The Positive Community Newark Issue 2021 www.thepositivecommunity.com

S E C T I O N S Money................................... 22 Health ................................... 43 Education ............................. 52 Culture................................. 58 Cover and Content page photos by JMartin Productions

The year 2014 feels like a lifetime ago. President Barack Obama was in office and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” played regularly on every radio station. Americans showed cautious concern about the Ebola virus as it bubbled a continent away. Meanwhile, we mourned the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of police officers. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ras J. Baraka became Mayor of Newark in 2014 and inherited a city at a crossroads with a $93 million budget deficit and the highest crime rate in nearly fifteen years. Many viewed Newark as another Detroit— a city that had lost touch with its remarkable potential. Seven years later, Newark is a different NEWARK ISSUE 2021 CONTENTS 32 Photo Courtesy of the City of Newark place partly due to a double-digit drop in the crime rate and efforts to increase the city’s economic outlook with corporations like Audible, Panasonic, Mars, and others now calling Newark home. And while many changes can come at a cost, like over-polic- 38 ing and gentrification, protecting the people of Newark from both, ranks high on Baraka’s list of priorities. I asked how he worked to include the citizens of Newark in his efforts to raise the city’s economy. “It’s difficult. We put systems in place like inclusionary zoning ordinances Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka It’s Mayor Baraka’s Show that require affordability. We create an equitable growth commission to set guardrails It’s His Show for different things we do in the city. We try By Shane Paul Neil to create opportunities for Black and brown businesses . . .” he explained. “We’re trying to build wealth here, raise the standard of living, and give people the opportunity to have access to resources at the same time as the city is developing.” Ras J. Baraka became Mayor of Newark At a time when the subject of policing has been a polarizing one, Baraka’s efforts to find balanced solutions in 2014 and inherited a city at a stand out. A staunch advocate for a Citizen’s Complaint Review Board with subpoena power, he also supports the crossroads with a $93 million budget city’s police force. “I’m from Newark. I know the people in these communities, people’s grandmothers and deficit and the highest crime rate in nearly mothers. They want to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The notion of we’re not going to have a police department just doesn’t work here.” He continued, “You have to fight crime, so we do that in a two-fold way. We fifteen years. Many viewed Newark as another Detroit—a city that had lost touch Features do it by supporting the police department, but also by creating initiatives—community led initiatives that help with its remarkable potential. Larry Crump Honors His Mother....................................ON THE COVER: 10

TPC_Nov_2021_WF2.indd 14 Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. is dedicated to serving God and his community G 11/22/21 5:43 PM Essex County Exec Honors Community Leaders............ 16 Rev. Dr. Soaries on Retirement and Investing........... 22 Are NJ Democrats Listening Now?........................... 24 Sistahs in Business in Newark ................................. 26 &also inside Weiss Joins Newark Alliance.................................. 30 GCBNJ See Success................................................. 35 Civil Rights Leaders Birthdays Celebrated............. 36 UMBA Takes Social Action........................................ 37 Publisher’s Desk............................. 8 Newark Beth Israel’s Alma Beatty Health Fair............. 43 Amerigroup: Brick City’s Newest Resident.................... 51 Guest Editorial ................................... 12 Kean University President Installed................................. 52 Guest Editorial ................................... 14 Berkeley College Commemorates 90th Anniversary...... 54 Juneteenth Freedom Cruise............................................ 58 Fitness Doctor ................................. 46 Pillar College Hosts Pastors Appreciation Event........... 60 The Last Word .................................. 72 Eric Adams Fundraiser................................................ 65

GREATR COLL ALL TO PROGRESS

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

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President BCT Partners, Newark, NJ Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church, Orange, NJ Rev. H. William Rutherford III, Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Danté R. Quick, PhD First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, President Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President & CEO Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor Masjid Muhammad, Newark, NJ Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Cahoon North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Danielle L. Brown, Senior Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Emancipation Day 2022: Positive Change, Freedom, and the Future +

The Positive Community Corporation (TPC), a 100% African American-owned media company has remained steadfast to the calling to share “Good News from the Church and the Community.” Year after year, “through many dangers, toils and snares” TPC has delivered results for both the reader and the advertiser by embracing the value and ideals of quality service. For 21 years, we have been on the front lines of Positive Change in the communities we serve, showcasing the very best in Black life and culture in America. Our freedom journey continues!

