September 2011 Issue

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com $2.95

FOCUS ON EDUCATION Black United Fund Builds Bright Futures

STEEL STANDING 9/11 REMEMBERED

Joyful: Floyd Flake His Life in Ministry

8.25 x 10.5 essex fall 2011final#3

4/7/11

1:30 PM

Page 1

No, he’s not a graduate.

But he does believe in the great education you can get at Essex County College.

Let education make a difference for you.

essex C O U N T Y

C O L L E G E

You could be too.

Apply today at www.essex.edu

IT’S JUST A SHORT WALK... TO A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL.

LIVE UNITED

BRIDGE WALK & FESTIVAL

SATURDAY. OCTOBER 1. 2011 Visit LIVEUNITEDNYC.ORG for information.

...BECAUSE ...BECAUSE ...BECAUSE Every child in NYC deserves a great education.

Sponsor

No one should have to decide between paying rent and buying food.

All NYC neighborhoods deserve easy access to fresh produce.

Media Sponsors

September 2011

CONTENTS SECTIONS:

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Features ACT-SO Local Youths Win National Medals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

39

Black United Fund Preschool . . . . . . . 36

COVER STORY: REV. DR. FLOYD FLAKE IS OVERJOYED

Ramadan: The Month of Blessing. . . . 42

&also inside

Steel Standing: 9/11 Remembered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Nutrition ABCs & 123s . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

In Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Gospel Train. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Yesterday’s Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

In the Spirit & Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Ask Dr. Bonaparte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Dr. Liz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

All God’s Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

With you when

g

College Combo® While being a student may be hard, managing your money doesn’t have to be.

College Combo is a checking package with tools that help you build your savings, stick to your budget and track your money with a categorized spending summary. Plus, balance alerts are sent straight to your mobile device. And when you set up a Way2Save® Savings account you can increase your savings automatically. Add it all up and College Combo can help you ace your financial goals and stay on top of your money-management game. Call 1-800-869-3557, click or stop by to speak with a Wells Fargo banker today.

wellsfargo.com/aspirations © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

WELLS FARGO P3 BAU POSITIVE COMMUNITY HEAD OF CLASS 8X10.5

: MUSE

C

M

Y

K

1108117

2

When You’Ve taKen CaRe oF the

heRe & noW it’s easier to think about the heReaFteR.

The way we see it, thinking about life’s spiritual journey is more than enough to handle. That’s why we’re devoted to your financial path. Nobody understands the complex tax laws and other monetary issues you face quite the way MMBB does.

For over 100 years we’ve been providing investment, retirement and insurance benefits just for those who serve the church, both ordained and lay. To learn more about MMBB and our exclusively focused financial products, visit www.mmbb.org or call 1-800-986-6222.

The better you plan now, the more comfortable you’ll be hereafter.

Real Planning, Real SolutionS. that’S ouR Calling.

Roll Call for PC_Sept_11.qxd:Roll Call for PC Document.qxd 8/31/11 10:17 PM Page 1

GREAT

T

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY Rev. Adolphus Lacey, Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

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

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

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

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

Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

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

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Donald L. Owens, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor

First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor

Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director

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

Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

Greater Allen Cathedral, Queens, NY Revs. Floyd and Elaine Flake, Co-Pastors

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

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

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

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

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

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Lucille McEwen, President & CEO

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

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Washington Lundy, President

Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY

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

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. William L. Watley, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations

125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade African American Muslims for Interfaith Relationships (AAMIR) American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Carver Federal Savings Bank City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Inner City Broadcasting Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The Bozeman Law Firm The College of New Rochelle The United Way of Essex and West Hudson University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ WBGO-88.3FM WKMB-1070AM

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The Cathedral Int’l., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

