October 2012 Issue

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

October 2012

www.thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

Focus on Newark Newark’s Jazz Legacy Mildred Crump: Living At-Large in Newark

Julien X. Neals, Esq.: The Business of Newark

Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Speaks for Women

NJEA believes a strong investment in public education reaps big dividends

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.

– Malcolm X

New Jersey Education Association‌ working for great public schools for every child.

Barbara Keshishian, President Wendell Steinhauer, Vice President Marie Blistan, Secretary-Treasurer Vince Giordano, Executive Director Richard Gray, Assistant Executive Director/Research Director

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. requests your a3endance at the

Lifestyle

Sponsored by:

OCTOBER 2012

CONTENTS SECTIONS CULTURE..........................................22 HEALTH............................................42 EDUCATION......................................50 MONEY ............................................54

Hon. Alice M. Dear and Ellen Sirleaf Photo: Bob Gore

36

Features Harlem Is . . . Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

COVER STORY: LIBERIAN PRESIDENT ELLEN SIRLEAF SPEAKS AT HARLEM’S ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH

&also inside

Bruce M. Wright Honored . . . . . . . . . . 17 Newark’s Jazz Legacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Shiloh Celebrates Caribbean Independence . . . . . . . . . . 27 The History of African American Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Selah! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Liberian President Sirleaf Speaks at Abyssinian. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Gospel Train. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Mildred Crump: Proud Public Servant. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Spirit & Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Julien X. Neals, Esq. and the Business of Newark. . . . . . . . 59

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

NJ Small Business Development Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cover photo: Bob Gore

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9/21/12 11:31 AM

People of all Nations are invited to attend New York Theological Seminary’s

Open House

for Women and Men Responding to Their Call to Ministry

October 16 - October 18, 2012 (4:00-6:00 pm) Roundtable discussions with NYTS Community (6:00-9:00 pm) Visit the class(es) of your choice

The City is Our Campus.

Reserve your Life Changing Space at this Special Place Contact: Dr. Cynthia Diaz Director, Student Affairs and Vocational Discernment cdiaz@nyts.edu 212-870-1212

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500|New York, NY 10115|Tel: 212.870.1211|Fax: 212.870.1236|www.nyts.edu

GREAT

T

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Kippie C. Brown, Pastor

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

First AME Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY Dr. Darran H. Mitchell, Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor

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

Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Jesus Christ Family Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Jason Sumner, Senior 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 Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor

White Rock B.C, Edison, NJ Jason D. Greer, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Zion Hill B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. Douglass L. Williams, III, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor

125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Brown Executive Realty LLC, Morristown, NJ City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM WKMB-1070AM

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

Gilda’s Club Giving Cancer Patients in New Jersey Something to Smile About

have to tell you about a group of phenomenal women who are just, well, phenomenal! They are members of the Gilda’s Club Cultural Outreach Department. The club is a cancer support organization for anyone who has been afflicted or affected by this insidious disease that tears our loved ones from our midst.

It is named after comedienne Gilda Radner, who appeared on Saturday Night Live back in the day and sadly, succumbed to ovarian cancer seemingly at the height of her career.

I’ve met many of the cultural outreach members, most, if not all have also suffered at one time with cancer—commonly known as “the big C” in many black circles. The site is located at 575 Main Street in Hackensack and it’s beautiful—absolutely beautiful.

Oh, did I tell you the club’s programs are offered at no cost to members?

Well, the cultural outreach group held its 3rd annual Gospel Fest this month in the Logan Center at the Mount Olive Baptist Church, also in Hackensack. The pastor is Rev. Gregory Jackson. Grammy-winning songwriter/singer/producer Gordon Chambers was the featured guest artist. And, as the kids say, it’s all good.

The event is past but the group is so dedicated in

I

8 The Positive Community

October 2012

what it attempts to do to allay the fears and concerns of those who must face this crisis, I felt duty-bound to write about their good works and fund-raising efforts.

I usually talk with Alexis Johnson, who, if memory serves, at one time had stage 4 cancer and has been cancer-free for years. Others within this tight-knit group have similar stories and willingly share their sagas with others who are facing this same kind of challenge.

Johnson, a native daughter of Virginia, works tirelessly along with other dedicated members to enlighten the community in general, and the black community specifically about the subject of cancer—a subject that is still whispered among those who consider this a taboo topic.

I attended the first Gospel Fest sponsored by the outreach group. There’s also a published photo of outreach member Mary Ennon presenting a check to Ruth Dugan, president of Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey, for the proceeds from the second annual fundraiser where more than $8,000 was reportedly raised.

And that ain’t hay.

The club serves 13 counties in North Jersey with the opening of a Newark Clubhouse on September 25—and is part of an international network of affiliate clubhouses anchored by Gilda’s Club Worldwide. The Newark facility is located at 208 Lyons Avenue across the street from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Again, all services from lectures and workshops to support groups and social events, are open to anyone—man, woman, child or teen—who has been touched in any way by cancer. And, it’s free.

My mother’s youngest sister, Mary, died from breast cancer. My father’s youngest sister, Ida, did too. We can sit around and cluck our collective tongue saying, “How awful this disease is,” or, we can help these great women to try and combat this devastating illness once and for all.

‘Retha Franklin sings, “Call me.” I say, call them at Gilda’s Club: (201) 457-1670, and ask what you can do to lend your gifts, talents and other resources to help these women help the community-at-large.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A new chapter in Newark’s great jazz history is about to begin. new jersey performing arts center o n e c e n t e r s t r e e t , n e wa r k , n j

Be a part of it.

Don’t miss these once-in-a lifetime performances! for Love of Moody: a Jazz celebration featuring

george Benson The Manhattan Transfer David sanborn and more

fri, oct 19 at 8:00 Miles Davis and gil evans: still ahead

Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain and Miles Ahead 3 classic LP’s, each performed live by an all-star ensemble! sat, oct 20 at 8:00 Christian McBride, Artistic Advisor Sponsored by

Co-presented by

for the full TD Moody Jazz festival schedule visit njpac.org

More upcoMing perforMances

Mike epps

DruMLine Live!

from the creators of the hit film

fri, oct 26 at 8:00

Keith Jarrett, gary peacock Jack DeJohnette sat, Dec 1 at 8:00

I’m Still Standing Tour fri, nov 2 at 7:00

george clinton

with parliament funkadleic and Morris Day and the Time sat, Dec 8 at 7:30

aretha franklin

only metro area appearance! sat, nov 10 at 8:00

Jamaica at 50: Ky-Mani Marley, Third World, and Maxi-priest fri, nov 30 at 7:00

fred Hammond

Darlene Love & friends

fri, Dec 21 at 8:00

sat, Dec 22 at 8:00

Grammy-winning gospel

Love for the Holidays

For tickets and full 2012-2013 season schedule visit njpac.org or call 1-888-GO-NJPAC

PosivtiveComm_7x9.5_OCT_colorad.indd 1

9/26/12 1:11 PM

JOANNE J. NOELLE SELAH!

Professor Joanne J. Noel, B.A., M.A., M. DIV., DMIN is Assistant Professor of English and Director, Instructional Resource Center at Somerset Christian College

Beauty is What You Do “Let the beauty you love be what you do”—Rumi eauty can be both external and internal. Some see beauty in a place, a person, the milky, rapid flow of a waterfall nestled between ivy green mountains or the big, red flaming ball of the evening sun slowly sinking behind the urban skyline. It is rare that beauty is classified as what we love to do. Yet, that is the challenge delineated by Rumi—a 13th century Persian poet—to conceptualize beauty differently.

The notion of beauty is usually relegated to people and objects, not to action, which I interpret to mean working at a profession. For example in the poem, “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron, in stanza one, the persona chimes:

B

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes….

The speaker uses simile to describe the object of his admiration and conjures an image of the beauty of the woman, comparing her to a cloudless, star-speckled sky.

The beauty of the backdrop of a dark sky as a canvas for stars presents a spectacular and vivid image of the beauty of the object of his admiration.

Furthermore, American poet, Emily Dickinson in “The Definition of Beauty” defines beauty as a place. The speaker notes: The Definition of Beauty is That Definition is none— Of Heaven, easing Analysis, Since Heaven and He are one In classic Dickinson style, she uses capitalization to highlight the words “Definition,” ‘Beauty,” “Heaven,” and “He” to indicate that an accurate “Analysis” of the poem would center on the signification of these words. In order to avoid any esoteric analysis that might evolve from the interpretation of precisely what is beauty, Dickinson

10 The Positive Community

October 2012

“eases analysis” and candidly states that Beauty and Heaven are inextricably one.

However, Rumi’s conceptual shift forces us to ruminate on beauty as connected to doing, as opposed to beauty as location, or beauty as an object of the voyeur’s admiration. The quote bespeaks the notion of beauty inherent in action so that beauty is not restricted to a finished task, but seems tied to the ongoing performance of a task.

Moreover, the ontological underpinning in Rumi’s quotation suggests that those who perceive beauty in their occupation tend to view what they do as relevant and lifechanging. Such a perception negates self-orientation and emphasizes communal-orientation. A community-oriented individual doesn’t pursue a profession for money, selfaggrandizement, or fame. From a humanitarian perspective, purpose and commitment are embedded ideals when profession is communal-centered.

Also, from a theological framework, the concept of vocation—beauty in doing—is constituted in an individual’s fundamental sense that the purpose for which she exists is to serve God and humanity and that her life is harnessed to that vocation and her very purpose for existence is worked out through that vocation, so that the diligence and commitment the individual places on tasks specific to that vocation signify its value. By extension, if an individual values something, she perceives it as beautiful. If the beauty we love becomes what we do, then we execute the “doing” with excellence, diligence, and integrity.

Finally, the ultimate form of beauty—those who value theological aesthetics would agree—is the divine love of the Triune God. According to the evangelist John: “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV) That love is embodied in the Father’s act of giving the Son; the Son’s sacrifice for sinners culminating in justification; and the value for life paradoxically delineated by the Cross.

Hence if beauty can best be seen in what we do, then these acts of the Father and the Son exemplify beauty at its core. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Donald Hilliard, Jr. Executive Producer Presents...

NOVEMBER 16-17, 2012 The Union County Performing Arts Center 1601 Irving St | Rahway, NJ Based on the best-selling book "Stop the Funeral" by Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr. this riveting production spotlights the life of Dante Jackson, an All-American high school linebacker who has been personally affected by the growing pandemic of violence in his community. In the spirit of a social activist, he rises up to confront his generation’s seeming fascination with death. Will Dante succeed or become another statistic?

Othell Miller -Director Fernandel Almonor-Playwright

To Purchase Tickets : WWW.STOPTHEFUNERAL.COM OR WWW.UCPAC.ORG Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available! Call 800-742-3108

Scenes from the

Photos: Wali Am

in Muhammad

e d a r a P y a D n a ic r e m African A Harlem

It’s happening at

Columbia in October

Monday, October 1– Saturday, December 8 Exhibition: Robert S. Duncanson: An Antebellum African American Artist

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, 826 Schermerhorn, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-7288 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/wallach.

Monday, October 15 Café Columbia: Truth: An Ancient Babylonian Perspective

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Marc Van De Mieroop, professor of history, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes .columbia.edu.

Tuesday, October 16 The Myth of the Woman Novel Reader

6:00 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speaker: Jordan Alexander Stein, assistant professor of English, University of Colorado at Boulder. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https:// alumni-friends.library.columbia.edu.

Thursday, October 18 Eurydice

8:00 p.m.

Minor Latham Playhouse, 118 Milbank, Barnard campus Sarah Ruhl’s retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a bold, moving and beautifully strange meditation on life and death, love and loss.

Additional shows Oct. 19 and 20.

Tickets $10; $5 with CUID. For more info, call (212) 854-8021 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Friday, October 19 Performing Tradition and Innovation

Monday, October 22

Monday, October 29

Café Columbia: Crime, Race and the Dismal Science from Thomas Carlyle to Michelle Alexander

A Conversation on Lines, Space and Words

6:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Faculty House, Morningside campus PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Architect and illustrator Matteo Pericoli Speaker: Brendan O’Flaherty, professor of and Lorin Stein, editor of The Paris Barnard and Columbia dancers perform global, classical and contemporary forms. economics, Columbia University. $10 per Review, discuss how to tell a story person. Seating is limited. For more info, through the use of lines, words and For more info, call (212) 854-8021 or space. For more info, call (212) 854call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes visit www.barnard.edu/events.

7633 or visit http://arts.columbia.edu/ .columbia.edu.

Election 2012: Race, Gender, public-programs.

1:30 p.m.

305 Barnard Hall, Barnard campus

Power

3:00 p.m.

Event Oval, Diana Center, Barnard campus In celebration of the department’s 20th anniversary, Africana Studies hosts a panel on the politics of race and gender in this year’s U.S. presidential campaign.

For more info, call (212) 854-8021 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Stargazing and Lecture: The Universe Is My Lab

7:00 p.m.

Pupin, Morningside campus Speaker: Or Graur, Tel-Aviv University.

Lecture will be followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather-permitting. For directions, weather and more info, visit http://outreach.astro.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, October 23

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Managing Our Cities and Food Supply

Screening: Walking Merchandise: Child Smuggling and the Snakehead Trade

6:30 p.m.

Milbank Chapel, Teachers College campus For more info, call (212) 870-2771 or email ceg2141@columbia.edu.

