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Story. This World War II era drama about Black soldiers in a US military camp had riveting performances by Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that A Soldier’s Play marched onto Broadway— almost 40 years after its off-Broadway premiere at the Negro Ensemble Company.
Between 2020 and 2022, Black playwright legends like Fuller, Alice Childress, and Adrienne Kennedy have had their plays produced on Broadway’s “Great White Way” for the first time.
Although, Fuller’s plays like A Soldier’s Play, Brownsville Raid, and 1980 Obie winner Zooman and the Sign remembered as part of the Negro Ensemble Company, his early work was produced by legendary Producer and Director Woodie King, considered the “King of Black Theatre.”
In 1969, King produced Fuller’s first New York off-Broadway play, The Perfect Party with the theme of interracial marriage. “I loved his work. When I moved to New Federal Theatre, I produced Fuller’s In My Many
in 1972 and then in 1973, I produced his directed by Harold Dewindt, who was also an actor and model,” Woodie King told me.
Fuller’s In My Many Names and Days, was directed by Irving Vincent and Larry Neal, a
of the Black Arts movement. The play was about Black families. “Mary Alice was the mother in it. Laurence Fishburne, who was in it, was nine years old when I produced that play,” recalled King. “So, you know it was a long time ago!”
The 1960s and 1970s were a new political and cultural era in Black theater and audiences filled Fuller’s shows at New Federal Theatre. “They were hits. Great reviews and awards. That’s the only thing you can go by. The audience was totally different back then. They didn’t have many choices,” said King. “There was not a lot of theater in the sixties for Black people. Both young and old Black audiences attended it. And white people attended because they had not seen Black stuff by Black writers with Black actors and directors.”
Rev. Butts, (center) with Baptist Ministers’ Conference president Benjamin J.Whipper at Convent Avenue BC circa 2002.
We are saddened by the recent loss (October 28,2022) of our friend Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III. He appeared on the cover of The Positive Commu nity (TPC) magazine more than any other person. We owe much to this great and good man; a mighty torchbearer, for his kindness, courageous leadership and wise counsel.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the Butts family and the mighty Abyssinian Baptist Church congregation. Go to thepositivecommunity.com and view Dr. Butts’ last interview with TPC as he was in the process of retiring after 20 years as president of SUNY College at Old Westbury. In the video he speaks about his early childhood, family, communi-ty service, faith and values.
With all that’s been said about this extraordinary man of God, perhaps we should note his extensive involvement with colleagues and members within the Baptist denomination.
Dr. Butts was an active member in the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY and Vicinity. This clergy leader ship organization meets every Monday at Convent Avenue BC in Harlem. Each year, the Conference, with much enthusiasm, hosts Pastor Butts as the guest preacher for the annual Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Day, worship service celebrating the contributions of a Civil Rights icon, US Congressman and legendary pastor of Abyssinian BC (1908–1972).
Abyssinian Church is a participating member of United Missionary Baptist Association of NY (an organization of 168 churches in Manhattan, Bronx and Lower Westchester) and the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY, representing Baptist churches from Montauk Point, Long Island, to Niagara Falls, NY. Among his fellow clergy, Dr. Butts was a compassionate friend, wise counselor and mentor to many, regardless of church size or status
Nationally, Rev. Butts was chair of the Election Supervisory Commission for National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. At the annual national convention (over 20,000 in attendance) in New Orleans, in September of 2014, Dr. Butts oversaw and certified the election of the current president, Dr. Jerry Young, of Jackson, MS, leader of the 8.1 million member organization of clergy and churches.
Our friend, Calvin Butts, was ever an agent for positive change—indeed a “Soul Brother” in the truest sense! There is so much more to be said about this mighty servant of God and man.
Editor Jean Nash Wells and The Positive Community team have elected to publish a special keep-sake Tribute Edition in the name of Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III. TPC’s annual January/February MLK/Black History Month issue will be superseded with a celebration of the life and times of this beloved Harlem pastor. Stay tuned for more details!
Our American Story
Notwithstanding the New Year’s holiday, January 1 is one of the most significant dates on the American cal-endar, especially for the African American people. On that day in 1863, 160 years ago, an executive order, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abra-ham Lincoln went into effect, freeing 3.5 million of our ancestors held captive in the Confederate states. On that day 200,000 Negro troops were mobilized to
Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III appeared on the cover of The Positive Community magazine more than any other person.
March 2001 Issue
fight on the side o f the Union Army. And yes, on t hat day it went from being called a War to Save the Union to a War to End Slavery; a Civil War that cost over 700,000 American lives Shout out to the descendants of Union Army soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields, for American freedom!
It was a first step that eventually led to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, abolishing slavery in the USA forever. At The Positive Community, we refer to these historic times as a spiritual and cultural event; the season of The Great Emancipation
Two questions: 1) Are we teaching our young people about the Watch Night church tradition and blessings of The Great Emancipation? 2) How should we observe America’s Emancipation Day on its 160th anniversary, January 1, 2023? The African American Cultural Narrative, first published in 2012 is the real story about who we truly are: beloved sons and daughters of the Most High God; mighty descendants of the Great Emancipation—1863!
Imagine if every single church, across all denominations and faiths, would invite a young person to read the Cultural Narrative or feature the video before the congregation at the midnight Watch Night service. What if all music ministries concluded their service with a sing-along of the popular civil rights anthem, We’ve Come this Far by Faith?
Go to thepositivecommunity.com to download your free copy of the Cultural Narrative and view the video.
On Saturday February 25, 2023, Black History Month, all roads lead to Newark NJ’s Robert Treat Hotel. The sto ry of our American freedom journey continues. It’s The Positive Community’s 4th Annual Great American Emanci pation Awards Banquet. We come together to demon strate appreciation of and gratitude for all that which is ours; for many who sacrificed their all for the freedoms we enjoy today!
On this occasion, we reflect on our collective triumphs; and forecast and celebrate present and future achievements! The Positive Community will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that demonstrate through unselfish, lov ing service, a commitment to the ideals of community prog ress, and positive change! On this day, we begin the next 160 years of our great American story!
It’s the “Function at the Junction” on February 25, 2023. Plenty of good food, entertainment, enlightenment and fellowship! Reserve your seat at freedom’s table today! Visit our website thepositivecommunity.com to view highlights from our previous 2020 and this 2022 Emancipation Day Awards Banquets. So, Lift Every Voice and Sing . . .
African Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.
One hundred years later in August 1963, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.”
Forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).
In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!
Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!
This is our story—the cultural narrative—a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill!
WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…!
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. dedicated the Ronald L. Rice Sports Complex in Essex County’s Vailsburg Park in honor of retired State Senator Ronald L. Rice on Friday, October 14. Rice served as the District 28 representative for 35 years. The park is currently undergoing a complete
renovation with new football, baseball, and softball fields and a rubberized running track. The complex will be the home field for the Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology sports teams. Local youth programs and the general public will continue their use of the park.
By Melissa Prashad
As you prepare your holiday shopping list—and your budget—remember, a little bit of planning can go a long way to achieving a financially healthy holiday season. With the holiday shopping season upon us, here are seven essential money-saving tips for consumers ahead of the busy spending season.
1. Build a holiday budget—and stick to it. There’s so much pressure during the holiday season to buy and it’s easy to spend more money than you planned. Consider using tools like Budget, or another budgeting app, to help you stay on track and prevent overspending.
2. Open a dedicated savings account. You might consider opening a holiday-specific savings account to put money aside each week. Saving for later will help make a difference when it’s time to buy gifts for your loved ones.
3. Explore your credit card offers. Many credit cards have special offers based on your previous purchases that can help save money on holiday gifts, while others give special cash back deals for online purchases. Take advantage of those discounts and be flexible. If you can’t find a good deal on the gift you originally planned to buy, see if any of the special offers you qualify for might appeal to someone on your list.
