Oct2013 by The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

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October 2013

THE NEWARK ISSUE

Focus on Faith— Rev. Lee Arrington Dorthaan Kirk: Newark’s Jazz Lady

No Shack for Shaq Get out of Debt with dfree

Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. Service is a Family Tradition

Columbia University Celebrates

Hispanic Heritage Month The cultural richness of Harlem, Washington Heights and surrounding neighborhoods is an essential part of what makes Columbia a great place to work and study. Learn more about this key part of our local and national history by visiting some of the many online resources available at www.columbia.edu/ hispanicheritage: • The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes are awarded each fall to journalists in the Western hemisphere who, through their sustained and distinguished body of work, have contributed to Inter-American understanding. • The Institute of Latin American Studies brings together and provides resources for Columbia faculty, students and visiting scholars, recognizing the diversity of their interests and strengthening their links with Latin America and communities of Latin American origin. • Columbia Global Centers | Latin America (Santiago) is one of Columbia’s two research centers in Latin America that are part of the University’s global network; the other is in Rio de Janeiro. • The Latino Arts and Activism Collection, a joint initiative between Columbia’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library and the University’s Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race, includes the papers of poet and activist Jack Agueros and more than 5,000 images from El Diario/La Prensa.

Celia Cruz, New York Salsa Festival, Madison Square Garden, 1980, ©Bolívar Arellano

Join

dr. deForest b. Soaries, Jr. Senior Pastor

First baptist Church of lincoln gardens 771 somerset street somerset, nJ 08873

say yes to no debt

november 1 & 2, 2013 - dfree® Conference | 8am-4pm

ConFerenCe will inClude…

• dfree® one-on-one Counseling, expert panels and breakout Sessions: ■ Debt reduction ■ Housing ■ insurance ■ investment Planning ■ legal Matters ■ student loans

• special keynote address - robert l. Johnson, Founder of bet and rlJ Companies • lifestyle testimonies from current dfree® participants • Pastors who have implemented the dfree® strategy Robert L. Johnson

Friday eveninG ConCert 7:00pm featuring

Fred hammond

alyea Pierce, spoken Word vy Higginsen’s gospel for teens Choir

Fred Hammond

Corporate SponSorS

Get Started get Control Get ahead give baCk

October 2013

CONTENTS 38

FOCUS ON FAITH— REV. LEE ARRINGTON

NY COVER PHOTO: BRUCE MOORE

REP. DONALD PAYNE, JR. SERVICE IS A FAMILY TRADITION NJ COVER PHOTO: VINCENT BRYANT

Features

MONEY.................................................14

AME Bishop Welcomed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

HEALTH ................................................40

Essex County College Connects with Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CULTURE ..............................................48

Shaq is Building in Newark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Financial Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Roundtable Wrap-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Distracted Driving: Don’t Text!. . . . . . . . . . . . 26

EDUCATION ..........................................27

&also inside Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Newark Schools Engage Parents . . . . . . . . . 27

Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Darryl Terry: Care Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

All About Obamacare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Etiquette Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Dorthaan Kirk: Jazz Royalty in Newark . . . . . 48 Honoring the Elders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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GREAT

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe

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

Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor

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

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

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

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor

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

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

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

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor

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

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev. Alfonzo Williams, Sr., 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., 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 Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Cornerstone Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Lawrence E. Aker, III, Pastor Ebenezer B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, M.Div.

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

Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. 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, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor

World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

“. . . Now’s the time for all good men to get together with one another/We’ve got to iron out our problems; iron out our quarrels/and try to live as brothers…” “Yes We Can Can” — The Pointer Sisters

About Business; About Freedom; About Our Future n behalf of the staff and management of The Positive Community, thanks to everyone who participated in the September 14th Business Roundtable at Montclair State University. On that Saturday morning, some of the area’s best minds in business, finance, academia and marketing converged. With an eye toward the future of business and economics, moderator, Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite, Dean of MSU School of Business, lead an informed, lively, conversation about “Reviving the Entrepreneurial Spirit” in a 21st century economy. Everyone who attended — speakers, panelists, workshop leaders and audience — came away from that meeting, inspired with an expanded vision of progress. One attendee even referred to the event as the “Miracle at Montclair State!”

Here’s the take-away: 1. The foundation of success in business is hard work, persistence, dogged determination, teamwork and the ability to withstand defeat. This rule also applies for all positive community development initiatives. Shortcuts to this formula are rare and in most cases short-sighted and eventually short-circuited. 2. A renewed appreciation for ethics and community service in the marketplace. Winning in business and life does not have to be at the expense of an unfortunate loser. Indeed, the profit motive can be augmented by a service motive. 3. We can leverage our individual and collective talents and gifts — our own natural resources — to create and deliver quality products and services to the customer as a community-building, job and wealth creating function of business. 4. In addition to hard currency or bank capital, there are other types of capital that can be accessed: Knowledge capital (education), human capital (talent and teamwork), cultural capital (collective wisdom), institutional capital (public and private resources) among others. The meeting was convened for the purpose of exploring the inherent potentials and possibilities from a glass halffilled perspective of hope, opportunity and lasting prosperity. The Business Roundtable was the sixth installment of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series on education, business and health. Special thanks to Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., our sponsors — community partners — Wells Fargo, Verizon and

8 The Positive Community

October 2013

the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship at MSU. A Health Roundtable on the Affordable Care Act is next. Details to come Freedom and the Future Since August of 2011, the Great Countdown to Freedom poster (opposite page)has run in almost every issue of The Positive Community magazine in anticipation of this Grand Jubilee Year of Emancipation. Thousands of posters and commemorative calendars were distributed to churches, businesses and schools promoting cultural literacy and Emancipation Awareness. We have visited scores of churches and organizations with a message about freedom and the future. We now realize that the celebration and commemoration of the Great Emancipation is an absolutely huge undertaking of a scale and proportion that will require much effort, planning and community action beyond our team’s immediate resources. The Grand Jubilee Concert and Gala set to take place on November 16 at Newark Symphony Hall will be rescheduled for 2014. The blessing is that we are living in the time of the sesquicentennial, Grand Jubilee season of the Great Emancipation. From 2012, the 150th anniversary year since the start of the Civil War; 2013, the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; through 2015, the 150th year since slavery was officially abolished in the United States with the passage of the 13th Amendment, ratified by Congress and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. What a wonderful opportunity to teach the children; affirm the reality of our American experience and reaffirm our claim on the American Dream! “The struggle continues, but victory is certain!” The next stop along our freedom journey: First Baptist at Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ. On November 1 and 2, it’s the 2nd annual dfree Conference hosted by Senior Pastor Dr. DeForest B. Soaries , Jr. (page 18). The dfree Workshop recently featured at our Business Roundtable generated a good deal of interest among the attendees. After all, what freedom, what future does one have burdened and shackled by the oppressive yoke of debt? It’s going to be a great conference, we hope that you can attend. It will be especially beneficial to our young people! www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community’s

Great Countdown to Freedom

The Grand Jubilee Year of Emancipation—2013 n January 1, 2013, America observed 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 extraordinary 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! 2013—the Grand Jubilee Year of the Emancipation Proclamation! Author: Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor: Jean Nash Wells

Community Partner:

Graphic Design: Penguin Graphics & Martin Maishman Published by: The Positive Community Corporation www.thepositivecommunity.com

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

A Princely Man’s Grand Legacy Cavalry Baptist Church’s Rev. Albert Prince Rowe retires. he Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe is not taking a midnight train to Georgia, but he’s leaving the Calvary Baptist Church nonetheless. Actually, Rev. Rowe is retiring — sort of. The pastor, who has led one of the most progressive churches in Northern New Jersey and beyond, has seemingly said 45 years is enough. And, so he and his devoted wife, Mrs. Dorothy Rowe, are stepping away from the role of senior pastor and first lady, as pastors’ wives are referred to in most of the African-American congregations. Calvary sits prominently and majestically on the corner of East 18th Street in the city of Paterson. Many area churches and pastors both inside and outside the Paterson area have attempted to model the various and sundry comprehensive programs established under the tutelage of this legendary pastor. His church houses a pre-school program, a foster parents’ program, an adoption program, a daycare center and outreach ministries that make your head swim. He, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., graduated from Crozier Seminary. He also is an alumnus of Morgan State University. When Dr. Rowe came to Paterson, he came in like a whirlwind, weaving in and out of secular and non-secular circles. He immersed himself in the goings on in the municipality. And, before you could say, “Jackie Robinson,” to use a well-known cliché, he had gotten elected to the district’s school board. Then, he became an at-large councilman. He ran for mayor after the death of Frank X. Graves. He lost, but his influence never waned. He visits the sick, comforts those who’ve lost loved ones, and has given jobs to members of his church and folks outside the Calvary membership. No, he doesn’t walk on water, but that’s probably the only thing he can’t do. His better half, Mrs. Dorothy Rowe, is no slouch herself. A retired principal, her academic prowess has been lauded as well throughout the church community. She has stood alongside him since they arrived at Calvary. Her loyalty is unshakable. It’s a nice fit; they’re quite a team. Rev. Rowe comes out of Syracuse, New York, as a product of John and Esther Bowman Rowe. He comes from solid stock. You know, mandatory prayers on Sunday night, sav-

10 The Positive Community

October 2013

Pastor and Mrs. Rowe

ing your paper route money to learn responsibility and most of all loving God and his fellowman, and for the politically correct, his fellow woman. He was a star athlete during his Syracuse days, captain of the wrestling team and an allaround popular guy. Younger pastors could learn a thing or two from Albert Prince Rowe, named by his Aunt Bertha — who saw a television character named “Prince” who was handsome, brave and a champion of the poor. He is one pastor who loves the congregants he serves. Just as importantly, they love him. I had the pleasure of writing some things for him. He has served his both his church and community well. There will be a banquet in his honor in November. He’s sure to get at least 1,000 well-wishers to attend. I can only hope his successor, the Rev. Randall Lassiter, will continue the grand legacy of this princely man. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Tribute to

Mother

BY BISHOP DONALD HILLIARD SENIOR PASTOR, CATHEDRAL INTERNATIONAL

Mrs. Alease Elizabeth Crawford Hilliard-Chapman

he loss of a mother is heart wrenching. My beloved mother, Alease Elizabeth Crawford HilliardChapman, passed from this life to life eternal on August 26, 2013. My grief is acute and my heart feels as if it might break in two. Nevertheless, I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. I was indeed, unashamedly a “Mamma’s boy.” God knows I loved, respected, honored, and revered our mother. My father died; when mother was just 50 and I, 26. His expectation of me was to honor and look after his wife, our mother, and so I stepped in and did what a man had to—or should do! That cemented an already wonderfully close relationship between Mother and me. Our mother was a wonderful, loving, sweet, soft spoken, outstanding parent and Godly woman. She was also a compassionate, fun, doting grandmother who provided sweetness, beauty and stability in our home. My mother cooked daily, and never allowed us to “eat from the stove.” Mother would stop everything to sit down with us until our meal was finished. Mother loved people, especially children, and she never met a stranger. When you were in her presence, you always left feeling better. She gave her children and all of her cousins and friends a sense of validation. Mother’s greatest characteristic was that she was a GODLY woman. She loved the Lord, but never beat peo-

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ple with the Bible. Mother was sweet to the bone and she brought a sense of peace and kindness wherever she went. Mother had the strength of Esther and the wisdom of Deborah; she had the good judgment of Abigail and the love of Ruth. Mother had the fashion sense and servanthood of Lydia, and the commitment to her family of the Proverbs 31 woman! She was a Godly woman! My mother wanted me to preach her funeral. I asked her to release me from that request; I didn’t think I would be able to do it. Like most children, my greatest fear was losing my mother. One day Mother promised me that she would live until I became grown. In an effort to prepare me, she once told me “Donnie/Honey, do not let this crush, cripple, or stop you, but keep going!” And I will! However, the pain is excruciating, such as I have never experienced in my life. Mother, you have raised Denise and me well. All of your grandchildren are grown. They have married, own homes, they’ve earned college and graduate degrees, been on Broadway, traveled, and serve the Lord. We will be alright. Off into the arms of Jesus you go; into heaven’s gates where you will see the Savior face to face. Like Paul she can say, “I have fought the good fight.” She can say, “I have kept the faith.” “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Thank you, Mommy, thank you. I thank God for you. God only knows just how much you have been the wind beneath my wings. I dedicate this tribute in honor of my mother to all mothers. Thank you, mothers, for your sacrifice and your tenderness. If you have your mother, do something special for your mother, if you don’t have your mother anymore, thank God that you did have your mother. I know that I am who I am today because of Alease Elizabeth Crawford Hilliard-Chapman! In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “All that I am I owe to my dear mother!” Faith of our Mothers (A. B. Patten – 1865) Faith of our mothers, living still In cradle song and bedtime prayer; In nursery lore and fireside love, Thy presence still pervades the air: Faith of our mothers, living faith! We will be true to thee to death.

October 2013 The Positive Community

L–R: Rev. Kevin Griffin, Bishop Gregory Ingram, Rev. James Booker

By Jimmy Booker, Jr.