Pop-Up Concerts: Minimalism Grows Up

5:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Program includes works by Philip Glass, Louis Andriessen, Michael Gordon, and the U.S. premiere of a new piece by Donnacha Dennehy. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events.

Back to the Future: Mass Transit Ferry Networks and Enhanced Regional Mobility

6:30 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speaker: Arthur Imperatore Jr., CEO, New York Waterway. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit https://alumni-friends .library.columbia.edu.

Speakers: Steve Cohen, Columbia University; Lisa Goddard, International Research Institute for Climate and Society; Maarten van Aalst, The Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre.

For more info, call (212) 854-6709 or visit www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/ articles/view/1774.

Tuesday, October 30 Book Reading: Conversations with Stalin

6:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus

Thursday, October 25 Monday, October 22

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Rotunda, Low Library, Morningside campus

Susan Boynton: The Beginning of Opera in Italy

2:40 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy.columbia.edu.

Eleanor Antin reads chapters from her new coming-of-age memoir, Conversations with Stalin. For more info, call (212) 854-7633 or visit http://arts .columbia.edu/public-programs.

COLUMBIA FOOTBALL 2012 HOME SCHEDULE

Getting to Columbia The Morningside Heights campus is located at 116th Street and Broadway.

By subway: No. 1 train to 116th Street station. By bus: M4, M11, M60 or M104.

All events are open to the public. This is a sampling of them. For additional events or general information, visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

OCT. 20 OCT. 27

DARTMOUTH YALE

1:30 P.M. 12:30 P.M.

NOV. 10

CORNELL

12:30 P.M.

gocolumbialions.com

Harlem Is… Activism Exhibition

Congressman Charles Rangel (Honoree) and Barbara Horowitz, Founder & President Community Works Photos: Hubert Williams

Karen Witherspoon, Vice-President-City College of New York and Malaak Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.

Harlem Turns Out for Community Matters NYC Launch BACK ROW L–R: Voza Rivers, Honoree Vy Higginsen, Keisha Sutton-James representing her grandfather Honoree Percy Sutton, Cassandra Wimbes representing Honoree Raven Chanticleer, Debra Sledge representing Honorees The Silver Belles, Laura Williams representing her aunt Honoree Ruth Williams, Mr. Faison representing Honoree Tunde Samuel, Mal Woolfolk representing his mother Honoree Dr. Muriel Petioni.

FRONT ROW L–R: Barbara Horowitz, Honoree Grace Williams, Honoree Marie Brooks, Gerry Rhodes-Kennedy - manager of Honorees The Silver Belles, Joan Terry representing Honoree Gertrude Jeanette, Yolande Hardison with her mother Honoree Inge Hardison.

O

n September 27th, over 250 guests joined Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group at The Interchurch Center as they launched Community Matters NYC – the largest network of institutions that have joined forces to celebrate Upper Manhattan’s culture, history and traditions.

The evening debuted the long-awaited re-envisioning of Harlem Is… Activism, a powerful exhibit that honors 30 individuals who have helped shape and define the Harlem Community. The exhibit features a 30-foot photographic timeline of Harlem, developed in collaboration with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which highlights major events and turning points of this worldrenowned community from 1900 to the present.

It was also an evening of reminiscence and remembrance, as exhibit honorees were joined by representatives and family members of the other honorees. “The people honored in this exhibit are one of a kind. They are irreplaceable. Their spirits and life’s work are engraved in all of our hearts and memories,” said Barbara

14

The Positive Community October 2012

Horowitz, founder and president of Community Works.

It was an evening to remember. Congressman Rangel said in his moving address that Community Works has taken the puzzle pieces of Harlem and put them all together, linking the past and the present, allowing everyone to look back at our history and into the future through remarkable exhibitions and public programs.

Community Matters NYC will present over 100 events during its inaugural year, including performances, workshops, public programs and exhibitions for intergenerational audiences. The next major happening will take place on Thursday, November 1 at 5:30pm for the debut of Spirit of Community: Art and Activism at The Interchurch Center. The exhibit will showcase artists rooted in Harlem who use art as a force for social change, including painter Tafa Fiadzigbe, sculptor Inge Hardison, photojournalist Ozier Muhammad and painter/quilter Faith Ringgold. It is the visual art companion to Harlem Is… Activism and together, they will tell a powerful story of activism like no other. www.thepositivecommunity.com

continuing the journey

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012 Convent Avenue Family Living Center

Harriet Tubman Apartments (Newly Renovated)

Joseph Yancey Senior Residences Groundbreaking

PLACE: AARON DAVIS HALL

Convent Avenue Computer Center

Dempsey Apartment Ribbon Cu ing

Mannie L. Wilson Senior Residences

HONOREES

City College of New York, 135th St. and Convent Ave.

LEADERSHIP AWARD: CATHY HUGHES

TIME: 6 – 9pm

Executive VP, Government and Community Affairs, Columbia University

Cocktail Hour, Dinner, Entertainment, Awards Presentation and a Silent Auction

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: EVERETT HINDS

Founder and Chairperson, Radio One, Inc.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: MAXINE GRIFFITH

Sales Manager, Southern Wine and Spirits of New York, Inc.

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Honoring Gus Heningburg

O

n September 15, 2012 family, friends and colleagues –admirers all-- of Gustave Heningburg gathered at the behest of the African American Chamber of Commerce)of New Jersey (AACCNJ) in Newark at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) to honor the beloved visionary leader. Hosea Johnson, AACCNJ chairman captured the sentiments of all who know Gus, (who was unable to attend the event due to illness) when he wrote in the event program book: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the African American Chamber of Commerce, it is my privilege to honor Mr. Gustav Heningburg. His efforts, as a life-long advocate for the business community of New Jersey, reflect the qualities of leadership that allows each individual to leverage their talents and energies in partnerships that can change the world.

Mr. Heningburg worked tirelessly during his twelve year leadership as President and CEO of the Greater Newark Urban Coalition. His shared vision lead to the integration of construction forces and new business development at the Newark International Airport. His advocacy also lead to equitable representation of all of New Jersey's communities during the construction of the NJPAC. Mr. Heningburg has presented us the view of a supreme leader \Nho truly loves his people. He has displayed a willingness to sacrifice himself, persuade the people, and audaciously realize formulated decisions with a conviction to take historical responsibilities. He has taught us that being a leader means confirmation of your values and to never give up. His approach to life has shown us all that adversity is very often an opportunity in disguise.

Thank you, Mr. Heningburg. On this day we honor you and we, the members of the African American Chamber of Commerce, pledge to continue your legacy for the betterment of our community, our state and our nation. God Bless You! Photos: Shanteca Olivacce

L–R: Malcolm Dunn, VP of Corporate Development at Watson Services, Inc.; Hank Henderson, formerly of The Port Authority of NY/NJ; Hon. Thomas Kean, Hon. David N. Dinkins, Sen. Nia Gill, D-NJ-34th; James Felton, event committee member L–R:Bob Pickett, Esq., ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Inc.; Nicole Davis AACCNJ Board Member; John E. Harmon, Sr., AACCNJ president and CEO; Cecil Sanders, AACCNJ 2012 Event Committee member

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The Positive Community October 2012

L–R: Heningburg children/grandchildren: Jules Heningburg, Maria Heningburg, Larry Goldman Gus Heningburg II, Chiara Heningburg Keynote Speaker Hon. David N. Dinkins, former mayor of NYC with Hon. Sharpe James former mayor of Newark L–R: East Orange Mayor Robert L. Bowzer and wife Marilyn

Janus Holder, CEO/owner EJE Travel Retail L–R: Congressman Donald Payne, Jr, John E. Harmon, Sr.

L–R: Kae ThompsonPayne, president Universal Multimedia Systems with producer Bob Martin L–R: Willie Balock III, Rev. Dr. DeForest "Buster" Soaries, senior pastor First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens; Karen Clark, president/ COO Horizon NJ Health, Talia Young, City National Bank

L–R: Larry Goldman, founding president/former CEO, NJPAC; John Schreiber president/CEO, NJPAC www.thepositivecommunity.com

Supreme Court Justice Bruce McMarion Wright Honored New York State Assemblyman Keith Wright and Family Preside Over Street Renaming Ceremony FAR LEFT: Assemblyman Keith Wright

LEFT: Atty. O.T. Wells

Former NYS Governor David Paterson

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he corner of 138th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in Harlem now bears the name Judge Bruce Wright Place in honor of the late Justice Bruce McMarion Wright.

Family, friends and colleagues turned out on a brilliant summer day to witness the ceremony, which was both solemn and celebratory. Among those in attendance who delivered their memories and thoughts about Justice Wright were his son, Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright and grandson, Keith Jared Wright, New York County District Attorney Cyrus A. Vance; Assemblyman Herman "Denny" Farrell, Jr., Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens, NYS Supreme Court Justice Sheila Abdus-Salaam and O.T. Wells, Esq. In his remarks, Atty. Wells —who knew and admired Justice Wright as a lawyer, a judge and a friend said: Bruce Wright was an intellectual, a renowned legal scholar, an expert writer and a poet. His legal briefs were interspersed with his original poetry, which made them persuasive and entertaining.

Bruce Wright’s appointment by then Mayor John Lindsey, to the Civil/Criminal Courts in 1970 was a step for justice; he was objective, fair minded, and displayed a pleasant judicial temperament to the accused who appeared before him. This fairness at times created an hysterical cry from the highest level of NYC political persons and the some of the New York press.

It was the consensus of all of the speakers that Judge Wright was a visionary, both on the bench and in the community. He was famously critical of the judicial system and spent his life and career fighting to expose its classist undertones. He authored books of poetry during Harlem’s literary heyday, and later published a narrative commenting on the role of race in the judicial system.

He died in March of 2005, after 25 years as a criminal and civil court judge.

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Photos: Vincent Bryant

18

The Positive Community October 2012

Scenes from National Baptist Convention New Jersey Womens March

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NBC General Secretary Rev. Calvin McKinney with First Lady Brendalyn McKinney National Baptist Convention President Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs, delivers keynote message

MMBB Sponsorship MMBB Financial Services was the official sponsor of The Positive Community’s Great Countdown to Freedom poster at the National Baptist Convention (NBC) in Atlanta, GA.

MMBB presents framed Countdown to Freedom poster. L-R NBC President Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs; First Lady Josephine Scruggs; Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, Sr., president, Progressive National Baptist Convention and Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper, associate executive director MMBB Financial Services Photos: Vincent Bryant

Press Conference

Hastie Lowther (center) surrounded by fellow members of Harlem’s Abyssinian BC

The MMBB Team at NBC L-R Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper Ms. Rose Harper, Rev. Dr. William H Foster and Rev. Clifton Morgan

First Lady Scruggs studies the Countdown to Freedom’s “cultural narrative”

National Baptist Convention

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he 132nd Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc, convened at Georgia World Congress Center September 4-8, 2012. The Convention Theme: Solidarity with the Savior, In worship.

1Corinthians 3:9,11.

One of the highlights of the convention was the announcement by Dr. Julius Scruggs, president of the National Baptist Convention of the U.S.A. Inc., of an historic partnership with the major African American Baptist Conventions to promote voter registration through the NAACP’s This Is My Vote! campaign. NAACP board members joined Baptist leaders at a press conference on September 5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for the announcement.

The Baptist leaders in attendance were Dr. Scruggs, Dr. Carroll Baltimore, president, Progressive National

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Baptist Convention, Inc.; Dr. Gregory K. Moss, Sr., president, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention; and Dr. Stephen Thurston, president, National Baptist Convention of America. Dr. Nehemiah Davis, president of the National Missionary Baptist Convention was not able to attend but his organization has also committed to support the civic engagement efforts around voter registration and voter suppression. "We must vote because we must counteract the corrupt and diabolical strategies of those who are trying to take away our vote by passing laws to suppress and diminish our voting rights," said Rev. Scruggs.

The General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, led by Dr. Guy Campbell, represented New Jersey well in all ministries. President of the Women’s Auxiliary, Thelma D. Scott marched with over 110 women who

raised the largest amount of money.

For raising over $5,000, Nurses’ Auxiliary President Serita Lanham was crowned National Nurse. Laymen Kenny Hutchins, led by President Douglas Davis, took the Duke title as second place winner of monies raised. Tommy Taylor of Georgia won the title of King as the highest money raiser among the Laymen. All of the funds raised are used by the various organizations to continue their work in education and evangelism.

Empire Missionary Baptist Convention (New York), led by President Ronald Grant, held a fellowship luncheon to greet and thank their members for support. The luncheon message was delivered by Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea Jr., senior pastor of Mt. Calvary B.C. in Fairfield/Suisun, CA and president of the California State Baptist Convention.

—JNW October 2012 The Positive Community

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Empire Missionary Baptist Luncheon

First Lady Yona Grant and President Grant

United Missionary Moderator, Rev. Lee Arrington with First Lady Patricia

L-R Rev. Ronald Grant, president, Empire Missionary Baptist Convention, NY (EMBC) with Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, VP. At-large EMBC, Adrian A. Council

Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. William Gillison, moderator, Great Lakes Bapt.