4. Use credit responsibly. Credit cards are handy financial tools, as long as they’re used responsibly Make sure you pay the balance each month by the due date to avoid interest charges or pay at least the minimum payment to avoid late fees. Resist the temptation to spend more than you can pay in any given month.
5.
Retailers have already started holiday sales and, of course, all of the popular discount days—Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday – present opportunities to save. You can also use money-saving apps like RetailMeNot, Honey and Rakuten to get cash-back deals and discounts automatically when you shop online.
6. Cut back on other expenses. The holiday season is a good time to cut back on impulse shopping or frivolous spending. Cutting out those unnecessary expenditures will allow you to account for the season’s natural surge in discretionary spending.
7. Sign up for credit monitoring. The holiday season is a particularly vulnerable time for credit card fraud. Millions of people fall victim to fraudulent activity every year, and scams are more frequent than ever. Make sure you monitor your credit score and identity with confidence and sign up to receive alerts from Chase’s Credit Journey.
Scan QR code for more money-saving tips during the holiday shopping season and all year long.
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The Center for Black Literature (CBL) at Medgar Evers College, CUNY—a premier institution focused solely on enriching knowledge and appreciation of Black literature—held its 20th Anniversary Jubilee on October 20, 2022 in Brooklyn, NY. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Brenda E. Greene, CBL’s programs serve children, youth, adults, and elders of all writing levels.
Members of the literary and cultural arts communities came from across the country to attend the festivities. Greg E. Carr, Edwidge Danticat, Karen Hunter, Talib Kweli, Cornel West, and Nikole Hannah-Jones served on the honorary committee with Chair Sonia Sanchez. Author and Newscaster Cheryl Wills of Spectrum News, and African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) Founder and President Troy D. Johnson received the coveted Jubilee Award.
Philanthropist, Author, Musician, and Performing Artist Nana Camille Yarbrough led the Libation Ceremony NYC Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo L-R: Center for Law and Social Justice Executive Director Lurie Daniel Favors, CBL Founder and Executive Director Dr. Brenda M. Greene, NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson, AALBC Founder/President Troy D. Johnson, NYC Council Member Chi Osse, and Medgar Evers College President Dr. Patricia Ramsey. Photos by: Marcia E. WilsonFocusing on culture, community advocacy, and social justice work, The Mission’s Committee of Old First Presbyterian Church in Newark was originally a congregational church. Founded in 1666 it became a presbyterian church in 1720, and is the oldest church in Newark, NJ. The original church structure was on the opposite side of Broad Street, across from its location today and was Newark’s first public building. The present church structure, containing subterranean tunnels believed to have been used as stations on the Underground Railroad, opened in 1787.
In 2019, Old First Presbyterian Church’s Mission Community Conversation began hosting discussions with prominent community leaders, activists, and organizers. One such leader is Nikole Hannah- Jones,
creator of New York Times Magazine’s The 1619 Project The community conversation moderated by Ford Foundation Professor of History and 1619 Project Contributor Khalil Gilbran Muhammad, brought together those interested in hearing, learning, and talking about our history.
The program “Reckoning with the Truth,” began on September 18, with entertainment by young people from the Vanguard Theater Company of Montclair. The conversation focused on how we look at the historical record, beginning in 1619 through the lens of chattel slavery and its effect on the economy and success of the United States. Members of the audience were encouraged to ask questions. A book signing session and voter registrations concluded the program.
On October 18, 2022, students of BedfordStuyvesant Public School #5 began a journey that would literally prepare them to take flight. Elected officials, civic leaders, family, and friends joined them for the launch of the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Aviation Center sponsored by American Airlines.
“The scripture says raise up a child in the way they should go, and they shall not part from it,” stated Reverend Robert Waterman. There to offer prayers for the 17 grade school students in the program, the facility, staff, and well-wishers attending the event, Waterman serves as senior pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. “What you put into a child is what they become. PS5, Principal Gates, American Airlines, and others in our community are introducing our children to new things and setting an example of what schools can become when given the right resources,” he said.
The state-of-the-art flight studio will provide grade school students an academically challenging curriculum including cumulative flight hours, training on a simulator, and field trips to fly planes. Sponsored by American Airlines, the pipeline through grade, middle, and high
school will prepare students for a chance to earn their wings in the American Airlines Flight Academy. “Important to us are the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how those are woven into the workforce that we have,” shared Aviation Recruiting & Program Managing Director Cristian Flores. “We are excited that American Airlines is part of this story and unlocking the dreams of our youth here at PS5.”
“This project has a special place in my heart,” said Principal Gates, whose son, Jaime, developed a passion for aviation at an early age. Despite having no readily available outlets or resources to fuel that passion, his passion never died. Now an adult employed by American Airlines as senior analyst for Business Partner Support, Jaime Gates recently received notice of his acceptance into the American Airlines Flight Academy.
Led by a team of American Airlines pilots, the program also included an induction ceremony of 17 future pilots. First Officer Paul M. Pierre, a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, officiated. After the ceremony, PS5 top flyers showcased their skills using the flight simulators to take to the sky.
Pillar College hosted its Ninth Annual Pastor Appreciation Breakfast on October 11, 2022 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin, keynote speaker and a 2021 Global Leadership Summit presenter, remarked on “The Context of the Call.”
“Pillar College hosts the Pastor Appreciation Breakfast each year as a way to honor pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication, and multiple blessings provided by these special people,” Dr. Dyer said, before quoting from Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the
word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Dyer continued,“We want to encourage and bless the pastors to whom God has entrusted a most precious assignment—the spiritual well-being of His flock. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressure, especially in these recent pandemic and postpandemic times.”
As New Jersey’s only fully-accredited
college, Pillar College partners
fulfill the great
leaders.
Walk into any classroom at a North Star Academy school and you’ll often see students in small groups focused on a particular topic. At times, there are anywhere from three to four groups happening at once in a highly choreographed display of individualized teaching that is yielding big results for Newark kids.
Like all students across America, North Star students fell behind during the pandemic. Researchers have well documented the challenges that online schooling caused for all students.
But early evidence at North Star shows how strategic approaches based on how kids learn best, as well as in-the-moment tutoring, can yield big results. In the last round of standardized state exams, North Star students beat the New Jersey state average in both literacy and math–no small feat given that New Jersey is one of the highest performing states in the nation.
North Star educates over 6,000 students in Newark in grades K through 12, with a mission to ensure that students are prepared for and graduate from college. Its students scored 31% higher in reading and 22% higher in math than the average student in New Jersey.
A look inside a classroom shows just how students are excelling and beginning to close Covid gaps.
First, teachers are highly trained—
not just to deliver instruction but to inspire kindness and a sense that learning is fun. “Some people think that joy can only be found in recess,” said Principal Tameka Royal. “No, joy is in math, too.”
North Star teachers come back to school in the summer, many weeks before the students do in order to prepare for the year ahead as a team— ensuring every adult has learned the
You’ll often catch Principal Royal asking a student what affirmation they were thinking of when they struggled through a difficult math problem and didn’t give up. Students respond with whatever intention they had set earlier in the day, like “I can do it” or “I am powerful.”
techniques and skills necessary to inspire students to achieve.
Part of that training is in social emotional learning. The pandemic heightened the need for a strong foundation in the mental-health wellness environment that schools must provide in order for students to feel safe and happy and ready to learn. So North Star students are encouraged to talk about their feelings. No feelings are “bad.” Feelings are either wanted or unwanted. Affirmations for themselves and each other is a regular part of the day.
Every North Star classroom allows students to learn at their own pace. A typical scenario is one in which a teacher teaches a lesson, and then students engage in an activity that reveals whether the students learned the new skill. As is often the case, some students will learn a new concept quickly, and others will need some extra support. Multiple teachers in a classroom mean that while one teacher continues in the lesson, another teacher can do onthe-spot tutoring with the students who need some extra time on a particular concept.
This partnership between teachers and a focus on every student’s individual achievement is key to ensuring all students are getting exactly what they need, when they need it.
