theand Hospital’s excellence in patient care often has been recogare of embraced with love, compassion, non-abandonment with petent palliative care, and helped the Hospital achieve a nized by the health care industry. needed hugs and companionship. We walk arm-in-arm with the patient and their reputation asfamily an international leader in palliative care. The Joint Commission, the world’s leading healthcare members…together as one. Calvary Hospital is the place Where Life Continues. Many of Calvary’s first CCT graduates were African- accrediting agency, granted Calvary Hospital and CalvaAmerican. Today, African-American women continue to be the ry@Home its Gold Seal of Approval™. Year after year, Calbackbone of this program, comprising majority of Calvary’s cur- varyoralso among the top one percent in patient satisfaction For morethe information call 718-518-2300 visitranks www.calvaryhospital.org. rent team. Hundreds of people have graduated to date from among 7,000 hospitals in the country. this program. Many became CCT instructors For more information about for us, worked here for decades, and/or Calvary Hospital, please call went on to become nurses. (718) 518-2300; for more inforAfrican-American nurses and doctors mation about Calvary@Home, have also played an important role in Calcall (718) 518-2465; or visit vary’s success over the years. Additionally, www.calvaryhospital.org.

At Calvary Hospital, the family member is our patient, too.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Clark, New Jersey. 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.livewellfaith.com or call 732-921-3746

Grace to Be Fit hank God for his grace concerning our fitness. We have all done everything humanly possible to negatively affect our health and physical fitness. We have consumed food and beverages that have caused serious obesity related illnesses. Our fitness regimens are not a priority in our lives at all. We place everything above the 30 minute minimum time required daily to improve our health through exercise. Our faith community has totally disregarded the bible, which states in 1 Corinthians 6:19: “or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own; for you were bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” As a community of faith we have not been obedient to God concerning our bodies and health. But thanks be to God for His grace and mercy! God’s grace is sufficient and His mercy endures forever. An example of His grace is our disobedience concerning exercise and proper nutrition. You and I could have not exercised consistently or disciplined ourselves to eat healthy and modify our food consumption our entire life. But due to the sufficient grace of God, it will not take you and I an entire lifetime to get back into shape and improve our health. Mrs Trudy Hargrove of Metropolitan Church in Newark, New Jersey understands that God’s grace is real and it extends to all; especially the seniors at her church. The seniors of Metropolitan Church love to exercise and have been doing so for quite some time. I recently did a quick workshop and fitness demonstration at the church during a health fair, and Mrs. Hargrove explained that she wanted to take the program to the next level. I explained to her that I could help and give information that would be beneficial for the continuation of this program. On November 4, 2010 I was at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark where Dr. Jeffries is the Senior Pastor, to work with the seniors and continue what has been an already great spirit of health and wellness. At my church, It Is Well Living Church, on 2 Denman Avenue in Clark New Jersey, I have successfully implemented a senior fitness program. We meet on Mondays from 11:00am–11:45am and are expanding to Wednesdays in January 2011.

The Positive Community November 2010

To get in the best shape of your life and workout with me and the seniors of It Is Well Living Church, call 732921-3746 or visit us at www.livewellfaith.com. Thank God for His grace. The seniors at Metropolitan understand that it is never too late for them and God. Senior exercise and fitness: Tips for staying active for life • The more you exercise, the more you will reap the benefits, so it’s important to stay motivated when life’s challenges get in the way. • Keep a log. Writing down your activities in an exercise journal not only holds you accountable, but also is a reminder of accomplishments. • Stay inspired. Reading health magazines or watching sports shows can help remind you how great it feels to take care of your body. • Get support. It’s easier to keep going with support. Consider taking a class or exercising with your spouse or a buddy. • Exercise safely. Nothing derails an exercise plan like an injury. Use common sense and don’t exercise if you are ill. Wear brightly colored clothing to be visible on the roads. When the weather brings slippery conditions, walk at a mall indoors to prevent falling (adapted from the National Institute on Aging). THE FIT COMMUNITY WITH REVEREND KAHLIL NEWMAN MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Fitness Instruction and American Heart Association Hypertension program Every Saturday at 9:00 a.m.; six-week program

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

Surround yourself with an approach that works.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America®(CTCA) the commitment we make is a commitment for life. You’ll see it in your care team - cancer experts who build a custom treatment plan around your needs.You’ll see it in your treatments cutting-edge oncology, support therapies and some options you may not even know exist. You’ll see that we never stop our quest to help you win your fight against cancer. Call 888-767-0216 to speak to a CTCA Oncology Information Specialist or go to cancercenter.com

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HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN US.

BECAUSE OF YOU WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN NAMED BEST HOSPITAL IN BERGEN AND PASSAIC COUNTIES.

YEARS

For 15 years in a row and since the awardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception, the residents of Bergen and Passaic counties have chosen Hackensack University Medical Center as the Consumer

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the best overall quality, the best image and reputation, the best doctors, and the best nurses. This means the people

Choice Award winner for having

who matter most, our patients, neighbors, and members of the community have confidence in us and the way we care for them. We are honored you have chosen us for this award. It is a privilege to serve you.

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Hackensack University Medical Center

Proudly serving the community since 1888.

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Community Empowerment Conference at Shiloh lainfield’s Shiloh Baptist was the scene of a three-day Community Empowerment Conference in October. Rev. Gerald Lamont, senior pastor assembled local leaders in education, religion, business and government. The goal, Thomas said, “is to try to identify solutions to the myriad urban issues faced by city residents. Issues that include crime, unemployment, poverty.” Rev. Thomas presided over the conference, while Rev. Theron D. Williams, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Indianapolis preached nightly. Guest speakers included Plainfield Interim School Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles; East Jersey State Prison Chaplain Rev. Larry Atkins and Adrian A. Council, TPC. Workshops were led by Rev. Rufus McClendon of Plainfield’s First-Park Baptist Church; Rev. Tracey Brown, Ruth Fellowship Ministries and Rev. John R. Bowden of Calvary Baptist

Rev. Thomas(c) with microphone and Plainfield Mayor Briggs (r) Rev. Rufus McClendon (leaning forward)

Church. Mayor Sharon RobinsonBriggs led the community forum on the closing night. “The mayor is struggling with solutions, the [City] Council is struggling with solutions, the Board of Education and police are struggling with solutions,” Thomas remarked. “Maybe we can all come together and find some.” Thomas, who has been pastor at Shiloh since 1997 is also the national chairman of the Progressive National Baptist Convention's Social Action on Public Policy Committee.