L–R: Presiding Elder Ron McCune leading worship as Rev. Jessica and Bishop Gregory Ingram look on

Ecumenical Welcome For AME Bishop

ew York religious leaders and congregants from the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and Seventh Day Adventist Churches joined in unity with AME Church leaders and congregants to welcome the Right Reverend Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, the 118th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, to New York on Tuesday September 24th at 7:30 PM, This service honoring Bishop Ingram of the AME Church, the oldest African American Protestant denomination, was hosted by the historic Childs Memorial Temple Church of God in Christ (the church that funeralized Malcolm X), the Reverend Kevin Griffin, pastor. COGIC is the oldest American Pentecostal Denomination. Bishop Ingram presides over seven annual conferences comprising Delaware, New England, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda. Bishop Ingram was elected and consecrated the 118th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2000. His first appointment was to the Fifteenth Episcopal District, which comprises Angola, Namibia and most of South Africa. His second appointment was to the Tenth Episcopal District, which encompasses the State of Texas. Under his visionary leadership, Bishop Ingram introduced the District to his 10-Point Partnership Plan, a strategy for improving every aspect of life for the people of the Tenth Episcopal District. He has refined that plan and reintroduced it as 10 Priorities for the First Episcopal District for the 2012-2016 Quadrennium including: church, community and civic involvement; church growth and evangelism; education; health and healing; information technology/ communication; membership and discipleship; mission

The Positive Community October 2014

outreach and disaster relief (Ingram led an active and vigorous effort of relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy); spiritual formation; stewardship and fiscal integrity; and youth and young adults. Along with religious leaders, civic leaders also participated, including the Hon. Hazel N. Dukes, president, NY State NAACP; George Khaldun, CAO, Harlem Children’s Zone; Derrick Broomes, CEO, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI); and the Reverend Dr. Eleanor Moody-Shepherd of the New York Theological Seminary. Bishop Ingram also received proclamations from several political officials, including Congressman Charles B. Rangel, City Councilwoman Inez Dickens, NY State Assemblyman Keith Wright, NY State Senator Bill Perkins, a letter of welcome from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and words of welcome from a representative from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. Clergy outside of the AME Church who participated included: The Reverends Kevin Griffin, host pastor; John Scott, pastor, St. John Baptist Church, Harlem, NYC; Diane Lacey, pastor, Church of Gethsemane, Presbyterian, Brooklyn, NY; Dr. Dedrick Blue, pastor, Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, Harlem, NYC; Deacon Ken Radcliffe, Central Harlem Vicariate, The Roman Catholic Church; and Bishop Louis Bligen, Salvation and Deliverance Church. Worship participants included the Reverends Jessica Kendall Ingram, First Episcopal District Supervisor; Ron McCune, presiding elder, Manhattan District AME Church (worship leader); Henrietta Scott Fullard, presiding elder, Jamaica Long Island District, AME Church; Dr. Alvan Johnson, presiding elder, Brooklyn Westchester District, AME Church; Dr. Kim Anderson, Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

He... challenged all who were in attendance to work together to make a difference in communities they serve and to work together as one church, regardless of denominational differences

Bishop Ingram addressing the congregation

pastor Metropolitan AME Church, Harlem, NYC; Marcellus Norris, pastor, St. Luke AME Church, Washington Heights; and Lillian Allen, Minister of Music, Metropolitan AME Churh. Committee members made up of AME pastors include the Reverends James E. Booker Jr., St. John Church, Harlem, NYC; Alicia Bailey, St. James/ St. Philip Church, Harlem NYC; Keith Hayward, Bethel Church, Copiague, NY; Jo-An Owings, Mt. Zion Church, East Harlem, NYC; Dr. Kahli Mootoo, Bright Temple Church, Hunts Point, NYC; and Dr. Kim Anderson. Near the end of this Spirit-filled worship experience, Bishop Ingram rose to thank all of those who coordinated the event and those who participated with words of encouragement and welcome. He then challenged all

who were in attendance to work together to make a difference in communities they serve and to work together as one church, regardless of denominational differences, as the Word of God states in Ephesians 4:4-6, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” He closed by stating that this was just the beginning as we demonstrate to the world that we stand united serving the one God who has called us all to put first things first as stated by Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

BuildingA faith on Faith based affordable housing development seminar for clergy Tuesday, October 29th 9:30AM to 11:00AM

Has your religious institution considered development, but don’t know where to start?

Quincy Senior Residences 625 Quincy Street Brooklyn, NY 11221

The Building on Faith seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of affordable housing development strategies for faith-based institutions. Learn about the benefits of affordable housing and how to create a successful project, from pre-development and financing to construction and occupancy. Discover the key partners you’ll need, including attorneys, architects, and lenders.

RSVP by October 22nd by calling (718) 636-7596 x214 or emailing info@bsdcorp.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

Alhaji Alpha Abubakarr Kanu, Sierra Leone Minister of Information & Communications, delivers the keynote address

Money B u s i n e s s , Mo n e y & w o r k

Alhaji Alpha Abubakarr Kanu with Don Viapree, director of Goverment Affairs at Cablevision

Essex County College Connects Business Community to Opportunities in Sierra Leone By Jean Nash Wells

uring a special business summit hosted by Essex County College at the Newark campus on September 23, 2013, entrepreneurs with their specific proposals in hand, networked with members of a delegation from Sierra Leone eager to facilitate business ventures with companies in New Jersey. In her welcoming remarks, Interim President Gale E. Gibson said that ECC was “delighted to serve as the catalyst in bringing together the regional business community and a nation eager to set up commerce with them.” The summit developed thanks to a telephone conversation between Don Viapree, director of Government Affairs for Cablevision, and his friend Foday Mansaray, special assistant to the president of Sierra Leone. Viapree explained, “He asked if when President Koroma came to the United States for the U.N. General Assembly, could he stop in Newark. Of course, I said ‘absolutely,’ and now we have this wonderful summit.” More than 100 attended the event, including ECC officials, business leaders, elected officials and Sierra Leone government representatives who were prepared to discuss opportunities in business development, energy, communications, technology/IT, investment banking, transportation, and even mining and steel.

The Positive Community October 2014

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, who has created a business friendly environment in his nation, was unable to attend both the ECC meeting and the United Nations General Assembly session. However, he sent a large delegation that included ministers in charge of number of governmental areas in which businesses could connect. Minister of Information and Communications Alhaji Alpha Abubakarr Kanu gave an enlightening and entertaining keynote speech outlining how Sierra Leone expects to continue the upward economic trend of economic growth the country is experiencing under President Koroma’ s leadership. Just over a decade since the end of the country’s horrific civil war, progress is evident. Roads have been built and there has been a 35 percent increase in its Gross Domestic Product in 2011 and another 19 percent increase in 2012. With miles of beautiful beaches along its Atlantic coast, tourism is one area of expected growth. Diamonds and other valuable minerals offer immense possibilities. Partnerships with U.S. businesses have the potential to increase jobs both here and in Sierra Leone. “To grow, you need a skilled workforce, and that requires an educated workforce,” the minister said. “The challenge we www.thepositivecommunity.com

Making New Jersey

www.pseg.com

Alhaji Alpha Abubakarr Kanu, Sierra Leone Minister of Information & Communications, accepts a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma from Essex County College Interim President Dr. Gale E. Gibson. Calvin Souder, chair of the Essex County College Board of Trustees, is on the left.

Congressman Donald Payne at the Essex County College business summit

face today is to encourage the youth to learn a trade. Education is needed to change their lives.” Toward that end, Dr. Gibson announced plans to establish a study abroad program between ECC and Sierra Leone’s Fourah Bay College that will be developed over the next year. New Jersey Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. called the summit a “momentous occasion. My father (the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr.) would have been very proud of us pulling this together. I’m extremely pleased to see Essex County College and Sierra Leone getting together in this manner.” For both African Americans and the descendants of former African slaves in America, the country has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. It was the departure point for thousands of West African captives who were brought to these shores. Then, following the Revolutionary War, former slaves who sided with the British were given refuge in Nova Scotia. Many were unhappy with their surroundings there and in 1792, with the help of the British, over 1,100 former American slaves sailed from Nova Scotia in 15 ships to Sierra Leone, then a British colony and founded Freetown. The country received its independence from Great Britain on April 27, 1961. www.thepositivecommunity.com

PSE&G’s forward-looking Energy Strong program will invest $3.9 billion over 10 years to create a resilient energy infrastructure that will better withstand storms like Sandy and other natural disasters. This will save New Jersey businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue and protect our families from the devastating impact of extended power outages.

PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group.

We make things work for you.

October 2014 The Positive Community

No Shack for Shaq in Newark Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Essex Co. Executive Joe DiVincenzo, Mayor Cory Booker, Margaret Anadu of Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Omar Boraie of Boraie Development, Shaquille O'Neal

Former NBA Superstar Shaquille Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Continues to Invest in His Hometown

ayor Cory A. Booker, Wasseem Boraie of Boraie Development, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Newark Municipal Council President Luis Quintana, Newark Councilman Darrin Sharif, Margaret Anadu from the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Ommeed Sathe from Prudential Financial, NBA legend, entrepreneur, and Newark native Shaquille O'Neal, and other dignitaries broke ground on Friday, September 27, for the first new high-rise apartments to be built in Newark's downtown in more than 50 years. One Riverview at Rector Street, at the site of the former Science High School, will be a 23-story building featuring 169-unit market-rate studio, one- and twobedroom apartments with amenities including a 24-hour doorman and fitness center. Boraie Development, LLC, is partnering with O'Neal to construct the building. The project is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs in the city. Financing for the development will be provided by public and private sources including the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group and the Prudential Insurance Company of America. "We have witnessed a number of monumental developments in our downtown in recent years, including this week's opening of Teachers Village on Halsey Street. Today we broke ground on a major apartment building being constructed by a man who grew up in Newark and

The Positive Community October 2014

By Helene Fox

came to define excellence as an athlete, an entrepreneur, and an American: our own Shaquille O'Neal," said Mayor Cory Booker. "One Riverview at Rector Street will create hundreds of jobs and emerge as the city's first residential tower to be built in 50 years, a historic accomplishment that will catalyze Newark's residential community and enhance the aesthetic of our growing downtown neighborhood." "Today is a great day for the City of Newark," said Shaquille O'Neal. "As someone who grew up here, I am proud to be one of the developers helping move Newark forward. Count on One Riverview being the best building in the State of New Jersey." "To break ground for the first residential high-rise in Newark in 50 years is a great step forward that compliments the city's success in attracting more businesses to the community," said Senator Robert Menendez. "Shaquille O'Neal has never forgotten his connections to Newark. I thank him and Wasseem Boraie for their investment in New Jersey's largest city as well as Mayor Booker for all of his efforts to revitalize the City of Newark." "Boraie Development LLC is so proud to be part of the rejuvenation of this wonderful city," beamed Wasseem Boraie of Boraie Development. "From last year's opening of CityPlex12 to this new residential project, we're excited to be part of the community and look forward to this next chapter." Continued on page 60 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Carver is Lending in the Community Commercial & Nonprofit When Newark’s Teachers Village needed funding to make their dream project a reality, they looked to Carver. For more information, we invite you to call our Lending Specialists at 718.230.2900 or visit us online at carverbank.com.

BEDFORD STUYVESANT • CROWN HEIGHTS • FLATBUSH • FORT GREENE • HARLEM • EAST HARLEM • JAMAICA • ST. ALBANS

Left: Robert L. Johnson Right: Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.

Soaries’ dFree Campaign Spells Financial Freedom for Americans

t’s a movement consisting of people who are determined to overcome debt and attain financial freedom. The dfree® approach confronts the emotional, psychological and spiritual causes of debt. To date, the campaign has helped over 1,000 families in New Jersey, California, Texas and Virginia reduce their debt and walk toward financial solvency. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., is the acclaimed author of dfree: Breaking Free from Financial Slavery, and the architect of the dfree campaign in partnership with the first African-American billionaire and BET Founder, Robert L. Johnson. He is the convener of the 2nd Annual dfree Conference, which will take place October 31 – November 2 at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ, one of the largest churches in New Jersey, where he is senior pastor. Though he’s now advising others on how to handle their finances successfully, Soaries is quick to reveal that he has had problems himself. “When I was 18, I got my first credit card, and I was on a downward spiral for the next 15 years, chased by bill collectors and having the IRS not only garnish my wages, but take money from my bank account. And I got tired of living that way,” he recalled The event that changed his future was devastating, yet redeeming. His grandmother died at age 80 and left him three properties in her will. “I decided that if an 80-year-old black woman with six children and an invalid husband could die and have three houses paid for, then shame on me if I die and all I have to leave my children is credit card debt,” Soaries lamented. At 31, he began to face his debt and make better choices. Soaries believes that the debt crisis and overspending is embedded in the culture. “Debt is not just an economic crisis in America. Debt is a cultural crisis,” he declared. “As a pastor of a church of some size, I thought that it was incumbent upon me to teach people what

The Positive Community October 2014

I had learned from my own experience and to teach people biblical principles that are right there in front of you. Professionally, academically, and personally, all of the roads of my life really led to this moment. And I am as passionate about tearing down the economic barriers that stop us as I have been about tearing down the racial barriers that stop us.” “When we work with families, we discover that they’ve got unopened mail in shoeboxes,” he said. But not only individuals and families are part of the campaign. “In this new economic season, more of our people are going to have to consider sales and entrepreneurship and other kinds of non-traditional means of earning money,” he continued, explaining that the dfree process and its 12-step debt-reduction program includes that kind of information as well. Soaries’ partnership with Robert Johnson may well revolutionize the way struggling families can pay their debt. Three years ago, the two men shared a common concern for people living under the financial pressure of payday loans that have interest rates of no lower than 390 percent. “There are more payday loan stores in America than there are McDonalds and Starbucks combined,” he explained. “When Johnson and I discovered that we had a mutual interest in this issue, we met and discovered that—not only did we have a mutual interest but that—through relationships that he had, we had the potential to offer a way out of payday loans that people were trapped in. And we were able to partner around that solution.” Soaries and Johnson are going to do three things: educate people about the dangers of the payday loans; offer people financial education, which is essentially the dfree curriculum; and offer an inexpensive alternative to the traditional payday loan for those people who Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

already have those loans. “We also plan to offer that same alternative to people who need payday loans or are considering taking out a payday loan. So, it’s a concrete alternative. It’s affordable. And it has a range of options depending on where one is on the economic scale and what one’s capacity is to repay.” At the November dfree conference, Johnson will headline an all-star cast of financial empowerment speakers, along with informative seminars on how to strategically pay off debt and achieve financial freedom, as well housing, insurance, investment planning, legal matters and student loans. Other speakers include, Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Auto Finance and Student Loans for JPMorgan Chase; Marcia Griffin, president of HomeFree-USA; Rev. Timothy Winters, pastor emeritus for Bayview Baptist Church; Charles Corpening, chairman of Joshua Partners and Dee Marshall, founder of Girlfriends Pray and Dee Marshall, etc. There will be a vendor and sponsor trade show, and on Friday night a concert featuring Fred Hammond and Vy Higgensen’s Gospel for Teens Choir. For more information regarding registration on the 2nd Annual dfree® Conference, visit www.mydfree.org. For those who would like to attend the conference but cannot afford it, email the church at info@mydfree. org, let them know that you would like to come but cannot afford it, and you will get a free registration code.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

If You’re Ready to Buy a Home, We are ready to Help. The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: up to $15,000.00 Down Payment Assistance 1-800-382-HOME(4663)

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for Housing

October 2014 The Positive Community

NWIB-magAd 35187_Layout 1 10/8/13 12:40 PM Page 1

Mission To lead & empower the Newark workforce system by leveraging assets and resources to ensure the educational, professional and economic success of Newark residents and the prosperity of businesses.

Workforce Focus The Newark Workforce Investment Board is Newark’s policy and oversight entity, encouraging businesses to hire locally and job seekers to prepare for employment. The NWIB links, leverages, and sets a direction for the investment of public workforce funding, helping to prepare residents for employment opportunities available in the Newark regional market and developing a trained and prepared workforce.