Assoc. (Buffalo, NY) L–R: First Lady Deloranzo Sampson and Dr. Shellie Sampson, president Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY and Vicinity with pastor Lisa Jenkins

VP Washington (standing); Bishop Winfred J. Pippen; Rev. Curtis Whitney, EMBC treasurer and Sis. Juanita Edwards

Rev. Reginald Williams and First Lady Gelaine

Rev Johnnie McCann with NYS Faith-Based Advocate Carrie Mobley

Sis. Mae Henrie, site coordinator EMBC

20

The Positive Community October 2012

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NJ General Baptist Luncheon

L–R: Rev. Lester Taylor, moderator North Jersey Baptist Association, Dr. Guy Campbell, First Lady Dorothy Campbell and 1st VP Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. R. Clayton

Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Immediate Past President GBCNJ

Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. Dr. Washington Lundy, North East Regional Vice President National Baptist Convention (NBC).

L–R: Rev. Allen Potts and Dr. Taylor

Rev. Albert Morgan

Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Woods, General Secretary GBCNJ

Min. Carol Lynn Patterson, Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ; Rev. J. Michael Sanders, Fountain Baptist Church, Summit, NJ; Rev. Thurselle Chisolm Watts, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ

L–R; Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. promotes Emancipation Proclamation awareness with presentation of Countdown to Freedom poster to NBC Immediate Past President William Shaw and General Baptist Convention of NJ(GBCNJ) President, Guy Campbell.

Dr. Hugh Dell Gatewood, president Women’s Auxiliary, NBC

Rev. John Tebout, moderator New Hope Association

Rev. H. Grady James, Past President Baptist Ministers' Confrence of Greater Newark

Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater Philadelphia and Vicinity leaders

Eucelyn Morrast and son Minister Fredrick Morrast www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2012 The Positive Community

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Culture M U S I C ,

A R T

&

L I T E R AT U R E

Newark’s Jazz Legacy

By Ron Scott

he music was flowing like a rambling brook in Newark, New Jersey from the 1920s through the 1970s. Black folks were making their exodus from the rural south to cash in on the industrial north.

Newark was a growing, vibrant community that boasted its own airport and seaport. During the 1930s Newark was known as the “Tickler’s Town” where the greatest pianists of our time got together like Willie “The Lion” Smith, James P. Johnson (from New Brunswick), Donald Lambert and Fats Waller. Being so close to New York City, Newark always had a degree of hipness, treating patrons to the best in jazz at its many clubs such as the Key Club, Six Steps Down, Club Harold and Laurel Garden.

The noted author, poet, playwright, and activist Amiri Baraka, who still resides in his native home of Newark, stated, “I saw Charlie Parker at the Silver Saddle, which is now called the Blue Mirror. We used to leave high school to go to the Adams Theater to catch all the big Amiri Baraka name jazz musicians.”

The Terrace Ballroom was the place for the big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Andy Kirk; Billie Holiday was in the Front Room, the super tenor saxophonists Illinois Jacquet and Bullmoose Jackson could be seen at the Masonic Temple. Little Esther and Tito Puente performed at Lloyd’s Manor. “This was Newark’s Coast district, known as the coast, where working people went after work to have a good time. Roughly from Branford Place to Lincoln Park from MLK to a few blocks

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22 The Positive Community

October 2012

of Broad Street,” noted Baraka in his book Digging: The Afro-American Classical Music (The University of California Press).

Newark native Lee Brown, who changed his name to Babs Gonzalez, became one of the big Bebop cats by writing and recording the song “Oop-Pop-A-Da” with his band Three Bips and a Bop on the Blue Note label. Dizzy Gillespie and Gonzalez with his band performed at Lloyd’s Manor. Baraka noted, “It was Babs who brought Bebop to Newark, making it one of the focal points of the hip music.”

Musicians born in Newark include James Moody, Sarah Vaughan, Grachan Moncur III, Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, Ike Quebec, Charlie Persip, Larry Young, Aaron Bell, and Melba Moore. Such noted musicians made Newark a town for black music from jazz to gospel, hip hop, R&B and tap with Savion Glover, Queen Latifah, Ice-T, Lauryn Hill, Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. The legendary drummer Roy Haynes recalled, “Newark was a big organ town when you passed any club you could hear the guys playing that organ, man they were jamming.”

Newark was home to the great Savoy Records founded by Herman Lubinsky (1942) that recorded such artists as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Big Maybelle.

Just as the roaring live jazz scene was fading, WBGOFM came together in 1970 in an effort to affect change after the riots of 1967, it was established in 1979. The radio station license was originally owned by the Newark Board of Education and Mayor Kenneth Gibson (the

WBGO’s Doorthan Kirk and James Moody

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first black Mayor of Newark or any major Northeastern city) was key in having the license transferred to WBGO confirming their status as a public radio station.

In 1981, New York City’s WRVR-FM (commercial station) was sold and the format instantly switched to country western. WBGO then became the only 24-hour jazz station in the tri-state area. Today, WBGO produces or is a sponsor for more than 100 concerts a year and does live broadcasts of another twenty-five. WBGO plays a major role in the community with their dynamic Manager of Community Relations & Special Events Dorthaan Kirk, one of the hardest working women in jazz.

John Schreiber, president/ CEO of New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), recently asked Kirk to host a Sunday Brunch Jazz series in Nico’s Kitchen, the Center’s restaurant. The series will be called Dorthaan’s Place and will kick off on October 21 with Montclair, New Jersey native, noted composer/pianist Geri Allen and her Quartet, and Newark native, tap dancer Maurice Chestnut. Houston Person appears on December 16.

Brunches will continue through February 2013.

Kirk instituted a Jazz Vespers Series at Bethany Baptist Church where she is a longtime member. In its 13th season, the vespers have included Jazzberry Jam, Randy Weston, and Joe Locke. Jazz Vespers, which is held on the first Saturday of every month began on October 6 and runs through June 2013.

When not lecturing or writing, Baraka contributes to Newark’s jazz scene with his two bands, the Blue Ark, which performs at the Blue Mirror, and The New Arkestra, an expanded unit that performed for the Lincoln Park/Coastal Musical Festival last summer.

The Priory (a community organization) also has jazz every Friday night at 7pm–11pm.

Newark’s musical jewel is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). “Since our door opened in 1997, jazz has always been an integral part of our programming,” stated Schreiber. “Wynton Marsalis and JALCO were on our opening night bill.” In October, NJPAC (located in downtown Newark) will partner with WBGO (Jazz 88.3FM) to present the first James Moody Democracy in Jazz Festival, a week-long celebration (October 15–21) of jazz and the musical legacy of longtime Newark jazz artist James Moody, including “Concerts For Love of Moody: A Jazz Celebration” featuring icons George Benson, The Manhattan Transfer, David Sanborn, Jon Faddis, John Lee, Jimmy Heath, Paquito D’Rivera, Paul Lieberman, and Renee Rosnes (Music Director), and “Miles Davis and Gil Evans: Still Ahead,” a recreation of the original Gil Evans arrangements of Miles Davis recordings.

Cephas Bowles, president/CEO of WBGO recalled the thriving jazz scene in the 1960s and 70s when he was growing up in Newark. “Clubs such as Sparky J’s and the Cadillac Club featured the greatest jazz artists connected to the genre.” He added, “As WBGO continues this great jazz tradition, NJPAC has become an economic and cultural engine for Newark and the metro area. It brings businesses and people together to celebrate the arts. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Lance Williams’ 2012 True Worship Retreat Grace & Peace, e are saluting the hard work of a legend in the making, New Jersey’s own Lance Williams, whose works have reached the masses. Bro. Williams does it all —director, composer, producer, and vocalist. You may have seen him at your church along with his group, True Worship Ministries (TWM). If you haven’t, it’s because they’re traveling all over the world —from Europe to the Caribbean—sharing the stage with well known names like Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker and Kurt Carr, as well as appearing on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network). He’s clearly on a mission. Not only is he spreading the gospel in song and putting a stamp on gospel music in the Praise & Worship genre, but he teaches how to set a standard in your worship and demonstrating what the word of God gives for true worshippers.

Williams holds the True Worship Retreat annually in New Jersey each September. He has called the retreat “a platform for people to learn about worship and for new artists to learn about the music industry.” In the past, distinguished artists like Walter Hawkins, Kim Burrell and Ty Tribbett have helped to make this retreat a remarkable success. This year, on the 10th anniversary of the True Worship Retreat, the movement continued, and I was able to witness the fellowship for myself!

It took place at the Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ, convening Thursday and ending on Saturday so everyone could be in their home church on Sunday.

Seminars featured Dr. Carolyn Showell, Bishop Donald Hilliard, and Bishop Liston Page. Lance Williams was the gracious host at Friday’s service and from the beginning, the Praise & Worship Team opened up that pathway for God to be glorified, edified and lifted up!

TWM with the Cathedral Conference Choir featured JJ Hairston singing songs from his most recent project After This, which brought the energy of encouragement to the house of God. Despite Hairston’s plans to return

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October 2012

to his seat, Brother Lance commissioned him to do one more song, “I’m Grateful,” and it didn’t leave an eye unfilled. Clearly we all have something for which to be thankful!

Gospel Connection, a group from Japan, encouraged us not only in their song “Expect A Miracle,” but in the knowledge that Jesus is being represented all over this world. Donald Lawrence came to lend his support and introduced his group, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. They have a top hit called “Testimony” and allowed us to take part in their performance by allowing us to sing along with them and get a little choreography (“step-dip-clap-step”) in there as well. Lawrence continued with his song “One Word Away,” then began to minister, expounding on having a “grace space” to honor where God has placed you.

Pastor Rance Allen came in asking for a chair due to a back injury as he sang his first song, “Holy One.” By the time he sang “I’m Gonna’ Do Your Will,” the congregation was up and Pastor Allen was getting down too.

The concert ended with Mr. Richard Smallwood.

While he didn’t play the piano, he still gave his best doing his chart-topping greats “Anthem (Lift Him Up),” “Trust Him” and “Total Praise.” It was a blessing to watch, listen and witness classics ministered by a living legend.

As we continued to lift our hands in praise, Lance was able to come back with kind words of appreciation and recognition to all of the guests, participants and sponsors like Verizon, who sent in a few clips to remind folks to participate in “How Sweet the Sound.”

Lance Williams will continue his busy schedule with promoting his CD I Live to Love You (featuring Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Sheri Jones-Moffett and Jonathan Nelson) and another conference production, The Leadership Alliance, March 8 and 9, 2013. If you missed this last one, you definitely don’t want to miss what’s next. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Caribbean Day Chairpersons: Marleen Powell and Rosita Setal with Pastor Thomas – who became an honorary Caribbean Citizen.

L–R: Claudine Noel, Leana Walcott, Rosalyn Thomas, Phyllis Hines, Marleen Powell, Rosita Setal, Amelia Mapp, Adrian Mapp, Deacon Jeff Sobers

Caribbean Independence Celebrated at Shiloh

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he Shiloh Baptist Church of Plainfield, NJ celebrated Caribbean Independence Day on Sunday, August 12, 2012. The commemorative service highlighted two Caribbean countries that celebrated the 50th anniversary of their independence from Great Britain—Jamaica on August 6 and the twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago on August 31. Dr. Neville Callam, general secretary of The Baptist World Alliance was honorary guest preacher. Plainfield City Council President, Adrian Mapp, a native of Barbados, gave congratulatory remarks and Highland Park Councilwoman, Elise Foster-Dublin, a native of Jamaica, presented congratulatory resolutions from Senator Robert Menendez.

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The Shiloh Baptist Church Caribbean Day Committee honored their pastor, Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, with honorary citizenship in all the Caribbean Islands. The day culminated with a “Taste of the Caribbean” reception in Shiloh’s Cultural Arts Center featuring Caribbean dishes from members and the following restaurants: Adrian’s Restaurant and Catering Service, Plainfield NJ; Blackberry’s Restaurant, Plainfield, NJ; Breezes Café & Grill, Metuchen, NJ; Brown Bag Catering, Plainfield, NJ; Cool Runnin’s Restaurant, New Brunswick, NJ; Cousin’s Catering, Plainfield, NJ; Elma’s Kitchen, Plainfield, NJ; Yabba’s Restaurant, Plainfield, NJ and Royal Caribbean Foods Delight and Bakery, Mt. Vernon and Tappan, New York.

October 2012 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2012

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By Gwen Moten

Doing the Ring Shout in Georgia, ca. 1930s Members of the Gullah community express their spirituality through the “ring shout” during a service at a local “praise house.”

The History of African American Music: Part 2

Credit: Lorenzo Dow Turner Papers, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution

T

he African in America brought with him the collective memories of the nations and tribal traditions that could not be wiped away because of physical distance from the land of the ancestors. Even as individual memories faded, the constant influx of new human livestock reminded those in bondage of a place and time when their songs, dances, instruments of musical communication, ancestral lands, hierarchical practices, oral and written histories, religious practices and all that made them who they were and all that gave life meaning was now denied to them. This simply meant to the African in America that their expressive wills would be voiced differently and would take alternate roots with slight variations. In time, the world would see and hear the unique musical genius of the enslaved and the free man with creative, communal and perpetual linkages to the motherland.

The ring shout is probably the most defining early expression of African music performed by African descendants in America. It should be noted that one of the first mentionings of this counter clockwise shuffling dance movement was around 1819 in the writings of the white

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Methodist John Fanning Watson. Although, his opinion about what he saw was not flattering, history records the combined use of melody, pantomime, dance, vocal expressions, body gesticulations and posture, musical phrasing, choral call and responses and syncopated rhythms as a constant response of the African to the activities and life experiences in the new world. There are numerous accounts over several centuries by traders, explorers and missionaries about this dance movement in Africa but enslavement brought a new dimension in articulating their song in a strange land.