The Positive Community November 2010

Rev. Theron D. Williams

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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HOW TO HOW TO LIVE UNITED. TO LIVE UNITED. HOW TO LIVEHOW UNITED. TO

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L–R: George Hulse, VP External Affairs Healthfirst; Sonya Henderson, VP Compliance and Audit Healthfirst; Terrance Byrd, president of Healthfirst NJ; Assemblywoman Shelia Oliver; Aviva Woog, Community Outreach manager, Healthfirst NJ; Honorable Mayor Bowser.

L–R: Governor Chris Christie at NJBIC, Left, Assemblywoman Elease Evans, Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver

Gus Heningburg receives NJBIC Lifetime Achievement Award L–R: Jerome Harris, Gus Heningburg, Assemblywoman Elease Evans, Reva Foster

New Jersey Black Issues Convention he New Jersey Black Issues Convention, Inc. (NJBIC) was organized in 1983 as the New Jersey state affiliate of the National Black Leadership Roundtable in order to establish a network of communication and cooperation among all predominantly black organizations in New Jersey. A significant component of the organization’s activity is the annual convention during which critical issues affecting the black community are discussed, public policy recommendations adopted, and a plan of action with strategies for implementation determined. The first Black Issues Convention was convened in January 1983 in Somerset, New Jersey by the late Donald Tucker of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, Jerome Harris of the New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute and Margaret Hayes of the Coalition of 100 Black Women. The convention has evolved into a nationally recog-

The Positive Community November 2010

nized model utilizing the “Black Leadership Family Plan for the Unity, Survival, and Progress of Black People” as an organizational guide. NJBIC’s annual convention represents the culmination of year-round efforts to achieve the organization’s goals for the more than 1,200,000 African American residents, recognizing that most problems affecting black people affect the general population as well, but that they are uniquely expressed in the black experience. This year’s convention took place October 7-9, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick NJ. Sponsors of the convention included NJEA, PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, GEICO, Verizon, Bank of America, Healthfirst NJ, Comcast, East Orange General Hospital, Community Education Center, Cablevision, Genesis HealthCare, Saint Barnabas HealthCare System, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Comcast, NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, WellCare, and GreenFaith. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Tony Graves

NJBIC honored A. Zachary Yamba, president emeritus Essex County College with Lifetime Achievement Award (L) Jerome Harris, chairman NJBIC

Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker receives NJBIC Drum Major Justice Award, (Left) Jerry Harris, Cleopatra Tucker, Kauri Tucker, Assemblywoman, and Elease Evans

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November 2010 The Positive Community

LIVE UNITED Bridge Walk and Volunteer Festival he United Way of New York City and Skanska USA hosted a LIVE UNITED Bridge Walk and Volunteer Festival recently. The event attracted nearly 2,000 people including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, and State Senator Eric Adams. Many walked in teams representing local businesses, schools, nonprofits and city agencies. Originating in City Hall Park in Manhattan,

the walk culminated in Cadman Plaza Park in Brooklyn, where a Volunteer Festival co-presented by NYC Service took place. The Bridge Walk was designed to raise awareness of critical gaps in the quality of education, income, and health in NYC, and what can be achieved when people work together toward sustainable solutions. The Volunteer Festival featured music, food, activities for children, and over 75 nonprofit organizations from all five boroughs offering diverse volunteer opportunities.

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The Positive Community November 2010

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UMBA Fall Concert By Rev. Patricia Morris

L–R. Rev. Renee Washington Gardner, Memorial B.C. with First Ladies Beverly Robinson, Lorraine Horne and Patricia Arrington

n October, 4 2010, the United Missionary Baptist Association kicked off its annual session with a fantastic musical and as intended, this was no ordinary event. The event, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Harlem was captivating from start to finish and minister of music for worship, Ouida W. Harding, did it again. With the help of legends such as, Moderator Lester Taylor, The Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, Reverend Rita Story and Bishop James Bryant, this woman of God took us on a musical tour to of African American heritage in music and reflected on the legacies that brought us to today. The musical entitled, Bridges was designed to show how God’s people in the faith must not take our connection

L-R: Reverends Stephen McKinney, Keith Brown; Lee Arrington, moderator UMBA; Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Rev. Johnnie M. Greene, host pastor and Music Minister Ouida Harding

to each other lightly, and connect she did. The soon to be Dr. Harding is now completing her studies in worship as Interim Minister of Music for Worship under the tutelage of the Reverend Johnny Youngblood, and under his leadership is putting the final touches on her dissertation, A Pilot Project in Developing Standards for Key Music Leadership Positions in the Black Baptist Churches of New York City. Dr. Youngblood is in the first stages of creating Mt. Pisgah International, an oasis for persons not of Black African-American descent to find themselves at home in “the Black Church.” May God’s blessings continue on both Dr Youngblood and Minister Harding.

UBMA Finance Committee: L-R: Rev. Wayne Williams Rev. Sean Gardner and Rev Issac Stucks

Rev. Joe Albert Bush of Walker Memorial B.C.

Photos: Bruce Moore

Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, St. John B.C. www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2010 The Positive Community

Social Action Night ew Jersey political and civic leaders joined members of GNCNJ at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark to address issues and concerns the African Americans. Topics included education, health, business and job creation.