Boldly and without reservation, The Positive Community proclaims 2022: A Year of Positive Change! This is an open invitation to all forward-thinkers and the people of God to join us in the great, community-building enterprise of our times. Now, more than ever, each of us must become advocates for positive change—in our homes, the classroom, the corporations, houses of worship; positive change in our music and in matters of health, public safety, our businesses, finances, public/private institutions and in the arts.

Saving Our Own Community A year of Positive Change begins on January 1, 2022 with TPC’s Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet at the Robert Treat Hotel, Newark NJ. On that day we will honor individuals and organizations who reflect the ideals of community life and American freedom. Our honorees from the NY/NJ region represent the best and brightest in diverse servant leadership roles that are ever committed to peace, world progress and the good of all—Positive Change!

If we the people are to move forward then we must always remember and never forget January 1st as one of the most important dates on the American calendar, especially for African Americans. On that very day in 1863, freedom came to over 3.5 million of our ancestors held in bondage in the Confederate South; 200,000 Negro troops were mobilized to fight alongside the Union Army. With the implementation of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War transitioned from being a war to save the Union into a war to end slavery; a war that cost over 600,000 American lives. And yes, we do owe a debt of gratitude to descendants of those in the Union Army who sacrificed their lives on the battlefields on behalf of American freedom!

In between the traditional church Watch Night services on December 31, and the Juneteenth Holiday, there’s New Year’s Day/Emancipation Day! The Great Emancipation Day observance affords us yet another opportunity to remember and honor the many scarifies of our torch-bearing forefathers and to celebrate a future of enormous potential and endless possibilities; to celebrate our own freedom on our own terms. The theme of this year’s Emancipation Day Awards Banquet: Saving Our Own Community.

A Seat at the Table Positive Change speaks to the soul; to all of that which is great and good in each of us. Positive Change is a personal choice. After all, true success, prosperity, health and happiness of future generations, generations yet unborn, will greatly depend upon the quality of our thinking—today We must nurture the ability and the will to articulate and embrace the ideals of love, unselfish service; collective and individual sacrifice for positive change and freedom—now!

On Saturday, January 1, all roads lead to Newark, NJ! It’s the “Function at the Junction” on New Year’s Day—“Freedom Day!” Plenty of good food, entertainment, enlightenment and fellowship. This is an appeal for investment into the survival of our own indigenous community-based media and the Black Press. Buy a ticket ($125.00 per person) or purchase a table for 10 ($1000.00); bring a friend. Reserve your seat at freedom’s table today! Visit our website thepositivecommunity.com to view clips from Emancipation Day 2020.

Throughout 2022, The Positive Community, with the support of corporate advertising and sponsorship, will host a series of special events, intergenerational entertainment activities, conferences and meaningful initiatives that will highlight accomplishments while addressing the needs of the people. Can we count on your support of this noble and righteous cause?

Indeed, the progress of our children and the integrity and dignity of our African American culture, values and traditions—our collective soul—mean everything! Let us now begin to heal; to transform the culture, secure the future, inspire hope and expand our outlook!

. . . because a positive community is everybody’s business. It really pays to care!

Hon. Mildred C. Crump, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and C. Lawrence Crump Esq.

MILDRED C. CRUMP

20 Years a Councilwoman and so much more . . .

By C. Lawrence Crump, Councilman-At-Large, Newark, New Jersey

It is truly a bittersweet moment that I write this article as Councilman-At-Large for the City of Newark, completing my mother’s term as Councilwoman-At-Large. I cried the day she was elected in June of 1994, and I cried the day the City Clerk read her resignation letter. I cried in 1994 because I knew what she had been through to get elected. Her husband (my father) had died a little more than a year before. I saw the anguish on her face throughout that year, but I also saw her strength and perseverance as she campaigned and won. I cried when her resignation letter was read because I know of the sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears she went through as an elected public servant for almost twenty years. Council President Mildred C. Crump is not only my mother, but also one of my role models.