To learn more about North Star Academy or to enroll in this free, public charter school this year or next year, visit NorthStar. UncommonSchools.org.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem conducted a nationwide search for a new CEO last year with input from hospital staff and community members. It turned out the person they needed was working alongside them all along. In January 2022, the position went to Georges H. Leconte, MPA, FAB, RRT, who has served in various leadership and administrative roles within the public health system since 1999.
With three decades of experience in hospital administration and direct patient care as a licensed respiratory therapist, Leconte will help lead the hospital’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic as CEO and address the ongoing public health challenges some of the City’s hardest hit communities in NYC still face. He will also ensure the continued focus on employee wellness, clinical excellence, exceptional patient experience, fiscal integrity, and expanding access.
“Georges has proven his commitment to our healthcare system for over two decades, not only as a seasoned hospital administrator, but also by rolling up his sleeves and joining other frontline providers during the early days of the pandemic. That’s the team spirit and nimbleness that any leader and hospital CEO should have,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President Mitchell Katz, MD.
For Tiray Silvis, recently promoted lead director of Strategic Marketing & Growth for Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, supporting communities in addressing gaps in social determinants of health is a high priority. To accomplish that goal, he and his team at Aetna focus on establishing strong community relationships.
Silvas brought experience from his position as manager for Business Project Program Management for Aetna CVS Health. In that role, he developed grassroots strategies to promote awareness of Aetna CVS Health’s entry into the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and collaborated with various local community organizations and sales teams to increase
of ACA market entry.
Silvis began his healthcare career with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), directing account services and membership maintenance operations. He implemented strategies to increase recruitment and engagement by planning events and outreach including back-to-school, vaccination drives, open-enrollment periods, and Medicare/Affordable Care Act education.
Harlem Hospital's New CEO“Becoming CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem is a dream role for me. It will allow me the opportunity to contribute to Harlem’s healthcare heroes.”Helping Communities Live Healthier Lives Georges H. Leconte Tiray Silvis
awareness
“Our health is our greatest asset and helping our communities achieve and maintain that asset is a personal mission for me.”
1986
there is good news; with early detection, prostate cancer can be treated successfully and thanks to billion aire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the lives of more Black men in New York City can be saved.
The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, a state-of-the-art mobile facility equipped with advanced scanning and trained staff, enables early de tection of prostate cancer for at-risk Black men. The mobile
Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it.
As men age, the cells in the prostate gland can be come cancerous. Every year in the United States, more than 30,000 men die from prostate cancer, sec ond only to skin cancer. About one in eight men in Amer ica will develop the condition at some point in their lives, and about one in 40 will die from it. Age is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer. While only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, that number leaps to one in 14 for those ages 60 to 69. About 60 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and 97 percent occur in men 50 years of age and older. All of these facts are reasons for concern, but Black men must be particularly vigilant. Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer usu ally has no noticeable symptoms. The first sign of disease is often found during a routine screening exam. This is why screening is important
Newark Beth Israel presented its annual Ray Murphy Men’s Health and Wellness Night on October 27 at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club. Over 175 men took advantage of the health screenings including blood pressure, PSA testing, glucose screening and education, balance testing, spirometry testing, vascular education, hernia screening, and more. An insightful panel discussion with audience participation followed. The event featured a full tailgate menu, silent auction, raffle prizes, and the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fighting it out on a big screen.
Photos by: Raymond Hagans Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey President/CEO Darrell K. Terry Sr. with Adrian Council Sr. Members of the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey team with NY Giants Super Bowl Champ George Martin from L-R: Chief Equity Officer and VP of Community Relations Atiya Jaha Rashidi, MHA, RN; VP of Community Relations Rev. Dr. Marilyn Harris; and AVP of Public Relations and Marketing Linda Kamateh
n Tuesday September 27, 2022, HCCI introduced its first golf outing to partners, supporters, and friends. This event hosted seasoned golfers and introduced the game of golf through a golf clinic and group demonstrations. A closing awards ceremony recognized the best in play and highlighted a great time had by all.
NY Giants Athletic Trainer and SVP of Medical Services Ronnie Barnes
L-R: Newark Councilman-At-Large Larry Crump and Rev. Dr. Bryant R.Ali
L-R: Jose R. Bustillo, DO; Dr. Eric Chan; Dr. Domenico Savatta; Darrell K. Terry Sr.; Smruti Mohanty, MD; MS; Ronnie Barnes; Matthew Montgomery, DO, MBA, MPH; and George Martin
L-R: NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, NJEDA Chief CCDO Officer Tai Cooper, and NJRA President/CEO Leslie A. Anderson
PHOTO CORRECTION
L-R: Board Chair Rev. Dr. Keith Roberson, Rev. Dr. Gail F. Badger, and HCCI President and CEO Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., MBA
Saint Peter’s Breast Center, a service of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, has been re-accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Consideration for NAPBC accreditation status is voluntary and requires demonstrated compliance with NAPBC standards that address a center’s leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement for patients.
The center must also undergo a site visit every three years. NAPBC-accredited centers have access to valuable information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services, and survivorship care.
A leader in the detection and treatment of breast disease and cancer, the Center’s breast care team takes a multidisciplinary approach, harnessing the expertise of individuals across various disciplines such as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast radiologists, breast surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, geneticists, physical therapists, nutritionists, along with researchers and a stellar nursing team. Meeting weekly, the team develops and executes personalized treatment plans all with the goal of delivering the best possible patient outcomes.
Saint Peter’s Breast Center is also the recipient of the Women’s Choice Award for Best Breast Centers, the only award recognizing excellence in patient services based on robust criteria that considers patient satisfaction and clinical excellence. Saint Peter’s Women’s Imaging Center is also a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award for Best Mammogram Imaging Center and is accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
Saint Peter’s, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program, offers the most advanced technology, medications and surgical procedures for a variety of cancers.
The Saint Peter’s Cancer Center strives to meet the needs of the community through education, clinical research trials and advanced technology, always in coordination with a compassionate approach to care. Highly-trained physicians and staff provide the highest quality of care for the following cancers: brain, breast, colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck, lung, and prostate and urologic.
In managing their health, women should speak with their healthcare providers about when to begin screening mammograms, especially those at a higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or lifestyle. Digital mammography assists with the early detection of breast cancer and allows for treatment at these early stages.
Saint Peter’s uses the Hologic®Genius™3D Mammography™, technology that has been proven to detect 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to traditional 2D mammography. To learn more about Saint Peter’s Breast Center and its services, visit saintpetershcs.com/breastcenter or call 732.339.7704.
Saint Peter’s is accredited by the American College of Radiology for Radiation Oncology and offers advanced treatment technology including the external beam linear accelerator, high-dose rate radiotherapy and CyberKnife® Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery System.
For additional information about Saint Peter’s Cancer Center, visit saintpetershcs.com/cancercenter or call 732.745.6685.
3D and SmartCurve are registered
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen Genius trademarks of Hologic Inc. ■ CyberKnife is a registered trademark of Accuray Incorporated and is used with permission.
The Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital has earned the prestigious Lantern Award from the national Emergency Nurses Association for meeting the highest standards for pediatric emergency care. And, since a trip to the emergency room can be scary for both children and their families, our specially trained physicians, nurses and child life specialists strive to provide the highest quality of care in a safe and comfortable environment.
That’s treating you better...for life.
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen
The holiday season is upon us; it typically includes a lot of overindulgence in food, multiple activities, and stress. So why not give yourself the best gift to give this year: the gift of health?
During this incredibly hectic season, it can be easy to put aside your wellness.
However, Amerigroup says now is an excellent time to focus on your mental and physical health and develop a plan that will allow you to build healthy habits in this upcoming new year. Amerigroup, a NJ FamilyCare managed care health plan, empowers its members to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles through unlimited health education programs and resources.