HELPING BUILD BUSINESSES THAT BUILD NEWARK CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO EMPLOYMENT With a labor force of over 100,000 residents, its prime location near transit and transportation hubs, Fortune 500 companies and premier academic institutions, the City of Newark presents a winning formula for business and workforce development. As the City Master Plan sets a goal to create a City of Learning by 2025, the NWIB set a Vision for Newark to thrive as an employment and business center with a nationally recognized workforce system. The NWIB is framing a strategic direction that will drive workforce priorities over the next 3 - 5 years based on principles of : accountability, excellence, diversity, integrity, respect, and service. Our focus is to connect residents to jobs and we are striving for this in the most innovative and efficient ways possible. As recipients of the prestigious Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grant, our “Managing for Success” initiative supports improvements at the system level by investing in innovative ideas that will transform our public workforce system, with a focus on technology and improved performance. HOW TO REACH US: http://www.newarkwib.org 973.733.5995

Nelida Valentin, NWIB Executive Director

Introducing Newark Jobs Connect In October, 2013 the NWIB will launch Newark Jobs Connect, a business solutions center linking Newark area businesses with qualified, job-ready Newark residents. The Center will provide a professional atmosphere for employers to meet and recruit qualified candidates at no cost. The facility will be operated by Grant Associates on behalf of the NWIB. Job seekers will be supported throughout the job preparation process. Workforce training, certification, and literacy services will continue in partnership with NewarkWORKS and the Newark One Stop Career Center. Grant Associates’ Business Account Representatives will manage employer and job seeker matching services. For more information about Newark Jobs Connect, view on-line at www.newarkjobsconnect.com

Roundtable Wrap Up

“

What an extraordinary gathering for a full program of information, insight, inspiration, instruction, and interconnectivity at Montclair State University. It was a justifiably proud example of the brilliance of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series—providing an engaging focus on the many facets of vibrant businesses and their benefits for individual people and for our communities. Interconnections between good faith, good finances and good firms were instructively celebrated as exemplary churches, banks and businesses were all very well represented at the table. What a splendid Roundtable! May they lead many more.

“

Rev. Dr. Paul de Vries President of the NY Divinity School

“

”

Deborah E. Collins, Esq. Director, Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action

Maureen Tinen President UCEDC

”

To God be All the Glory! Pastor Kevin Smallwood

”

What a fabulous panel!!! I was honored to be in such company. We should take this show on the road.

It was my pleasure. The Positive Community did a phenomenal job bringing the whole program together. Thank you for the opportunity to share on this platform.

”

Everyone did a wonderful job with this event. There was a lot of positive energy in the room… looking forward to next year! Lowell Hawthone CEO Golden Krust Caribbean

“

”

The Positive Community’s recent economic and business development event at Montclair State University was so interesting and informative that I stayed much longer than I had planned. Most important, I left feeling as though it was time well-spent.”

“

It was my pleasure to participate and I am looking forward to doing more in the coming year. Thanks to The Positive Community team for putting on such a successful event. Alan Wyosnick SVP Wells Fargo Bank

”

Photos by: Vincent Bryant, Wali Amin Muhammad, Karen Waters and Herb Glenn

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

Scenes from the Business Roundtable at the

Darren Scott Dowdy, Razac Products Company

Lowell F. Hawthorne, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery

The Positive Community October 2014

Alan Wyosnick Wells Fargo & Company

Dennis M. Bone Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship MSU

Maureen Tinen UCEDC

Preston D. Pinkett III City National Bank

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Montclair State University Conference Center

Marjorie Perry MZM Construction Co., Inc.

Pastor Kevin Smallwood Two Fish & Five Loaves

Michelle Lee, Wells Fargo & Company

Hon. Donald Payne, U. S. Representative 10th Congressional District

John Harmon, African American Chamber of Commerce NJ

Rev. Guy Campbell General Baptist Convention, NJ

Moderator Dr. E. LeBrent Chrite MSU

Acknowledgements: We offer our deepest gratitude to Al Koeppe, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance; Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark; and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark for their vision and wisdom in the development of the NLRS. www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

Union Leaders Gather for Breakfast Photos: Seitu Oronde

NYC Comptroller John Liu, Hon. Inez Dickens and Hon. Robert Jackson

Stacy Lynch, Esq.

L–R: NY Amsterdam News Publisher Elinor Tatum, Stuart Applebaum, Hazel Dukes

Your community newspaper just got better Our online edition has a brand new look. Access New York’s best community news source, anytime from your laptop, smart phone or tablet and get: • Up-to-the-Minute Breaking News • Dynamic E-editions • Local Community Calendars • Editorials with local politicians and community leaders • Video and Radio coverage of important community events • Daily blogs • Facebook and Twitter feeds

Go to www.AmsterdamNews.com and keep up with the latest news in your community. 24

The Positive Community October 2014

Bill deBlasio

Bill Lynch III

he Amsterdam News and Bill Lynch Associates honored several people in the labor movement recently at its third annual Tying Communities Together Labor Breakfast at Harlem’s Alhambra Ballroom. Honorees were Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum; Executive Director of 1199SEIU Child Care Funds Vivian Fox; and President and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York David R. Jones. Among those in attendance were New York State Conference NAACP President Hazel Dukes, Stacy Lynch Esq., and Rev. Michael Waldron. Maria Castaneda, 1199SEIU Secretary-Treasurer gave the keynote speech. Several elected officials were also at the breakfast, including City Council Members Inez Dickens, Jumaane Williams and Robert Jackson, as well as Comptroller John Liu. Newly-elected Democratic candidate for mayor Bill de Blasio also made an appearance and spoke about unions and the labor movement. “Our mission is to restore the middle class, which has been not just slipping away gently, but is in danger of disappearing altogether,” de Blasio said. “The American labor movement created the middle class in this country. I look forward to doing all I can not only to respect and work with public sector labor, but to help build the private sector labor movement.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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October 2014 The Positive Community

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TEXTING AND DRIVING: SOLVING TODAY'S SCARIEST TECH PROBLEM

hile technology has undoubtedly improved our lives in countless ways, the reality is that it's made us less safe in many ways, as well. Consider recent revelations rocking the tech world: the National Security Agency spying on American citizens, hackers breaking into “smart” home automation systems, and worries about the iPhone 5S’ fingerprint sensor putting individual privacy at risk. But one of the most glaring examples of technology endangering our lives is also one of the most endemic to modern life: texting while driving. According to the National Safety Council, each year, over 100,000 accidents are caused by drivers texting while behind the wheel. A recent AT&T survey for ItCanWait.com found that 98% of respondents agreed that sending a text or email while driving was not

safe. But nearly half of those surveyed ing for all drivers; countless advertisstill admitted to doing just that. ing campaigns have bluntly and emoDig deeper and you'll find even tionally targeted texting and driving more staggering numbers. In 2011, behavior; and AT&T’s “It Can Wait” 3,331 people were killed in crashes campaign recently hiredif renowned What your compute CMIT is Your Technology Team involving a distracted driver, while documentary filmmaker Werner crashes and you can’t 387,000 people were injured. StudHerzog to direct a sobering short OUR SERVICES your customer inform ies routinely show that texting while film about the consequences of texCMIT Marathon - Service Plans driving increases the chance of an acting and driving. Go to www.theposiSecurity - Backup Solutions What if you suddenly cident by at least 23% — and can even tivecommunity.com to view the film, Disaster Recovery access email? be more dangerous than driving after surely it should be a wake-up call to Support Troubleshooting consuming -alcohol. Among teenag- anyone who texts while driving. Software & Hardware ers, in fact, more deaths occurred in CMIT Solutions cares about the Computer Networks infected with 2012 from -crashes involving texting safety of you, your family, and youra nasty v Hosting than crashes- Email, involvingServers, alcohol. Webbusiness. Contact us today to find out CMIT Anti-Spam Luckily, the public push to end more about ourWhat MobileifDevice Ac- a team you had this dangerous practice is reaching a ceptable Use Policy and why texting Voice Over IP (VOIP) professionals to take c fever pitch. Forty-one states and the and driving is one of thesystems biggest techso you c Consulting Services your District of Columbia ban text messagproblems we need to solve now. Payment Plans focus on your busines

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The Positive Community October 2014

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Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

All are Welcome Newark Schools Engage Parents and Community By Reginald Lewis Reginald Lewis is Executive Director of The Chad Foundation, an education policy and advocacy organization based in Newark, New Jersey.

Parent Portal Operational in many of the District’s 71 schools, parents can now access timely information about student attendance, grades, and assignments over a secure internet connection. At the PowerSchool Parent Portal, teachers and parents can communicate electronically about the progress of individual students and ways in which a child can be better supported in school. Parents no longer have to wait for the end of marking periods to receive report cards and/or a general status update on their children’s performance. Parents can create their own accounts by accessing PowerSchool at http://sis.nps.k12.nj.us/public. The portal will be available system wide by January 1, 2014.

School Snapshots for Families In addition to the Portal, parents have been introduced to School Snapshots, which provide a user-friendly overview of how a school is performing in several different areas, including test scores in reading, growth in academic performance, attendance, and graduation rates. Parents can find out how well their child’s school compares to the district as a whole. The Snapshots provide parents with a tool to assess the quality of instruction in their children’s classrooms, and if necessary, inform decisions when seeking options for better schools. The 2012 Snapshots can now be found on the NPS web site (www.nps.k12.nj.us).

omething new is happening at Newark Public Schools (NPS). Perceived for many years as unwelcoming, indifferent, and unresponsive to the interests of parents and the community, a number of efforts designed to strengthen school-community relationships have been launched recently. Led by a new Office of Family and Community Engagement, NPS is attempting to bolster ways to better connect parents, caregivers, and Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow concerned residents to the teaching and learning Excessive absences are a significant cause of low perDr. Calvin O. Butts III blessing his grandson at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem, NY formance in the primary grades, and aPhoto: strong process. Four initiatives are worth a closer look. Bobpredictor Gore continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2013 The Positive Community

CCNY Awards Nine President’s Community Scholarships

ine high-achieving students from Upper Manhattan and Bronx have received scholarships providing a free college education from the City College of New York (CCNY). Lisa S. Coico, CCNY president, introduced the scholarships in fall 2010 to strengthen the bond between the institution and the surrounding community. Scholars, 35 to date, are selected strictly on academic merit. "Each of the 2013 President's Community Scholars represents our neighboring communities. What better way to build upon the mission of City College than by supporting the area's brightest and most promising students," said President Coico. A number of individuals make the President’s Community Scholarships possible. A big thank you to Maurice and Lilian Barbash; Rudolph C. Brancati and Eugene F. Brancati, Jr.; Hugh F. Butts and family; Bernell K. Grier; Arthur J. Levin; Shade K. Little; Edward Mapp; Martin Schwartz; Ivan E. Stux; the estate of Else S. Rohner; the estate of Esther C. Wheeler, and the Sy and Ginny Levy Family Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation; Vera B. McKie; Marshall Rose; William Welk; Edward P. Henry; Del Rene Goldsmith; Ronnyjane Goldsmith and Howard K. Welsh.

The Positive Community October 2014

L–R Standing: Yaminel Calvo, Zalika Barnes, and Thomas Brown. Seated: Luis Puntiel, Sharendalle Suarez Murga, Dr. Coico, Erika Zhicay and Ines Alejandro (Not pictured) Louis Hernandez and Michael Turay

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Ines Alejandro, a biology major, is the first person in her immigrant family to attend college, and her goal is to study medicine. • Zalika Barnes was the valedictorian of the Frederick Douglass Academy Class of 2013, and is a biology major. • Thomas Brown is one of three Community Scholars from Frederick Douglass Academy this year. • Yaminel Calvo hopes to embark on a career as a guidance counselor or prison psychologist. • Louis Hernandez is a graduate of A. Philip Randolph Campus High School on the City College campus and plans to major in electrical engineering • Luis Puntiel graduated from the City College Academy of the Arts and received a scholarship for excellence in math and science. • Sharendalle Suarez Murga graduated from the City College Academy of the Arts and is a theatre major with a minor in psychology. • Michael Turay graduated Frederick Douglass Academy, as a standout in Lacrosse and sports editor of the school newspaper. • Erika Zhicay is contemplating a career as an art therapist and clinical psychologist. Visit www.thepositivecommunity.com for more about the scholarship recipients www.thepositivecommunity.com

Richard W. Roper Inducted to Rutgers Board of Governors

ichard W. Roper, president of the Roper Group, Public Policy Consulting and senior fellow and New Jersey field research analyst at the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, was inducted to the Rutgers Board of Governors at a recent meeting in Camden. Roper joins the board as a Public Governor chosen by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as part of the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act. The act expanded the university’s Board of Governors from 11 to 15 members, eight of whom are selected by the state’s governor. Roper’s term runs through June 2019. “We are delighted that Richard Roper’s distinguished history of service to Rutgers continues with his Board of Governors membership,” said Rutgers President Robert Barchi. “He has served many constituencies in the New JerseyNew York region through his professional and many civic activities and the university will benefit from his keen insight into the challenges and opportunities we face at The New Rutgers.”

In the civic arena, Roper currently serves on the board of trustees, The Fund for New Jersey; the board of directors of Brick City Development Corp.; New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute; La Casa de Don Pedro and Bethany Cares Inc.; the board of deacons, Bethany Baptist Church; and on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Leadership and Community Service Award from the Oranges and Maplewood unit of the NAACP; Edward P. Bullard Distinguished Alumnus Award from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School; New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Service Award; and Leadership Newark’s Founders Award. Established in 1766, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is America’s eighth-oldest institution of higher learning and one of the nation’s premier public research universities. Serving more than 65,000 students on campuses, centers, institutes and other locations throughout the state, Rutgers is the only public university in New Jersey that is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

Training for Adult Literacy Tutors Bethany Baptist Church 275 West Market Street • Newark, NJ 07103 Light refreshments served at 8:30

October 12th 9:00am until noon

October 19th

9:00am until 3:30pm Adult student literacy testing to be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 9:00am until 3:30pm 275 West Market Street Newark, NJ 07103 on Tuesday, November 12th at 4:00pm and on Wednesday, November 13th at 10:00am.

October 26th

Registration and material fee $40.00 due at the October 12th session.

For more information please contact the church office at 973-623-8161 or Deaconess Fullilove at 973-674-2349. www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

It’s happening at

Columbia in October

Monday, October 7

Wednesday, October 9

Café Columbia: The Robots Are ElfQuest: Origins and Coming, the Robots Are Coming! Innovations

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. 113th St.

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus

Speaker: Peter K. Allen, Columbia Robotics Laboratory. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes .columbia.edu.