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

The Annual Session of

T U M B A will convene Rev. Lee A. Arrington Moderator

M-F, O  -  , 

Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. 1st Vice Moderator Rev. Anthony Lowe 2nd Vice Moderator Rev. Lee A. Arrington Moderator Rev. Jimmie Howell Recording Secretary Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. 1st Dr. ViceCalvin Moderator Rev. Kendrick Assistant Recording Secretary Rev. Anthony Lowe 2ndKeith Vice Moderator Rev. A Bolden, Sr. Financial Secretary Rev. Jimmie Howell Recording Rev. Dr. JesseSecretary T. Williams Assistant Financial Secretary Rev. Dr. Calvin Kendrick Assistant Rev. PatriciaRecording A. Morris Secretary Corresponding Secretary Rev. Keith A Bolden, Sr. Financial Rev. Dr. SeanSecretary P. Gardner, Sr. Treasurer Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams Rev. Wayne Financial A. Williams Assistant Secretary Assistant Treasurer Rev. Patricia A. Morris Rev. Willie L. Hairston Corresponding Secretary Chief of Staff Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. Rev. Dr. Renee F. Gardner Treasurer Program Chair Rev. Wayne A. Williams Assistant Treasurer Rev. Willie L. Hairston Chief of Staff Rev. Dr. Renee F. Gardner Program Chair

at the

S C B C 10 Rev. John P. Ladson Place Harlem, NYC

H P

Rev. Wesley W. Wilson, Jr.,

M, O ,  Parent Body Preacher

When You’Ve taKen CaRe oF the

Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green, Pastor

heRe & noW Mt. Neboh Baptist Church Harlem, NYC

T, O ,  Moderator's Night it’s easier to think about the heReaFteR. Rev. Lee A. Arrington, Pastor Paradise Baptist Church Harlem, NY

The way we see it, thinking about life’s spiritual journey is more than enough to handle. That’s why we’re devoted to your finanial path. Nobody understands the complex tax laws and other monetary issues you face quite the way MMBB does.

For over 100 years we’ve been providing investment, retirement and insurance benefits just for those who serve the church, both ordained and lay. To learn more about MMBB and our exclusively focused financial products, visit www.mmbb.org or call 1-800-986-6222.

The better you plan now, the more comfortable you’ll be hereafter.

F : --

UMBA HEADQUARTERS: Paradise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New York 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

All Are Invited! All Are Welcome!

Planning, Real SolutionS. that’S ouR Calling. dise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New YorkReal 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

UMBA HEADQUARTERS: Paradise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New York 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

THOMAS D. JOHNSON GUEST EDITORIAL

Photo: E.Lee White

Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., D.Min Senior Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

God and Our National Economy or the past several weeks we have been inundated from every sector of Americana with news of the dismal state of our national economy. As I understand it, we are in this quandary because Congress’s delay in raising the debt ceiling came very close to causing this nation to default on its debts, mostly to other countries, especially to China. If we had defaulted, for the first time in history the good faith and credit of the United States would have been adversely affected. The advent of the Tea Party into the national fiscal debate complicated the process of raising the debt ceiling by attaching requirements to cut spending on entitlements, while giving the billionaires in this country yet another pass.

Most people I speak to about this crisis are concerned that the Tea Party and other members of the far right are playing politics with America’s financial stability in order to discredit President Barack Obama, and are debilitating programs which have historically given Americans who have the least a fighting chance to survive. In an economy already wreaking havoc in high risk neighborhoods across America, the poor among us will find it difficult to subsist with major cuts to programs for seniors, Head Start, Medicare and Medicaid.

Until recently, average Americans paid little attention to news headlines about the economic woes which have begun to dominate our national discourse. I suppose the national economy is of daily concern to the wealthy, who depend on financial data to sustain the lavish lifestyles they have come to enjoy. But, for average Americans and people who live on the margins-—children, seniors, and the now vanishing middle class—the challenge of making it from one day to the next is of paramount concern.

Now, with sluggishness in the markets, unemployment hovering at 15 percent among African Americans, and trillions of dollars in national debt, the fate of our financial future is in the hands of a committee of congressional representatives appointed by leaders in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. This socalled “super committee,” comprised of elected officials

F

10

The Positive Community September 2011

If we had defaulted, for the first time in history the good faith and credit of the United States would have been adversely affected. ideologically opposed to one another, is expected to head off the looming disaster by constructing and proposing a non-partisan and fair compromise solution to this fiscal crisis.