Over fifty years ago, my parents moved to Newark and instantly fell in love with the city and its amazing people. They bought a house and reared a family. They advocated for better schools, safer streets, and stronger communities. Newark was and is an amazing place to live and work. A longtime community activist, she has been a consummate and consistent advocate for women, children, senior citizens, the disabled, working families, and those in need.

On July 1, 1994, Mildred C. Crump was sworn in as the first African American councilwoman in the history of the city of Newark. On July 1, 2006, she created history once again when she was elected as the first female president of the Newark Municipal Council.

For almost 20 years, my mother would say she had the privilege of having the best job in the world. She loved serving the residents of this great city. She would always tell the residents she worked for them, and truly meant it. The Council President often put her health and well-being second to helping her constituents, and that is why she never considered herself a politician, but a public servant. She always worked with integrity, remained transparent, and had an open-door policy. Her public service has inspired generations of women and young people to be involved in the electoral process.

Council President Mildred C. Crump travelled extensively, both nationally and internationally, making sure women had a seat and voice at the table. She is also affectionately known as “Momma Africa” for the work she has done for the African Diaspora both in here and in Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana.

She loved working with Mayor Ras J. Baraka and her council colleagues to improve the lives of our senior citizens, children, and all of the people who make this city great. I could literally write a book on all of her accomplishments and the people that she helped.

The City of Newark is a better place today because of her leadership. She is the epitome of a servant leader and, while she may no longer be our council president, rest assured she is not gone. You will see her again, sooner than you think.

Prayer Breakfast honorees

Erica Seaman and Rev. Louise Rountree

Rev. Dr. Lakeesha Walrond

Rev. Dr. E.T, Byrd and First Lady Byrd First Lady Linda Carlton and Bishop Rudy Carlton Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

City of Newark

Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

Rev. Louise Rountree of the Mayor’s Office for Clergy Affairs hosted the 8th annual Newark Interfaith Alliance Prayer Breakfast at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Rev. Dr. Lakeesha Walrond, president of New York Theological Seminary and associate pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, delivered a passionate keynote address. Rev. Lorraine Stancil-Lawson and Mayor Hon. Ras J. Baraka were also in attendance.

Over 450 clergy leaders attended the event to pay tribute to the work and selfless ministry of recently retired Newark Municipal Council President Hon. Mildred C. Crump for her many years of devoted service to her beloved city. —TPC Staff

REV. CONRAD B. TILLARD, SR. GUEST EDITORIAL

Rev. Conrad B. Tillard, Sr. is Senior Minister of Flatbush Tompkins Congregational Church Brooklyn, NY.

A Cautionary Tale, The Bible Tells Us So

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.”—Proverbs 1:10-18. KJV

Iwish this message would be drilled into the heads of young Black boys in Harlem, Newark, Bedford Stuyvesant, East Orange, and other cities in the tri-state area and throughout the nation. Our youth are getting a different message in shows like Power and BMF (Black Mafia Family).

I got to know former Harlem drug kingpin Albert “Alpo” Martinez and I ministered to him. His death recently caused me to recall my interactions with him. I did not know Alpo well, but I had several meetings with him in the past year and we talked. My message to him was simple: “You’ve served your time, your debt to society; but the community needs to see contrition, humility, and a transformed man, demonstrably different and truly remorseful for the pain, hurt, and misery your past actions have caused.” He always listened respectfully, but I consistently got the sense that he saw it differently. He had done what he had to do in his life and he had to stand firmly on the belief that for him, he was still Alpo, and still a man. I wish he could have internalized the messages of Proverbs in his childhood or even as a middle-aged man

After 25 years in prison, he took responsibility for fourteen murders, including the murder of his closest friend and associate, Richard Porter. He turned state’s evidence against his associate and trigger-man, Wayne “Silk” Perry, who sits in a supermax prison serving a life sentence without any possibility of parole, based on Martinez’ testimony. Some say Perry has become a changed man—spiritual and known as “Brother Nkosi.”