Saturday, October 12

Football vs. Lehigh

Noon Robert K. Kraft Field, Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway

In celebration of Columbia’s recent acquisition of the ElfQuest archives, cre- For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or ators Wendy and Richard Pini join others visit www.gocolumbialions.com. in a conversation on the origins and innoSoccer Doubleheader vations of this long-running independent 5:30 p.m. comic. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 Columbia Soccer Stadium, Core Series: How Will the or visit www.library.columbia.edu/news/ Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Midtown Manhattan of exhibitions. Street and Broadway Tomorrow Look and Feel? 6:30 p.m. Before the ceremony, Columbia Women’s Friday, October 11 Wood Auditorium, 100 Avery, Morningside Soccer will kick-off against the Penn Stargazing and Lecture: How Big Quakers at 3:30. Columbia men’s soccampus is the Solar System? cer against Penn will begin at 7:00. Speakers: Michael Kimmelman, The New 8:00 p.m. Admission to both matches is free. For York Times; Kate Ascher and Andrew 301 Pupin, Morningside campus more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit Dolkart, Graduate School of Architecture, www.gocolumbialions.com. Speaker: Brian Levine, Columbia Planning and Preservation, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854- University. Lecture will be followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/ Monday, October 14 permitting. For directions, weather and events. Amiri Baraka’s Blues People at more info, visit http://outreach.astro Fifty: A Path-breaking Work on .columbia.edu. Tuesday, October 8

Lead Wars: The Politics of Science and the Fate of America’s Children

African-American Music

Friday, October 11 Saturday, October 12

Film Festival Noon and Symposium: Lehman Center, 406 International Affairs, Documentary Views of Morningside campus Taiwan 420 W. 118th St. 511 Dodge, Morningside campus Speaker: David Rosner, Mailman School of Public Health and Professor of History, Registration required. For registration and schedule, visit http://arts.columbia.edu/ Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, events/fall-2013/taiwan. For more info, Columbia University. For more info, call call (212) 854-7309 or visit www.library (212) 854-2927 or visit www.columbia .columbia.edu/news/exhibitions. .edu/cu/lehmancenter/seminars.

8:00 p.m. 622 Dodge, Morningside campus Speakers: Columbia professors William Harris, Department of History, Robert O’Meally, Department of English and Comparative Literature, and John Szwed, Department of Music. For more info, call (212) 851-9272 or visit www.jazz .columbia.edu/events/upcoming. Tuesday, October 15 Panel: Celebrating the Centennial of Composer Jerome Moss

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus

Shuttle Bus Service for the Elderly and Disabled Columbia provides a free ADA-accessible shuttle bus service for senior citizens and the disabled (including their attendants) via the Intercampus Shuttle. The service can be accessed near the following subway stations: 96th and Broadway, 116th and Broadway (Morningside campus), 125th and Broadway, 135th and Lenox (Harlem Hospital), and 168th and Broadway (Columbia University Medical Center). The shuttle runs on a regular schedule Monday through Friday except state and federal holidays. Riders must show an Access-A-Ride or Medicare card to board the bus. Visit www.transportation.columbia.edu/intercampus for info.

Tuesday, October 15

Film: Ecumenopolis: City Without Limits

1:00 p.m. 114 Avery, Morningside campus Director Imre Azem uses the story of a family’s struggle to find housing in Istanbul as a backdrop for the idea that cities around the world are expanding to such sizes that they will merge into one huge metropolitan area. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch .columbia.edu/events. Thursday, October 17 Tenth Anniversary Edward W. Said Memorial Lecture

6:15 p.m. The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus Lawyer and author Raja Shehadeh discusses how cages of categorization imprison Palestinians perhaps more than the physical matrix of borders, checkpoints and the Wall. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org. Friday, October 18 Urban Design Lecture Series: Engaging the Community

1:00 p.m. 114 Avery, Morningside campus Speakers: Eddie Bautista, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance, and Les Bluestone, Blue Sea Development Co. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events. Tuesday, October 22 Music at St. Paul’s:

Ulysses Kay Concert A panel discussion with Susanna Moross 6:00 p.m. Tarjan and composer Ron Ramin, who St. Paul’s Chapel, Morningside will speak about their fathers’ works as campus composers and orchestrators. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit www The Harlem Chamber Players present .library.columbia.edu/news/exhibitions. music by Ulysses Kay. An opportunity to view the exhibition Celebrating Composers: Bartók, Beeson, and a Host of Others in Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library will follow. For more info, call (212) 854-1487 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/music or www.harlemchamberplayers.org.

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.

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SUNDAY, NOV 3, 2013 12:30 p.m.–3 p.m. One Felician Way Rutherford, NJ

Questions? 201.355.1465 | admissions@felician.edu

Small College. Big Dreams. OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Oct. 20 th 10am - 2pm Power ful programs and oppor tunities for learning t h r o u g h a m a z i n g i n t e r n s h i p s i n N e w Yo r k C i t y. Minutes from World Trade Center

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National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Address: L-R Rev. General Secretary Calvin McKinney, President Julius Scruggs and 1st VP Rev. Jerry Young Photos: Vincent Bryant

he 133rd Session of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc took place this year in Charlotte, NC under the leadership of President Julius Scruggs and General Secretary Rev. Calvin McKinney. The Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. is the major business meeting of the boards, auxiliaries and member churches of the Convention and is held annually in September starting on Labor Day in various cities across the country. This meeting typically draws 20,000 or more delegates. The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (National Baptist Convention) is the largest predominantly African-American Christian denomination in the United States and is the world's second largest Baptist denomination. It is headquartered at the Baptist World Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The Convention reports having an estimated 7.5 million members. The 2012 edition of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches identifies it as the sixth largest Christian denomination in the United States, with 2010 membership of 5,197,512.

The MMBB Financial Services team: L- R Rev. William J. Key, Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper, Ms. Rose M. Harper, Rev. Clifton Morgan.

The Positive Community October 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

iS YouR ChuRCh SeaRChing FoR

aFFoRDaBle BeneFitS? Then this is a Book oF Revelation. Here’s something every Christian employer should know: offering retirement benefits for your employees is well within your reach. In fact, it’s quite affordable. Including social security benefits, career members can retire with as much as 82%* of their pre-retirement income. And others can retire handsomely, too. To learn more, send for our free guide, “The Christian employer’s guide to Affordable BeneFits,” or download it now at: MMBB.org/benefitsolutions. Or call 1-800-986-6222.

Real Planning, Real SolutionS. that’S ouR Calling. *Source: 2011 MMBB Retirement Survey. Based on participation in the Comprehensive Plan.

Delegate’s Luncheon General Baptist Convention Of NJ, Charlotte, NC

L–R: Rev. Paul Lee and Rev. Larry Marcus

Moderator, Rev. John Teabout

L–R: Dr. Hugh Dell Woods escorted by Dr. Soaries

Rev. Lester Taylor

Sis. Jackie Carter

Min. Aleatha Williams Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Keynote speaker, president GBCNJ Rev. Jerry Young, 1st VP NBC, USA Inc.

L–R: Reverends L.K. Curry, Lester Taylor, Larry McCall and William Shaw

L–R: Rev. Joseph P. Woods and First Lady Heather

L–R: Hon. Mildred Crump and Dr. DeForest Soaries

L–R: Moderator, Rev. Curtis Smith and First Lady Anna

L–R: Rev. Albert Morgan and Dr. Milton Hendrix

Rev. George Blackwell with First Lady Selena

L–R: Reverends Raheem Thomas, Edward Harper, H. Grady James, Alfonso Williams and L. K. Curry

L–R: Rev. Henry P. Davis, Rev. Ronald Owens and Adrian Council

The Positive Community October 2014

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Scenes from National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

Reverends Johnny McCann, Ronald Grant and Dr. Shellie Sampson, president Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY.

Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY Delegates Luncheon L–R: EMBC Site Coordinator Sis. Mae Henrie and Charlotte-based entrepreneur Joel Council

L–R: Adrian Council, Pastor John Scott and Pastor Jeffery Chrenshaw

L–R: Sis. Hastie Lowther, First Lady Patricia Butts, Sis. Gerri Warren Merrick

Rev. Reginald Williams and First Lady Sandra

Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: EMBC President Rev. Ronald Grant, First Lady Yonda with Rev. and Mrs. Timothy Winn of Ft. Worth, TX ABOVE: The Reverend and Mrs. Grant receive a surprise cake in celebration of the couple’s September birthdays and on the occasion of their 43rd wedding anniversary

L–R: Rev. Elgin J. Taylor and Moderator Lee Arrington

Rev. James Barnwell and First Lady Adrienne

L–R: Rev. Washington, with Reverends Reggie Bachus and Kris Erskine

L–R: Rev. Dr. Washington Lundy with First Lady Dorothy

L–R: Rev. Dr. Carl Washington with Rev. and Mrs. Phillip Elliot

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October 2014 The Positive Community

United Missionary Baptist Convention Inaugural Fellowship Breakfast Reception

nder the leadership of its president, Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, the United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ hosted their inaugural fellowship breakfast reception at the National Baptist Convention’s Annual Session in Charlotte, NC. Rev. Calvin McKinney, General Secretary of NBC, USA, Inc. was the Keynote speaker.

L–R: Rev. Andre Milteer, president Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater Newark & Vicinity with Rev. Shawn Wallace

L–R: Rev. McKinney, Dr. Perry Simmons and First Lady Emma Simmons Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: Rev. Willie Wilburn and First Lady Dr. Wanda Wilburn

Rev. Michael Jordan and First Lady Harriet

L–R: Reverends Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Calvin McKinney and Vernon Walton

L–R: Deacon Charles Deloach and Rev. Robert Morrast

Adrian Council addresses the meeting about cultural literacy and Emancipation Awareness

The Positive Community October 2014

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Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Gospel at Mt. Neboh Rev. Joan Brightharp and the Tones of Joy

ev. Joan J. Brightharp and the Tones of Joy opened for Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. On Sunday September 22nd, Mt. Neboh BC in Harlem where Rev. Johnnie M. Green is pastor, hosted a gospel extravaganza. Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Lee Williams, Rev. Joan Brightharp and Min. Cornelius Dargan

Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club offers an elegant atmosphere, overlooking the New York skyline from the 22nd floor, with second-to-none dining by our world-class chef. Discover our panoramic views for your corporate or social event by contacting (973) 242-0658 or info@MetroRoomNJ.com or visit www.MetroRoomNJ.com.

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October 2014 The Positive Community

3/1/13 1:43 PM

It’s a Family Thing CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE, JR. FOCUSES ON SERVICE TO HIS CONSTITUENTS BY R. L. WITTER

onald Payne, Jr. called me on an unseasonably warm September Saturday evening. Congress’ session for the day had just ended and the Congressman, audibly fatigued, was making good on his promise of a telephone interview. “I’m sorry I’m late,” he began. “The session ran long. Do you have time to talk to me now?” I could hear the sincerity in his voice as I reached for my digital recorder and the list of questions I wanted to ask. “I appreciate your time,” he said. Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. was elected to Congress in November 2012 in both a special election and general election following the untimely death of his father, the respected Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., who represented New Jersey’s 10th District for twenty-three years. “He was my father, my friend, my teacher, my mentor,” Payne, Jr. said. “People say my mannerisms and my demeanor remind them a great deal of him, so I’m really just a product of being with him. He’s had a great impact on me and really, without me even knowing it, he prepared me for this time in my life.” It seems that everything in the younger Payne’s life has been preparing him for this time and these challenges. Prior to his election to Congress, Payne, Jr. served as Newark Municipal Council President and Essex County Freeholder-at-Large. He was instrumental in bringing

38 The Positive Community

October 2013

Panasonic’s North American Headquarters with a $200 million office tower and an expected 1,000 permanent jobs to Newark. “The whole issue around jobs and the lack of them is a nationwide issue,” Payne explained. “I continue to try to work toward figuring out how we get this economy going again and create jobs that are going to allow people to have a decent wage and follow the American dream. So many of our jobs — manufacturing jobs that helped make the middle class so strong over the past 40 years — have diminished. So it’s trying to figure out what the next great economic engine in the U.S. is going to be.” And he is striving to help lesser-served communities with unemployment as well. “I have a green jobs bill that would allow companies to get matching funds in a grant for hiring people in low-income areas in the green industry. That way they’d be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.” Payne emits a quiet strength and a sense of deliberateness, and he came by them honestly. “It goes back to my father and our upbringing,” he reflected. “It’s been the only example I’ve had in my life and I was very fortunate that he was very good at it and dedicated his life to being a humanitarian and fighting for just causes, so the example is so great and has been so successful that I don’t see how I could not want to try to emulate that and do things that I saw him do.” The Congressman has hit the ground running and found his stride, serving on two congressional committees. “I serve www.thepositivecommunity.com

on Homeland Security and Small Business. My work in the city [of Newark] on the Municipal Council was around job creation, so small business is an integral part and a major issue for me. Homeland Security, interestingly enough, I came into because I realized that there was no one from New Jersey on Homeland Security at all, so it gave me a unique opportunity to have leverage in terms of moving the state forward and being involved with first responders.” His days on the City Council made Payne very familiar with the Newark Police and Fire Departments, and his interactions with them increased his understanding and appreciation for the selfless and often dangerous jobs they do. “I really have become a champion for first responders. It’s not a normal thing to run toward danger; human instinct is to avoid it, to run away and save yourself. But these people take the total opposite tact of running toward and saving other people. So I think we have a great responsibility to make sure they have the equipment, wherewithal and training and make sure that they are the best prepared for these incidents and also to make sure that they come home at the end of the day.” Payne currently has a piece of legislation in the Homeland Security Committee that deals with preparedness for grammar schools and daycare centers. “During Superstorm Sandy we didn’t really have an issue with that, but you know the tornados in Oklahoma came through during school time and we saw what happened at two schools in that area. We need to do some mapping of daycare centers because a lot of times these are private centers, sometimes in homes or office buildings, and first responders don’t know that they’re there.” He has also been busy with legislation on gun control. “Earlier this year I proposed some legislation that never saw the light of day; it was a gun buyback program that targeted the 10 most used guns in street crime and violent crime and would’ve allowed the government to purchase the guns back at a 25 percent markup of the retail value of the firearm,” he explained. “But naturally, it never saw the light of day because of the NRA and house leadership not wanting to do anything on gun control. Unfortunately, until

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we’re [Democrats]in the majority, those types of things won’t come to even be discussed.” Recognizing the obstacles conservative Republicans have placed in the path of progress, Payne issued a call to his constituents and African American people nationwide. “We need all hands on deck and all hands in on this issue, because there is definitely a move afoot in this nation to go backwards. You see it across the board, not only in education but also in voting rights, obviously, and many things that we fought for in this nation and it looks like we’re going to have to take the fight back up because it looks like some of the extremists are saying ‘you’ve had your 50 years and now it’s time to put things back in order.’ And we just can’t allow that,” he said with conviction. “It’s another attack on the President and it’s amazing how he is treated as the President and as a man.” Congressman Payne recalled an exchange he and President Obama shared at the Congressional Black Caucus banquet. “I just told him that the courage and dignity he demonstrated through all of this is admirable and a real testament to who he is. He thanked me and patted me on my back, and said he appreciated the encouraging words. We can’t allow them to turn the clock back. We have to continue to keep the fight up and in the face of all this revisionism, just continue to push forward.” And he continues to push forward with an impressive family tradition of education and public service providing wind for his wings. His uncle, William Payne and cousin, Craig Stanley were both assemblyman. William Payne was the sponsor of the racial profiling legislation in New Jersey, and both men sponsored the Amistad legislation that urged New Jersey to incorporate African American History into the year-round social studies curriculum. “My two sisters are teachers; that was my father’s first vocation. So across our family, there is a thing with trying to do right by people,” the Congressman explained. Looking ahead, Payne plans to continue serving his community and add to his family’s legacy of public service. “I’m focused on the job I have. I’m really not looking to move up, but if I continue to do the work that I do, then the opportunity could present itself. I’m trying to be the best Congressperson I can be.” He continued, “I think most of all I want to leave a legacy that shows that I worked for the most vulnerable people, the most underserved — those without a voice. That’s what my father did and I think that’s been our family mantra. And that’s what public service is about. So everything I really try to do is with the purpose of achieving that goal and making sure that those whom I represent have a better life. I appreciate the faith my constituents have in me in allowing me to represent them. I’m working hard every day on their behalf.” October 2013 The Positive Community