I was especially drawn to the debt ceiling debate in the United States Senate. It was in that chamber that many Americans were introduced to the Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Senate Chaplain since 2003. Dr. Black’s prayer in the Senate during the debate gives us a sense of the volatility in our national affairs. Black prayed, “Save us, O God, for the waters are coming in upon us…We are weak from the struggle…tempted to throw in the towel….But quitting is not an option…You are our strength and shield, and our hearts can safely trust in you. Save your people and bless their inheritance.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Santos Crespo, Jr. President, Local 372 Board of Education Employees

Battle Lines are Drawn OUR JOBS Are On The Line

W

ith the start of the new school year the nearly 25,000 members of Local 372 are as excited as the 1.1 million students to get back to school.

Sadly, even as our members are returning to their jobs, bureaucrats at the Department of Education are preparing pink slips and layoff notices for nearly 800 school aides, parent and community coordinators, health aides and family workers. All will be at work in September and if the Department of Education has its way, all will be gone before Thanksgiving.

And, most of those job losses will be felt in East New York, Brownsville, Williamsburg, Washington Heights, and the South Bronx. Communities which are already in need of enhanced social services and suffering with higher unemployment rates.

At a time when school enrollments, dropout rates, reports of school violence, bullying, substance abuse and truancy are rising, the Department of Education plans to remove the very people who provide the basic, necessary and crucial services needed to keep our children safe, focused and ready for the classroom.

We cannot afford to allow this to happen.

With the loss of more than 430 school aides, who will ensure our children are safe and free from bullies and troublemakers in our school yards and hallways? Who will fill out the required DOE and federal lunch reimbursement forms?

With the loss of 100 family aides, who will help identify and follow up and resolve issues for students with special needs? Who will make family visits, track attendance and

www.thepositivecommunity.com

make referrals needed to social, health and other services?

With the loss of more than 80 parent coordinators, who will provide the bridge between parents, students and the school?

With the loss of more than 40 health aides, how many sick and scared children will be left wondering where to turn?

With the loss of more than 20 community coordinators, who will provide the anchor between the school and the communities they serve?

And, the loss of these jobs will have as devastating an impact on our communities as they will on our schools' administrators, teachers and students; because nearly every one of our members lives in the neighborhood where we work.

We are your friends and neighbors, We not only work in our local schools, we are the parent's and grandparents of children who attend our schools. We shop in the local stores, worship at the same churches and share the same cares and concerns for our children and our neighborhoods.

Over the course of the past three years our union and schools have suffered the loss of more than 1,600 school aides/health aides alone. When you add in our cafeteria staff, loaders and handlers, bookkeepers, and other workers, we have lost more than 2,200 men and women since 2008.

Our children, our teachers and our communities deserve better. I urge you to call the Department of Education and your elected officials and let them know we need these services in our schools.

September 2011 The Positive Community

11

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.

Isn’t It a Shame, Shame, Shame? ho knew? Granted, we all assumed that electing a man of color, specifically a black man, would cause a great deal of angst to those who think with an ethnic brain instead of an open mind. But, never did I imagine and I’m sure many of you never imagined that the slurs now being hurled at President Barack Obama would surface from the bowels of depraved minds seemingly absent of any humanity at all.

I won’t even sully this column by naming some of the player-haters, but one broadcast commentator referred to the president as the Rev. Al Sharpton’s “boy.” Another likened him to a tar baby. Still others paint the Commander-in-Chief as a bumbling stumblebum, illequipped for the task at hand. Not so. Sure, Obama has made some missteps —just as anyone else would after having had the weight of the economy thrust upon his shoulders, coupled with a legislature that appears to have wanted him to fail coming out of the gate—on both sides of the political aisle.