If keeping up with exams and vaccines schedules seems overwhelming, families can always ask their doctors for guidance. Families who are members of Amerigroup in New Jersey can also get help with scheduling appointments or even with finding care. It is as simple as calling Member Services at 1800 6004111 (TTY 711) or visiting https://www. myamerigroup.com/nj
Amerigroup members also have an additional incentive to complete children’s health exams and vaccinations. Amerigroup’s Healthy Rewards program pays members for taking control of their health, which means that members can earn rewards that can be redeemed for various retail gift cards. To learn more about these rewards, Amerigroup members should visit https://www.myamerigroup. com/nj and log in or register to manage rewards. Anyone with questions or needs help to enroll in Amerigroup’s Healthy Rewards program can call 888-990-8681 (TTY 711). To learn more about Amerigroup benefits and to see if you qualify, please call 1877 4534080 or visit www.chooseamerigroup. com/nj
• First, get enough sleep - Lack of sleep leads to fatigue and depression.
• Try to get in some healthy eating during the holiday season.
• Take some “me” time to wind down from activities.
• Make sure you and your family get your shots for seasonal flu and vaccinations.
• Get regular exercise - even 10 minutes a day of walking will help reduce stress, according to most experts.
• Start now to make a schedule for your 2023 wellness exams This includes seeing your primary doctor and your
children’s doctor’s appointments.
• Assess what vaccinations and shots to schedule in 2023
Amerigroup offers the following tips from experts to stay healthy through the holidays and for the New Year:
Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.
clean eating! Along with that, decrease and eliminate sugar. Sugary drinks add unnecessary calories to the diet and multiple inches to the waistline. If you want to see big changes in your appearance, cut the sugar! A healthy diet will do wonders to help your body begin to heal itself of chronic disease.
In this season, gratitude is a prominent thought. Gratitude gives us the ability to give thanks and recognize the blessings in our lives, big and small. I recently spoke to some training clients about something called “10 Mindful Fingers.” The goal is to bring to mind 10 things you appreciate in your life today by counting them on your fingers, an exercise in gratitude. Can you do it? This translates into many areas in our lives!
You may wonder how gratitude can impact fitness. We can show our gratitude by taking care of the bodies we have! Start by making an appointment with your doctor if you haven’t had a physical recently. You must annually evaluate your health and be on the lookout for chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Your body is your temple and your health is your wealth. Be grateful; maintain your temple and spend quality time to care for yourself. It takes time and effort to have the proper diet and physical conditioning.
When shopping for weekly groceries, focus on fresh or frozen produce, lean meats, and fish. Try to limit beef to once per week as poultry and fish are easier for your body to digest. A high concentration of beef in the diet can lead to inflammation of the joints and gout. Eating whole, unprocessed foods is the cornerstone to
It is theorized that to lose weight, it’s 80% about eating properly and 20% about doing the right exercise. Get your doctor’s approval to begin. I suggest hiring a trainer to help you formulate a plan that works for your body type and can help you to get the results you desire. In the meantime, you can start at home with squats, leg lifts, side lifts, torso twists, and stretching. I’ve recorded a balanced workout you can do from home. https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ With your doctor’s approval, start slowly and build in intensity! Remember, all exercises can be modified to be lowimpact. Please make sure to wear the right apparel and shoes for the task–walking, running, or cross-training–so your joints will have the proper support. Your body will thank you!
And where does grace come in? By giving yourself the grace to start again, as many times as necessary. You owe it to yourself. Happy Thanksgiving!
Live well and prosper.
Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.
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It’s that time of year again — when everybody seems to have a sore throat, a cough or the sniffles. The good news? You can take steps to keep your family well.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Call your provider’s office if you or your child isn’t getting any better — or if you get worse.
• For an infant, call your provider if your baby isn’t eating, has no tears when they cry or has a fever with a rash.
• Before and after caring for a sick person.
• After you cough, blow your nose or sneeze.
For two years, Fountain Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders lived in resistance to his doctor’s recommendation: a heart transplant. He approached the dim prognosis about his deteriorating health by preparing to die. “In 2014, I had heart bypass surgery; I had a pacemaker and at some point also had a stent inserted,” he explained. His heart condition had afflicted his family for generations. “The doctors had run out of options for care and recommended that I go on a waiting list for a donor heart. But, I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea. So, in my mind, I accepted the fact that my days were numbered and I made peace with that.”
With this mindset, Sanders put his succession plan for the church he has led for 35 years firmly in place. He wanted everything in alignment when he could no longer serve well or even worse, his demise. He did the same in his personal affairs. “But one day, for no particular reason that I can recall, my mind drifted to the story of Hezekiah when the prophet Isaiah gave
Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sandershim the message to ‘prepare to die,’” he said. The scripture says that the king turned his head to the wall and prayed. The prophet came back and told him that God heard his prayer and had given him 15 more years to live. “Though I cannot recall praying for anything specific, what I felt in the moment was total surrender
For two years, Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, Senior Pastor at Fountain Baptist Church in New Jersey, lived in resistance to his doctor’s recommendation: a heart transplant. He approached the dim prognosis about his deteriorating health by preparing to die.
and I accepted God was leading me, just as he had done throughout my years in ministr y. With this peace that came over me, I changed my focus on preparing for death to accepting extended life.” Rev. Sanders put a small support group of ministers together and submitted to being on a waiting list for a donor heart.
The call that a match was available came early on the morning of the first Sunday in June, 2021 amid his preparations for church. Rev. Sanders recalled how the phone rang and on the other end was his doctor at a New York City hospital. “We have a match! We need you to come in,” the doctor said. “I asked if I could come in after Sunday services. He said ‘No! We need you now.’”
Not only did the doctors successfully complete the heart transplant, but that same day they gave him a kidney transplant as well. According to Sanders, earlier during his treatment, doctors noticed potential
issues with his kidney. Now, they took the proactive measure of performing the two transplants at once with organs from the same donor. Both surgeries were successful and Sanders says he has experienced no complications since then. “I am so grateful to God, medical science, and my fellowship for this journey, which has definitely been a blessing in my life,” he said in reflection.
Sanders returned to the pulpit of the historic church after seven months of recuperation, on the first Sunday of Advent. His power packed sermon entitled, “Affliction Was Good for Me,” was based on the words of the Psalmist David, who cried out to God: “It is a good thing that I had been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)
“What I went through gave me greater vision and a better understanding of God,” said Rev. Sanders. “I have exceptional clarity about what God can do with and through me, even with my affliction. He added, During my stay in the hospital, I had the opportunity to witness to people from all walks of life, without having to push myself on them. It was then I realized that even in my sickness, somehow and in some ways I can and was being used by God. And that, too, is a blessing.”
Now back with his 1,000 plus congregants in the Summit, New Jersey church, Rev. J. Michael Sanders is not only reigniting the church’s mission ministries both local and foreign, but recreating a path to leadership and fellowship in powerful ways.
In his post-surgery life, he says one of the biggest changes he has seen in himself is a very low tolerance for negativity. “I realize I am more put off by preachers who preach healing by denouncing medical science,” he said. “Too many people are being told that doctors are the enemy of God. Yes, I know and accept that God raised me up through my affliction, but it’s also true that he did so by working through medical science.”
With this in mind, his advice to anyone facing medical issues is simple but powerful: “Go to the doctor! Don’t allow anyone to tell you that all you need is to pray and go to the altar. That has its importance, but you must also do all you can. It’s only when there is nothing more you can do that a miracle is possible.”
The moral of the story is clea r. Despite the many wars during his reign, King Hezekiah lived out the rest of his lifetime in “peace and security.” Rev. Sanders is also the president of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc.
“Though I cannot recall praying for anything specific, what I felt in the moment was total surrender and I accepted God was leading me, just as he had done throughout my years in ministry. With this peace that came over me, I changed my focus on preparing for death to accepting extended life.”
If you live with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you know how unpleasant it can be; eating the wrong foods at the wrong times or in the wrong quantities can cause you hours of misery and guarantee a sleepless night.