One night having dinner in Harlem, a friend of Alpo’s approached me and asked if he could bring Alpo over to meet me and take a picture with him. I was conflicted at the very least. I was reluctant and uncomfortable. He had a reputation of murder and treachery. I knew his associate, Wayne “Silk” Perry. We both attended Woodrow Wilson Senior HS in Washington, DC in the early 80s. I know many of Perry’s friends and family from Washington, DC and others who did business with him in the late 80s and early 90s. Alpo and I talked about those ironic connections in our initial, awkward introduction and interaction. I realized that in that moment, I had a duty to this brother, Alpo, not to negate his humanity—not to see him as a drug dealer, murderer, or snitch, but a child of God who was entitled to hear the Good News. The Gospel is a powerful bulwark, and it is for everyone. Jesus, nailed to the cross at Calvary, ministered to two murders, even as he shared their fate. One asked for forgiveness and He reassured the man he would be in glory with Him that same day. I’m not sure what was in Alpo Martinez’s heart. He did acknowledge faith and his upbringing in the Catholic Church. Perhaps he repented and truly accepted the Lord as his Savior and friend. Let’s pray he did.

I never suffered at the hands of Alpo Martinez, so I can’t judge Richard Porter’s sister, Pat Porter, for reportedly celebrating Alpo’s demise. I also get the anger of those he betrayed, and obviously, the killers had no compassion in their hearts for him, but ministers must minister to those who have lost their way. Finally, that’s why every Black boy should learn and memorize Proverbs 1:10–18 by rote as a cautionary tale: the fruits of wrong-doing will lead to the fate of Mr. Martinez and too many others; the Bible says it plainly.

Alpo, did say to me, that at only 25 years old and a drug kingpin on the streets of Harlem and Chocolate City when he was arrested in 1991, he “never thought 30 years later the community would lionize and celebrate” his exploits. Perhaps his ignominious death can have a greater impact upon the psyche of Black people in our community—especially young, Black men—to turn us away from sinful and criminal lives, than the celebrated exploits of his ultimately tragic life did.

CHRIS T. PERNELL MD, MPH, FACPM GUEST EDITORIAL

Chris T. Pernell, MD, MPH, FACPM, is Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer at University Hospital, Newark, NJ.

Getting to Higher Ground

We will forever define 2020 as the year a novel coronavirus set fire to the globe. Nearly two years later, COVID-19 is still raging—though in recent weeks the national case average plateaued somewhat—there is a mixed picture emerging across different regions of the country. As of mid-November, average new coronavirus cases are hovering around 80,000, about 46,000 Americans are hospitalized, and approximately 59% of the population is fully vaccinated. In New Jersey, we have seen similar trends. New cases are still above 1,000 but down from nearly 3,000 in early September. Current hospitalizations in our state have dipped below 800 and more than 5.9 million New Jerseyans are fully vaccinated.

While these are welcomed milestones, we cannot afford to celebrate prematurely but rather, we must persist and even advance at a quicker pace. The Delta variant remains poised to destroy life and wreak havoc and recent trends can be reversed during the fall and winter months as more of us retreat indoors and family holidays approach. Over the past two weeks, 21 states have seen a 10% plus surge in daily cases, including New York and Pennsylvania. Bottom-line, how long we stay ahead of the virus and whether or when we’re knocked off course again depends on how well we stick to a multi-layered mitigation strategy and our fundamental understanding of being in this fight together.