Health

P R E V E N T I O N , T R E AT M E N T & C U R E

Darrell K. Terry: Care Matters

arrell K. Terry is Chief Operating Officer at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of NJ. As part of Barnabas Health network, The Beth has been ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the United States for specialty care in cardiology and heart surgery. And so there are many slogans associated with the institution including: “world class services, compassionate care,” “taking pediatrics personally” and “specialized care for every individual.” However, if a personal slogan is written for Terry it could simply read: “it’s not just a job; it’s personal.” For Terry, being COO is much more than just keeping the institution fiscally sound, creating greater quality

40 The Positive Community

October 2013

By Glenda Cadogan

care and a high level of patient satisfaction. With a life history that intertwines at various levels with The Beth, he personally shoulders a “greater sense of responsibility” to make the institution live up to its standard of being New Jersey’s healthcare system of choice. Raised in East Orange, NJ, Terry is one of but a handful of people who in birth, death and marriage, has a Beth story. He was born at The Beth, two of his four children were also born there, he met his wife there and several of his family members have died there. Now as he sits in a C-level position chair, his history is his inspiration. “I think it is incumbent upon me to make sure that this place can be around for the next 111 years,” he says. Incidentally, the very reason Terry entered the healthcare field can be attributed to the care his mother received at a hospital. After five years of working in the healthcare system while in college, Terry left the field to pursue another career. But then his mother, who had raised Terry and is three brothers by herself, fell ill and was hospitalized at Orange Memorial Hospital. “The doctors and nurses there took such good care of my mother that they influenced me to return to the field,” he recalled. As a result, he became a volunteer at the hospital. “I liked being in the healthcare environment and doing good. I felt as though I was part of a team that was helping to make people better.” Now with more than 30 years experience in healthcare and healthcare administration, Terry has worked with three major healthcare organizations in New Jersey, starting at the information desk and working his way through the ranks from operations manager to corporate director, vice president and senior vice president. By the time he took over as COO at NBIMC in April of 2011, Terry was already part of the management team and was well informed about the existing challenges. But now the biggest challenge facing the institution sat squarely on his shoulders. The question, he says, is: “How www.thepositivecommunity.com

do you provide excellent healthcare to an underserved, under insured and uninsured population?” He addressed this challenge by focusing on wellness and prevention. “Our aim is to keep people well and out of the hospital instead of treating episodic illness as they come into the emergency department,” he says. In accomplishing this goal, he and his management team designed a series of award-winning wellness programs that have gained national attention. The first was The Beth Challenge, which was initially designed as a morale booster for employees. “About 600 employees participated in the first Beth Challenge and we lost about 3,000 pounds,” Terry explained. “This was then the impetus behind the creation of an employee fitness center, a state-of-the art facility available to all employees.” Since 2009, hospital employees and community residents, including members of six churches located in a five block radius of the hospital have lost more than 15,000 pounds. The Kids Fit program targets children from Pre -K to 8th grade. It provides nutrition education to 1,500 children and their families at Maple Avenue School and George Washington School (including the Bruce Street School for deaf children) located across the street from NBIMC and CHoNJ. The third wellness program is The Beth Garden. Located across the street from the medical center, it provides staff and area residents with affordable organic vegetables, fruits and herbs along with nutrition education. NBIMC is a 673-bed regional care, teaching hospital established in 1901 and provides comprehensive health

Darrell Terry with Dr. Fred Cohen and his daughter, Dr. Allice Cohen. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is home to the first hospital based cancer center. Dr. Fred Cohen opened the center 50 years ago. Today, Dr. Cohen’s daughter, Dr. Alice J. Cohen directs the Cohen Cancer Center.

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In the community with Newark Municipal Council member Ras Baraka

care services to its local communities. It is a major referral and treatment center for patients throughout the northern New Jersey metropolitan area. The institution has over 300,000 outpatient visits and 25,000 admissions annually and is home to New Jersey’s only lung transplant center, one of the top three heart transplant programs in the country and an award winning cardiac and cardiac surgery program. Last year, NBIMC and CHoNJ were among five hospitals nationwide to receive the NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association for “The Beth Embraces Wellness: An Integrated Approach to Prevention in the Community.” In Terry’s vision and plan for the future, NBIMC will be the premier healthcare provider in the state of New Jersey. “But also important for the future is our Children’s hospital,” Terry explained. “As our state undergoes financial challenges, many hospitals have had to reduce or eliminate their pediatric services. I am very proud that at The Beth we have been able to maintain and increase our children’s services including pediatric cardiac surgery. My aim is to create a culture of wellness in our immediate community where people know that it is not okay to drink sodas and eat potato chips. I want people to eat better, exercise more and take responsibility for their health, but they need to be educated so they know what and how to do it.” As one of a handful of African Americans in such a position at a large hospital, Terry has shouldered the responsibility of helping to reduce of the disparities in the healthcare system. “When we look at senior management, across the board there are not a lot of African American leaders,” he pointed out. “It’s important for us to be at the table so we can play a major role in stemming the tide of the kinds of illnesses that are prevalent in our communities.” With a commitment to wellness and giving every patient the excellent care they deserve, perhaps the slogan to best describe Terry’s leadership style is: “quality over quantity and prevention instead of intervention.”

October 2013 The Positive Community

The Affordable Care Act What’s in ObamaCare for You

n March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. The law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that are rolling out over four years and beyond. Already, the Affordable Care Act has benefitted the nearly 85% of Americans who already have insurance: • 3.1 million young adults have gained coverage through the parents’ plans • 6.6 million seniors are paying less for prescription drugs • 105 million Americans are paying less for preventative care and no longer face lifetime coverage limits • 13.1 million Americans have received rebates from insurance companies • 17 million children with pre-existing conditions no longer denied coverage or charged extra Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will provide millions of uninsured African Americans an opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. The following provides an overview of the coverage and benefits available to African Americans today and those made possible by the Health Insurance Marketplace. • 6.8 million uninsured African Americans, including 3 million African American women, will have new opportunities for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

• The Marketplace is a destination where consumers can compare insurance options in simple, easy to understand language. At the Marketplace, consumers will be able to compare insurance options based on price, benefits, quality and other factors with a clear picture of premiums and cost-sharing amounts to help them choose the insurance that best fits their needs. • Consumers may be eligible for free or low cost coverage, or advance premium tax credits that lower monthly premiums right away. Individuals with higher incomes (up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or $94,200 for a family of four) will be eligible for premium tax credits to purchase coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace. • States have new opportunities to expand Medicaid coverage to include Americans with family incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (generally $31,322 for a family of four in 2013). This expansion includes adults without dependent children living at home. These adults have not previously been eligible in most states. • Starting in 2014, over 390,000 African American women who currently buy coverage in the individual market will gain maternity coverage, as part of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for plans to cover essential health benefits.

Though open enrollment began on October 1, 2013, these new benefits don’t take effect until January 1, 2014. And while there have been some problems with the website, getting healthcare insurance and all of the benefits Obamacare allows for, it is well worth the trouble, so try, try again. There is still plenty of time. Go to www.healthcare.gov

The Positive Community October 2014

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Meet a Surgical Oncologist with a Soft, Caring Touch By Maryann Brinley

“T

Caring for Breast Cancer Patients at University Hospital

he best part of what I do is the effect I can have on patients,” says breast cancer surgeon Ogori N. Kalu, MD. “They are devastated when they come to see me. In their minds, they have nowhere to go, no knowledge of what is happening to them, and so many questions. I guide them, treat them and take them through their journeys. It means so much to them to have someone treat them in a kind way and explain their disease process in simple terms. For me, the reward of seeing them so grateful, so happy…I can’t even put my feelings into words.” Calm, reassuring, and wise-beyond-her-years – she is not yet 40 – Dr. Kalu always knew she wanted to become a physician. A surgeon and oncologist now at University Hospital (UH), this assistant professor in the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Surgery is a first-generation American, born to parents who came from Nigeria. “I grew up in Queens,” she says. Her father was an economics professor and her mother was a pharmacist. The second of four children, she recalls, “Science was there in our household from the very beginning. And my mother helped to nurture the idea of me becoming a doctor. My favorite game as a child was ‘Operation.’” Dr. Kalu, whose last name means “god of thunder” in the mythology of the Igbo people of Nigeria, laughs easily about whatever significance that may have, if any. “My family is part of the Igbo ethnicity,” she says, “So it’s always an interesting topic of discussion.” A 2004 graduate of New York Medical College, where she also earned a Master’s in biochemistry, Dr. Kalu points to her mother’s leukemia diagnosis and subsequent death during her first year of medical school as pivotal in her decision to become a surgical oncologist. “It was tough and definitely shaped my outlook. I had already fallen in love with surgery and gross anatomy, but knew then that I wanted to do something in cancer, too.” She completed a residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where the urban environment and patient population are similar to Newark. “It was there

The Positive Community October 2014

that I became aware of cancer, especially breast cancer in young women and particularly minorities.” At UH since June 2012, Dr. Kalu likes the “academic environment and the research opportunities. I am actively starting a study on triple negative breast cancer here in this community and another study on the benefits of self-breast exams.” Nationally, on average, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50. However, the rate for invasive breast cancer among younger women is growing. “The youngest patient I ever treated was only 28. That was about two years ago. The question is why are more young women getting breast cancer? We don’t know the answer to that and this is an active part of my research,” Dr. Kalu says. To prepare for this part of her career, she spent a year (2009-2010) earning a fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center in California, studying the prevalence of aggressive breast cancer among African-American women. “It was a great experience and really started me on this research journey.” In Newark, Dr. Kalu is expanding the breast cancer center that is an extension of the University Hospital’s Women’s Health Initiative. She is also planning more education and community outreach programs to encourage more self-breast examinations, early detection and preventive care. And while research and public health initiatives are high on her to-do list, patients are still central to her practice. Take the young woman she is still treating for Stage 2 breast cancer. “Just 30 years old, she had been bounced from doctor to doctor for a mass in her armpit. Someone treated her with antibiotics thinking she had an infection. But it never got better,” Dr. Kalu says. The patient ended up in the plastic surgery offices there at the medical center where a doctor insisted that she see a breast surgeon. Not only did she have a lump under her arm, but there was also a mass in her breast and she had a family history of breast cancer. “She has gone through her surgery but is a young wife who was concerned about being able have children. And while her treatment is not yet complete, the good news is: she is pregnant.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

“We are passionate about getting you the best care.” George Ingram, Horizon NJ Health

Horizon NJ Health is a compassionate and caring organization with employees who clearly understand the needs of the people they serve in New Jersey. We’re here to guide and assist you to get the health care you and your family needs. If you are on Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, or are uninsured, Horizon NJ Health can help. To enroll, visit HorizonNJHealth.com or call 877-765-4325 (TDD/TTY: 1-800-654-5505).

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

Stumble No More here are many stumbling blocks that hinder or block forward progression and growth within our spiritual lives. Stumbling blocks such as fear, unforgivingness, and esteem issues tend to keep us from experiencing the fruit of the spirit and a closer relationship with the Father through the Son. Stumbling blocks also prevent us from achieving our physical fitness and health goals. Lack of discipline, motivation, and commitment are all stumbling blocks that keep us from losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising consistently. When we are willing to deal with these issues that cause us to stumble and miss the mark, I believe that we are then able to move forward and achieve our goals both spiritually and physically. Here are some tips to help you overcome the obstacles that tend to block your pursuit of a healthy and fit lifestyle: Stick to the same daily menu. Most diet books provide you with a variety of food, so you don’t get bored. However, most fit people have only a handful of healthy spreads that are their go-to meals. They find something healthy they love and look forward to, and they stick to it.

Eat breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. By fueling your body with a healthy meal first thing, you jump start your metabolism. When you skip breakfast, your metabolism slows and ends up holding on to fat when you do eat. Stay Hydrated. Our bodies often confuse thirst for hunger. Staying hydrated helps you avoid overeating and unnecessary snacking. More importantly, water enables your mind and body to function properly. Eat Whole Foods. Whole foods should make up 80 percent of your daily caloric intake. Processed foods, even the lowfat/low-calorie, seemingly healthy options, have unhealthy ingredients. Aim to eat clean 80 percent of the time, and keep processed foods to a minimum. Educate Yourself. Become a food expert. Read up on nutrition, learn what you’re putting in your body, and start reading labels. The more you know about ingredients, calories

46 The Positive Community

October 2013

and serving sizes, the more likely you are to make healthy choices. HAVE a diet instead of going ON a diet. Be a careful (not obsessive!) eater. Find healthy foods you enjoy and maintain a diet you can live with, rather than restricting yourself to a rigid diet. Buy healthy food. This one’s simple! If you can’t resist it, STOP buying it! Fill your home with healthy options you enjoy. Have them readily available–fruits and veggies washed, cut, etc.–to make healthy choices easy. Close the kitchen. Choose a time that you will officially stop eating at night. Food is fuel, and you don’t need to fuel your body for rest. Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bed for a better sleep and a flatter tummy in the morning. Be a polite, yet picky eater at restaurants. Don’t be afraid to ask for adaptations to your meal when ordering out. Substitute a side of fries for a side of veggies, or ask that the chef hold the butter when preparing your food. If you ask politely, restaurants are usually happy to oblige. Tips Courtesy of: Chalene Johnson, a SpryLiving.com healthy living expert. The truth about stumbling blocks is that we can overcome them, Thank God! If we are willing to face these obstacles with a conquering spirit and resolve to live well, these issues will no longer be a stumbling block or hindrance within our lives. Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another.(Romans 14:13) Save the Date: The It Is Well Spiritual and Physical Exercise and Wellness Retreat on May 30–31,2014 in beautiful Stony Point, New York. For more details call 732-921-374 #itiswell 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

Protecting women’s health for generations. When breast cancer runs in the family, early detection is crucial for all women. That’s why so many turn to the breast care specialists at Englewood Hospital. Designated by Congress as a national model for breast cancer diagnosis and management, we have the region’s premier breast care center. We detect more early-stage breast cancer than most other NJ hospitals, delivering rapid, highly accurate diagnoses – often without surgery. Our groundbreaking 3D imaging technology is especially useful with dense or nodular breast tissue. For increased-risk patients, our High Risk Breast Cancer Program provides genetic counseling, testing, risk assessment and emotional support, while our Certified Breast Patient Navigator is there to guide you through every step, from diagnosis through treatment. You can also receive same-day screening and results at our breast care facility in Emerson. Schedule your mammogram appointment today at 201-894-3202 or online at englewoodhospital.com.