Both free and enslaved people of African descent were integrated into the world of American musical expression as the artist and/or the composer. The term musical expression is used to denote movement (as in dance), poetry (as in lyrical prose and poetry) and music—be it vocal or instrumental. It is important to know that musical styles or genres, as they are called, always existed even in the earliest field hollers and ring shouts as well as the varied forms within each genre. Secondly, although some description of these styles will be given, a precise chronological listing of

their beginnings can be misleading and probably inaccurate. Musical development and changes simply don't begin at a designated point in time.

They are seldom initiated by any singular artist or event, therefore; I will provide a more general timeline of events that may help identify the era from which these African American musical branches have spread. Also, as with any art form, changes and development are directly affected by the experiences and modifications in daily lives as well as catastrophic events. Interpretations of these events are often tabled to justify the needs of the interpreter.

The influence of The Great Awakenings significantly outweighs most events in the development of American sacred music. Reaction by Colonial America against the structured religious services wielded by The Established Church of England and the music associated with the psalm and early hymn singing stimulated a movement towards livelier music with religious poems as texts. From the first Great Awakening in the 1730s through the third Great Awakening concluding around the 1920s, the American slaves and freemen were intensely involved through participaOctober 2012 The Positive Community

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For this discussion, I will list some of the musical forms, styles and genre that were begun, influenced, contributed to or totally, uniquely African-based: Hymns, Spirituals, Gospel, Praise and Worship Marches Marching Bands, Brass Bands, Military, Ragtime, Jazz, New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland, Zydeco, Dance Bands and Dance Orchestras, Swing, BeBop, Free Jazz, Jazz-rock Ring Shouts, Work Songs, Gandy Dancers, Prison Songs, Blues, Chicago Blues, Detroit Techno, St. Louis and Kansas City Blues Reels & Jigs, Jug Bands, Minstrels, Coon Shouts, Barber Shop Quartettes, Vaudeville, Hill Billy, Musical Theater/Broadway Classical, Art Songs, Opera, Oratorio, Concert Stage Western / Cowboy Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Doo-wop, Go-go, Soul Music, Neo Soul, Disco, Funk, House Music, Hip Hop, Rap.

tion and some leadership roles in this new approach to worship service. This new movement provided a chance to express religious fervor without fear of repercussion. Freedom from repressive religious practices and the chance for the community to overtly usher in a new dimension of praise and worship through ancestral movement, melodic intonations and uninhibited free rhythmic patterns temporarily allowed "the secret church" to come out of the woodshed. Thus, the melodies, texts and the rhythms of the hymns became Africanized. Even after the long evangelical services ended at night, the slaves, freemen, women and children continued worship, praising and dancing until the early morning hours. Certainly, when these itinerate worshipping events, which sometimes lasted up to a week, finally ended there was no turning back to singing and worshipping within the staid confines of the formatted Protestant services. The Negroes’ use of improvisation, folk melodies and non-Biblical text became of such great concern for the white church leaders that Rev. Charles Colcock Jones wrote his book The Religious Instruction of the Negroes in the United States, 1842. This became another tool to control, through re-

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The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an African-American a cappella ensemble, consisting of students at Fisk University. The first group was organized in 1871 to tour and raise funds for their college.

Photo: Courtesy Smithsonian Institute

ligious instruction and church attendance by the overseeing whites, the way religion was to be practiced. Most white preachers, missionaries and some black preachers felt this was necessary to restrict the Negroes in the churches from their innate expressive singing of “chants and hallelujah songs of their own composing.” Some of the black church leaders of organized established churches concurred with the objecting white church leaders about the free composing and alterations of the standard Protestant hymns. At an annual meeting of one of the larger Negro church organizations, a resolution was passed directing preachers to “strenuously oppose” the Negroes’ singing of their specially composed hymns/spirituals in public places (i.e. the church). The same discrimination was waged against the use of musical instruments, especially the drums, within the religious services.

The enslaved and the free Negro began to revolt against their treatment by the white organized churches by forming their own churches.

Many of the songs chosen for the worship services were hymns published by Dr. Isaac Watts and John and Charles Wesley. New songs and sometimes old folk melodies/spiritu-

als were introduced into the worship framework of these independent African American churches. In 1801 Richard Allen brought to his congregation his collection of hymns titled A Collection of Spiritual Songs and Hymns Selected from Various Authors.

Most of these melodies and rhythms, to varying degrees, were Africanized.

Some African American congregations chose to continue the singing of the melodies, texts and rhythms of their former church affiliations.

Many free Negroes in urban communities in non-slave locations were establishing their own social echelons and music played a dominant role in their lives. In the first decades of the 1800s some African American churches, mostly in the northern states, were financially sufficient to support many musical endeavors. This included sustaining the education of their black congregations in private music schools or training them within the churches and forming large music departments which included professional vocal and instrumental training, music theory and music sight reading.

By the 1820s black churches began sponsoring Sacred Music Concerts. Much of the music performed www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Eileen Southern tells us that a typical Sacred Music Concert consisted of the following: Music with Full Orchestra and Chorus Part I opened with an overture for orchestra  choral oratorios or anthems  duos or trios Part II organ voluntary or orchestral composition  choral works  arias or duos  anthems  sometimes, ending or beginning with a congregational hymn

MUSIC at the concerts was music by composers such as Handel, Haydn and Mozart. Frequently, these programs included compositions in the classical genre by black composers like William Appo, Francis Johnson, and Robert C. Jones.

A full oratorio (a concert presentation of a composition with a sacred topic) was performed of Haydn's Creation at the First African American Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia in 1841.

There was a chorus of 150 African American singers and a fifty piece orchestra. Both ensembles were conducted by professional African American choral and orchestral directors.

In the slave states the common instruments available for entertainment were the banjo, fiddle, violin, harmonica, mandolin, flute, sticks and bones.

Access to them varied. Sometimes the slave owner or some benevolent musical devotee would purchase them and many times the slave would make their own instruments.

The black musician was highly sought after. His talent would bring additional funds to his owner and provide a certain amount of prestige at the cotillions, quadrilles, jigs and other social events of the south that required his musical skills.

Schools and private teachers opened their doors for training of the black musician because Americans wanted band music, quality music teachers regardless of their color, and www.thepositivecommunity.com

musicians for their social events. There was an upsurge in support of the black artists due to American and the foreigner's 'curiosity' about the black concert performer.

Also, there was an emerging need by the Negroes to show their attainment in the Arts.

In my next article I will delve into other branches of our musical tree like the minstrels, the concert stage singers and composers, barber shop quartets, the bands, and the work songs.

Gwen Moten is an American Cultural Specialist, and CEO/ Executive Director of Theatre World Music Service, an educational, arts programming and entertainment company.

This article was excerpted from The History of African American Music: a lecture and theatrical production conceived by Gwen Moten and B. Dexter Allgood, Ph.D.

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41st Annual New York Urban League

Football Classic

MORE THAN JUST A GAME New York Urban League is proud to announce it will return home to Yankee Stadium for the historic Football Classic where Hampton University and Morgan State University will meet on November 17, 2012. Join us as we introduce new exciting activities to this classic event. Your support of this game will continue to support the scholarship and educational programs provided by the League. Since its inception, proceeds from the game have helped to leverage over $20 million in Whitney M. Young, Jr. Educational Scholarships awarded to nearly 4,000 college bound students.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! New York Urban League Box Office

204 West 136th Street New York, NY 10030 P: 212.926.8000 ext. 222 F: 212.283.4948

Family Festival!

Visit our website for more details about the Family Festival, including Kids Kick It!, a Pep Rally, a Vendors Fair and more…!

E: Football@nyul.org

For more locations visit

www.NYULFootballClassic.com  Group rates available in every section!

You can take the subway directly to Yankee Stadium!

st To 161 Street – Yankee Stadium

Hal Jackson Remembered at Dance Party Fundraiser

L–R: Judy Benders, Troy White, president.

African Americans for Health Awareness (AAHA); Beverly Henderson-Hartsfield, board chair, AAHA; David Hartsfield.

By A. Council

Clay Berry and “Debi B” (Mrs. Hal Jackson) of Hal Jackson’s Sunday Classics (3pm-6pm) on 107.5 WBLS

“F

itness, Fellowship and Wholesome Fun” was the theme for the evening as hundreds gathered at Newark Symphony Hall’s historic Terrace Ballroom to celebrate the life of Black Radio legend, Hal Jackson. On Friday night September 28, guests were elegantly attired “In Classic Black” in tribute to the spirit of this cultural giant and torchbearer.

Mr. Jackson passed away in May at the age of 97.

DJ Joe Smith played the music and the people danced. The evening featured music of our community’s most progressive years, songs of freedom, cultural pride, unity, peace, goodwill and love. We should never forget that it was the music of the Black Church – Gospel music of the 40’s and 50’s that evolved the Soul Singers of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

It was a sound track that inspired our people’s forward march toward freedom and justice in this land.

Artists like Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Donnie Hathaway, The Staple Singers, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston and countless others paved the way for an original, powerful world-class sound. This music, our collective American song book,

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L–R: Clay Berry; Debi Jackson; Dr. Albert Lewis; Adrian Council, Sr.; Hon. Mildred C. Crump and Emcee Al Bundy

highlights the struggles and achievement of a people while affirming the dignity of our humanity.

Dancing has always been a most valued cultural attribute of our people. At its best, dancing promotes fitness, healing and happiness! Here is a simple and yet unshakable truth: positive music produces positive results!

On that night, plans were unveiled to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Beginning with church Watch Night Service (December 31st), and throughout 2013, the Grand Jubilee Committee, a committed group of volunteers, will assist in the promotion of events and special activities especially designed to promote Emancipation Awareness – the real value of freedom!

The Classic Black Dance Party benefits Hal Jackson’s Youth Development Foundation/Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens. This event was supported by The Positive Community, WBLS, and the volunteers of African Americans for Health Awareness. Special thanks to caterer Two Fish Five Loaves and Community Partners, Horizon NJ Health; the American Heart Association and I am Kenny J Productions.

Coming soon! Part 2 of the In Classic Black dance series… stay tuned!

Produced by the Arts Culture and Entertainment Group, Inc. October 2012 The Positive Community

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Dancing to a Righteous Sound —In Classic Black© 



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 



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

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 www.thepositivecommunity.com

 Maxine Arak, Clay Berry and Maxine Lewis  Sandra Harper (Mrs. Vaughn Harper); Debi Jackson; Margaret Cammarieri, American Heart Association and Janice Campbell  Rev. Grady James and First Lady Sharon  Dr. Albert Lewis, CEO, World Gospel Musical Association and Leon Denmark, Exec. Dir. Newark Symphony Hall  Sis. Nellie Suggs, General Baptist Convention of NJ, with Lynda Council  Debi B and Mildred Crump  John Austin, Lenny Cathcart, Ronald McNeil and James Foster  Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Council  Deaconess Cheryll Heggins, Deacon Spencer Heggins with daughter, Ericka Atexide  Rev. Bernard F. Johnson, Sonia Johnson, Velvet Anderson and Craig Allen, Jr.  Deaconess Doris Bryant

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 Councilwoman Crump and Star Ledger columnist Barry Carter

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 Herb Glenn with We Care Partners; Adrian and Minister Ellis  Rev. Theresa Nance and friend  Steven Jordan and Adrian Council, Jr.  Madinah James Photos: Herb Glenn, Maurice McCoy, Vincent Bryant, Wali Amin Muhammad

 Margaret Council and friend  Kaylyn Kendall Dines (l) at AAHA health information table  Dance master Kenny J-the Line Dance King  DJ Joe Smith

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Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

From Harlem Pulpit Liberian President Calls for Support to Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund By the Honorable Alice M. Dear

s powerful ancestral spirits aligned the elements with ritual and the sacred calendar, on this sundrenched “African Day in Harlem,” Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female elected Head of State, began an event-filled week in New York in worship service at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Viewing the visit as a symbol of respect, Abyssinian’s pastor, the Reverend Calvin O. Butts, III, added that it also demonstrates “the need for people of African descent across this globe to unite.”

“The challenge for this great nation,” Dr. Butts reminded, “rich in natural resources but shrouded in poverty, is to harness resources of the continent for the benefit of those who live there.” President Sirleaf’s sterling academic credentials—undergraduate degree in Accounting from Colorado’s Economics Institute and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard

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University’s Kennedy School of Government, matched by professional expertise garnered as Finance Minister and bank and development executive—prepared her for the trials she would confront as President and undoubtedly contributed to her capacity to attract $16 billion of foreign direct investment to Liberia since assuming office in 2006.

The pastor warmly presented the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate as a champion of women and youth. She has raised from organizations and philanthropies more than $5 million in private funding to help rebuild schools, clinics and markets. President Sirleaf was awarded The Nobel Peace Prize 2011 jointly with her compatriot Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman of Yemen “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peacebuilding work.”