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Rev. Calvin McKinney, Rev. Dr. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, St Luke B.C. and 1st VP GBCNJ with Dr. Gregory Turner, moderator, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association

Photos: Vincent Bryant

Moderator Rev. George A. Blackwell III, New Hope Missionary Baptist Association

Mayor Wayne Smith, Irvington, NJ

L-R: Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Metropolitan B.C., Rev. Calvin McKinney, Calvary Baptist Church and GNBCNJ President Guy Campbell

Dr. Guy Campbell

James Harris, New Jersey state president NAACP

David Jefferson, host pastor

Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, moderator, North Jersey Baptist Assoc. with Newark Mayor Cory Booker

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

General Baptist Annual Conference he General Baptist Convention of New Jersey (GBCNJ)_presented their 106th annual session, October 2 -8, 2010 at New Zion Baptist Church in Elizabeth, Rev. Kevin White, pastor. New Hope Missionary Baptist Association led by Rev. George A. Blackwell III, moderator, hosted the event. The week-long conference was themed, “From Vision to Victory: Answering God’s Call.” In his statement to past presidents, moderators, pastors and laity of the GBCNJ, State President Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell expressed the following, “I am most appreciative to each delegate and to all faithful workers in our state convention, who have made a commitment to carry out the Lord’s work with a positive and loving spirit. You continue to make a difference in the state of New Jersey; I am honored to serve as your convention leader.”

LaDonia Carroll, Community Outreach Horizon NJ Health Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. Kevin White, host pastor

L–R: Faith Jackson, community coordinator for The Positive Community presents a basket of Razac products to Leading Lady Deaconess Dorothy Campbell

Wendolyn Littlejohn, Bethany Baptist Association queen

Rev. Albert Morgan, moderator Bethany Baptist Association of Southern Jersey and Rev. Joseph Woods, pastor St. Phillip B.C., Trenton, NJ Sis. Nellie Suggs, executive administrator to President Campbell with colleague

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Harlem Style

Continued from previous page It is also fitting to note that Ms. Turner is the initiator of the still popular idea for non-profit fundraisers themed “Men Who Cook.” A review of her resume reveals her professional expertise and versatility in hosting, facilitating and implementing events for Nelson Mandela and The National Conference of Black Mayors among others. “The Literary Society,” which she founded, is one of the more prestigious outlets for area book lovers. Her flair for lifestyle enhancement has been noted in books and monographs such as: Michael Henry Adams' Style and Grace: African Americans at Home; Harlem Style: Designing for the New Urban Aesthetic by Roderick Shade and Jorge S. Arango; Coming Together: Celebrations for African American Families by Harriette Cole and John Pinderhughes; Pamela Newkirk's A Love No Less: Two Centuries of African American Love Letters; Spirit of Harlem: A Portrait of America's Most Exciting Neighborhood by Craig Marberry and Michael Cunningham; Michael McCollom's The Way We Wore: Black Style Then; and In Our Own Image: Treasured African-American Traditions, Journeys & Icons by Patrick Henry Bass and Karen Pugh. Lana Turner is inextricably bound to the cultural, civic, social, business, and professional spirit of her city. And should you find yourself in the vicinity of Abyssinian Baptist Church on any Sunday morning, just stand for a moment and you will see our budding lady

legend entering unobtrusively for her weekly worship and spiritual mend. She is a dedicated and revered icon whose influence will be magnified in the course of time. We, here, readily affirm that the name Lana Turner now will be no longer be heard as a mistaken reference to an early movie star; it will be recognized as the name of one of the legendary African American women of the 21st century—a veritable treasure of the greater Harlem community.

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Saturday, Dec 18 at 2:00 & 5:00

Dec 17–19 Kwanzaa Marketplace Holiday shopping open to the public Fri, Dec 17 at 5:00 A Tribute to the Elders

Sat, Dec 18 12:00 – 5:00 FREE Kwanzaa Children’s Festival Thu, Jan 13 at 7:00 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Honoring educators Dorothy Anderson and Charles Nolley Kwanzaa events at NJPAC are made possible through the generosity of Leon & Toby Cooperman

Step Off Competition Thu, Dec 2 at 6:00 Enter your team and compete for a chance to perform on stage with Step Afrika!

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Publication: Positive community mag LaPlacaCohen 212-675-4106 Insertion date: novemBeR, 2010 7 x 4.75 BW

Step Afrika!

UPCOMING EVENTS

PRESIDENT JULIUS R. SCRUGGS

The Executive Committee and

The Members of the Board of Directors of

THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA, INC. Extend Our Congratulations and Best Wishes to

The Positive Community Magazine on your

10th Anniversary May God Continue to Bless You on Your Mission, To His Glory and Honor, and for Humankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Good

Photos: Martin Dixon

Commemoration of the MAAFA2010

FAR LEFT; Rev.Stanley Gordon Smith, pastor Bethel A.M.E Church, Copiague, NY LEFT; L-R: Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe with Rev. David Brawley, pastor of St. Paul Community B.C. RIGHT; L-R: Adrian Council Jr., Steven Council, Monica Britton, director of Communications, St. Paul B.C., Marc Williams and Adrian Council Sr.

he Commemoration of the Maafa2010 (pronounced ma-ah-fa) held September 13-25, marked the 16th year the ministry of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn has shown reverence to, recognized and honored the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade through its Commemoration of the Maafa. More than 100 million Africans lost their lives during a period in history known as the Middle Passage and following the voyage from Africa to American, millions were enslaved for over 300 years. The term Maafa is a Kiswahili word meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;great calamity, disaster, catastrophe or tragedy. The Commemoration at St. Paul includes worship, museum tours, panelists and workshops by renowned educators, historians, authors and clergy, A highlight of the commemoration is the moving spiritual psychodrama, The Maafa Suiteâ&#x20AC;ŚA Healing Journey

www.thepositivecommunity.com

which depicts the capture, enslavement and survival of Africans through son, dance, drama and narrative Its core goal is to take not only our community, but the world at large, on a walk down memory lane to get a clear understanding of who the African in America is and why he/she is who they are, and how we can reverse the thought patterns that have been ingrained in our psyches, from generations past and that still remain present in us today The commemoration was introduced under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood and continues under the direction of Pastor Rev. David Brawley. The Positive Community, in conjunction with St. Paul Community Baptist Church, hosted an opening night pre-show reception. November 2010 The Positive Community