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Not familiar with GERD? Think of it as acid reflux on steroids. Reflux occurs when food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus, causing a burning pain in the chest (heartburn). This acidic backwash can also cause a bitter taste or the sensation of “throwing up in your mouth.” While most people experience acid reflux or heartburn once in a while, those with GERD experience more intense symptoms more often (at least twice a week). Talk about dampening your holiday spirit.
Fortunately, says Smruti Mohanty, Director of Gastroenterology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, “it’s absolutely possible for people with GERD to enjoy holiday eating.” Though there are some foods you really should try to avoid— such as especially rich, deep fried or fatladen foods—in many cases, moderation is key. Here, Dr. Mohanty o ers 5 ways to help make sure your holiday meals are a source of comfort and joy.
To learn more about GERD, call 973-926-3535 or visit rwjbh.org/newarkbeth
1. Beware of reflux triggers. Chocolate, peppermint, alcohol and co ee are a few examples of foods and drinks that increase acid secretion. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that normally stays closed except when food is entering the stomach. “This is a problem because when this sphincter is relaxed, food and acid can flow back into the esophagus,” says Dr. Mohanty. “So, try to minimize your intake of these reflux triggers.” And instead of full-caf co ee, consider chamomile or ginger tea, both of which are known to quell acid reflux. If you’re having an alcoholic drink, don’t smoke at the same time. “Smoking and drinking alcohol together produce significantly more acid and leave the sphincter wide open,” cautions Dr. Mohanty.
2. Eat mindfully.
Animated conversation around the holiday table can deflect your attention from how fast and how much you’re eating, and overeating or eating too quickly can cause reflux. Dr. Mohanty recommends eating smaller portions, particularly of rich holiday foods like gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, and cakes and pies. And be sure to pace yourself with sips of water between bites.
3. Take an antacid at least 30 minutes before a meal. Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid reduce the production of stomach acid, so even if eating does trigger reflux, it’s likely to be less painful if you’re proactive with medications.
4. Wear loose clothing.
“Tight clothing, such as tight jeans or belts, can exert pressure on the stomach,” says Dr. Mohanty. “This causes stomach acid to move up into the esophagus, resulting in acid reflux.”
5. Don’t eat before bedtime. “Lying down on a full stomach can trigger reflux,” says Dr. Mohanty, “so try to plan your meal at least two to three hours before bedtime.” (And save that late-night turkey sandwich for the next day’s lunch.)
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You don’t have to miss out on delicious holiday food–you just need to know how to tweak.
While there are some days that seem to be impossible, I keep praying, and I have faith and hope that God will deliver. Shawn Banks, waiting for a life-saving lung transplant
Shawn Banks of Newark understands what it means to put the needs of others before herself. A loving wife, mother of four, and grandmother of three, Shawn served as a Case Manager at the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery supporting those in crisis until she began to experience her own serious health issues in 2020.
Doctors diagnosed Shawn with Pulmonary Fibrosis – a lung condition that has grown progressively worse as she now requires the support of an oxygen tank around the clock. Shawn desperately needs a double-lung transplant. Until then, Shawn is doing her best to stay strong by exercising and taking her prescribed medications.
“I am grateful to have an amazing medical team and my family and friends supporting me every step of the way,” said Shawn.
Despite her many struggles, Shawn credits her strong faith in helping her keep a positive outlook. “While there are some days that seem to be impossible”, said Shawn, “I keep praying, and I have faith and hope that God will deliver.”
Please give hope to Shawn and the nearly 4,000 people in NJ waiting for a life-saving transplant by registering today as an organ and tissue donor at NJSharingNetwork.org, making your decision known to your family and friends, and educating people you know about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
November is National Donor Sabbath, a time to educate faith-based communities about the critical need for organ and tissue donation.
Nobody expects to become addicted to opioids. But it can happen to anyone. Young or old. Athletes and grandparents. Moms-to-be. Luckily addiction recovery is within everyone’s reach. Talk to us about finding the treatment that is right for you or your loved one. Because smiling again is just a phone call away.
At St. Luke Baptist Church in Harlem, those with a few years under their belt are called “Seasoned Saints.” AARP Associate State Director Reggie Nance came to St. Luke on October 12, 2022, to provide information about AARP
activities and strategies beneficial to “Seasoned Saints.” Many in attendance felt enlightened and empowered by what they learned while enjoying a delicious luncheon. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Sean Hillard for hosting the informative event.
AARP Associate State Director Reggie Nance
The fabulous Seasoned Saints listened and took notes.
In 2019, 49-year-old, Sean Greene received his Father’s Day gift a little early, a life-saving kidney donation. Making the success of the surgery even sweeter, the organ was donated by his 20-year- old son, Jordan. “I love my dad so very much and I couldn’t stand to see him suffer,” says Jordan.
Jordan’s dad, Sean, had been living with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering units, causing serious scarring which can lead to permanent damage.
In 2003, he received a kidney donation from his sister, but that kidney failed and Sean was told he would have to go on dialysis and eventually need a kidney transplant to survive.
“I remember, as a kid, hearing my parents say that the kidney my dad got from my Aunt wouldn’t last forever and I knew I would be the one to help him next,” says Jordan.
Typically, siblings are the best living donor candidates but after getting tested, Jordan and Sean, turned out to be a perfect match, although the decision to accept Jordan’s generous offer wasn’t an easy one, says his dad. “I had always hoped this day might never come. As a father, how could I put my son through this,” says Sean.
But with the help of Michael J. Goldstein, M.D., FACS, interim chief of transplantation, director of kidney & pancreas transplantation, Division of Organ Transplantation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Sean acquiesced. “It’s common for parents to be reluctant to have their children donate an organ to them. We bring our children into the world and our job is to protect them, not take from them,” says Dr. Goldstein. But as he explains, the future benefits to both Jordan and his dad,
outweigh the risks.
“The best option for any patient is a living donor because they don’t have to wait on the organ transplant list and the long term outcome is always better. As for the donor, Jordan gets to live with the fact that he saved his father’s life, what better feeling than being a hero,” says Dr. Goldstein.
Additionally, if for some unrelated reason, Jordan were to need a new kidney, years down the road, he would immediately go to the top of the organ transplant list, having already been a donor.
So Jordan underwent surgery in side-by-side operating rooms with his father on June 10th.
As a result, dad will be relieved of the many symptoms of his kidney disease including fatigue, weakness, decreased mental sharpness, sleep problems and nausea. “The act of living donation is an act of love that so few people have the opportunity to do so we not only encourage it, we feel lucky to be a part of it every day,” says Dr. Goldstein.
Three years later, both father and son are doing well and looking forward to this Thanksgiving together, thanks to the ultimate display of a son’s love.
Schedule a consult today by calling 551-996-2608 or visit: www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/organtransplants
At Hackensack Meridian Health , we’re committed to advancing our comprehensive strategy to eliminate disparities thereby ensuring health equity and quality outcomes for all people. We’re honored to have been recognized for the second year in a row, moving up 7 spaces from last year to rank #4 on DiversityInc’s 2022 Top Hospitals & Health Systems list. By leading the way, our goal is to shape the future for the communities we serve.
To learn how we’re continuing to drive diversity forward visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org.
“My father’s heritage is East Indian; my mother is African-American and so they were bringing together two cultures,” said Kahn. “That’s ethically as well as geographically. Growing up, there was never a sense that we were solely identified by being Black kids in Camden, New Jersey. Yes, we were Black in Camden, but our roots are global. What I’ve always wanted to tell people through Crossroads is that it’s about our roots. As Black people in this country we should not forget or even allow people to think this is all of who we are.” He continued, “There’s much more! The sense of a connecting, having a theater like Crossroads that connects to many different communities in this coun try and around the world is in order for us to redefine who we are on a larger level.”
Church
of June.
“During the first part of the pandemic, March 2020, I had been thinking about retiring,” King revealed. “Then the pandemic increased in time. The offices closed down. Then people needed to have shots. I said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go back to work. I’m 83 years old. So, what should I do?’ I thought, I needed a young person to run it. And that person was Elizabeth Van Dyke, our artistic director. She’s experi enced and understands how to communicate with this generation. And getting that younger person to run it and work with me over the last year and five months, solidified it for me.”