Patti LaBelle used to sing, “Isn’t It a Shame?” The tiny performer with the powerful voice was warbling about love, but I am saddened by the naysayers who constantly pound the President with the adage, “Yeah, but what have you done for me lately?”

“Brothers” who, by W.E.B. DuBois’ assessment, are part of the talented 10th, speak negatively about this man who has made history —not just on his verbal skills but on his shrewd intellect— and now say they’re not sure if they’ll vote for President Obama again in 2012.

OK. But, do any of these wordsmiths have somebody better to put in his place?

Then again, the first in anything exacts a heavy price on the bearer of that label. The man can’t seem to catch a break. When I listen to the caustic remarks coming from all corners— the intelligentsia, the “bro” in the ‘hood, the progressives, many blacks, et al— I wonder what they thought this one man could do in four years, let alone two.

W

12

The Positive Community September 2011

Billboard on a church in Harlem

It makes absolutely no sense to castigate the President, not because he’s black, but because he can’t catch a break because he’s black. And, I don’t care who says I’m being too sensitive.

This is like instant replay. I vividly recall a number of New Yorkers doing the same thing to David Dinkins when he was mayor of the Big Apple— Dinkins served only one-term as mayor. Then they got Rudy. Lord, what a difference a mayor makes.

So, while folks are huffing and puffing about what they don’t like about President Obama, perhaps they should consider the others who are waiting in the wings: Sarah Palin, who saw Russia from her Alaska window; Michele Bachman, whose command of geography is also questionable; Herman Cain, the brother and former chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza who believes that President Obama was raised in Kenya; and a slew of others hoping to grasp the brass ring, so to speak.

Or, we can both pray and assist our current President in whatever way we can, because the price of doing otherwise is too dear. Believe me.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Humphrey Crookendale Dean, School of Management “I teach teach men and women to be the best managers they can be. But in reality

I teach

“BE A LEADER.” A new model of education for adults.

In 1964, Audrey Cohen founded MCNY on the vision of theory, purpose, and practice taught together to prepare students to be successful and socially responsible professionals. This visionary educational model continues today with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, management, healthcare, education, public administration and human services.

MCNY admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

I am creating tomorrow’s leaders.”

We offer day, evening and weekend classes, as well as a selection of online courses and accelerated programs, to accommodate your busy schedule. Think you have what it takes to be a leader? Then we invite you to take the next step, come to one of our upcoming admissions events.

Think Ahead.Think MCNY. Call 1.800.33.Think or visit mcny.edu

Military Veterans, ask about Operation Tuition Freedom.

MCNYRE1086_ PosCommnty_Ad_.indd 1

431 Canal Street (off Varick)

9/8/11 9:50 AM

Medgar ads_PosCom 8/31/11 9:54 AM Page 1 Medgar Medgarads_PosCom ads_PosCom 8/31/11 8/31/11 9:54 9:54AM AM Page Page11

Fulfilling the the Legacy andand Mission Fulfilling Legacy MissionofofMedgar MedgarEvers Evers

Fulfilling Fulfilling the the Legacy Legacy and and Mission Mission of of Medgar Medgar Evers Evers

AA

By William L. Pollard, President

Medgar Evers College’s new Medgar Eversscience College’s new

By William L. Pollard, President award-winning award-winning science Medgar Evers new Medgar EversCollege’s College’s new By ByWilliam WilliamL.L.Pollard, Pollard,President President building. Below, students listen building.award-winning Below, students listen S WE CELEBRATE OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY science aaward-winning science class.science S WE CELEBRATE OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY intently in intently in astudents science listen class. building.

Below, building.

Below, students listen YEAR, there has beenthere much reflection onreflection the has been on the SYEAR, OUR 40th SWE WECELEBRATE CELEBRATE OURmuch 40thANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY intently intentlyininaascience scienceclass. class. egacy of our namesake, Medgar Wiley Evers, and on legacy of YEAR, our namesake, Medgar Wileyreflection Evers, and there been ononon the YEAR, therehas has beenmuch much reflection the • Offer degree he rich historylegacy and crucial mission ofMedgar our institution.