PC_Mag_Nov_10_For_Printer.qxd:PC_Mag_Feb06.qx5 11/18/10 11:04 AM Page 29

FLO WILEY IN THE SPIRIT AND IMAGE reetings. As we enter the spirit of Thanks Giving and move towards the Spirit of Just Giving, we are grateful and excited about all the blessings that implies. I look forward to hearing about what’s going on where you are, and hope you will contact me at the address below to let me know. Here are a few activities taking place in the world of arts and culture that I want to let you know about this mid-November to midDecember period … the 18th Annual AFRICAN DIASPORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL takes place November 26 through December 14, 2010 at several locations, including Riverside Theatre at Riverside Church, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and The Chapel at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. This eclectic mix of urban, classic, independent and foreign films, presented by the husband/wife team of Rodolfo and Diarah N’Dawh Spech, is one of the most well-programmed film festivals in the world. Each year they introduce something new and bring back a few classics. This year’s films come from, Brazil, France, Guadeloupe, Panama, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the USA. For a complete schedule visit their website at www.nyadff.org or call them at (212) 864-1760 … Acclaimed Harlem-based visual artist and breast cancer survivor, WILHELMINA OBATOLA GRANT, founder of SISTAAH, Inc., has launched an innovative cancer awareness crusade in Harlem churches. Her Harlem Hand Fan Initiative promotes early detection of breast cancer through the distribution of hand fans that show on the front of the fan, a photo of her artwork,”Many Woman,” which carries the Ethiopian proverb, “She who conceals her disease cannot expect to be cured,” and on the back side of the fan provides information on where to go for low cost/no cost mammograms. She received a $4,650 grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to mount the hand fan initia-

8484 The Positive Community

November 2010

tive. If you would like more information or receive fans for your church, contact the artist at (212) 926-3517 … The scripture, Hebrews 13:2 states, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: For thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Compagnia de’ Colombari presents STRANGERS AND OTHER ANGELS, on Saturday, December 4 at 3:30pm, beginning in Sakura Park, Riverside Drive and 122nd Street and ending at Union Theological Seminary, Broadway & 121st Street. Strangers opens up the Christmas story by inviting its audience to step into the extravagant spectacle. Incorporating the popular Second Shepherds’ Play, Strangers involves grumpy shepherds, opera singers, step dancing angels, gospel singers, and steel drummers. Conceived and directed by Karin Coonrod, with original music by Tony Geballe, Kyle Sanna and Paul Vasile, it features the performers Edward Babb, Trazana Beverley, Dietrice Bolden, Kamel Boutros, Cherry Duke, Ayeje Feamster, Christina Gill, Marlon Guerra, Sarah Heltzel, Janille Hill, Juliana Francis-Kelly, Michael Potts, Giovanni Pucci, Kenny Rampton, Michael Rogers, Jorge Rubio, Paul Vasile, JD Webster, Impact Repertory Theatre and students from the Kipp Star School, Wadleigh School for the Performing Arts, Park Avenue Youth Chorale (from Park Avenue Christian Church) and the Calhoun School. The performance is Free; the audience is invited to bring a flashlight. In case of foul weather, the entire performance will take place inside Union Theological Seminary. For more information visit www.colombari.org. To let me know about the arts and cultural events taking place at your church, please email me at spiritandimage@positivecommunity.com. The deadline for the next issue is December 4, 2010.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Five First Ladies of Dance Germaine Acogny Carmen de Lavallade Dianne McIntyre Bebe Miller Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Five groundbreaking dancer-choreographers in their signature solo works

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ALBERTINA WALKER: LONG LIVE THE QUEEN 1929–2010

Grace & Peace!

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“She was more than a singer; she was a humanitarian and my friend. I am because she was…she gave me a chance. Long live The Queen!”— Pastor Shirley Caesar n October 8th, 2010, the gospel music community suffered a great loss. Albertina Walker is now singing with the heavenly choir and resting peacefully, having left us with loving memories, lively lyrics and great music to cherish. This legendary woman of God came into the gospel music world humbly, lived her life to the fullest and made a difference along the way. Known for nearly forty years as “The Queen of Gospel Music,” Queen Albertina’s musical roots began where she worshipped, at West Point Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois in the children’s choir. She later began singing with the Williams Singers and touring with Willie Webb and The Robert Anderson Singers. Inspired by her friend Mahalia Jackson, in 1951 she got together Elyse Yancy, Nellie Grace Daniels, and Ora Lee Hopkins Samson to form the group, The Caravans. Over the years the line up changed and included such notable names as Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Cassietta George, Dorothy Norwood and the “King of Gospel,” Reverend James Cleveland. This justly earned Albertina the title “The Star Maker.” Her first solo project, 1975’s “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” was produced by none other than the legendary R&B icon Donnie Hathaway. Queen Albertina was no stranger to the secular world. She was loved and respected by people of every persuasion. She worked with and was emulated by some of the biggest names in music including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Al Green and

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lived her life to the fullest and made a