As summer heat mellowed on September 24, Kean students, faculty, and friends enjoyed free, live music on the lawn at Kean University’s Enlow Hall. Folks listened to jazz, blues, and funk from some of the best performers and bands in the tri-state area. Internationally acclaimed Bassist/Producer Mike Griot brought his band, Blues People, and the crowd simultaneously moved, grooved, and was spellbound by the voice of the incomparable Dianne Reeves. Other performers included Don Braden and Karl Latham’s Big Fun(k) and Soul Reggae group Judah Tribe with Josh David. Food trucks provided refreshments, with some deciding it was a glorious day and evening for a picnic.
Across the Hudson River, one of the pioneering insti tutions integrating artists of color and women into the mainstream American theater, Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theater (NFT), faces major changes. Found ed in 1970, NFT began as an outgrowth of a theatre program called Mobilization for Youth. The theatre’s first season opened in the basement of St. Augustine’s
As millions of people quarantined last year, the aters around the world temporarily closed their doors and we were forced to stay at home without live en tertainment. For the first time, the theater found the need to compete with social media and streaming platforms. NFT embraced change, deciding to shift theater to the digital space with pre-recorded and live
Grammy Award winning Jazz Singer Dianne Reeves L-R: Connell Foley Partner Vaughn L. McKoy; Darlene Repollet; Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet Ed.D.; Dianne Reeves; Jazz & Roots Music Festival Producer and Headliner Mike Griot; and Festival Sponsor Dr. Colleen Hawthorne L-R: Mike Griot and Sheila Anderson Kelton Cooper of Blues People performs for the crowd Frustrated with the lack of diversity in Amer ican theater, Ricardo Mohamed Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson conceptualized the Crossroads Theatre Company. Since its founding in 1978, Crossroads has produced over 100 works, many of them premiere productions by African and African American artists, including The Colored Museum and Spunk by George C. Wolfe, Jitney by August Wilson, Sheila’s Day by South Af rican writer Duma, Ndlovu and many more. Crossroads received the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding Region al Theatre in the United States in recognition of its 22year history of artistic accomplishment and excellence. on Henry Street. Many perform ers benefited from ear ly successes on NFT’s stage—the late Chad wick Boseman, Debbie Allen, Morgan Free man, Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Issa Rae, and many more. Woodie King Jr. retired from leadership of the illus trious theater at the end Ricardo Kahn Crossroads Theatre Company
By Fern Gillespie
The sudden death of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Playwright and Screenwriter Charles Fuller (March 5, 1939–October 3, 2022) stunned the theater and film world. A pi-oneer in the 1960s and 1970s Black Arts movement, Fuller was renowned for his powerful, poignant A Soldier’s Play and film A Soldier’s Story. This World War II era drama about Black soldiers in a US military camp had riveting performances by Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that A Soldier’s Play marched onto Broadway—almost 40 years after its off-Broadway premiere at the Negro Ensemble Company.
Between 2020 and 2022, Black playwright legends like Fuller, Alice Childress, and Adrienne Kennedy have had their plays produced on Broadway’s “Great White Way” for the first time.
Although, Fuller’s plays like A Soldier’s Play, Brownsville Raid, and 1980 Obie winner Zooman and the Sign are remembered as part of the Negro Ensemble Company, his early work was produced by legendary Producer and Director Woodie King, considered the “King of Black Theatre.”
In 1969, King produced Fuller’s first New York off-Broadway play, The Perfect Party with the theme of interracial marriage. “I loved his work. When I moved to New Federal Theatre, I produced Fuller’s In My Many Names and Days in 1972 and then in 1973, I produced his
play The Candidate, directed by Harold Dewindt, who was also an actor and model,” Woodie King told me.
Fuller’s In My Many Names and Days, was directed by Ir ving Vincent and Larry Neal, a founder of the Black Arts movement. The play was about Black families. “Mary Al ice was the mother in it. Laurence Fishburne, who was in it, was nine years old when I produced that play,” recalled King. “So, you know it was a long time ago!”
The 1960s and 1970s were a new political and cultural era in Black theater and audiences filled Fuller’s shows at New Federal Theatre. “They were hits. Great reviews and awards. That’s the only thing you can go by. The au dience was totally different back then. They didn’t have many choices,” said King. “There was not a lot of theater in the sixties for Black people. Both young and old Black audiences attended it. And white people attended be cause they had not seen Black stuff by Black writers with Black actors and directors.”
In June 1981, Denzel Washington won theatrical ac claim at New Federal Theatre as Malcolm X in Laurence Holder’s When the Chickens Came Home to Roost, produced by Woodie King. Within months, in December 1981, he was on the stage at the Negro Ensemble Company in A Soldier’s Play, which earned Fuller the 1982 Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
“The Negro Ensemble Company had a wonderful production of A Soldier’s Play. Douglas Turner Ward did
TROUBLE IN MIND The Company of Roundabout Theatre Company’s Trouble in Mind. Photo by Joan Marcus, 2021the hell out of it! He directed it so well,” recalled King. “The Negro Ensemble Company always had a great cast. Because they had that ensemble—Denzel Washing ton, Eugene Lee, Samuel Jackson, Adolph Caesar—it was magnificent!”
Caesar was nominated for the Best Supporting Ac tor Academy Award for the 1984 film adaptation, A Sol dier’s Story, which co-starred David Alan Grier, Robert Townsend, Howard Rollins, and Art Evans. The film had Larry Riley and Denzel Washington reprising their Ne gro Ensemble Company roles. Fuller himself wrote the screen adaptation. Nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Writers Guild Award of America, the screenplay won an Edgar Award.
When A Soldier’s Play finally hit Broadway in 2020, it starred Blair Underwood and David Allen Grier, who earned a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Play, and won the Tony for Best Revival. A Soldier’s Play is now on a na tional tour produced by Roundabout Theatre starring Norm Lewis and directed by Kenny Leon, who directed the Broadway revival.
There is an Alice Childress revival going on. She’s of ten acknowledged as the only 20th-century African Amer ican woman to have written, produced, and published plays for four decades. Her literary work spanned over 40 years and earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her novel A Short Walk. Her novel A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ but a Sandwich became a 1978 movie starring Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield. Although the prolific writer died in 1994, her first play to hit the Broadway stage was Trouble in Mind in 2021 and earned four Tony Award nomina tions. Ironically, the play, about a Black actress having trouble in a Broadway play, was produced off-Broadway in the 1950s. At the time, Broadway producers wanted Childress to soften the racism if it was to be on Broad way. “I feel that she was denied her due by her producers. Since that time, there has been momentum and a kar mic debt due her to get her play on Broadway,” Chuck Cooper, a Trouble in Mind co-star and Tony nominee, told Broadwayworld.com.
During 2022, local theaters presented Childress’ pro ductions to critical acclaim. Wedding Band at Brooklyn’s Theatre for a New Audience won raves. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey produced her superb one-act plays Florence and Mojo. Obie Award winner Brandon J. Dirden directed his wife, actress Crystal Dickinson, in Two River Theatre’s production of Wine in the Wilderness. Audiences trekked from Brooklyn to Red Bank, New Jersey to see it.
At age 91, Playwright and Scholar Adrienne Kennedy makes her Broadway debut at the newly-christened James Earl Jones Theatre with her drama Ohio State Murders in previews now and opening on December 8. The New York Times called her “One of the finest living American play wrights.” An Obie Lifetime Achievement Award winner and a member of the Theater Hall of Fame, Kennedy re ceived the Gold Medal for Drama from the Academy of Arts and Letters earlier this year. Only four other drama tists have won the Gold Medal: Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and Arthur Miller. Kennedy has contributed to American theater for over 60 years and is best known for her plays such as Funnyhouse of a Ne gro (Obie Award), June and Jean in Concert (Obie Award), and Sleep Deprivation Chamber co-authored with her son, Adam Kennedy (Obie Award).