Our children need us the most right now. With the FDA and CDC’s early November decision to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for the 5–11 age group, 28 million children are now eligible for the vaccine. For 14 consecutive weeks, the number of cases of children with COVID-19 has been above 100,000. Any child who gets vaccinated will need a vaccine confident adult to execute on that action. Yet 30% of US adults remain unvaccinated. Polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) suggests that the gap among Black, Latinx, and white vaccination rates may be narrowing with at least 70% in all three groups reporting having received at least one dose in the October report. This happened because of a focus on equity and acknowledging how racism operates to infect every facet of American life. While many understand the more than 750,000 American lives lost are unprecedented, it’s clear more must be done to remove access barriers and to encourage those who lack vaccine confidence and question the integrity of the science and public institutions in general. A hidden toll of COVID-19 is the fact that more than 140,000 children lost a primary or secondary caregiver and Indigenous, Black, and brown children were among the worst impacted.

Pandemics are not novel, but what determines how any society fares is its level of preparedness, baseline fissures, and inequities that marginalize certain groups and how well communities are equipped to endure, fight back, and overcome. While the American story of this crisis is still being written, there are salient lessons and interim wins that should be amplified and built upon to achieve enduring success. We dare not risk the alternative.

Our greatest power doesn’t rest in individuals, but in the whole. It’s collective power. Community power. People power. And, exercising this power requires all of us to do what benefits the masses, keeps all of us safe, and allows us to get to higher ground. This battle is uphill because it is not only about taming a pandemic, but it’s also about digging up the deepest roots that threaten our collective well-being and change. The time to act is now.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (third from right) dedicates a bronze plaque honoring the late Calvin West, the first Black Councilman at Large in Newark. (L-R) Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson, Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, former Major League Baseball Executive Leonard Coleman, former Governor James McGreevey, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Berger Organization Miles Berger, and former Freeholder President Joseph Parlavecchio.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo Honors Four Essex County Community Leaders

ESSEX COUNTY/TPC STAFF

Along Essex County Way, at the Essex County Government Complex in Newark, four bronze plaques were dedicated by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo on October 6th. The honorees include late John M. Alati, the late Wynona Moore Lipman, the late Casto Maldonado and the late Calvin D. West. John Alati was a former government official and co-owner of LaGuardia Entertainment. His plaque begins with a quote from playwright George Bernard Shaw: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” It continues: “John M. Alati brought joy, John M. Alati laughter and a convivial spirit to generations of Essex County

residents and beyond.”

Atla produced more than 200 performances each year, including the Annual Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series. John launched and supported the careers of countless musicians, bands and entertainers. John was active in government and politics, serving in a variety of roles in Essex County and as Chairman of the Irvington Democratic Committee. While he enjoyed serving as an elected official, John took great pride in working behind the scenes to help others, mentoring many young politicians. Proud of his Italian heritage, he worked diligently to promote Italian American culture and history. As UNICO National President, he joined Italian American organizations and the Government of Italy on issues of common interest, elevating the status of UNICO and Italian Americans nationwide.

“Thank you, Joe DiVincenzo, for this wonderful memorial. It was wonderful to hear how much John was loved and respected,” said Linda-Gail Alati, John Alati’s wife.

“I knew John for over 55 years. He was a great friend. He had the tireless ability to get the best out of people,” former Freeholder President Joseph Parlavecchio said. The plaque for Lipman begins with her own quote: “If you really want to stand out from the crowd and be recognized by society, then it is the quality of contribution which you make to others that counts.” It continues: “Evelyn Wynona Moore Lipman was the first African American woman to serve as a NJ State Senator. Her election was a milestone event that shattered the glass

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo

Essex County Legends Way, Newark, New Jersey.

ceiling and paved the way for African American and Latina women to view themselves as public servants.”

Senator Lipman’s reputation as a “Steel Magnolia” pointed to her ability to get legislation passed while maintaining her courteous demeanor. Her tenacity allowed over 145 bills to be signed into law, with many of them improving the lives and interests of women, children, families, small businesses, and minorities. Notable were the Prevention of Domestic Violence Acts of 1981 and 1991, at that time some of the toughest domestic violence laws in the country. She heralded legislation supporting family leave, pay equity and child support enforcement, which served as the foundation for current laws. At Essex County College where she was a teacher, she used her legislative interests to help women, minorities and small businesses gain business contracts. At the time of her death in 1999, her 27 years in the State Senate made her its most tenured member. Senator Lipman’s pioneering achievements and commitment to the residents of New Jersey are her legacy.