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This legendary woman of God came

difference along the way. Ray Charles. Ms. Walker recorded over 70 albums, including gold-selling choir jams that I remember singing coming up: “Please Be Patient With Me” with Rev. Cleveland, “I Can Go To God In Prayer,” “The Best Is Yet To Come,” “Impossible Dream,” and “Joy Will Come.” She also wrote over 100 songs including the church favorite “I’ve Got a Feeling” and one my mom still sings today, “Jesus Will Fix It.” Her talent and contributions to gospel music were acknowledged by the many awards and honors she received. Over the years she amassed 10 Grammy Award nominations, 6 gold records, 4 Stellar Awards and several Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards. In 1995, Queen Albertina won the Grammy Award for the Best Traditional Gospel Album for Songs of the Church and in 2001 she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. Showing the universal reach and message of gospel music, Walker sang for four presidents, Presidents William J. Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama and South African President Nelson Mandela. A true Christian, Albertina Walker gave of her time and support to charitable organizations. These included United Negro College Fund, American Cancer Society, National Council of Negro Women, Nation of Islam’s Million Family March, One Voice “A Fight Against AIDS,” NAACP and Operation Push. Her personal touch belongs to the not-for-profit Albertina Walker Scholarship Foundation for the Creative and Performing Arts. Established in 1988, the foundation offers scholarships to college students in the field of gospel music. Albertina Walker accomplished much in her lifetime and never stopped thanking and praising God. Her will was to always be in the will of God and that’s where her longevity lay. It is one thing to say you are a child of God, but it’s another level to represent the Kingdom of God. That takes work and faith! Thank you, Ms. Albertina Walker. She will be missed, she will always be loved…she is our Queen, and like the last song she recorded, “I’m Still Here,” through her music she will always be with us.

View The Entire Contents of The Positive Community Online

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November 2010 The Positive Community

Circle of Sisters 2010 a HIT! 1190 WLIB

record 35,000 came together for Innercity Broadcasting’s annual expo New York’s largest event for women of color. Eric Benet R&B Singer

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

WLIB Morning Show host,Grammy Award-winner Yolanda Adams, with WLIB/ WBLS General Manager Deon Levingston

WBLS Morning Show personality and TV’s Family Feud game show host Steve Harvey plays the game with attendees

The Positive Community November 2010

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Linking Faith and Politics for Community Empowerment L–R: Christopher Lundy, entrepreneur and community activist and colleague confer with Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman

L–R: Congressman Ed Towns with Dee Bailey, CEO, Watchful Eye;

hat began in 1984 as a way to assist with the election of David Dinkins as Mayor of NYC, African American Clergy and Elected Officials, Inc. (AACEO) has grown into a meaningful organization connecting faith and politics. With founding members such as Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Albert Vann, Rev. Dr, Herbert Daughtry Sr. and its president Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, the community-minded pastor of Brooklyn’s Antioch Baptist Church one can envision that energy and determination are at the root of the organization’s success. The organization meets for breakfast monthly on first Fridays at Antioch in effort to gather relevant informa-

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tion for the citizens of Brooklyn and to distribute that information via houses of worship. “There is much to do in our community, which includes caring for our youth, seniors, the unemployed and so on,” Rev. Waterman remarked. “We must provide resources and motivation. Our efforts must be holistic.” At a recent meeting, several local politicians were present including U.S. Representative Ed Towns and NYC Councilman Charles Barron, along with a room full of pastors. Presentations were made by representatives of several community organizations on education, HIVAIDS, insurance and a prison re-entry program. -- JNW

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Dr. Hilliard Shares his Art Collection with Seminary Students

ecently, Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr. shared his art collection with students during a reception at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He shared insights on how he began painting and how the gift was re-ignited in him in 2005 after major surgery. During his recovery, his nurse offered him pen and paper, and that was the start of the Divine Liturgy In Abstract Collection. The collection has grown to nearly 100 originals. Dr. Hilliard's art is considered "Abstract Expressionistic" and is on display at the Helen Studdiford Kleis Art Alcove located at the New Brunswick Campus of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. For more information, contact Cathy Proctor at the seminary (www.nbts.edu). The art collection is currently open to the public.

Photos: Linda Pace

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REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

Let Us Give Thanks

have learned to say thank you without needing a federal holiday to urge me to do so. November brings with it a prelude to the Christmas commercial madness and the joy of being together with one’s family— whether that family is biological or surrogate. I have felt the pangs of those who have nothing to look forward to when a specific holiday rolls around, whether it’s a summer picnic or a winter soirée. But Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart because my parents used to prepare the holiday dinner down through the years and my aunts, uncles and numerous cousins would descend upon our home and feast on good food and good conversation.

November brings with it a prelude to the Christmas commercial madness and the joy of being together with one’s family—whether that family is biological or surrogate. 92

The Positive Community November 2010

Both of my parents are dead now. But, oh, my goodness, how well I recall those times that were filled with love, fun, laughter and an ability — even at that young age—to understand the wonder of being around folks who loved you. Area pantries and churches have begun the process of gathering food stuffs to give to those less fortunate. It’s a grand gesture though I must concede that people are hungry all year long. And, we must answer the call to quell such hunger. We’re duty-bound, according to the mandate that Christ Himself has been to His body. Thanksgiving is one holiday that needs no beeline to a department store to agonize over the right tie or sweater for Uncle John or Aunt Joan. It is simply a coming together of family and friends, who always eat too much, sleep too long afterwards and watch those awful, boring football games. But the primary focus is on the sea of humanity that gathers at a welcome home in every part of these United States and abroad. Our prayers should be offered to the mighty God who blessed each of us who were born in America or had the privilege of coming to these shores—coming to a country where you can worship as you please, when you please and worship whomever you please. I call Him Jesus. For, when we gather at the table of bounty our prayers go up to the Christ who made and makes all these wonderful things possible. How grateful I am to Him. How thankful I am to Him. How joyful I am because of Him. Jesus the Christ: The one and only living God. If this recession has taught us nothing, it has taught us that we must come together to a greater extent because we all need each other. I am advising my members to stock up on non-perishable items, not for themselves alone but for others who might be in need. We should be thankful that we can be the giver of such things and not have to be the recipient. To God be the glory for the things He has done. And all He continues to do. Thank you, Lord. I just want to thank you Lord.