While in New York City to attend the opening of the UN General Assembly, President Sirleaf joined the Board of Directors of the Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund (SMWF) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) in Harlem to launch a fund-raising/friend-raising campaign in support of Liberia’s Market Women. Rev. Butts is a member of the International Advisory Board of SMWF. Greeting the enthusiastic congregation, including a sea of pink and green-adorned AKA members seated throughout the packed sanctuary, President Ellen thanked her sisters for their support and solidarity with Liberian women. From the reserved pew where I sat proudly with my AKA sorors, listening to my pastor introduce my sorority sister, the President of Liberia, emotions stirred as the memories washed over me, accelerating as the President called out my name and my co-chair, Dorothy Davis, as loyal friends responsible for her presence on this day.

Linking history, faith and unity in her message, I listened intently as President Sirleaf spoke for 20 minutes about the country she loves, her comments punctuated by applause from an audience touched by historical links that bind the African American community to the Republic of Liberia. Descendants of human cargo shipped during the Atlantic Slave Trade returned to their homeland beginning in 1820 through efforts to resettle freed slaves organized by the American Colonization Society. The new settlers eventually founded in 1847 the Republic of Liberia, naming its capital Monrovia after the U.S. President James Monroe. It modeled the USA for its constitution, institutions, laws, flag and way of life. The genesis of this physical and spiritual relationship that binds Liberia and America to this day strengthened over generations by marriage and further deepened in time with African American educational

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institutions such as Tuskegee Institute and Morehouse College. President Sirleaf teased the congregation with mention of prominent Liberians who studied at Morehouse, the beloved alma mater of Abyssinian’s own Rev. Butts, Rev. Richards and several congregants, drawing laughter as she “pushed that button” again to include her own son, a physician practicing in the U.S. Along with Ethiopia as the only other African country not colonized, Liberia played a strong supporting role in African independence movements and was a founding partner in important international and pan-African institutions. Notwithstanding the country’s halcyon age, its early settlers’ inability to assimilate with indigenous groups foreshadowed a history of tribal wars and an undercurrent of tumult that endured for generations.

Finally, as President Sirleaf proudly informed, Liberia is now in the process of national renewal, entering its 10th year of peace, “enabling us to rebuild and reconstruct to ensure for our children and grandchildren a new nation of promise and hope.” Its biggest challenges are youth unemployment, lack of education and infrastructure. Seventy percent of the 3.9 million population of Liberia are below age 35.

President Sirleaf, now in the first year of her second and final 6-year term of office, assessed her country and Africa. “Today, Liberia is very much a part of a growing Africa, a continent that itself is on the rebound. We call ourselves the last frontier for development, and we must protect that frontier from exploitation. Despite its problems, Liberia’s future is bright.”

Turning a focus to women, the raison d’être for the day’s activities, President Ellen confided, “Liberian women are long-suffering and vulnerable, yet resilient and vibrant. AKA, our formidable sorority, is helping to assure that Liberian women remain strong, that they play an active role in society. Our obligation to them today is to lift them up, make certain working conditions are conducive; to ensure that the thousands who didn’t go to school can now learn to read and write.

“What can African Americans do for Liberia? You can be ambassadors, be our advocates. The Jews in this coun-

try do it for Israel. Why can’t you do it for us? ...So we invite you to a partnership with Liberia, with Liberian women, to join hands with sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha to bring relief & development to those women... I remain one proud Liberian woman, one proud African woman who can stand tall and say, ‘It can be done, and I did it!’”

Following worship service, friends and supporters joined the SMWF Board of Directors and AKA members at nearby Harlem School of the Arts to premiere the new video documentary, The Story of the Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund of Liberia. Underwritten by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the video documents how market women are helping reconstruct Liberia and its economy and how they have inspired women from around the world to collaborate with them in rebuilding their lives. Their story is shared across Africa as a model to educate, support & empower market women in other countries. [Donations can be made and the video can be viewed on the SMWF website as a 3-minute trailer or in its entirety: www.smwf.org.]

As I introduced President Sirleaf and reflected on the 33 years I have known her, a line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If came to mind: “If you can walk with kings nor lose the common touch...” More than just a call for humility, it reminded me of President Sirleaf’s courage and commitment, her consistent and steadfast actions as a champion of women, never permitting the lofty heights of her office to distance her from her people.

Later in the week, after addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President Sirleaf was honored along with Africa’s 2nd female Head of State, Malawi’s President Joyce Banda, at the Africa-America Institute’s 28th Annual Awards Gala. President Sirleaf accepted the AAI African National Achievement Award for Literacy to Support Life Skills, while President Banda received the AAI Award for Championing Women’s Rights and Business Leadership. Dr. Thelma Awori, Founding Chair and Co-President of the Board of SMWF, received the AAI 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award.

Along with Ethiopia as the only other African country not colonized, Liberia played a strong supporting role in African independence movements and was a founding partner in important international and pan-African institutions.

Ambassador Alice M. Dear, Africanist, businesswoman and former banker, served in the Clinton Administration as U.S. Executive Director of the African Development Bank (19942000). The Harlem resident is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s NGO Representative to the UN and chairs AKA’s Global Initiatives Committee.

As President of A.M. Dear & Associates, a business advisory boutique focused on promoting private sector investment and public-private partnerships in Africa, she also lends her voice and talents to advocate on behalf of women, actively promoting gender equity as a critical component to peace, security and development.

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FLO WILEY IN THE SPIRIT & IMAGE

Flo Wiley, a disciple at Memorial Baptist Church, Harlem NY, is a producer, playwright-director, radio host (WHCR-FM), marketing and public relations consultant.

ARTS AT THE PARK Sunday, October 21, 3pm Park Avenue Christian Church, 1010 Park Ave. at 85th Street, NY, (212) 288-3246 Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, senior pastor Sahun Hong, winner of the 2012 New York International Piano Competition, is the featured artist at the Young Artists Piano Recital with a program that includes Sonata in F Major Op. 10, No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven; Interlude II (2003) by Leon Kirchner, and Sonatine by Maurice Ravel. Born in Seoul Korea, Hong has Sahun Hong studied the piano since the age of four. A magna cum laude graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU) at the age of 16, Hong has been the recipient of numerous prizes and awards. This event is FREE and open to the public.

ALL HALLOW’S EVE PARTY & CONCERT Wednesday, October 31, 6pm St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 204 W. 134 St., NYC, (212) 862-4940 Rev. Keith Johnson, priest-in-charge Starting a new tradition (and also welcoming a new priestin-charge), St. Philip’s is presenting for the first time what it hopes will become an annual event. The party starts at 6pm with treats and games for the children (of all ages), and is followed at 7pm with a Spooky Organ Concert featuring St. Philip’s Choirmaster Erik Carlson and members of the choir. Halloween treats will be given to children after the 30 minute organ concert. This event is FREE and open to the public.

The 2012 STARS OF NEW YORK DANCE Thursday, November 1, 7:00pm Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, LIU, One University Plaza, Brooklyn (718) 488-1624 The 2012 Stars of New York Dance will honor Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, executive pastor & spiritual engineer, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church at this downtown Brooklyn arts venue. The dance line up includes Jasmine Poole (Balance Dance Theater), Naeemah Brown (Cradle-N-The-

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Rock), Zakiya M. Harris (Asase Yaa), Serina E. Young (Synergism School of Dance), Victor Reddick (Creative Outlet), and special guest dancers former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson and Public Advocate Bill De Blasio. Obediah Wright and Jauquette Greene are guest chorographers. The judges for 2012 are artist/philanthropist Danny Simmons, Karen Thornton-Daniels, artistic director of Restoration Dance Theater, and mental health advocate, Terrie M. Williams. The Stars of New York Dance is a judged dance competition that raises dance scholarship funds for children and provides them with a constructive means of developing discipline, character and self-esteem to better succeed in school and in life. Tickets are $175 and $75 at (718) 488 1624, www.kumbletheatre.org and www.thestarsofnewyorkdance.com.

CARLA HARRIS AT CARNEGIE HALL “UNCEASING PRAISE,” Monday, November 19, 7pm, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue at W. 57th Street, NYC, (212) 903-9600 Vocalist Carla Harris, The Mark Howell Singers and Conductor W. Mark Howell will appear in concert at the legendary Carnegie Hall in a benCarla Harris efit for three organizations that provide services to youth: A Better Chance, Inc.; St. Charles Borromeo School of Harlem and Bishop Kenny High School of Jacksonville, Florida. Carla Harris is primarily known for her work on Wall Street, where she has been a force for over 20 years. Currently a managing director in the Institutional Advisory Group at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, she also heads the Emerging Managers Platform. Ms. Harris also serves on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Theatre Foundation, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Xavier University among others.

Tickets are for sale at Carnegie Hall Box Office, (212) 247 7800 and www.carnegiehall.org.

If you are interested in having your arts activities mentioned in this column, or if you would like to know how to start an arts ministry at your church, please contact me at spiritandimage@thepositivecommunity.com.

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CULTURE

33 New Chaplains Graduate from Newark Police Clergy Academy

O

n Saturday, September 8, 2012, the Newark Police Clergy Academy held its graduation ceremonies at Calvary Gospel Church in Newark’s South Ward. Thirty-three Newark clergy members graduated from the eight-month class, in which participants learned about the duties of a chaplain in the Police Department

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Photo: MetroChristianMedia.com

as well as how to use psychology in specific situations, emotional first aid, ethics, crisis response, suicide prevention, and police protocol and procedures.

At the ceremony, Police Chief Sheilah A. Coley presented the graduates with certificates from the International Conference of Police Chaplains, certifying them in their new role, and marking their completion of the course.

Police Clergy Alliance Executive Director and Police Chaplain Leslie L. Jones, a retired Newark Police officer, served as master of ceremonies. Newark Police chaplains assist officers and victims of crimes after incidents. They also respond to homicide situations, and assist with informing victims’ next-of-kin. They also participate in Police Department ceremonies, including promotions and funerals.

Police Chief Coley congratulated graduates and instructors at the ceremony, saying, “It was really comprehensive. We looked at many aspects of chaplaincy, leadership, self-examination, and in helping not only the police officers, but the community at large, as well. We are now prepared for most crises that may occur.

It was a fascinating course. I enjoyed doing this,” said Metro Christian Ministries Pastor Rick Greene, who completed the course and is now a Newark Police Chaplain. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Proud Public Servant

Mildred Crump’s purpose is to make life better for the residents of Newark

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.—Matthew 20:26

...

y declaring herself a “servant of the people of Newark,” Councilmember-at-Large Mildred C. Crump is adhering to scriptural dictates as well as acting on the advice of her father. “My father always told me: ‘Do not call yourself a politician; politicians help themselves. Call yourself a public servant; they help others.’

Therefore I am a proud public servant,” Crump explained.

This has been more than a mantra for Crump, who is committed to her purpose, which she says is simply: “To make life better for the residents of Newark.” And Crump, who has earned the distinction as both a history maker and king maker in the City of the Newark, has done so with excellence and grace for the past 18 years.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Crump came to New Jersey in 1965 when her husband was transferred to the East Coast.

A lifelong community advocate with a family history of political activism, she was surprised that there were no women on the Newark City Council. “There is not a man alive who has gotten elected without the support of women,” she says. “We make the coffee, we open up the offices and we do the mailing. So why can’t we be in leadership as well?” Crump was successful in finding other women who agreed with her position and together they formed an action plan and ran their first female candidate in 1978. Their candidate did not win, but she did not lose either. “Our efforts awakened a level of consciousness in African American women that we could be leaders too,” she said proudly. But by the next election term, the “old boys’ network” seemed to be pushing back against this swelling tide and took actions that according to Crump, “were very disrespectful to the African American woman in the race.” This incensed her and on election night she resolved to move from behind the veil as a background organizer, which had earned her “The King Maker” nickname and put her name on the ballot. In 1994 she was sworn in as the first African American councilwoman in the 336 year history of Newark. In 2006 she was again sworn in as Councilmember-at-Large and repeated her history-making feat when she was elected as the first female president of the Newark Municipal Council.

B

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Being first was by then second nature to Councilmember Crump, who had the distinction of being the first African American Braille teacher in Detroit and in the State of New Jersey. Teaching had been her life prior to politics, but she says that both her public and private life have been interlaced. “As a teacher I was committed to giving guidance to my students and setting them on the right course. In politics, it’s the same; helping others to make a better life for themselves.”

In her private life, Crump had unexpectedly changed course from her pursuit of a legal profession to teaching the blind and visually impaired. At the time, she had no idea why she was answering the ad as a reader for a blind student—the impetus for her eventually becoming a certified Braille teacher. But years later her mother lost her sight and Crump knew then that her steps were divinely ordered.

“My plan was to be a rich and famous member of the Bar,” she revealed. “But God’s plan was preparing me to help my mother transition from seeing to not seeing. And then I ended up in public service and I have no regrets.”

In her public life, Crump has tied her purpose to three main issues: education, senior citizens and economic development. “I am passionate about providing for our children an education such as I got in the Detroit Public School system,” she explained. Improving the quality of life for senior citizens is a cause to which she has made a lifetime commitment. As a consummate and consistent advocate for seniors, she champions elder care and works toward reducing incidents of abuse and abandonment. Though not often seen on the platforms of female elected officials, Crump has boldly embraced the issue of economic development as a priority. “Our people will not grow until we become economically independent and savvy,” she said.

As a servant leader, Mildred Crump executes her duties with the guiding principles of honesty and faithfulness. “I did not come into public life for the popularity,” she revealed. “I signed up for the hard work. Yet every day I wake up with a smile on my face. That’s because, I don’t just like what I do; I love my job. So everything I do is fun.”