Patient portrayal

Culture M U S I C ,

A R T

Something That Was Meant to Be he TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival is a mouthful of a title, and that’s because so many people are involved in crafting this week-long celebration of America’s classical music. NJPAC and WBGO are copresenters. It’s one of the latest activities in which Dorthaan Kirk has a major involvement. It’s part of a life in jazz with roots that go deep and grow wide. As the widow of arguably one of the most exciting saxophone soloists in jazz history, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, she is the dynamic keeper of a legacy that has placed her in positions that have surprised even her.

George Writ

Dorthaan Kirk

Bright Beginnings Dorthaan grew up in Houston, Texas, where she heard and enjoyed Blues, Jazz, Country and Western and Big Band music. If there was a big concert in town, you might go downtown to the big concert hall, but you could get your fill of music right in your neighborhood. “Some of my friends were older, and they more-or-less smuggled me into a few places,” she recalled. She had just turned 17 in 1955 when she left Houston to attend college in Los Angeles, and again the music was everywhere. “They had matinees on Sunday afternoons and on Sunday morning they had breakfast jams. It was as natural for us to go to listen to jazz back then as it is for the young people today to go and hear hip-hop.” As with hip-hop, they had a sort of East Coast-West Coast rivalry going; but Dorthaan really had no preference; if she liked it she liked it.

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October 2013

L I T E R AT U R E

‘Newark’s First Lady of Jazz’ hits the right notes By g.r. mattox

Her first husband was a big jazz fan and together they had three daughters. They were also a part of a network of homes around the country where musicians knew they could go to get a good home-cooked meal. Dorthaan loved to cook and she already had to cook for her husband and kids anyway. After meeting Rahsaan Roland Kirk around 1963, he became one of the musicians who enjoyed some of Dorthaan’s cooking. In a 2012 interview with Sylvia Levine Leitch, she described what made Rahsaan stand out from other musical guests she hosted in her home. “Rahsaan was different because he was so visual — even though he was sightless (he did not like the word ‘handicapped’). It was like ‘WOW!’ So I got to know him. And the girls got to know him before we were all a family. He loved kids and ended up being like a father to my girls.” When Rahsaan and Dorthaan married, they moved east, first to Philadelphia and finally settling in East Orange. “Rahsaan wanted to be as close as he could possibly be to New York. His horn shops were there. Then there was the music,” she remembered. “He had lived in East Orange previously so he was familiar with the area. He would take the #88 bus to New York. A lot of cops at Port Authority knew him and would get him a cab.” Coming home he would call in advance and Dorthaan or her daughters along with their Doberman would meet him at the bus stop. She got a real grounding in jazz history from accompanying her husband to record stores at home and wherever they traveled. She had to read every word from the record covers to him, and the words stuck with her. The Jazz Ambassador Rahsaan died in December, 1977, leaving Dorthaan in charge of his music. Two months later at the insistence of old friend Steve Robinson, she had a sit-down with Robert Ottenhoff, who was starting a commercial-free traditional www.thepositivecommunity.com

jazz radio station in Newark, an alternative to then-popular more contemporary (and commercial) WRVR in New York. Because she knew every musician that existed as well as all the record companies, she became the third person hired at what is now WBGO. As Special Events and Programs coordinator, she represents the music and the station in the community, creating programs for jazz fans of all ages. She values the musicians as artists in her life and career continues to be one of the station’s most valuable assets. “It was something that was meant to be,” she says of the creation of what is America’s best jazz station. Jazz in the Church? When the Rev. Dr. William Howard was called to pastor Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church in 2000, he saw a way to turn a poorly-attended Saturday service into something out of the ordinary. For that he called on church member Dorthaan Kirk. “He seemed to know about me before I ever knew he existed, so I guess he was planning for me to be involved in it,” she explained. “It” was a Jazz Vespers program, which met with frowns from some of the parishioners. Dr Howard invited Bethany members to a Jazz Vespers in New York. “He wanted to show them it was a viable church service and the only thing different from a regular service was the type of music,” she recalled. With opposition still lingering, he put Dorthaan in charge of bringing in artists for this program. Now in its 14th season, attendance now averages about 200 people. Depending on the artist, such as this past January, when she brought in drummer Cecil Brooks III and special guest Bill Cosby, the sanctuary can overflow. “Over the years we have established something that the community at-large looks forward to,” she said. “Another thing Vespers has done is reunite people that have not seen each other in years. It’s a place for people to fellowship, get the Word, have some good food and hear great music. With jazz clubs for the most part closed up and limited opportunities to hear live music in more intimate settings, it’s like what I imagine at places like the Key Club in its heyday.” Jazz Vespers has caused another innovation at Bethany: during the month of August when all the choirs are on vacation, Dorthaan brings in jazz musicians for the Sunday morning service. A Pact with ‘PAC Dorthaan watched the neighborhood surrounding WBGO’s Park Place address change from wretched to remarkable. With the building of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, there was an opportunity to bring high-quality entertainment to the city. When John Schreiber became president and CEO of NJPAC last year, he wanted to expand programming and that entertainment included jazz, both in the concert hall and in the community. And where there’s jazz in Newark, there’s Dorthaan Kirk. With WBGO co-presenting the TD James

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Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival for the second year, there is an opportunity to offer entertainment that is accessible to the community, and Schreiber says Dorthaan is doing her usual great work to support the festival as she serves as an advocate for the jazz revival in the city. The festival kicks off November 4 at Bethany Baptist Church with saxophonist Jimmy Heath. There will be something happening every day, ending with the finals of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition on November 10. Dorthaan’s Place Along with launching the inaugural year of the Moody festival last year, Dorthaan and Schreiber, who dubbed Dorthaan “Newark’s First Lady of Jazz,” thought up the idea of a jazz brunch to be held at NJPAC. Further strengthening the relationship between WBGO, NJPAC and the community, Shreiber thought the brunch would be a fun way to bring all three together. His best idea was to name the brunch for the friend and advisor he has known for 37 years “I had a really good feeling about Dorthaan’s Place from the moment we thought it up,” he said. “Musicians and jazz fans know that Dorthaan has the best taste in music and a truly charismatic personality. Those traits made her the ideal hostess for the series.” Regarding the name of the brunch Dorthaan revealed, “I’ve never been speechless, but I was absolutely stunned. That was the farthest thing from my mind. I was absolutely thrilled.” Last year they held four monthly jazz brunch jam sessions at NJPAC’s NICO Kitchen+ Bar and they had to turn people away. “It did so well they upped the number of programs to six this year, with two separate sets.” The doors of Dorthaan’s Place will open for its second season on Sunday, November 10 at 11a.m. with the Paquito D’Rivera Quartet. There’s an hour for eating and fellowship, then the music starts at noon. The repeat seating and performance starts at 1 p.m. At home with Dorthaan When she can find the time, she still likes to cook for her family, which now includes five grandchildren. “That’s the other part of me —family. I love what I do and all this stuff is great and it’s necessary and all that — but ultimately I’m really happy when I don’t have on my ‘false face’ (make-up), I’m in some old clothes and in that kitchen cooking.” One of her signature dishes is a chicken curry that she got from a couple in Canada who came from the Middle East. “Most of my life I’ve planned and planned, and ultimately God had another plan for me,” she mused. “None of these things I do had anything to do with me going to the person or saying ‘I would like to do this.’” It just came to me. I always make plans, but the man upstairs sometimes — many times — has different plans for us. His plans have been far more than I’d ever dreamed of.” October 2013 The Positive Community

Harlem Inspired! Benefit Concert Yolanda Adams, Regina Belle & Others Sing In Support of HCCI!

Harlem Inspired! Band with Minister Melody Moore

Photos: Seitu Oronde

n Saturday, September 14, 2013, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) hosted its first Harlem Inspired! Benefit Gospel Concert. The event was the kick-off for a concert series that will feature known and local talent and testimony to help support the programs of HCCI. The event was held at the newly renovated First Corinthian Baptist Church in their Performing Arts Sanctuary in Harlem, New York. Crowds lined around the block to attend this star-studded Harlem affair. Yolanda Adams gave an inspired performance and rounded out the evening with encouraging words of praise through song. HCCI’s Board Chair, Dr. Charles Curtis recognized the members and thanked everyone for supporting the event. HCCI President & CEO Derek Broomes thanked sponsors: Chase Bank; M&T Bank; WinnResidential; H&N Insurance Agency and Financial Group, Inc.; Nest Restaurant; Benchmark Title Agency, LLC; Chocolat Restaurant; GAD Cleaners and others for their support. HCCI is a diverse interfaith consortium of congregations established to revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, and spiritual conditions of the Harlem community. HCCI has made a substantial impact on the social and living conditions prevalent in Harlem by developing low to moderate income housing; creating supportive health and human service facilities and programs; providing commercial development opportunities to local businesses; and expanding cultural programs.

Yolanda Adams L–R: Rev. Michael Walrond, senior pastor, First Corinthian Baptist Church with guest and Vaughn Harper

Regina Belle and Gaye Arbuckle

Liz Black, Host

John Stanley with singers

Rev. Keith Branch and The Branch Company

L–R: Malcolm Punter, EVP/HCCI; Derek Broomes, president/CEO, HCCI; Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D., HCCI Board; Dr. Charles A. Curtis, chair, HCCI; Regina Belle; Rev. Keith Roberson, HCCI Board; Rev. Gwendolyn Watts, HCCI Board; Carlisa BrownSimmons, VP Corporate Relations HCCI The Positive Community October 2014

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Don’t miss out on the magic!

One Center Street, newark, nJ

Mariinsky Orchestra Valery Gergiev • 10/13

Kirk Franklin • 10/18

The Temptations and The Four Tops • 11/2

Jazz Meets Samba Sérgio Mendes • 11/8

Sing, Swing, Sing! Dianne Reeves • 11/9

Mike Epps • 11/15

The Apollo Theater’s Ellington at Christmas with Savion Glover • 12/8

Cirque Éloize • 12/13

Mary Mary • 12/15

9 Portrait of Duke with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks 9 Sing, Swing, Sing!: Dianne Reeves and more 10 Dorthaan’s Place: Paquito D’Rivera 10 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition 10 Forever Tango 14 Movies That Matter: A Place At The Table 15 Mike Epps 22 Bonnie Raitt / Marc Cohn 23 Aladdin and Other Enchanting Tales 23 Freestyle & Old School Extravaganza 24 Tommy Tune 24 Come Fly With Me: The Sammy Cahn Centennial Concert

December 2013 Dec 5 Kenny Rogers Christmas Tour Dec 7 SalsaPalooza™: Andy Montañez, Grupo Niche, Jerry Rivera Dec 8 The Apollo Theater’s Ellington At Christmas with Savion Glover and more Dec 11 Holiday Express Dec 13 Up-Close and Personal: On Stage with Alan and Marilyn Bergman Dec 13 Cirque Éloize Dec 14 Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Dec 15 Dorthaan’s Place: Cecil Brooks III Dec 15 Mary Mary

2013–14 Season at a glance OctOber 2013 Oct 13 Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra Oct 13 Lesley Gore Oct 17 Don Rickles Oct 18 Kirk Franklin NOvember 2013 Nov 2 Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not Be Silent Nov 2 The Temptations / The Four Tops Nov 2 Tony DeSare Nov 3 Paul Robeson Remembered Nov 4 The Jimmy Heath Quartet Nov 5 A Celebration of Amiri Baraka’s “Blues People” at 50 Nov 7 A Good Place: Celebrating Lorraine Gordon and The Village Vanguard Nov 7 Chicago Nov 8 Jazz Meets Samba: Sérgio Mendes and more

Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov

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Faith is his Focus REV. LEE ARRINGTON BY GLENDA CADOGAN For we walk by faith, not by sight—2 Corinthians 5:7 his month, the member churches of the United Missionary Baptist Association of New York and Vicinity (UBMA) will gather for their annual conference under the theme, “Perseverance of the Saints.” The theme is a fitting tribute to the life and work of Rev. Lee Arrrington, moderator of the association, who for the past six years has steered the ship with persistent effort. The pastor of Paradise Baptist Church, Arrington was elected as moderator of UBMA in 2008 and under his four point plan, created a greater fellowship among the body, fed the hungry, clothed the naked and educated the masses. Now, after serving two successful terms, Rev. Arrington will deliver his final annual address and hand over the reins of leadership to the newly elected moderator. In retrospect, Rev. Arrington points to the fact that he was able to establish a conference on Christian education as the high point of his tenure. “Christian education was the main thrust of my administration,” he explained. “We set out to get people to a place where they understand what it means to be a servant of the Lord in their community. I believe that we accomplished this goal and

The Rev. and Mrs. Lee Arrington

a lot of people have benefited from the information they received at these conferences.” Additionally, as moderator, Rev. Arrington has been able to forge a greater unity among the 114 active churches in the 58 year-old-organization. “What I want people to remember most about

“Christian education was the main thrust of my administration,” he explained. “We set out to get people to a place where they understand what it means to be a servant of the Lord in their community. I believe that we accomplished this goal and a lot of people have benefited from the information they received at these conferences.” Additionally, as moderator, Rev. Arrington has been able to forge a greater unity among the 114 active churches in the 58 year-old-organization. “What I want people to remember most about my leadership is that I reached across borders and bridged the gaps that separated us,” he said. 52 The Positive Community

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COVERSTORY He is thankful for the support he has received from many corners Rev. Arrington with Robert Jackson, NYC Councilmember Arrington was honored for his leadership at the United Missionary Baptist Association annual banquet.

throughout his term as moderator and mentioned especially his good friend, Rev. Reginald Williams, pastor of the Charity Baptist Church in the Bronx. Williams was his campaign manager prior to his election and both he and his church members have been unwavering in their assistance. my leadership is that I reached across borders and bridged the gaps that separated us,” he said. UBMA was established in 1955 with the aim of strengthening the bonds between Baptist congregations in New York City and surrounding areas. Currently, membership is approximately 161 churches, of which 114 are active. Its quarterly sessions are hosted in turn by participating churches with the annual session and election of new officers taking place every October. As he closes the curtains on this leg of his journey, Rev. Arrington is also reflective about the lessons he has learned. The most impactful has been about human nature. “What I take away from my six years of service is a greater understanding of people,” he said. “This has helped me to become a more caring preacher and a better leader.” He is thankful for the support he has received from many corners throughout his term as moderator and mentioned especially his good friend, Rev. Reginald Williams, pastor of the Charity Baptist Church in the Bronx. Williams was his campaign manager prior to his election and both he and his church members have been unwavering in their assistance. Arrington is effusive in his thanks and devotion to his wife, Patricia. “My wife has been my main critic and strongest supporter. She has encouraged me every step of the way and thus I have been a better leader. It is her love, and the support of my family and home church that have helped to shape my ministry.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Rev. Arrington, First Lady Patricia, Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Jr. president, Baptist Minister Conference of Greater New York & Vicinity and Rev. Ronald Grand, president, Empire Missionary Baptist Association.