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November 2010 The Positive Community

L–R Honorees Sam Brown and Sayawalah Kesselly, Keynote Speaker Dr. Barbara L. Shaw, honoree Angela Guy, President Virginia Montague and honoree Robert L. Whetstone

Photos: Raymond M. Freeman

L–R: Former Mayor-Hon. David N. Dinkins, Virginia Montague president 100 Black Women of New York and NBC Channel 4 anchor, David Ushery

100 Black Women, Inc. Celebrates 40 Years he New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a luncheon at the beautiful Helmsley Park Lane Hotel on Central Park South in Manhattan. Attendees included coalition founding members, past presidents, six honorees, the first recipient of the Edna Beach Scholarship, elected and civic leaders, members and friends. Former Mayor David N. Dinkins, affectionately known as “Godfather”

of the coalition for his 40-year support of the organization received a Fortieth Anniversary Commemorative Award and a special gift of a bow tie, which he is known for wearing. Dr. Barbara L.Shaw, chair, National Council of Negro Women, delivered a powerful keynote address reminding guests of the vision and wisdom of NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and the recently deceased chair, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Receiving the Coalition's Beacon

The Positive Community November 2010

Award were: Dr. Valerie Capers for the arts; Dr. Danielle Moss Lee for education and Angela Guy for business. Community Service Awards were presented to Samuel Brown, Saywalah Kesselly and Robert Whetstone for their commitment to the young people of their communities. “One of the most rewarding things about presiding over this wonderful organization at this special time in the Coalition's history is the privilege of knowing the men and women of this city who are willing to share their God-given gifts of time, talent and skills to advocate for those who benefit from this commitment,” commented Virginia Montague, Coalition president. NBC Channel 4 News Anchor David Ushery served as master of ceremonies. Among those in attendance were Mr. David Banks, president, 100 Black Men, Inc.; Ms. Arva Rice, president of the New York Urban League; Civil Court Judge Tanya Kennedy; Supreme Court Justice Debra James; Congressman Charles Rangel; City Council Member Inez Dickens and NY County Committee Member Theresa Freeman. The New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women is a nonprofit organization addressing social, economic, political, cultural and other issues of concern to Black women living in the Metropolitan area of New York City and beyond. For more information about the organization, go to www.cobwfounders.org or contact NYCOBW at 212-517-5700. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Late Reginald T. Jeffries Honored Local Civic and Civil Rights Leader Memorialized with East Orange Street Dedication. s ominous skies gave way to a brilliant sunlit day, a host of city officials, civic and community leaders, friends and family gathered on Tuesday, October 19th at the corner of North Maple Avenue and 4th Avenue in East Orange NJ, for a ceremony to rename the site, “Reginald T. Jeffries Plaza” in memory of the revered and respected Fifth Ward community leader and civil rights activist who passed in 1997. Former city spokesman, Darryl Jeffries, public relations consultant and nephew of the honoree, served as master of ceremonies. Among the celebrants were: Mayor Robert L. Bowser; Council Chairperson Quilla E. Talmadge; Fifth Ward Councilman Lonnie Hughes; James Harris, President, NAACP New Jersey Conference; Police Director Jose Cordero; members of the Jeffries family including the honoree’s wife, Betty Ford Jeffries former Planning Board Commissioner; Jesse Jeffries, a retired business and civic leader and older brother of the honoree; Dr. Leonard Jeffries, distinguished professor at City College in New York City and cousin of the honoree; and members of the Oranges Maplewood

JoeTetz

Branch of the NAACP were also in attendance. A proclamation was presented to the Jeffries Family by Council Members Hughes and Talmadge on behalf of their colleague, Fifth Ward Councilwoman Alicia Holman, prime sponsor along with her council teammate Lonnie Hughes, in the effort to recognize Jeffries’ enduring contributions and legacy of service to the Fifth Ward, the City and beyond. The late Reginald T. Jeffries was a longtime civic leader who dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for all East Orange residents. He was the founder of the East Orange Citizens Advisory Council, a member of the East Orange Board of Education, Chairman of the Kuzuri Kijiji Housing Board of Directors and Chairman of the East Orange Day Care and Child Development Council. A driving force with the local, regional and national leadership of the NAACP, he served for many years as Fifth Ward District Leader with the East Orange Democratic Municipal County Committee and is fondly remembered as an author of the popular phrase, “The Mighty Fifth Ward.”

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November 2010 The Positive Community

I Am NAACP! Annual NAACP Membership Radiothon Brings In New Members he Brooklyn branch of the NAACP and Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference in association WBLS/WLIB Radio held its annual live membership Radiothon recently at the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Brooklyn. During the membership drive, the NAACP Brooklyn Branch held a summit on HIV/ AIDS at First AME Zion Church. Guest panelists included Dexter McKenzie, MD, president of Provident Clinical Society; C. Virginia Fields, president/CEO, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS; Dee Bailey, president/CEO, Watchful Eye; Monica Sweeney, MD, assistant commissioner, New York City/DOH/MH; and Rona Taylor, board president, Women’s HIV Collaborative of New York. At the summit, attendees were given the opportunity to become NAACP members and also get tested for HIV/AIDS.

L–R: Dee Bailey, CEO, Watchful Eye; Tracie Gardner, director of New York State Policy Legal Action Center; Karen Boykin-Towns, president of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch; Rusti Miller-Hall, CEO Brandon’s House Inc.; former NYC Councilmember Dr. Una Clarke, NAACP lifetime member; Pastor Dr. Brian Carter, chairman, Brooklyn Minority Health Ecumenical Advisory Group; and Geneva Musgrave, CAMBA, Anti Stigma Program supervisor Photos: Mel Wright Photography

L–R: Karen BoykinTowns; Bob Lee, WBLS FM; Gloria Benfield, director of Membership, NAACP New York State Conference and John Felder, NAACP Brooklyn Branch membership chair

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On Track for Greatness

Dr. Joe Clark, Joetta's Father and subject of the movie "Lean on Me"

Olympian and Pro Football Hall of Fame Players: FRONT L–R: Fred Thompson, Roy Jefferson, John Gilliam, Bruce Harper, Norman Tate BACK L–R: David Micahnik, JJ Clark, Mark Slawson, Sam Graddy, Jack Pierce