Ohio State Murders, directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon, stars six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald as a writer who returns to her alma mater and is confront ed with a dark mystery. “I am so thrilled,” announced Kennedy. “It’s only taken me 65 years to make it to Broadway!”
Charles Fuller Adrienne Kennedy Alice Childress
Sultry sounds filled the cool autumn air on October 15, 2022 as music lovers gathered in J. Hood Wright Park to hear the band Sãlongo. The brainchild of Trumpeter, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader Eddie Allen, this seven-piece, Afro-Cuban/Brazilian group combines the driving rhythmic concepts of conga player legend Mongo Santamaria, the rhythms of Brazil, the harmonic concepts in jazz, and the commercial appeal of Santana. Members of Sãlongo include Bruce Williams on alto sax, Teodross Avery on tenor sax, Hector Martignon on piano, Mario Rodriguez on electric bass, Diego Lopez on drums, and Renato Thoms on congas and percussion. Visitors to the park danced in delight and just couldn’t get enough of the soulful music.
L-R: Bruce Williams, Eddie Allen, and Teodross Avery
Mario Rodriguez
Renato Thoms
Praise and joyful worship rose to the rafters at Community Baptist Church of Englewood when three state conventions joined together in concert to sing "Hymns With a Twist"—good old hymns and spiritual songs with a contemporary twist.
Participants including Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr., NE Region Vice President of the National Baptist Convention; The Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, led by Convention President Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber; the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention, led by Convention President Rev. Dr. Carl Washington; and the General Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc., led by Convention President Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders raised the roof.
The concert’s purpose, to benefit the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society and support their work, was hosted by the GBCNJ Music & Creative Arts Auxiliary whose president is Crystal Wiggins.
L-R: Understand Medicare Now community partner, Michael Walker and Vincent Bryant First row L-R: Sis. Ruth Lee-Morris, Sis. Mary Ann Darby, Sis. Crystal Wiggins, Rev. Carl L. Washington III, Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams Jr., Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr., Dea. Vincent Bryant, and Rev. Dr. Ralph M. Branch Jr. Top row L-R: Rev. Dr. Derrick Dumas, Rev. John H. Gamble Jr., Rev. Dr. Semaj Vanzant Sr., Sis. Janet Jasper, Rev. Dr. Frances Teabout, and Rev. Kevin WhiteHeartbroken that because of COVID-19, McDonald’s Gospelfest—the annual music festival, talent competition and fundraiser held in Newark, New Jersey— would have to be canceled, Producer/Director A. Curtis Farrow turned to his team at Irving Street Rep and to his most reliable source of help, prayer. There had to be a way for the show to go on.
Farrow received his answer: It’s 2021 and technology abounds. Farrow would create a virtual Gospelfest. With the support of the NY Metro Owner Operators Association, the sponsors of Gospelfest and the McDonald's Corporation directed and edited virtual performances of the allstar talent Gospelfest attracts.
The 38th McDonald's Gospelfest 2021, titled “We Are the Church” aired on Mother’s Day May 9, 2021 on Fox 5, with a special message from Pastor Joe A. Carter of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Farrow had crafted a one hour spectacular praise fest, the uplift everyone needed in those dark days of isolation and uncertainty.
Fast forward to October 8, 2022 and the 65th Annual New York Emmy Awards Gala was underway. Farrow’s show had been nominated in the Religion Short or
Long Form content category and that was a blessing. But actually receiving the award, well, there is always hope. Afterall, Farrow had already received two Emmy awards for producing McDonald’s Gospelfest 2000 and 2001 and garnered twelve nominations between 2003 and 2021. So when the category was introduced and the words “ ...the Emmy goes to…” were followed by “McDonald’s Gospelfest 2021,” Farrow, overjoyed that he and his hardworking team had won another Emmy, was
Farrow has been lauded for organizing and leading 1,171 voices to break the Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Gospel Choir. He produced a 2,000-voice choir at Madison Square Garden and a 5,000-voice choir at the Nassau Coliseum and received accolades for the organization, planning, and execution of the homegoing services for Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, seen worldwide.
Curtis Farrow credits everything in his life to his strong belief in God, and is immensely proud of his team at Irving Street Rep: Ron Lucas, Terry Gadson, Xavier Wise, Terence Kitchings, and James Williams—who will each receive Emmy statuettes of their own.
A. Curtis Farrow
The Patterson Foundation of South Orange and The Positive Community came together to host another Positive Friday Social Mixer with Associates of the Bergen Passaic Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The associates —former Jack & Jill members whose children leaving high school have graduated from the Jack & Jill program—looked fantastic in blue denim and white. Sumptuous food from Two Fish, Five Loaves; a message from TPC Columnist “The Fitness Doctor” Rev. Kahlil Carmuchael; DJ Grace on the turntables; and everyone on the dance floor added up to a truly wonderful evening.
L-R: Fitness Doctor Kahlil Carmichael and Minister Jackie Lopez
L-R: Aida Skeete, Yvonne Garrett Patterson of the Patterson Foundation, Pamela Murphy Lewis, Hazel Skeete, and Eloise Terry
L-R: Janice Griffith Johnson and Yvonne Garrett Patterson
L-R: The Associates of Bergen Passaic Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Chair Nancy Robinson and Adrian Council
L-R: The Associates of Bergen Passaic Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Members (Jewels)
Jack and Jill of America, Bergen Passaic NJ Chapter Legacy
L-R: Members of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Bergen/Passaic Chapter: Kym Moye, Gail Baskerville-Norris, Hazel Skeete, and Jaclyn Durant
Chosen Vessel of God (CVG), a 501c3 nonprofit, launched its first-ever after-school workshop for kids and teens on September 30, 2022 at the YMCA Piscataway NJ Community Center. The “Ssips and PaintWorkshop,” facilitated by Merle Art Productions Art Instructor Perthea Brown Saunders and Eddie Saunders, required more “will” than “skill.” Inspired by adult “Sip and Paint” classes, students were given an art piece to recreate in acrylic paint on canvas. Some parents joined in the classroom fun while assisting their little ones with their projects. The event presented after school work that did not feel like homework, but
provided an opportunity to learn, express, and bond. Parents and children experienced therapeutic and calming feelings. Students began to focus their creative energy, becoming one with the paintbrush.
A global nonprofit organization, CVG’s mission to help underserved communities of children begins with its founders, Apostle Fedora Elie and Prophet Elijah Ndovie, pastors of Chosen Vessel of God International Ministry in Malawi, Africa. The organization creates educational workshop programs and assists in finding transitional homes for orphans while sharing the Word of God. For more information visit Chosen Vessel of God on Facebook.
Harlem Arts Alliance and the community honored the work of photographer Kwame Brathwaite at the “Black Is Beautiful” Exhibition at the New York Historical Society Museum. The Alliance’s Ademola Olugebefola and Voza Rivers presented a plaque to Brathwaite’s son, Kwame II, at the Museum recognizing his work. This important exhibition will be seen nation- and world-wide. Braithwaite is noted for his photographs of “The Grandassa Models”—a positive image of people of African descent. The exhibition is on view at the New York Historical Society Museum until January 15, 2023.
Homecoming for HBCUs means something special every year, but this year’s celebrations felt more significant—people were just glad to be able to come together. Students and alums celebrated this past fall with a spirit of true family reunions. The return of in-person homecoming events for students and alums post-COVID19 also meant a boost for local and collegiate-based businesses and the economy in general. Though prices were higher, due to the rise in inflation, the opportunity to support HBCU football and HBCUs could not be denied. “Guests filled hotels, frequented restaurants, and patronized a multitude of businesses, all in the name of Jackson State University,” the school’s President Thomas Hudson said in a statement on its website. “This further punctuates that JSU is not only an academic powerhouse but an economic driver of this city. Homecoming also reminds me of why JSU is so deeply cherished.”