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Health P revent i on , T reatment & C u re

Brothers of the Gye-Nyame-Ru martial arts dojo demonstrating stealth selfdefense moves

Saving Men

ICB Director Minister Onorio Chaparro (Right) and Dr. Derek Suite

By Keith L. Forest

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International Christian Brotherhood Annual Men’s Health Fair Tackles Mental Health And Wellness

ICB brother and breast cancer survivor Raymond Rice (left) and ICB Director Minister Onorio (right) are joined by exhibitors from Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center which distributed important info on breast cancer

L–R: Exhibitor/Fitness guru Ammo, founder of Ammo Athletics and his associate, professional kick boxer and personal trainer Jason Quick

An ICB brother gets a personal stretch from fitness expert Kaylar Thompson

Continued on page 62

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Photos: LaVelle Finerson

s part of its ongoing health initiative, the International Christian Brotherhood (ICB), a faith-based, Christian fraternal organization, hosted a special day dedicated to spiritual renewal and healthy living. The event, which took place at Christian Cultural Center campus, kicked off with a word in season by guest speaker Dr. Derek H. Suite, founder of Full Circle Health, an award winning, multi-disciplinary community mental health practice.

Dr. Suite spoke candidly about depression, stress and other issues related to mental health. The session In addition to physical and mental health, sponsor MCU provided financial fitness www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Personal Emergency Response System

Call 1-866-873-9739 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week www.UHCCommunityPlan.com

UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage plans are offered by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and its affiliated companies, a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Limitations, copayments and coinsurance may apply. Benefits may vary by county and plan.

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2013.

H3164_120508_173004 File & Use 05142012

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Newark Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Committed to Newark, New Jersey and the Region, National & Statewide Awards and Recognitions Highlight Clinical Excellence and Community Health Programs John A. Brennan, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer

The Church Challenge members with First Lady Maritza Beckham from Clear View Baptist Church in Newark and Reverend Eric Beckham.

Barbara Mintz from NBIMC and CHoNJ is pictured with them.

Darrell K. Terry, MHA, FACHE, and Chief Operating Officer

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital (CHoNJ) of New Jersey are two of New Jersey’s and the country’s top hospitals for transplant and pediatric cardiology.

NBIMC and CHoNJ are part of Barnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest healthcare system and provider.

John A. Brennan, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Wellness, and obesity prevention, are priorities for us at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. Our goal is to continue to be a beacon of wellness, healing and hope for every person who walks through our doors-clinical excellence is our commitment, community wellness is our focus.”

Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Children's Hospital of New Jersey, located at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and part of Barnabas Health, is the state's premier hospital caring for children, with specialized services to treat ill and injured children from newborn to adolescent years and has the most comprehensive pediatric cardiac care program in the region as well as preventive programs that promote wellness in the community. For a referral to a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.

Awards & Recognitions NBIMC and CHoNJ received three of the top awards for 2012 by the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) and was one of five hospitals nationwide to receive the coveted 2012 NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association. The Nova Award recognized three community programs; The Beth Challenge weight loss, nutrition and exercise program, Kids Fit, the Newark school based fitness and nutrition programs for grammar school students and The Beth Garden, an organic farm located on the medical center campus and open to the public. The NJHA also recognized

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The Positive Community October 2012

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, (NBIMC), a 673-bed regional care teaching hospital, provides comprehensive health care to its local communities and well beyond, with more than 800 physicians, and 3,800 employees with over 300,000 outpatient visits and 25,000 admissions annually, NBIMC is third in the nation in the number of heart transplants with better than expected outcomes, has the only lung transplant program in New Jersey, and combined with Saint Barnabas Medical Center, both Barnabas Health affiliates, is third in the nation for kidney transplants, by volume.

these programs as the best community health programs in New Jersey, operated by a hospital. In addition, Rajiv Verma, MD, pediatric cardiac specialist, was selected by the New Jersey Hospital Association as the Healthcare Professional of the Year in 2012.

In addition to the AHA and NJHA awards, NBIMC and CHoNJ was recently recognized

by U.S. News & World Report’s as one of the Best Regional Hospitals, and was also listed as high-performing in the New York Metropolitan area for Cancer, Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Geriatrics, Nephrology, Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Community Programs—Focused on Preventative Health and Wellness— Working with the Clergy and Community Barnabas Health and NBIMC and CHoNJ have come to be synonymous with a focus on wellness. In addition to the three award winning programs, The Beth has been recognized by Newark‘s faith community for wellness programs. The medical center instituted The Beth Church Challenge earlier this year in Newark’s South Ward churches. Seven churches lost approximately 2,000 pounds.

The medical center’s commitment to a

healthy community and reducing obesity goes beyond the award winning programs.

On October 27, the medical center will host Family Health Day, with cardiac and concussion screenings for children age 6 to 18 years old. To register call 973-926-2064. Free breast screenings, up to 250 people, will be held on the same day. You can preregister by calling 973-926-7976. Free vascular screenings will be held on November 10.

In addition to these programs, NBIMC and CHoNJ has New Jersey’s largest Sickle Cell Program as part of the Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and one of the area’s largest Geriatric Initiatives as well, including the areas only Geriatric Emergency Room.

Finally last week we dedicated Gilda’s Club, Newark/North Jersey on the medical center campus, as a support center for cancer patients, their family and friends.

To learn more, visit us on line at www. newarkbeth.com, or call 973-926-7000 or join us on face book at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. To register for our free on line E-Newsletter click http://www.saintbarnabas.com/hospitals/newark_beth_ israel/contact/email-list.html www.thepositivecommunity.com

NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF NEW JERSY

AWARD-WINNING HEALTHCARE FOR NEWARK, NEW JERSEY AND THE REGION.

Proud recipient of the 2012 NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association

973.926.7000

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With Mr. Vaughn (L) is Bethany’s First Lady Barbara and Pastor Rev. Dr. M. William Howard

Bethany Baptist Commemorates Emancipation Proclamation

L

eon Vaughn, a Civil War reenactor dressed in the authentic uniform of a Union soldier, gave a talk about the history and experiences of the colored troops during the war in an Emancipation Proclamation presentation at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark.

Every second and fourth Sunday, Emancipation Proclamation related talks are presented at both Sunday morning services.

It is Bethany's belief that we must encourage our congregations to keep alive the very vibrant and interesting history of Africans and other historically oppressed people in the United States. Without knowledge of the past, our present is insecure and we will not successfully chart a course for a productive future.

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The Positive Community October 2012

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Time to pick your NJ FamilyCare plan Open Enrollment: Oct. 1 – Nov. 15 Healthfirst NJ includes: • Doctor visits

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Healthfirst NJ continues to expand into more counties in New Jersey.

Visit our website at www.healthfirstnj.org to learn more about Healthfirst NJ and our service areas.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

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

Afraid of Change o the commitment and/or the discomfort involved with maintaining a healthy body weight (discipline, consistent exercise and proper nutrition) cause a majority of people to remain unhealthy? Are we afraid of the discomfort associated with change? I believe the answer is yes!

We all want to change some aspect of our life for the better, especially our physical fitness and health. But we often remain the same or look for shortcuts in an effort to avoid the struggle that is required for old habits to die and give way to positive change.

Change (positive) is a necessary ingredient for forward progression and success. Be it success in business, successful living by the Spirit or success in physical fitness and health, if you aren’t where you want to be right now, you need to make a change.

Whenever someone starts a fitness regimen—regardless of their fitness goals—at some point they will have to adjust, move beyond what is comfortable and face the inevitable challenges associated with positive change.

The type of exercise and intensity level must change to move beyond a plateau and continue the process of improved fitness and weight loss. A person’s schedule might conflict with a trainer’s schedule (or worse a spouse and children) and adjustments must be made.

Thus change is inevitable.

When we decide to get fit or lose some weight it will require at some point that we change! We might agree to walk one mile or even two, but at some point, we will have to change the intensity of the walk for continued improvement. Perhaps someone has committed himself (or herself) to a strength training regimen; that routine must intensify for progress to continue.

Change is never easy. If it were, spiritual growth and transformation would be quickly achievable for all.

Obesity and obesity related illnesses would not be at epidemic proportions, and everyone would not be waiting

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48 The Positive Community

October 2012

and looking for the next purported miracle pill or powder to cure whatever ails us physically, mentally and emotionally.

Arnold Bennett says, “Any change, even change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” Perhaps the change that is accompanied by the discomfort of a productive fitness routine and the initial drawback associated with disciplined living makes us fearful of giving a realistic fitness plan an authentic try.

Anyone can lose weight by changing momentarily, but a life of health and wellness requires permanent change fueled by discipline and delayed gratification. And the thought of that can be frightening. But fear not! Here are some facts to help you move forward and overcome the fear associated with the discomfort of change:

• The discomfort does not last forever. The joy you feel as a result of your accomplishments overrides the discomfort you feel when working hard toward positive change.

• Because of all your hard work and discipline, the moment you feel yourself falling back to your old ways, total recall of your efforts will come to your remembrance, thus thwarting a reversal of your results.

• The discomfort of an intense (intensity specific for you) fitness program yields the fruit of confidence, strength, and endurance that will empower you to go forward.

The Bible states that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13) You can overcome the initial discomfort associated with a positive change when you access, then apply your faith!

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

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“We know our community.

We live here.”

Dr Philip Bonaparte, Chief Medical Officer, Horizon NJ Health “I feel the need to make a difference, not only in my life, but in the lives of others. I am involved in health issues facing predominantly the African-American and Latino community. I understand what it’s like to come from humble backgrounds.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield lives in New Jersey and we believe in access to quality healthcare for every resident.

To me......it’s as important as breathing air.”

Horizon NJ Health can help you and your family, too.

If you are uninsured, enroll in our NJ FamilyCare or NJ FamilyCare Advantage plans.

To see if you’re eligible, call 1-877-4-KIDS-NJ.

Horizon NJ Health Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®’ and SM Registered and service marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2011 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

Education T each i ng , L earn i ng , M ak i ng a D i fference

Ribbon Cut for New Learning Trail

Neighborhood child Makayla Smith enjoys the new learning trail

L–R: Peter Rosario, YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity; Courtney Price, NJ Partnership of Healthy Kids; Catherine Wilson, United Way Essex and West; Keith Green, United Way Essex and West Hudson; Michael Bright, YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity; Newark Council Person Darrin Sharif; Dr. Nwando Audry Anyaoku, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

N

eighbors of the Central Ward, Newark, came out on Friday, September 28, to take part in the ribbon cutting of the New Learning Trail in Nat Turner Park. The trail, the first one in Newark, was built by the combined effort of United Way Essex and West Hudson, NJ Partnership of Healthy Kids, YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity, Newark Youth Build and Newark Leadership Academy. To learn more about the trail visit www.unitedwayessex.org or www.newarkymca. org/NJPartnership.

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The Positive Community October 2012

FRONT ROW L–R: Students from Newark Leadership Academy: Nahquell Jones, Sade Hill, Shakur Cheatham, (Machelle Lassiter, Manager of Agency Relations and Capacity Building at United Way), Nadirah Lawry, Hawah Jennings, Ayiesha Harris.

BACK ROW L–R: Youth Build Newark Graduates: McKenzi Willis (blocked), Kaseem Toney, Gareek Drayton

L–R: Peter Rosario, YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity; Michael Bright, YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity; Dr. Nwando Audry Anyaoku, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; Keith Green, United Way Essex and West Hudson; Darrin Anderson, NJ Partnership of Healthy Kids; Newark Council Person Darrin Sharif www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE NEWARK CLUB

Breath-taking views, gourmet award-winning cuisine and attentive service in an elegant and sophisticated setting make The Newark Club one of New Jersey’s most extraordinary event venues. Our ballroom features an expansive, inlaid dance floor, comfortable surroundings and a dramatic wall of windows to capture the panoramic New York Skyline view.

THE NEWARK CLUB

Located on the 22nd floor of One Newark Center and adjacent to Newark’s celebrated Performing Arts Complex and Penn Station, we are convenient to guests arriving from throughout New Jersey and New York City.

973.242.0658

Whether your affair is a corporate meeting, an intimate cocktail reception, an elaborate sit-down dinner or an extravagant gala, our highly-skilled staff is dedicated to creating an experience that will exceed your expectations.

Our chef will customize a menu featuring imaginative cuisine and artistic presentations to impress your guests. You will be treated like a valued member when you choose The Newark Club for your event.

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Future Scholar Lamont Higgins,13, extracts DNA from strawberries in a Rutgers lab and gets a taste of hands-on learning. He says, “Sometimes students drop out, and sometimes they join gangs and do drugs.

I want to play football and maybe become an engineer.”

We’re Changing the

Chemistry

Too often, inner-city kids are caught up in a formula of failure. The Rutgers Future Scholars Program aims to change that chemistry. In partnership with local schools, we are creating a winning formula that will put academically promising, at-risk youngsters on a path to college and a productive and fulfilling future.

Help us create a formula for success!

For more information, go to www.futurescholars.rutgers.edu or contact us at 732-932-6712 or info@futurescholars.rutgers.edu.