L–R: Dee Dee Nathan, Jearl Miles-Clark, Joetta Clark Diggs, Hazel Clark Riley, Dee Dee Trotter, BACK L–R: Sharon Seagrave, Dr. Lillian GreeneChamberlain, Cheryl Toussaint, Sharrieffa Barksdale, Karen Dennis, Candy Young

L–R:Dr. Joetta Clark Diggs and Joe Clark

Former Olympian Moves From Running On The Field To Running A Successful Foundation re you aware that New Jersey has its own fourtime Olympian? That’s right, I said four-time Olympian.Joetta Clark Diggs, a 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympian, is considered to be the most prolific 800m runner of all time. Clark Diggs has been inducted in to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2009 and authored her first book, Joetta’s “P” Principles For Success. She learned at an early age to be fearless, thanks to her parents, Jetta Clark and educator Dr. Joe Clark, the inspiration for the hit movie Lean on Me. Ranked in the top ten in the world nine times, Joetta has won over nine championship titles and ranked among the top ten in America for over 20 years. The former captain of the U.S. Women’s 2000 Olympic Track & Field Team, through commitment, determination and ambition she achieved greatness at a young age and in turn works to instill those attributes in aspiring youth and challenges them to realize their dreams. Track has been great for Joetta, or shall I say Joetta has been great for track? Either way, Joetta is giving to children what track and field has given her. Thinking about the gifts she received as she was taught about health and fitness prompted her to create a foundation whose mission is to promote involvement in athletics for girls and boys in grades K-12. The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, Inc. is committed to teaching good health and the positive work ethic associated with sports, as well as introducing numerous opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry. One of the projects under her fitness umbrella includes a scholarship program named “Eligible”. To participate, students must be graduating seniors who ex-

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LR: Joetta Geniuses: Pamela Matthew Technology HS in Newark; Joetta Clark Diggs; Imani Evans, Ewing HS; Katherine Hernandez, Technology HS in Newark; (Not shown in the Photo) Terrance Maliff, Wall HS; Carnardo Waugh, Plainfield HS

By JEAN NASH WELLS

hibit track and field athleticism, have achieved academic excellence (3.0 GPA or above) and show involvement in community service. Other programs include Head 2 Toe Fitness© (H2T), the foundation’s most popular, which is dedicated to helping children and their families embrace fitness and nutrition and introducing life skills that will stay with them. The foundation also conducts health awareness seminars and track and field camps. Funded through grants and the help of numerous corporations, companies, and individuals, the foundation has been able to provide seven free programs on its own. Joetta belives that today, when the obesity rate among children is extremely high, these programs are needed more than ever. In September 2010, The Foundation, held its Fifth Annual Sports Extravaganza at the Bridgewater Marriott in New Jersey. Presented by Surre, Goldberg & Henry Associates and this year’s grant sponsors Horizon NJ Health, Sanofi-aventis, Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, State Farm and Razac, the Sports Extravaganza was an event not to be forgotten. Numerous Olympians and professional athletes attended, believing in and in support of their friend for such a worthy cause. One of the highlights of the evening was listening to the Joetta Geniuses' comments about receiving this $1000.00. Let’s applaud Joetta Clark Diggs for taking the initiative to help instill the power of achievement, discipline and focus in our children through athleticism, and including the entire family to encourage change for the better. Her mantra seems to be making its mark on the young people she reaches. “In order to be successful, you must have the capacity to be disciplined, fearless and focused,” she says. November 2010 The Positive Community

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Photo: Rev. William L. Watkins, Jr.

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L-R: Rev. Freeman Palmer who officiated at the ordination of Rev. Dominique Chantel Atchison, her pastor Rev. Dr Calvin O. Butts III and Rev. Dionne Boissiere ordination preacher.

L-R: Rev. Reginald Williams, president/CEO of ARC Foundation; Rev. Gary Carswell of the Better Living Center and Geoffrey Eaton, NAACP at Get Out the Vote Rally at Harlem State Office Building

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD Map of the promised Land

History and the Incarnation istory and the Bible do not conflict. While people can know history on a basic level without knowing God, knowledge of God and his word deepens our understanding of history. Advent season is a good time to study how centuries of history perfectly sandwiched Christ’s entry into the world and maximized the effectiveness of his mission. Believers know Whose hand shaped that perfection while simultaneously allowing human free will. First, the Promised Land’s location, with access to and from Asia, Africa, and Europe, was ideal for the spread of knowledge of God through his people to the rest of the Earth. Next, the consecutive rise and decline of the Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires over many centuries laid demographic, linguistic, political, and geographic infrastructure that facilitated the arrival and dissemination of the Word. The Assyrians’ 8th century B.C. conquest and scattering of Israel’s population placed people with historical exposure to Yahweh (though with insufficient faith in Him) in locations beyond the Northern Kingdom. Additionally, the Assyrians’ leaving some Israelites in the Northern Kingdom, a.k.a. Samaria, while also importing additional inhabitants, later provided fertile soil for the early spread of the Gospel. The Babylonians’ 6th century B.C. conquest of Judah and subsequent exportation of Southern Kingdom’s intelligentsia to Babylon placed knowledgeable believers such as Daniel the prophet in proximity to Babylonian and, subsequently, Medo-Persian emperors. Later, Medo-Persian emperors encouraged (Ezra 1:2-4) or permitted (Nehemiah 2:1-8) Jews to return to the Promised Land to rebuild the Jerusalem temple and walls (books of Ezra and Nehemiah). During the 4th century B.C., the Greek/Macedonian monarch/militarist Alexander the Great conquered lands bordering the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Empire, and territory as far east as the Indus River. God’s role in this is suggested by the awe that Alexander exhibited upon encountering the Jews, as recorded by Josephus. Though Alexander’s political empire gradually disintegrated after his death, the Greek language remained a pervasive lingua franca for centuries. Many people in Alexander’s former empire continued to speak Greek in addition to their native languages, thereby enabling communication among diverse peoples of Eastern Europe, northeast Africa, and western Asia. Rome later established its empire over some of the same territory that Alexander had conquered, excluding Persia and lands eastward. The Roman Empire remained geo-