After two years of canceled or virtual homecomings, everyone is glad to be coming home to HBCUs. thegrio.com
Collected by Leslie Nash
Since 1955, the members of The United Missionary Baptist Association of New York City & Vicinity, Inc. (UMBA) meet annually to elect officers from their over 150 active member churches. This year’s session took place at Antioch Baptist Church in Harlem on October 3-7, 2022, where Rev. Dr. Shon T. Adkins is pastor. The theme of the 67th Annual Session was “The Recovery of Prophetic Ministry.”
L-R: Women’s Auxiliary President Sis. Celestine Davis, Moderator Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, and Ushers’ Auxiliary President Sis. Lucile Coleman
L-R: Rev. Lee Arrington, Rev. Dr. Renee WashingtonGardner, and Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe
L-R: JLS Associate Ministers President Rev. Dr. Loren Russell, Asst. Treasurer Deacon John Petersen, Moderator Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, Program Chair Rev. B. Dundee Holt, and Laymen’s Auxiliary President Rev. Kelvin Jefferson
Cemeteries have stories to tell, voices to unearth— and lessons from the past we can draw upon to better shape the future. If These Stones Could Talk by Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills brings fresh light to a forgotten corner of American history.
The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville hosted an indepth conversation with Buck and Mills on September 24 in Lawrence Township, NJ. Their research into the records of a Black cemetery sheds light on crucial narratives that have been missing in conventional, historical accounts and highlights the legacy of slavery in New Jersey.
The Community Conversation, made possible by the Support New Jersey Fund, brought diverse voices together to inquire and inform. Pastor Emeritus of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, one of those voices, asked questions regarding the cultural significance of the book and the cemetery.
Buck and Mills, two middle aged African American women with busy yet quiet lives, were both board members of the Stoutsburg Cemetery Association, a cemetery that is nestled in New Jersey’s Sourland Mountain region. The
cemetery was purchased by three Black men in the early 19th century to bury Blacks with honor and dignity.
What began as a search through the woods for gravestone markers soon had them rummaging through land deeds and making relentless calls to state officials, archeologists, and reporters. Their foray into historic preservation work convinced Buck and Mills they had more work left to do to connect African American history to local and national history books—which they felt ignored the most visible narratives in United States history.
In warm but unflinching voices, authors Buck and Mills offer readers a unique window into the past. These stories, including dozens of oral histories, consecrate the collected lives of a minority Black community in a predominantly white region, a pattern of community that reflects a larger, deeply important but typically overlooked national story in small towns all over the United States. “These are the types of stories that everybody should know about, every history book should have them, every school should know,” said Beverly Mills.
Sources: TPC Staff, Amazon.com
Bishop George and Pastor Mary Searight of Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, NJ hosted the Episcopal Consecration of their Father in Faith, Bishop-Elect Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, senior pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Metuchen, NJ on October 8, 2022. Owens’ sons and daughters, clergy, and special guests from across the nation witnessed the sacred event. Members of New Hope Baptist Church attended the celebration in full force in honor and support of their pastor.
Bishops from every Protestant denomination participated in the sacred event headed by Chief Consecrator Bishop Eric D. Garnes of Brooklyn, NY. Official co–celebrants The Rt. Rev. Jeffery J. Broughton Sr. of Middletown, DE and The Rt. Rev. E. Earl Jenkins of Hamilton, NJ led the College of Bishops throughout the sacred order of consecration.
Rev. Ryan Buckland, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church of New Brunswick delivered the call to worship. Beautiful music and songs from the Tabernacle choir, directed by Justin Coleman, filled the sanctuary.
Chief Consecrator Bishop Eric D. Garnes provided the precise understanding of the consecration service. Newly consecrated Bishop Ronald L. Owens, emotional throughout the sacred consecration service—especially in his final remarks, thanked everyone for their participation and attendance.
— TPC Staff
L-R: First Lady Cheryl and Bishop Ronald L. Owens Standing L-R: Owens’ daughter Tracy Conner; and grandsons Blair Bartlett, Joshua Conner, Kirby Jones, Adam Conner II, Brandon Bartlett and daughter Kimberly Owens. Seated L-R: Bishop Rev. Dr. Ronald L. and First Lady Cheryl Owens Standing L-R: Bishops Donald Hilliard Jr., Nikolaos G. Brown, George Searight, Rudy Carlton, Jeffery J. Broughton Sr., Eric McMillan, Reggie Hall, and Overseer Kyshon Mitchell. Center: Chief Celebrant Bishop Eric D. Garnes anoints Bishop Ronald L. Owens L-R: Bishops Jeffery J. Broughton Sr., E. Earl Jenkins, Ronald L.Owens, Eric. D. Garnes, and George E. Gibson II
The congregation, family, and friends of First Baptist Church in South Orange gathered to celebrate Lady NaDeen and Rev. Dr. Terry L. Richardson and their 25 years of pastoral service on September 9. The black-tie affair at the Madison Hotel honored their invaluable impact in the church and within the community. Well wishers in attendance included NJ State Senator Joseph Cryan, NBTS President Dr. Micah McCreary, Guest Speaker Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr., Village President Sheena Collum, Village Trustee Summer Jones, and surprise Mistress of Ceremony Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson.
Pastor and First Lady Richardson thanked community organizations that have partnered with the church as models of what it means to care for others, among them: ABCNJ, Best in Class, CHS HAS, FARC, Feed 200, Haskins Family Foundation, Isaiah House, Jespy House, NBTS, SOPAC, Soul Reborn, South Orange Civic Association, and SOMA Community Coalition on Race.
Performances by the Carrie Jackson Jazz Ensemble added to the fun and enjoyment of the
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During the early days, many of us stayed home, picked up new hobbies, honed our cooking skills, and watched every thing available on cable TV, satel lite, and streaming services.
Over the past 2.5 years, our per sonal and collective health has been on the minds of the masses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us donned masks and kept our distance from one another in efforts to avoid the virus. Some of us also picked up a few bad habits. My husband had more time to prepare delicious dish es. From light, fluffy pancakes for breakfast to delightful pasta dishes for dinner, my taste buds couldn’t remember the word “no.” To add insult to injury, I also became some thing of a couch potato after about six months of isolation.
I had neither the desire nor the energy for our afternoon walks. I found myself sleeping later on weekends or just simply staying in bed, enjoying the darkness of black out curtains. Between the threat of COVID-19, employment and finan cial concerns, and political chaos, I was feeling sad, frustrated, list less, and eventually hopeless. I was depressed.
Thankfully, I still prayed earnest ly and regularly. After asking God to help me feel better, lose weight, find joy, and live with less fear, I got the answer I didn’t necessarily want to hear, but definitely needed to hear: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” with out giving them the things needed
for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”—James 2:14-17 ESV
So I got to work. I found a ther apist who helped me work through my fears about the virus, socializing, the political climate, etc. I made a point to spend at least one hour daily reading, crocheting, writing, or doing some other productive activity in lieu of consuming news and mindless television. Soon, one hour became multiple hours. I got back on normal eating and sleep ing schedules and gently asked my husband to pull back on the dec adent meals since we had both gained weight.
Recently, we added an adorable puppy to our family. While it’s a great deal of work and potty train ing is especially frustrating at times, the rewards are well worth it. We’re running around the backyard with her and taking family walks around the neighborhood. She brings us joy! She keeps us on schedule, we laugh more, and we’re losing weight, too.
If you’ve been letting things slide and are feeling less than well, do something. You don’t have to do what I did; just do something for yourself. Keep the faith and let’s get to work!
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UNION
Count on New Jersey for get-togethers you’ll remember. Give thanks with family and friends in amazing restaurants. Discover gifts galore in distinctive stores, outlets and boutiques. Spend the day exploring top East Coast art galleries and museums. Experience cheerful live holiday shows. Visit interesting, culture-rich cities. And take journeys, like our Black Heritage and Scenic Byways Itineraries.