Rutgers Future Scholars enter the program in the summer between the seventh and eighth grade. They are economically disadvantaged, academically talented youngsters from four New Jersey cities. Over the next five years, they will receive academic support, social and cultural enrichment programs, personal guidance, and mentoring. ❖ The goal is to help these students stay in school, graduate, and gain admission to Rutgers or another college of their choice. To ease the financial burden of higher education, Rutgers is guaranteeing free tuition and fees to all those who successfully complete the pre-college phase of the program, meet admission requirements, and choose to attend the university.

JERSE Y ROOTS, GLOBAL RE ACH

Money BuSiNESS, MONEY & WORK

BY JEAN NASH WELLS

dfree® Lifestyle Weekend Symposium

Americans Challenged to Pay Down Billion Dollars in Debt

Y

ou may remember the CNN series hosted by Soledad O’Brien chronicling life in Black America. It was in the 90-minute segment Almighty Debt that the nation first learned about the financial strategy developed by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG)—dfree. “The vision of dfree emerged out of a need to help our people with finances,” said Rev. Soaries. “Freedom involves both education and economics. The goal is to help one million families live a debt free lifestyle.”

Now in celebration of the two-year anniversary of the CNN special feature, the first dfree® Lifestyle Weekend Symposium will take place October 19 – 20 at FBCLG – where it all started.

The free, two-day event will celebrate the progress that many churches and groups from across the United States have made helping their members attain financial freedom. The symposium will present a variety of activities, including a panel

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discussion featuring experts that will help with such issues as paying for college, entrepreneurship, investing, insurance and housing and the risks inherent in using payday loans A website for The Billon Dollar Challenge, a national dfree® initiative that will challenge Americans to pay down a billion dollars of consumer debt, will be unveiled during a Friday night presentation. Via the website, individuals and groups will be able to set debt reduction goals and track their progress. Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, senior pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA will be the special guest preacher for the Friday night revival.

Fortune 500 companies, Prudential Financial, Inc. and Sun Life Financial are among those that have joined the movement and support dfree’s mission to make Americans debt free. Sun Life Financial, is the first corporate sponsor of The Billon Dollar Challenge.

A strong supporter of Soaries’ campaign, Prudential’s Joan Cleveland,

senior vice president in charge of Business Development with their Individual Life Insurance business, had this to about the symposium: “Events like this afford us an opportunity to come together to increase financial literacy and help more Americans achieve financial security.”

Urban Ministries, Inc.(UMI) is also a dfree partner and sponsor. Endon Anderson, their senior director of Marketing, praised Rev. Soaries, saying that Soaries’ unique background and qualifications as a pastor, public policymaker and community leader allow him the insightful ability to understand and address financial issues that plague our churches and communities. “UMI has been blessed to enjoy a partnership with him and his crusade to empower people to gain control over their finances to lead healthier emotional and spiritual lives.”

For more information about the dfree® Lifestyle Weekend Symposium, visit: www.dfree.eventbrite.com.

For more information about dfree®, visit: www.mydfree.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

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MONEY

Big Man Brings Big Screens

to Newark

By R.L. WitteR

Photos: Newark Press information Office, Anthony Alvarez

Shaquille O’Neal Completes $7 Million Renovation and Expansion of Newark’s Only Movie Theater ABOVE: SHAQ-DX. The stunning interior of the Premiere auditorium at the CityPlex12 Newark.

L–R: BCDC CEO Lynier Richardson, Boraie Development Vice President Sam Boraie, Senator Robert Menendez, Mayor Booker, Boraie Development President Wasseem Boraie, Shaquille O’Neal, Council Member-at-Large Mildred Crump, and County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo

O

n September 14th, the big man from Newark did a big thing for Newark by giving the city its own brand new, stateof-the-art big screens. Legendary 4-time NBA Champion and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Shaquille O’Neal attended the official opening of CityPlex 12, the 12-screen movie theater at Bergen Street and Springfield Avenue.

O’Neal partnered with Boraie Development to undertake a massive renovation on the theater this year.

The former Springfield Screens is now proudly CityPlex12, an all-digital projection, stadium-seating, 3D-

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The Positive Community October 2012

capable state-of-the-art movie theater.

The movie mecca’s crown jewel is the SHAQ-DX, a 300-seat auditorium with a 47-foot-wide screen, Dolby Digital 7.1 sound, and leather seating, in the heart of New Jersey’s largest city.

While the official opening took place in September, CityPlex 12 began showing films Memorial Day weekend and hosted the sold-out “Kids Film Series.” Sponsored by community partner and future Newark neighbor Panasonic, each week this summer the CityPlex 12 screened a new film and saw attendance reach almost 10,000 children and adults.

The Boys and Girls Club of Newark

Shaquille O’Neal

was also an integral partner, offering members Wednesday morning movies. CityPlex 12 also hosted the closing night for The Newark Museum’s annual Newark Black Film Festival and Paul Robeson Awards on August 1, the Dark Knight Trilogy Marathon in July, and a Sparkle celebration weekend in August. The theater continued to celebrate its grand opening with Finding Nemo 3D and “30 Days of Shaqness,” a month-long promotion offering free movie passes and theatre merchandise and a movie poster signed by the cast of Sparkle.

“It took not just my parents but Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

NEWARK SCREENS

Continued from previous page the whole community to raise me,” O'Neal reflected. “It was the Boys and Girls Clubs, the schools, neighbors—I grew up in the projects like some of the kids here.”

“There were several developers who came and wanted to turn this theater into something else,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “Then one night in 2010, Shaq said, ‘We can do this theater.’”

The $7 million rehabilitation and 22,400-square-foot expansion doubled the number of theaters from six to twelve.

The 40,000-square-foot space holds 2,400 theater seats, with four of those theaters equipped for 3-D film viewing.

“This theater shows,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr., “that you don't have to go out to a highway on Route 3 or Route 22 to have a first class movie experience. You can have it right here in Newark, which I believe is a city on the move.” Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif added that the theater was a homegrown project that utilized local resources saying, “This project was done through the city's First Source hiring and vendor policy…This place was built by people from Newark, people who look like us."

“What you have here is nicer than the theaters in Orlando I go to,” O'Neal told the crowd in attendance. “When you have something like this around the corner, you feel great! I told one of the kids here that I became a basketball player because someone told me I could. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

We have the energy to make things better. [

... for you, for our economy and for our future.

]

www.pseg.com

PSEG salutes Newark,

Upcoming Special Issue!

NOVEMBER Semi-Annual Health Issue

our headquarters city for over 100 years. We are proud to be part of the community fabric and to contribute in many ways to a bright future for Newark and its residents.

Our commitment to Newark remains as strong as ever.

To Advertise Call: 973-233-9200 or Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com for rates & deadlines We make things work for you.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2012 The Positive Community

57

Possible College Credit!

Join Us for the Second International Conference on

The Bible and Its African Roots November 4 - 9, 2013 • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • $2,498 • Visit Ethiopia, the country where Biblical stories originated.

• The role of the African people has been hidden and ignored for hundreds of years. Open new doors of knowledge, and research scholarship.

• Learn new insights into the role of Hametic people of the Bible and their special contributions.

• Each Conference participant will have a high impact appreciation of the book of Enoch which incorporates what many believe to be the moving of the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.

• Leave Ethiopia with an enhanced knowledge of the Old and

New Testament scriptures which relate to the Hametic people of the Bible.

Extensions to Egypt or Ethiopia’s Religious Route For More Information: Call: 800-486-8359 • Email: journeys@groupist.com • Visit: journeys-unlimited.com/BARC Book early. Space is limited.

58

The Positive Community October 2012

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Julien X. Neals, Esq.: Your Business is His Business in Newark

N

ewark has been described as a city on the move, and with good reason.

It is currently undergoing revitalization, a renaissance of sorts.

While other metropolitan areas are seeing attrition of both commercial and residential inhabitants, Newark is on the rise.

Julien X. While high profile Mayor Cory Neals, Esq. Booker is known near and far and with his appearances on late-night and political television shows has world-wide recognition, his right-hand man, Business Administrator Julien X. Neals, Esq., speaks softly and carries a big stick—well actually a bass guitar, but we’ll get to that.

When asked where 30 years ago he had hoped or imagined his path would lead him, Neals replied with a chuckle, “It certainly wouldn’t have been to what I’m doing now. I probably would have said either a musician or a lawyer.”

Raised in Essex County, NJ, Neals completed his undergraduate studies in Communications at Morehouse College and received his juris doctorate from Emory University. An accomplished singer and bassist, he has realized both of his childhood dreams, first as an opening act for jazz artists such as Roy Ayers and Kirk Whalum before attending law school, and then clerking for Superior Court and eventually making partner in a private law firm.

Since 2006, Neals has held three positions with the City of Newark. “Mayor Booker originally appointed me to be the chief judge of his municipal courts so I supervised the eleven judges that constitute the courts…,” he explained. “In 2008 I was appointed Corporation Counsel or basically the chief attorney for the city . . . and in 2010, the Business Administrator position opened up… Although they did a national search, they decided to stay local and I moved into the position. Technically that’s the chief operating officer of the city. The Mayor is CEO I am COO.” Currently, there is plenty of business in Newark and even more on the way. Neals explained, “It’s been in the works since the Mayor took office in 2006—a concerted effort to get not just local business but global businesses interested in Newark again.” And the effort has paid off. Newark is attracting world-class businesses whose construction projects, tax dollars and employment opportunities will all benefit the citizens and businesspeople of Newark.

“Panasonic is building a 30-story tower now to set up a www.thepositivecommunity.com

headquarters here, Prudential will begin building a new tower next year with plans for yet another tower in the future and relocating thousands of employees from other locations to Newark,” Neals said with pride. “We have a new Courtyard Marriott that was just completed and opened downtown, and Audible (makers of audiobooks) just established a headquarters here as well. Bartlett Dairy is here — they supply all of Starbucks’ dairy needs… and there are still others coming on the horizon to take advantage of all Newark has to offer.”

Neals effortlessly named some of those offerings and the ways that the City benefits the corporations. “Newark is one of the most diverse cities anywhere… It’s a very dense fabric of different cultures and they offer so many things… Also, transportation is huge. To actually live in a municipality that is still affordable and have an airport and train station connecting you with the world as well as a highway system, you can’t ask for much more…Although we’re part of the larger New York metropolitan area, Newark is its own metropolitan area… only 10 miles from New York City —19 minutes by train from our downtown to their downtown… If you had a laundry list of why you’d want to live in New York City or some other major metropolitan area, you’re going to find all that in Newark.”

A devoted husband to wife, Lauren and father to their son, Julien, Neals keeps fit and youthful by being his son’s sports partner and coach for various sports. When he can carve out some downtime, Neals turns to his music as an outlet saying, “Occasionally I still get to do it [perform live] and it provides me with a release from the stresses and pressures of my day job.” He also understands and appreciates the importance of home, family, employment and community.

“We stressed local hiring, with Panasonic pledging that anywhere from 200-400 of their employees will come from the local area and Prudential has made similar commitments. It will also stimulate local businesses in and around the area, having those additional people patronizing restaurants, stores, etc. Hopefully, as we have all of the residential projects coming online, many will choose to also live in the city.”

Operating with a commitment to involvement and accomplishment, Neals remains focused on his goal of Newark operating at peak efficiency. “I know that everything I do here has an impact to try to benefit the lives of the people of Newark on a daily basis,” he reflected. He takes his job both seriously and personally recognizing that “…most of our employees are going to be Newark residents...” and working to make it the best Newark possible. “ It makes you appreciate how a boxer makes his living,” Neals remarked.

“You can take some hits but it’s all worthwhile.”

October 2012 The Positive Community

59

From Dreams to Reality NJSBDC guides entrepreneurs along the pathways to success

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

Dr. Tendai Ndoro

ight Strategy, Smart Growth, Infinite Possibilities” are the key elements in the services provided by the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Rutgers-Newark (NJSBDC) to both established small businesses and start-up entrepreneurs.

And with its comprehensive roster of services, the center – an affiliate of the Rutgers Business School—is considered a premier provider of strategic, growth-focused business training and technical assistance services.

Dr. Tendai Ndoro, the regional director since 2002, has not only infused the center with her passion for the development of small businesses, but her vision has enhanced its mission, which is: to help entrepreneurs and business owners start and grow sustainable, successful small businesses through the delivery of appropriate training and technical assistance services and programs.

“We like to say that we provide two services to help small businesses: training and technical assistance,” says Dr. Ndoro. But, more pointedly, the NJSBDC provides counsel-

“R

60 The Positive Community

October 2012

ing on business management and growth training, coaching on business development, access to capital, procurement opportunities, marketing, business technology, business strategies, operations and technological assistance. In addition, the center provides research and referral services to the Rutgers Law and Business Schools and other business service providers.

Most small business owners identify their greatest need as access to capital. However, to the contrary, Dr. Ndoro says it is, in fact, capacity building and education. From her experience, she gives the key areas needed for business development in the present climate as education, capacity building and technology. “While access to capital is always essential, businesses also need to build capacity,” Ndoro explained.

“They gain this capacity through education. People make the mistake of not educating themselves about their business.” She continued, “Eventually, depending on trial and error to learn mistakes proves to be very costly. So my advice to start-up business owners is to first learn all you can about running a business. Education, experience of employees and capability of the owner, are the three keys,” she stressed.