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graphically, politically and militarily intact for centuries, further facilitating communication among many diverse peoples, more of whom spoke Greek than Latin. The Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation, were written in Greek, although the writers mostly spoke Aramaic. This evidences the importance played by the Greek lingua franca in getting the word out beyond Palestine, since these writings were circulated as individual books and letters long before being consolidated into the New Testament. Each of the preceding empires conquered Egypt. These repetitive beat-downs dissipated dynastic Khemet, leaving it as more of a location than a pagan political/military power. The prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Matthew 2:15; Hosea 11:1, New International Version) was fulfilled by the child Jesus’ sojourn in a neutered and de-clawed Egypt, not in the world power of Moses’ time. Like kindling ready for a match, by the 1st century A.D. a large, strategic swath of the Earth had infrastructure in place ready to maximize the arrival and mission of the Messiah. Although “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14, NIV) as a baby, remember that “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (John 1:9, NIV). As an adult, that Light prophesied, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14, NIV). During the 1st century A.D., the Gospel was preached first in Galilee, Judea, and Samaria, the geographic core of believers in Yahweh at that time. Not everyone who heard accepted Christ, but “the end” came in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed the temple and wreaked havoc on Jerusalem’s inhabitants. Josephus’ historical description of the event mirrored the tribulation that Christ had prophesied before His crucifixion. Interestingly, Constantine imported Christian scholars from Egypt (part of the Roman Empire) to hone Christian doctrine in Rome, fulfilling the prophecy implied in Psalm 68:31, “Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God” (NIV). Egypt, the former pagan prototype, had by the 4th century A.D. become a center of Christian thinking. By the 6th century, the remnants of Cush, situated immediately south of Egypt, converted to Christianity. In the 5th century Rome was sacked. The empire’s disintegration accelerated. Its role in Christ’s mission was ending. Summarizing, centuries of history cooperated with Christ’s incarnation and the spreading His message. Believers know Who made this so.

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com November 2010

Vol. 10, No. 11

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Church/Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Jackson Contributing Writers Sonja Gracy Dr. Phillip Bonaparte Dr. John Palmer Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Rosemary Sinclair Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Herb Boyd Glenda Codogan Toni Parker Helene Fox Glen Townes Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood William Parrish Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Donovan Gopie Linda Pace Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: positive.corp@verizon.net Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 2010 The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

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The Last Word BY ADRIAN A. COUNCIL, SR. SAVING OUR OWN COMMUNITY: THE NEWARK LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE SERIES e are blessed to have completed our 4th Annual Newark Issue. Despite constant news to the contrary, there are so many wonderful things happening in the great city of Newark, New Jersey. The Positive Community is pleased, proud and privileged to share with you the “good news” about the state’s largest city. Indeed these are the best of times! Without being a blind optimist, I see a future of possibilities and progress. In 2008, we witnessed two extraordinary events: the near collapse of the U.S. economy and the election of America’s first black president. As a nation, we are experiencing a time of philosophical adjustment and new beginnings. The leadership quest of our times: a renewed search for meaning, enhanced values— Truth, Beauty and Goodness. Ultra individualism should be the ultimate casualty in a society that for more than a generation celebrated the idea best illustrated in the late 80’s movie, “Wall Street.” The movie’s main character, Gordon Gekko introduced and defended to an audience of shareholders the concept that “greed is good.” To promote a better understanding of today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s hope, The Positive Community magazine will inaugurate The Newark Leadership Roundtable Series. Beginning in February 2011 we will introduce quarterly discussions with leaders of diverse backgrounds, interests and concerns. Rather than focusing on pedestrian or political hot button issues like failing schools, unemployment, poverty, crime or health disparities, etc, our talks will be centered on values and ideals—a glass half full. For example, the basic concept of the business or corporation is to provide a quality product or service at a profit. Beyond that, what is the ideal relation-

The Positive Community November 2010

ship between a business and its local community? Moving forward, how will we define prosperity? Can the profit motive be augmented by a service motive? Is there such a thing as an ideal education? What is the role of the institutions-the home, school and church in community life and the progress of our children? Are education, values, morals and ethics keeping pace with innovations in science and technology? If a clean, orderly and safe environment is a community-building ideal, then how do we implement or instill such values? What is a cultural ideal? What is cultural integrity? In an age of unprecedented discovery in science and technological innovation, how do we preserve, protect and promote the very best in the African American experience? How do we insure the survival and safe-passage of values from this generation to the next? Could it be that the ideals of the race are our chief support in a society that’s in rapid transition? We believe that through this approach we can achieve a positive result. The Leadership Roundtable Series will promote goodwill and the common good. Corporate leaders will share their insights and values with clergy leadership. Leaders in education and healthcare will share their thoughts and ideas with leaders of cultural institutions. The objective is to create a forum that will inspire hope, opportunity and encourage a sense of empowerment, self-esteem, cultural unity and community pride. Newark’s problems are not unique to what’s happening in cities across America today. The difference is that this city’s important institutional leaders are willing to sit down at the table of fellowship and brotherhood to inspire a vision of progress for this great city well into the 21st century and beyond!! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Strong Families plus Strong Schools build Strong Communities Working together, families, teachers, and school staff can have a powerful positive impact on our students, our communities, and our future. Here are some ideas to help reinforce what makes each child – and each family – special: • Write down the qualities that make each of your children unique and hang them in their rooms. • Get up early one day and have a special breakfast together. • Leave a note under their pillows mentioning something about him or her that makes you proud. • Create a family tree. • Make a collage depicting favorite things. • Look over family photo albums. • Establish family traditions. When children receive encouragement at home, they are more likely to succeed in school. Let’s work together to build strong students.

New Jersey Education Association Barbara Keshishian, President Wendell Steinhauer, Vice President Marie Blistan, Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Giordano, Executive Director Richard Gray, Assistant Executive Director/ Research Director

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The Positive Community November 2010 www.saintbarnabas.com/heartcenters