“When you first meet someone, you don’t know their life will have historical implications, but Senator Lipman was that person. She was never afraid to be the first one out on an issue and was never afraid of any opposition. I can tell you how honored she would have been today,” said Alma Savaria, an attorney who served as the Executive Director of the Commission on Sex Discrimination in the Statutes while Lipman was the Commission’s Chairperson.

“Senator Wynona Lipman was a trailblazer, and I am in awe of how intimately tied into her endeavors without ever meeting her,” NJ State Senator and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said about her legislative agenda being very close to Lipman’s and how they both represent the same district. “She was a bridge builder upon whose shoulders many of us stand on today,” she added.

Casto Maldonado was the President and CEO of FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc. The plaque for Casto Maldonado begins with a quote from baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente: “If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don't do that, you are wasting your time on this earth.” It continues: “Casto Maldonado enjoyed a successful career at Prudential, where he strengthened their volunteerism program, created a minority Casto Maldonado purchasing program and engaged in urban and community development initiatives. He carried his interest of helping people to the non-profit sector and, in 1967, was part of a grassroots movement to create FOCUS. This community-minded non-profit organization’s original mission was to provide education, food and job training to Newark’s growing Puerto Rican population.”

He always remained active with FOCUS, serving at various times as the agency’s Executive Director, Board Member, President & CEO and consultant. Because of his efforts, FOCUS grew and evolved into a major safety net providing a wide range of programs and services to assist all residents from youth to senior citizens. Casto also recognized Latinos needed a greater voice in politics and government and he helped to organize Latin communities in various cities. He encouraged younger generations to get involved in the political process and his leadership in this area was recognized at the Federal and State levels. His legacy rests in the many lives he touched and the new leaders he cultivated.

“Mr. County Executive, we are inspired by your idea to honor Mr. Maldonado. It takes a great leader to recognize other leaders and the honor being presented today will make us work with the community even harder than before,” said, Dr. Francisco Dillon, Chairman of the FOCUS Board of Trustees.

“I want to thank the County Executive for honoring someone who is very special to me. My first job after college was working for FOCUS with Casto Maldonado

Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building and Statue Dedication in Newark on June 17, 2021

Congressman Donald M. Payne Plaza dedicated 2009

as my boss. For the Latino community, Casto represented the American Dream,” said Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos, who also served as Director of Citizen Services. The plaque for Calvin D. West begins with a quote from Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson: “A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.” It Calvin West continues: “In 1966, Calvin West became the first African American to be elected as an Essex County At-Large Newark City Council member. Although slight of stature, West was recognized as a Democratic political giant throughout the State for close to 70 years. Dignified, dapper and always engaging, he was a legendary figure.” A product of Newark Public Schools, his heart was always with the people of his beloved city, beginning in 1954 when he founded the Central Ward Young Democrats. The point person for every Newark Mayor and NJ Governor, West mentored and nourished generations of Democratic political figures. Elected as a member of the Addonizio slate when he won his Council seat, he flourished through all administrations, smoothly bringing people together. Calvin had broad experience, including as a reporter for the Newark Evening News, and other New Jersey Afro-American newspapers, and as a member of the U.S. Army.

Former Major League Baseball National League President Leonard Coleman said, “Calvin West treated everyone like family, and everyone sought his counsel. His contribution was great and he’s much deserving of this honor.” Miles Berger, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Berger Organization, commented about the different facets of West’s life–as a loving husband, as someone devoted to his family, as someone who advised NJ governors, mayors and politicians.

“John Alati, Wynona Lipman, Casto Maldonado and Calvin West each dedicated their lives to helping others, improving their community and putting the needs of others before their own. They each impacted the lives of many,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said. “They are deserving of being remembered as Essex County legends and having their names at our government complex will remind people of their contributions,” he added.