Moving forward, he has set his focus on foreign mission work. “In addition to working with our local community, I will be more involved in the “So Send I You” mission under the direction of Rev. Dr. Albert Bush, Sr.” A native of Virginia, Rev. Arrington came to New York City as a young man with dreams of becoming an R&B singer. In pursuit of this dream he sang at various venues throughout the city, including several appearances at the world famous Apollo Theater. But one day as he walked past a small Baptist church in Manhattan, he heard the voice of God. “I don’t know why but I walked in that church and ultimately decided to give up all else and follow God,” he reflected. From then to now, Arrington has lived and moved by the spirit of God, eventually assuming the pulpit as pastor of the Paradise Baptist Church 37 years ago. A man of unshakable faith, Rev. Lee Arrington lives by the words of Hebrews 11:1—“faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Therefore, by faith he knows that his 250 member congregation will continue to be a positive force for change in its Harlem community. By faith, he believes that UBMA aided by its auxiliaries will journey to complete its mission and pass on its rich spirited heritage to future generations. By faith, he trusts that every member of the United Missionary Baptist Association of New York and Vicinity will be a living testament to the words of the Apostle Paul: “[to] do all you have to do without complaint or wrangling. Show yourself guileless and above reproach, faultless children of God in a warped and crooked generation in which you shine as stars in a dark world.” October 2013 The Positive Community

Harlem’s Renaissance Man Returns Home Clockwise from right: Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, Mrs. Ann Walker, NYC Council Member Inez Dickens, Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., senior pastor of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer Photos: Don Small

Soulful Jazz Ensemble, "Jay" Wyatt Tee Walker, director

Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Honored by Canaan Housing Board

t was an afternoon honoring Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker. Known as “Harlem’s Renaissance Man,” Dr. Walker, pastor emeritus of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ and former chief of staff to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was honored at a luncheon on September 7, 2013 in celebration of his legacy as a pastor, national civil rights leader, theologian, and cultural historian. From sit-ins to sit downs with those in the highest levels of government, to writing and publishing books on the relationship of music and social movements, work for human rights around the world (particularly in Africa), and community development, Dr. Walker’s varied career, interests and accomplishments certainly qualify him as the ultimate Renaissance man. Through the ministry of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Dr. Walker established the Canaan Housing Development and through this entity built or rehabilitated many housing units. He is the largest single developer of

The Positive Community October 2014

Mrs. Theresa Ann Walker with members of Links Westchester Chapter

affordable housing in New York City, responsible for more than 1,000 apartments in Harlem, construction of the State Office Building and Canaan’s Community Enrichment Center, which houses the Sisulu Walker Charter School. More than 200 family, friends, elected officials, community leaders and members welcomed Dr. and Mrs. Walker to Canaan’s Founders Hall with tributes and an afternoon of jazz, with music under the direction of Wyatt Tee “Jay” Walker, Jr. Highlights of the program included presentations from Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., The Canaan Housing Board, United States Congressman Charles Rangel and New York City Council Member Inez Dickens. Salutations and greetings were given by Former New York State Governor David Paterson, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, Manhattan Borough President and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. A great fellowship and homecoming was enjoyed by all. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

abyssinian: a gospel celebration

abyssinian: a gospel celebration oct 24–26, 8pm Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Damien Sneed, Chorale Le Chateau, and Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III

FAMILY CONCERT: JAZZ MEETS GOSPEL nov 9, 1pm & 3pm Jazz for Young People® featuring Damien Sneed and friends

MUSIC FROM PAKISTAN: SACHAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE & JLCO WITH WYNTON MARSALIS nov 22–23, 8pm Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and the Sachal Jazz Ensemble

BIG BAND HOLIDAYS dec 12–13, 8pm & dec 14, 2pm & 8pm Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Cécile McLorin Salvant

RING IN THE SWING: A NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY dec 31, doors open at 8:30pm Pedrito Martinez Group, Dominick Farinacci Swing Dance Octet, and Charenee Wade

jazz at lincoln center Venue Frederick P. Rose Hall Box Office Broadway at 60th, Ground Fl. CenterCharge 212-721-6500

Preferred Card of Jazz at Lincoln Center

jalc.org Lead Corporate Sponsor

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October 2014 The Positive Community

By Ayorinde

Imani Craig performs for Clemencia Girard-Larcher Honorees pose with their picture portraits, which are held by their children L–R: Ina Wilson, Agatha Date, Sam Granderson, Clemencia Girard-Larcher and Mabel Francis

Glenda Cadogan presents star certificate to Sam Granderson

Honoring the Elders

Photos and Text by Ayorinde

A Salute to Yesterday’s Children

he African drums rolled and the procession proceeded toward the St. Jude Community Center in Brooklyn as hundreds rose to their feet to welcome the five elders who were this year’s recipients of the Yesterday’s Children Award. Now in its third year, the award is given to senior citizens in recognition of the sacrifices they have made so their children could become the high achievers of today. This year’s honorees were Mabel Francis, 92; Clemencia Girard-Larcher, 86; Agatha Date, 82; James “Sam” Granderson, 82 and Ina Wilson, 79. In addition to having a star in the heavens named for each of them in the International Star Registry, honorees received handmade gifts from various entrepreneurial artists in the community. Their gift packages included picture portraits on canvass from Roderick Warner of Conflicted Genius Inc.; specially designed African fabric capelets and scarfs from Danella Abbey of Ahsiro Creations and the Daily News Front Page Award. In addition, a performance was dedicated to each honoree. For Mabel Francis of St. Vincent, master drummer Corey Quammie of Sons of Thunder played a drum selection. Michael Manswell, artistic director of Something Positive Dance Ensemble put on his griot hat in telling an entertaining story about the Monkey and the Crocodile to Ina Wilson of Guyana. Agatha Date, of Grenada, who has a passion for love songs, was serenaded by Rev. Andy Edwards with the Brook Benton classic, “These Are the Ties That Bind.” Also serenaded with music from his homeland of Trinidad & Tobago, was Sam Granderson, whose tribute came from the Caribbean FolkTrees. Clemencia GirardLarcher, a cultural ambassador of St. Lucia, received her tribute in the form of a dance by 15-year-old Imani Craig. A Salute to Yesterday’s Children is an event described by its creator and producer, Glenda Cadogan, as “an

The Positive Community October 2014

exercise in love, honor, obedience, gratitude and unity.” Cadogan, a writer and communications specialist and director of Mauby Media Services, says she was inspired by the words of the calypso “Yesterday’s Children,” sung by Winston “Gypsy” Peters, the former Minister of Arts and Multiculturism of Trinidad & Tobago.

Yesterday’s children, Yesterday’s children They took the strain, they bear the pain, they made the mold that shape our world They are … yesterday’s children, yesterday’s children So we have to treat them good, be careful with what we do ‘Cause when tomorrow comes if we’re lucky We may become yesterday’s children too.

“I have a dream that it is possible to move forward to a day when it is commonplace that elderhood is respected and honored,” she said in her brief remarks. “I dream that it is possible to find our passion and let it burn in our hearts and reflect in our actions because what the world needs most is people who have come alive.” In closing out the evening, Shirma Cadogan of Mambu Inc. presented a scroll to all attendees over the age of 70. On the scroll was a poem written specifically for the occasion by Shirley Osborne and titled YOU:

You have given much and you have been gifted with many years You have labored long and have fully earned your tranquility and peace You have loved and lost and are loved still and again, Deeply and completely, for the Grace with which you have blessed this world May you, from this day forward, know only Joy, Love and Light. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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One Hundred Black Men, Inc. Sixth Annual Golf and David N. Dinkins Tennis Outing

L–R: Master of Ceremonies Dr. Bob Lee, WBLS Radio Personality; Reed Forrester; John Barile; Fitzgerald Miller, One Hundred Black Men President; Frederick E. Davis, Co-Chair, Golf Committee and One Hundred Black Men Board Member; Jeanne Massimillo (Delta Airlines); Honoree Vin Baker (NY Knick and NBA All Star); Derrick Barnes, Co-Chair, Golf Committee and One Hundred Black Men Board Member and from Delta Airlines: Henry Kuykendall, Jason Oshiopekhai, Daniel Cadeaux and Brad Karl

itzgerald Miller, president of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York City (OHBM), presided over the organization’s Sixth Annual Golf and Hon. David N. Dinkins Tennis Outing on Monday, September 9, 2013 at the Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, New York. The event raised money and awareness for the group’s mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic development programs. The sports-filled day was followed by a reception, awards dinner and silent auction. The dinner honored four-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist, Vincent Baker, currently a youth minister at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York. Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS radio served as master of ceremonies. Derrick Barnes, OHBM financial secretary and Frederick Davis Jr., CPA, JD, treasurer, served as co-chairs of the event, which was sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Nike, City National Bank, UPS and New York Life. —JNW

The Positive Community October 2014

L–R: One Hundred Black Men President Fitzgerald Miller and Honoree Vin Baker (NY Knick and NBA All Star). www.thepositivecommunity.com

CITY OF NEWARK SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR COUNCIL MEMBER-AT-LARGE (UNEXPIRED TERM) TO BE HELD WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013 Elección Municipal Especial, mártes, el 5 de noviembre de 2013

Chamblee’s Square Restaurant Chamblee’s Famous Peach Cobbler Filling Ingredients 6lbs (#10 can) of Del Monte Yellow Sliced Peaches in Light Syrup (save/reserve 50% of syrup) ¼ pound of Butter 1 Teaspoon of Nutmeg 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 1 ½ Tablespoons of Vanilla Flavor 1 ½ Tablespoons of Coconut Flavor 1 Tablespoon of Almond Flavor 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla, Butter, Nut Flavor 1 Cup of Sugar (add more for sweeter taste) 4 teaspoons of Carnation Milk Combine above ingredients together including the peach syrup and heat in pot on low for 7 minutes. (Stir occasionally)

Dough Ingredients a pinch of Baking Powder 1 cup of Aunt Jemima Flour 1 Egg ½ cup of Whole Milk ½ Teaspoon of Crisco Knead together. Dust rolling pin with flour. Roll dough very thin. Put half of dough in a baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 minutes (until brown). Remove from oven and pour filing on. Cut remaining dough into 1 ½ inch wide strips. Placing strips in criss-cross pattern from end to end. (Optional: Sugar & Cinnamon can be sprinkled over dough). Bake in oven until golden brown.

Serves 15

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October 2014 The Positive Community

SHAQ

Continued from page 16 Margaret Anadu, vice president in the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group added, "After the successful renovation of Cityplex 12, we are excited to partner with the Boraie Development Group and Shaquille O'Neal again on the first new residential high-rise in Newark in over 50 years," She continued, "The development of transit-oriented, high-quality housing in the heart of downtown will perfectly complement the variety of initiatives that the City of Newark has boldly championed since implementing the Living Downtown Plan."

“ Today is a great day for the City of Newark,” said Shaquille O'Neal. “As someone who grew up here, I am proud to be one of the developers helping move Newark forward. Count on One Riverview being the best building in the State of New Jersey.” The Booker administration has made economic development and the creation of jobs all over the city a top priority for the last seven years. Since 2006, the executives of major companies such as Pitney Bowes, Standard Chartered Bank, Audible.com, Mimeo. com, CGC Genetics, Panasonic, Marriott, Manischewitz, Damascus Bakeries, Bartlett Dairy, and others have chosen Newark as home for new corporate headquarters and major operations centers. In 2013, Panasonic Corporation of North America opened its headquarters in Newark. The electronics giant built a new, state-of-the-art, sustainable highrise office building adjacent to Newark's One Riverfront Center. The structure is home to 1,000 of the corporation's employees and contractors. Prudential is also currently building a new office tower downtown, next to Military Park, which is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar facelift. Newark also recently opened the 15-acre Riverfront Park on the Passaic, complete with a boardwalk and bike paths, and has $2 billion of major construction projects in the pipeline for 2013 and 2014.

The Positive Community October 2014

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October 2014 The Positive Community

Blessing by the Score First Baptist of Englewood Celebrates One TwentyTwenty

ounting their blessings in scores, “One Twenty Twenty” is what the First Baptist Church of Englewood is calling their commemoration of two milestones this fall — the 120th anniversary of the church and the 20th anniversary of their pastor, Rev. Dr. John H. Spencer, Jr. The month of September was a busy one with several days of celebration in revival, prayer, worship and gratitude including a three-day Evangelism Explosion on September 11,12 and 13; Pastor’s Community Appreciation Breakfast on the 12th; and the official 120th Anniversary services on Sunday, September 15th. On September 29, Rev. Spencer was installed as President of the New Jersey Convention of Progressive Baptists. His upcoming 20th anniversary will be celebrated on November 15 at the Venetian in Garfield, and church service the following day with morning and afternoon services at First Baptist. Founded in 1893 by a group of Christians that included among them, the Harris, Zimmerman, and Butts families, there were just four pastors prior to Rev.