“Then, following that is technology.” According to Dr. Ndoro, social media has relieved a lot of the responsibility of having affordable technology. “However, business owners still need to look into accessing better technology for what they do,” she cautioned. “In Newark and the Greater Newark area, people are not utilizing technology as they should in order for their businesses to grow.”

With more than 750 small businesses seeking assistance from NJSBDC every year, Dr. Ndoro still takes a hands-on approach to helping these owners get exactly the help they need. In doing so, NJSBDC boasts several success stories

John and Patricia Rivas and their daughter Andrea, Family Foods Distributors

www.thepositivecommunity.com

that many say have been a contributing factor to the economic growth in the Newark area. One such success story is of Family Foods Distributors, a husband and wife-owned business that supplies a brand of “nostalgic foods” to the Hispanic community. “When the owners first came to us in 2004 they were operating out of their kitchen and only serving bodegas in New Jersey,” explained Dr. Ndoro. The business center helped the owners—Patricia Mendez Castaneda and John Rivas—develop a business plan, access capital and address some operational issues. This enabled them to grow eventually moving into a 40,000 sq. ft warehouse, hiring more than 50 employees and purchasing five delivery trucks.

African Secrets LLC, manufacturers and wholesale distributors of organic skin and hair care products, may have been the best kept secret in Newark before its owner, Aminata Dukuray, came to NJSBDC for help. “Aminata is an immigrant from Gambia who spoke French and understood very little English,” Dr. Ndoro recalled. “But she had a strong brand of cosmetics made with shea butter.” With the counseling and assistance of NJSBDC, Dukuray received help with procurement, marketing, access to capital and assistance in getting her product into drug stores, and African Secrets is now a national brand. Sales have increased by 250 percent and its products can be found in nine Wal-Mart stores in the Tri-State area.

But by far, one of the major recent success stories of NJSBDC has been its work with TEMPO Networks LLC, the first and only pan-Caribbean media and entertainment company producing and offering culturally relevant content on all media platforms. The collaboration with TEMPO and NJSBDC began two years ago after a chance encounter at a public event between Dr. Ndoro and Frederick A. Morton, Jr.,

Frederick A. Morton Jr., Tempo Networks

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Aminata Dukuray, African Secrets

TEMPO’s founder/chairman/CEO. At the time, the network, which claims to be “the gateway to all things Caribbean,” was only operating in that region but was eyeing U.S. distribution rights. “I think we were mutually intrigued and impressed with each other’s work,” said Morton. “But having told Dr. Ndoro about our vision, mission and expansion plans in terms of coming into the U.S. market, she was able to assist us in cementing the deal we were working on with Cablevision.” As a result, TEMPO Networks’ programming is now available on Cablevision Channel 1105.

The success of this collaboration also resulted in other projects with the Rutgers Business School Executive MBA Program. “In the past two years, by working with the Business Development Center, we have been involved in several projects that have been of great value to our company,” said Morton. “It has been tremendous to work with Dr. Ndoro, who has a true vision for the development of small businesses. It is something for which I am truly grateful.”

At the NJSBDC ideas are transformed into plans which are turned into actions and eventually business development. So whether your business idea is focused on food, media or cosmetics, those willing to do the work can depend on the NJSBDC to turn their dreams into reality.

October 2012 The Positive Community

61

HEALTH

Continued from page 42 was followed by a lively Q&A led by ICB Director Minister Onorio Chaparro. Prior to Dr. Suite’s forum, Raymond Rice, a male breast cancer survivor, gave a moving testimony on how his faith and servant heart sustained him.

Immediately following the men’s meeting, male guests from throughout the tri-state area took part in ICB’s Health Fair. Over 40 vendors and exhibitors participated in the outdoor affair, which included free blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, colon, and eye testing. Municipal Credit Union, one of the event’s key sponsors, provided free financial counseling. There were also live jujitsu, martial arts, weight training and fitness demonstrations.

It is a known fact that men are less likely to seek medical help than women. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, which hinders the treatment of sickness. Current statistics show that heart disease, cancer and diabetes top the list of leading causes of death among men. Of the estimated 292,000 African American men who die each year, one half succumb to heart disease and cancer. Prevention and early detection remains the best defense.

Founded by A.R. Bernard, pastor & CEO of the Christian Cultural Center, the International Christian Brotherhood (ICB) is a fraternal organization that seeks to train men in Christ-likeness as the standard for manhood. With its motto, “We Train Men,” ICB is dedicated to strengthening, partnering and establishing men’s ministries around the world.

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The Positive Community October 2012

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October 2012 The Positive Community

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Welcome to Rosedale Rosedale is a non-profit, non-sectarian Cemetery located in Montclair, Orange and West Orange, New Jersey.

Burials: We are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our grounds.

Chapel: Graciously decorated, the Chapel is available for a variety of sacred services presided over by clergy of any faith.

Webcasting: At Rosedale you can stream live, delayed, or recorded services from our chapel over the internet.

Crematorium Services: Our modern Crema- Scattering Area: Our hilltop scattering

torium and Columbarium prove Rosedale’s dedication to provide the finest facilities and service for every type of memorialization.

Witnessing Room: The room was designed to permit families to privately observe the start of the cremation process.

Indoor Columbarium: The Columbarium offers a beautiful, up-lifting setting for the inurnment of cremated remains.

Outdoor Columbarium: This beautifully landscaped setting offers an attractive openair alternative to its indoor counterpart.

area is designed exclusively for cremated remains. It creates a comfortable environment to memorialize and remember deceased loved-ones.

Urn Garden: Designed and cultivated for cremation burials, it is highlighted by warm sun; sculpted rose bushes and handsome bronzed memorial plaques.

Entrance: 408 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ Mailing Address: P.O. Box 728, Orange, NJ 07051 Phone: (973) 673-0127 Fax: (973) 673-8338 Web: rosedalecemetery.org

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The Positive Community October 2012

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Emancipation Proclamation 150th Anniversary anuary 1, 2013 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Made official by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, the Proclamation declared that persons enslaved in Confederate states were legally free. President Lincoln had submitted a draft to his cabinet on July 22, 1862, but waited to publicly announce it, since the Civil War was going badly for the Union during the summer of 1862.

Lincoln eventually publicized the executive order on September 22, 1862, following the Union army’s victory at the Battle of Antietam. But the Proclamation would not take effect until New Year’s Day, January 1, 1863.

On December 31 1862, blacks and others who opposed slavery gathered in churches and other locations, waiting to hear whether Lincoln would actually put the document into effect. This was the original “Watch Night,” from which the African-American Church draws its tradition of gathering on New Year’s Eve. Many doubted that Lincoln would actually effectuate the document, but news eventually dispersed over telegraph wires that he did.

The Proclamation freed relatively few slaves immediately because it applied only to persons enslaved within states then in rebellion against the United States. It excluded slaves in border states that had not joined the Confederacy. It also excluded slaves in portions of the Confederacy that Union troops had already re-conquered by January 1, 1863.

Nonetheless, the Proclamation established grounds for Union troops to liberate slaves as they conquered the Confederacy over the next two years, and thereby, perhaps inadvertently, put in place a moral purpose for the Civil War. I view the American Civil War as an apocalypse. The War Between the States ended legal chattel slavery in the United States and catalyzed its eventual end in other portions of the Western Hemisphere where it remained. But that war produced almost as many American deaths as all other American wars combined. After the war, in some Southern towns, there were reportedly almost no unwounded white men of combat age.

God’s Law regulates slavery but prohibits slave trading. Slave masters in the Americas facilitated approximately four centuries of brutal transatlantic slave-trading wherein people, made in the image of God, were treated like things.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

God’s Law prohibits oppressing aliens. Africans were aliens in America, and certainly were oppressed.

Transatlantic slave-trading and horrific chattel slavery flourished in the Caribbean, South America, and ultimately North America from the 1500s through the 1800s.

From the mid-1700s through the early 1800s, Christian activists in the Americas and Europe increasingly agitated against slavery. Such activists included Granville Sharpe, Paul Cuffe, David Walker, Quakers and others. Also during that period, massive numbers of enslaved blacks accepted Christ as Lord and Savior during “The Great Awakening.”

On the other side, the central spiritual and philosophical beliefs among the leadership of the American Revolution were Deism – the belief that God created the world and then stepped away from it – and the philosophy of John Locke. These “Founding Fathers”—the slave masters of our ancestors— were hypocrites, mouthing opposition to tyranny while practicing worse tyranny over blacks.

Contrary to their rhetoric, the “founders” were wealthy plantation owners and international traders trying to keep the King of England’s taxation hands out of their pockets. They were not oppressed, downtrodden, impoverished victims.

It is interesting that the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation will occur while a black man is President of the United State, whether by January 1, 2013 he is about to begin a second term or is a lame duck.

Components of the Black Church within the New York Metropolitan area are recognizing the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Rev. Dennis Dillon and the Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, respectively pastors of the Brooklyn Christian Center and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, are conducting a 2012-2013 campaign centering on economic activism and empowerment for the black community. The Positive Community is sponsoring “Countdown to Freedom; the Grand Jubilee,” celebrating African American progress in overcoming oppression and resiliency in the face of that oppression.

As this 150th anniversary nears, I hope that Christian congregations, especially those that do Watch Night, will purposely study God’s rescue of our people from slavery, and praise Him for that rescue.

October 2012 The Positive Community

65

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com October 2012

Vol. 12, No. 9

BY R.L. WITTER

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

y the time the next issue of The Positive Community is printed, America will have decided upon its President for the next four years. After the historic 2008 election of Barack Obama, the first black (or biracial if you prefer) American president, hopes were high, optimism was abundant and the phrase “post-racial” was firmly affixed in front of the word “America.”

I recall fondly gathering with friends and family on Election Night to watch the news as the polls closed and the votes were tallied. Never before had I attended an election night gathering that meant so much to so many, who had until the 2008 election, never truly felt that they had a horse in the race so to speak.

But lo and behold, “44” changed that and changed history forever with his candidacy and his election.

There were conspiracy theories from the very beginning. People said that Obama was elected as a twopronged plan to undo any progress being made in the black community.

The idea was that no one could fix the economy and that by electing a black man, he would forever be associated with the Great Recession and be a one-term president. Naysayers could gleefully point out that they had given the black man a chance and he had been proven incapable of leading our country out of economic failure and war. And surely, if Barack Obama shone brightly as the very best our community had to offer and still failed to turn around the failing country, then there would be no reason to nominate or elect another black man (or woman) for the presidency anytime soon.

It hasn’t been an easy four years and yes, President Obama has had some missteps, just as all presidents before him have. Detractors are saying he “can’t run on his record” and even his opponent, Mitt Romney, swung a low blow during a debate

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Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Church/Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Jackson Contributing Writers Sonja Gracy Dr. Phillip Bonaparte Linda Armstrong Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Rosemary Sinclair Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Herb Boyd Glenda Cadogan Toni Parker Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood William Parrish Jeanne Parnell Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Donovan Gopie Linda Pace Hubert Williams Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 2010 The Positve Community Corporation.

All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

66 The Positive Community

The Last Word

October 2012

when Romney said, “I’ll work with Congress…” as if to imply that either the President had not attempted to work with Congress, or that he (Romney) would be better suited to work with Congress, much in the same way that one of Romney’s advisers said that Romney would work better with Europe because of “Anglo-Saxon heritage.”

But President Obama can and should run on the strength of his record. In four years, with a congress so contentious they’d outlaw oxygen if Obama endorsed it, the President has been able to: save the auto industry, level off record unemployment and add jobs, cut taxes for the middle class and small business owners, address illegal immigration, end the war in Iraq and draw down forces Afghanistan, make equal pay for women a law, reform healthcare and Wall Street, reform lending, credit card and student loan practices, repeal “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and put an end to the international terrorist, Osama bin Laden. Imagine how much more he could have accomplished if the Republicans in Congress had not vowed that, as Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, said: “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

Regardless of the results of the next presidential election or how pundits might choose to spin it, the Obama presidency has been a resounding success. None of those accomplishments would have been possible were it not for the millions of people who “got out the vote.”

There is no guarantee that a second term for Obama will resolve the countless other issues facing America, but if he isn’t elected, he can’t even address them. Of course, if you don’t care, don’t vote. But if you don’t vote, then you don’t get the privilege of complaining. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community’s

Great Countdown to Freedom The Grand Jubilee

O

n January 1, 2013, America will observe the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation—the sesquicentennial commemoration. From the date January 1, 1863 to the present we, as a group are blessed with an enormous opportunity to measure, assess and define our American journey, our claim on the American Dream.

Below is a cultural narrative—our story—an oral history, a brief presentation of our deep collective experience that dates back

to before this nation’s founding: The Cultural Narrative African Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa as slaves in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years).

On January 1st 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 Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full citizenship rights for the people in what has been called “The Second Emancipation.”

Forty years after Martin Luther King’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, Barack Obama (2008).

In one hundred years between the first and “second emancipation,” in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching and the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, 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!

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraodinary history of trial, tribulation and triumph that we must never forget! This is the story that we must tell our children and be ever remembered. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation, must tell our story to each other reminding ourselves, over and over again of the great, noble struggle and sacrifices of those who came before us.

This is our story, our cultural narrative, our Grand Jubilee and springboard into a great and prosperous future—a vision of hope and progress; health and wholeness; peace and goodwill!

January 1, 2013 the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation—The Grand Jubilee!

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