Named “Legends Way” in 2008, when the juror’s parking garage was opened, the former 13th Avenue southern side of the Essex County Hall of Records features bronze plaques recognizing New Jerseyans who have made significant contributions to Essex County including: • Major League Baseball Hall of Fame players–Yogi

Berra, Larry Doby and Monte Irvin • Pearl Beatty—first Freeholder President under the current form of county government • Kenneth A. Gibson—the first African American mayor of Newark • Lebby Jones—member of the Board of Freeholders and Irvington Township Council • Trish Morris-Yamba—Executive Director of The

Newark Day Center and the Fresh Air Fund • Ramon Rivera, who was the founder and former executive director of La Casa de Don Pedro • Monsignor William Lindor, founder and director of New Community Corporation • Philip Roth—author and Newark native • Balozi Harvey—Director of the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action and the

Essex County Economic Development Corporation • Dr. Leon Smith—an infectious disease specialist • Lawrence “Lonnie” Wright—a two-sport professional athlete and Director of Minority and

Underrepresented Student Recruitment at UMDNJ • John J. Clancy—who served as the first Director of the Essex County Division of Youth Services

This is the last photograph submitted to TPC by popular photojournalist Zachariah Dais (Risasi), our beloved friend, colleague; a soul brother who passed away on October 14, 2021, at the age at the age of 72. See full obituary at thepositivecommunity.com

On September 14, 2021, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, U.S. Rep.Donald M. Payne, Jr., Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the Gibson family, and other dignitaries unveiled a statue honoring former Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson, in front of City Hall, located on 920 Broad Street.

• Adrian M. Foley, Jr.-- who served as Essex

County Surrogate • Samuel Brummer—owner of Hobby’s Delicatessen and World War II D-Day veteran • Cephas Bowles—WBGO Executive Director • Larrie West Stalks—former Essex County Register • Clement A. Price—Rutgers University History

Professor and Newark and Essex County Historian • D. Bilal Beasley—Irvington City Councilman and

Essex County Freeholder • Raymond Durkin—long-time Chairman of the

Essex County Democratic Committee and New Jersey

Democratic Part • Philip Thigpen—Essex County Register and longtime Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman • Thomas Durkin—Essex County attorney • Lena Donaldson Griffith—a cultural arts and civil rights pioneer in Newark and Essex County • Raymond Brown—a civil rights leader and attorney • Superior Court Justice Thomas “Timmy”

McCormack—one of the authors of the County’s current Administrative Code and Freeholder By-Laws

Innaddition to several buildings and open spaces in In addition to several buildings and open spaces the Essex County Government Complex have been in the Essex County Government Complex have named after prominent people who have influenced been named after prominent people who have the development of Essex County. influenced the development of Essex County. • The plaza in front of the Hall of Records and a bronze statue honor Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. • The park next to the Historic Courthouse and statue in front of the Hall of Records honor Barringer High

School graduate and U.S. Supreme Court Justice

William J. Brennan, Jr. • A plaza in front of the Essex County Veterans

Courthouse and a statue honor civil rights pioneer

Rosa Parks. • The plaza and a statue in front of the LeRoy Smith

Public Safety Building honor the late Congressman

Donald M. Payne, who was the first African American congressman in NJ • The plaza at the south entrance of the Veterans

Courthouse and a statue honor former NJ Governor and Essex County Prosecutor Brendan Byrne • The plaza in the Essex County Veterans Memorial

Rosa Parks Memorial, installed at the Veterans Courthouse, Essex

County, New Jersey.

Park and a statue honor Jorge Oliveira, a veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, killed while serving his country in Afghanistan. • The Veterans Courthouse and the Essex County

Veterans Memorial Park are named as a tribute to the men and women who have defended our country and freedoms while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. • The Essex County LeRoy F. Smith, Jr., Public

Safety Building is named for the Newark resident who served as Deputy Director of Emergency Medical

Services for the UMDNJ for 38 years. • In Brennan Park is a monument recognizing the late Charles Cummings, the official Newark historian and librarian with the Newark Public

Library for over 40 years. •The plaza in front of the Historic Courthouse is named for former Essex County Prosecutor

James Lordi.