The Positive Community October 2014

Spencer. A review of church history tells the story of a handful of struggling but determined people, who by 1903, moved from a tent to a house and later a church building. The church moved from that place, 61 Williams Street some 60 years later to its present location at 351 Englewood Avenue in 1963. First Baptist remains true to its tradition of Bible based spiritual training for it members with a strong Christian Education Department, which features a Christian Academy for all ages; a comprehensive Disciple Makers course of Bible Study; and vitally important today, a Youth Ministry that is flourishing. Today with Pastor John H. Spencer, Jr. leading the way, First Baptist Church of Englewood continues in its role as a beckoning light of salvation and hope. Dr. Spencer, a perpetual student, received his Bachelor and Master degrees in Mathematics from Stillman College and the University of Colorado, respectively and, his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Expanding Its Territory! CDC Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary

L–R: Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones, Comedienne, Pretty Ricky Fontaine, Rev. Patterson, Rev. Carter and Jonathan Slocumb

WBLS personality and MC, Jeff Fox

Comedian Jonathan Slocumb

Photos: Karen Waters

Pastor Jerry M. Carter, Jr. and Rev. Carol Patterson

n the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, the Calvary Community Development Corporation (CCDC) of Morristown, New Jersey, celebrated its 5th Anniversary by hosting A Tasteful Celebration of Motown Music & Comedy at the Morristown Hyatt. “As the title of our celebration suggests, we planned a tasteful, festive evening full of laughs, music, food, and dance. It was our way of engaging the community we serve while raising funds that would enable us to continue offering quality enrichment programs for youth,” noted Carol Lynn Patterson, chair of the Board of Directors. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our five years of service to the northern New Jersey region than to host a party with a purpose.” Renowned WBLS-FM weekend radio personalities Felix Hernandez (Rhythm Revue) and Jeff Foxx (Jeff Foxx Show) hosted the dance floor with Motown classics and commentary. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Comedian Jonathan Slocumb, who is described as, “one of a few funny men who can captivate an audience with limitless laughter yet still remain within the boundaries of decency, tastefulness and tact,” hosted the comedy stage. Slocumb was joined by local comedians Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones and Pretty Ricky Fontaine. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which offers a variety of youth enrichment services under the YES umbrella, the CDC is broadening its service area. The organization’s new name -- Community Development Corporation of Northern New Jersey (CDC/NNJ) – was announced at the event. Proceeds from the event will support the CDC’s mission, which is to provide Future Occupational Confidence-building (toward) Understanding & Self-awareness (FOCUS) to youth throughout northern New Jersey. October 2014 The Positive Community

The Positive Community October 2014

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L-R: Reverend Adolphus C. Lacey, senior pastor, Mt. Olivet B.C., Peekskill, NY; Rev. Dr. Ernest Jones, Greenwood B.C, Brooklyn; Dr. Barbara Headley, impart Leadership; Rev. Naomi E. Tyler Lloyd, senior pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx, New York; Pastor Singleton; Rev. Dr. Willard Ashley, Sr., acting dean of NBTS; Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer, senior regional pastor, American Baptist Church (ABC) of NJ; Rev. Dr. Elmo D. Familiaran, assoc. regional pastor, ABC of NJ

A New Season at Union Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton lll his wife Nicola Black-Singleton and son, Campbell B. Singleton IV

Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton III Installed as senior pastor

Photos: Hubert Williams

Laying on of Hands – Ordained Pastors Installation Prayer L-R: Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer; Rev. Dr. Willard Ashley, Sr.; Rev. Dr. Elmo D. Familiaran; Rev. Dr. Gloria White; Rev. Naomi Tyler Lloyd; Rev. Dr. Lorena Parrish; Rev. Emory Ailes; Rev. Edward Mulraine; Rev. Dr. Ernest Jones; Rev. De Quincy M. Hentz; Dr. Barbara Headley

Passing of the Stole from Trinity Baptist Church L-R: Rev. Hopi Randall, Dr. Barbara Headley, Rev. Singleton, Rev. Dr. Naomi Tyler Lloyd and Rev. Lisa Weaver Presentation of the pastoral robe by Deacon Rose L. Mayer, Union Baptist Church Diaconate Ministry www.thepositivecommunity.com

elebrating “newness of life in a new season” (Isaiah 43:18-21; Galatians 6:9), Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton III was installed as senior pastor of Union Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ. The ninth pastor of the historic church, (est. 1887) the first black Baptist church in Montclair, Rev. Singleton brings with him the wealth of experience of 17 years as associate pastor at what he refers to as “the esteemed” Trinity Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY, where he was also ordained in 1998. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT (2011); a Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York (1994); and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut (1990). The installation service was in turn, prayerful, jubilant, solemn and exultant. Dr. Singleton was surrounded by many of the people who have meant the most in his ministerial life, along with his family and a church full to the brim with congregation members and well-wishers. Called to Union Baptist in January 2013, Dr. Singleton told The Positive Community, “Our Annual Theme has been, ‘Find Your Authentic Place in Ministry.’ This theamatic thrust has led to sustained prayer gatherings as well several series of sermons, Bible studies and seminars equipping and resourcing disciples in Union Baptist Church to respond in faith and love to their unique calling and worldwide ministry. “We believe that tremendous potential and power will be unleashed when there is greater congruency between our vocation, vision and voice and our daily living.” October 2014 The Positive Community

DORIS YOUNG BOYER ETIQUETTE POWER

Doris Young Boyer speaks writes and coaches on ways to be confident and successful in business and social situations. She is co-author of Mastering the Art of Success with Les Brown, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. She is CEO of A Sense of Grace Global Protocol. www.asenseofgrace.com. Write to her at Doris@DorisYoungBoyer.com. www.DorisYoungBoyer.com

To Tip or Not to Tip e’ve all wondered: Should I tip this person? If so, how much or do I have to tip at all. Tipping is a hot button topic with a lot of disagreement some cultural, some economic, all involving a fair degree of emotion. We’ll deal with restaurant here, probably the occasion when tipping is most frequent.

Reasons to tip at a restaurant: • A tip (also noted as “gratuity” in some cases) is expected and you don’t want to be embarrassed • Ensure better service the next time you visit a particular restaurant • Gratitude for good service • Believe tips supplement the servers’ salary Reasons why people do not tip at a restaurant: • The service did not warrant a “reward” • A tip should not be expected to do a job you are paid to do • Tipping is getting out of hand, i.e. the tip jar when you buy a cup of coffee • The employer should pay a full wage rather than rely on the customer to supplement servers’ salaries with a tip Not only is there emotion surrounding this topic, there is also disparate treatment. For example, some restaurant owners think that people in specific ethnic groups tip more than others. This can lead to poor service for the group thought to tip less. Some restaurants have added a service charge to a customer’s bill because the person was from a group thought to tip poorly or not at all. However, it has become commonplace for restaurants to add a charge for a gratuity for parties of six or more. Be on the lookout for that and don’t add another tip unless you really want your server to get more. The exact origin of tipping is not known, but is thought to have originated in 18th century England when containers labeled To Insure Prompt Service were put on coffee house tables in London. Coins were placed in the container to obtain speedy service, Thus, the acronym TIPS.

66 The Positive Community

October 2013

A New York Times article “Why Tip?” says the current practice of tipping is more of a charge for service received than a reward for good service. Personally, I am a “tipper,” especially in restaurants. Eating out for me is a choice that makes my life easier. I am grateful not to have to cook or tidy up the kitchen. I show my gratitude with a tip. Whatever your viewpoint, giving a tip someone who provides service (not just in restaurants, but hotels, beauty salons, etc.) is a custom in the U.S. Amounts may vary in different regions of the United States. Guidelines for the art of the tip to increase your EtiQuettePower • For good to above average service, leave a tip of 15 – 20 percent • If you find the service less than good, you can leave 10 percent and speak with the management, write to the restaurant or not return. • Calculate the tip based on the bill before the tax is added • If you want to leave 20 percent, multiply the pretax total by 20 percent. If the pretax amount is $30, the tip is $6. You can purchase a tip card at many stationery stores to make the process easier. What if you receive poor service? • You can choose to leave a small amount, i.e., under 10% and complain to the manager. Keep in mind the poor service may not be the server’s fault, perhaps the kitchen was off schedule. • You can choose not to leave a tip and voice your disapproval to the manager, perhaps the best way to improve service. • Refrain from leaving a penny for poor service, speak to the manager Look for Part 2, of TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP, I’ll cover tips and gift giving during the holiday in the November issue. Write to me at Doris@DorisYoungBoyer.com to let me know what you think or to learn more about this topic.

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Can’t wait 'til the next issue of The Positive Community to get all of the good news? Check us out online at www. thepositivecommunity.com to get your daily dose of positivity and inspiration! Like us on Facebook to get daily Black History facts and uplifting stories and photos and enter to win tickets to shows, concerts and conferences! Leave us a comment, share your good news with us! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK & WIN TICKETS

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The Positive Community October 2014

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

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Reparations for Slavery in the Caribbean

n recent months, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a coalition of governments of Caribbean nations, has accelerated efforts to seek reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. Regional leaders agreed in July to establish national reparations committees within each member country. Together, the national committee chairs comprise the CARICOM Reparations Commission. In September, CARICOM held its first Regional Conference on Reparations. It is ironic that this intensification of the movement for economic compensation for the slave trade occurred at a time when Western Powers, including former slave-trading and colonizing nations, were moralistically (some might say self-righteously) threatening to punish Syria for massacring people with chemical weapons. From the 16th through early 19th centuries, some of the countries now justly accusing Syria were themselves, in effect, massacring Africans through the transatlantic slave trade, and exploiting descendants of Africa via chattel slavery in Western Hemisphere colonies, including what is now the United States. Those same European powers later exploited non-white nations and their resources through colonialism. In the United States, since at least the 1970s, various organizations have pressed for reparations for slavery. Similarly, though less known in the U.S., petitioning has long occurred for reparations for colonialism. In the early 2000’s, Rev. Wyatt T. Walker, while heading Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, worked with the Africa Action lobbyist group to recruit African-American congregations toward three goals: reparations for formerly colonized African countries, relief of debt owed by those countries to former colonial powers, and elimination of HIV/AIDS. Vestiges of Rev. Walker’s initiative remain active. The Bible records at least two instances of the People of God receiving reparations. As the ancient Israelites left Egypt, the Egyptians gave them articles of silver, gold, and clothing (Exodus 12:35-36). Centuries later, when the ancient Israelites and Judeans left captivity in the Persian Empire, the people gave them silver, gold, goods, cattle, and valuables. Additionally, the Persian King returned articles that had been taken from the Jerusalem temple during the Babylonian conquest (Ezra 1:6-12). The ancient Israelites’ experience in 2nd millennium B.C. Egypt included aspects of slavery and colonialism.

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During the centuries following Joseph’s extended family’s relocation to Egypt, that family grew into a nation. After “…a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8, NASB), the Egyptian government used the Israelites as slaves for tasks including brick-making. So the wealth that Egyptians later shared with the Israelites can be viewed as compensation for their former enslavement and their colonization. Similarly, the later experiences of the ancient Israelites’ and Judeans in Assyria, Babylon and Persia included aspects of slavery and colonialism. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego appear to have been slaves serving at a high governmental level. But overall, and especially by the time of Israel’s release by the Persian King, the Israelites appear to have been an internal colony scattered throughout the Medo-Persian empire. In more recent centuries, the populations of the British Caribbean colonies were predominantly slaves before the British abolished slavery in the 1830s. From these enslaved people descended the peoples who later struggled for and achieved independence for the various Caribbean nations that now exist. In Africa, Belgium’s 19th and 20th century colonization of the Congo had characteristics of slavery as well. Belgians forced Belgian Congo Africans to work on rubber plantations. Does God command reparations for formerly enslaved and/or colonized populations other than the People of God? I am not aware of a specific command to that effect. But in Exodus 23:9, the Bible reports that God opposes oppression generally, not just oppression of the People of God, “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt” (NIV). Going forward, let’s monitor the reparations movement and study relevant segments of the Bible. Let’s seek God’s will concerning reparations. Let’s avoid prioritizing politics, ideology, or greed. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. —Psalm 1:1-2 (NASB) October 2013 The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com October 2013

™

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 13, No. 8

t’s autumn in New York! Despite the warm temperatures of Indian summer, the red, orange and golden leaves adorning trees remind us that fall is here and crisp weather is just around the corner. Everywhere I look resembles picturesque scenes from movies and television shows that depict the American dream and people who live in the heart of the City, close to everything and surrounded by nature’s beauty. Several years ago, after attending college in the South, one of my dearest friends returned to New Jersey. She first moved to Jersey City as she sought the urban chic lifestyle of a single, professional woman, but when she decided to settle down and start a family of her own, she longed for something closer to what we shared in our suburban upbringing. As she began her search for a new home, she confided in me that feared she’d be unable to afford what her parents had provided for her, the tree-lined, quiet street near a park, in close proximity of an urban center. She found suitable, affordable homes in South Jersey, but the commute to Manhattan would wreak havoc on her life and her sanity. After a few months she excitedly told me she had found THE house! A lovely colonial home with a detached garage and mature trees, only a few blocks from a huge park with winding paths, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, a football field, a concert area, skating rink and a charming bridge over calming water. I was thrilled for her, but concerned about the commute and the extended hours her precious little ones would spend in daycare because of it. To my surprise, she explained that the train station was only a few short blocks from the house — an easy stroll. And the train ride to work

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Church/Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Jackson Contributing Writers Sonja Gracy Dr. Phillip Bonaparte 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.

70 The Positive Community

The Last Word

October 2013

would only be about 20 minutes, the ride to the airport even less. I was skeptical. I wondered how she could afford this dream house and imagined all sorts of scenarios from lottery winnings to an inheritance and a few unsavory monetary sources I knew didn’t mesh with her morals and lifestyle. Then she emailed me photos and I was thoroughly perplexed. The house was on a hill, on a tree-lined street, it had a finished basement, hardwood floors, multiple fireplaces and a formal dining room. And was that a basketball hoop I saw attached to the garage? And then I saw the address and did a double take; the house was in Newark, NJ. Only a few blocks from Branch Brook Park, my friend is raising her children in the heart of a bustling urban center with convenient public transportation, professional sporting events, world-class museums and music venues, a diverse population and several colleges and universities. Who’d have thunk it? Her Newark home has become the center of our social universe. We often gather at her warm suburban home for dinner and a DVD or to meet before heading out to NJPAC or the Rock. Whether it’s Portuguese or soul food we seek, we know it isn’t far from her house and every spring we look forward to a relaxed promenade through the park to marvel at the simple beauty of the cherry blossom trees. My friend and her family have proudly made Newark their home, and that has secured a special place in my heart for Newark. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Malcolm X

New Jersey Education Associationâ&#x20AC;Ś working for great public schools for every child. WendellKeshishian, Steinhauer,President President Barbara Marie Blistan, Vice President Wendell Steinhauer, Vice President Sean M. Spiller,Secretary-Treasurer Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan, Vincent Giordano, ExecutiveDirector Director Vince Giordano, Executive Richard Gray, Assistant Executive Richard Gray, Assistant ExecutiveDirector Director/Research Director

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One collective history. Countless untold stories.

The Kinsey Collection

“The Cultivators” — Samuel L. Dunson, Jr.

Join us on a journey of art, history, and progress. Our nation’s journey is rich with stories of innovators, leaders, and everyday people who did extraordinary things. As we mark the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, we want to share the remarkable untold stories that make up our heritage and continue to impact our future. To celebrate, Wells Fargo is honored to present The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey — Where Art and History Intersect. This is a nationally touring exhibition scheduled to visit San Francisco, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Baltimore, Maryland. You can also visit wellsfargo.com/kinseycollection to see several pieces from this impressive collection and view “Untold Stories: Our Inspired History,” a series of thought-provoking videos that offer an in-depth exploration of key artifacts hand-selected by the Kinsey family.