• Offer avariety greaterofvariety of degree the rich history and crucial mission of our institution. ofof our Wiley Evers, and onon a greater legacy ournamesake, namesake, Medgar Wiley Evers, and programs,•programs, richer co-curricular The promise ofthe Medgar Evers College is the provision with richer co-curricular Offer aagreater variety ofofdegree •with Offer greater variety degree The promise of Medgar Evers College theinstitution. provision and mission ofofisour therich richhistory history andcrucial crucial mission our institution. and extra-curricular experiences. of academic opportunities toofMedgar students from all backand extra-curricular experiences. programs, with richer co-curricular programs, with richer co-curricular ofThe academic opportunities to College students all backThe promise isisfrom the promiseof MedgarEvers Evers College theprovision provision •and Build greater linkages to both and extra-curricular experiences. extra-curricular experiences.

Build greater linkages to both grounds.

It isopportunities the guarantee theyour will leave our of totothat students from allall•backofacademic academic opportunities students from backgrounds. It is the guarantee that they will leave programs and employers.

•graduate totoboth •Build Buildgreater greater linkages both doorsteps only with anhigh-quality affordable, high-quality grounds. isisaffordable, the that our grounds.

Itnot theguarantee guarantee thatthey theywill willleave leave our graduate programs and linkages employers. doorsteps not only withItan •graduate Increase the level internal level of programs and employers. programs employers. education, but alsowith informed sense of • purpose affordable, high-quality doorsteps notonly only withanan affordable, high-quality Increasegraduate the internal ofand education, butdoorsteps also withnot an informed sense of purpose funding, and provide ••Increase internal level ofof Increasethe the internal level and an tosense serve asofpurpose leaders education, but with an education, butalso alsoand with aninformed informed senseof purpose scholarship scholarship funding, and provide and an awareness andawareness willingness towillingness serve as leaders our students with the resources scholarship funding, and provide scholarship funding, and provide change agentsand inand their communities. and an awareness willingness to serve as leaders and an awareness willingness to serve as leaders our students with the resources and change agents in their communities. nered awards for their presentations at prestigious scithey need to apply for external our with ourstudents students withthe theresources resources fulfill our mission requires the regular infusion and agents inintheir communities. andTochange change agents their communities. nered awards for their presentations at prestigious scithey need to apply for external To fulfill our mission requires the regular infusion conferences, provided pro bonoatat assistance toscinered presentations prestigious neredawards awardsfor fortheir their presentations prestigious sciThrough new programs such as our Cus- entific they for theyneed needtotoapply apply forexternal external of new perspectives, along with successful policies, ToTofulfill our requires the infusion fulfill ourmission mission requires theregular regular infusion scholarships. entificentific conferences, provided propro bono assistance to scholarships.

Through programs such assuch our Cusof new perspectives, along withare successful policies, organizations, and participated in collegetoto provided entificconferences, conferences, provided probono bonoassistance assistance tomer Service new Initiative we enhance theas overall scholarships.

Through programs scholarships.

Throughnew newwill programs such asour ourCusCus- nonprofit as our not entirely the same policies, as they of perspectives, along with ofnew newchallenges perspectives, along withsuccessful successful policies, nonprofit organizations, andand participated inincollege Initiative we will enhance the overall as our challenges are not entirely the asthe they tours and organizations, inorganizations, international cultural immersion programs. nonprofit participated nonprofit and participated incollege college student experience on our tomer Service Initiative we will the tomer Service Initiative wecampus. willenhance enhance theoverall overall were inchallenges decades past. as are not entirely same they asour our challenges are notsame entirely the sameasastomer they Service tours and in international cultural immersion programs. student experience o n our campus. were in decades past.

Toand guarantee that theycultural — andimmersion all our scholars — tours programs. tours andinininternational international cultural immersion programs. studentexperience experienceoonnour ourcampus. campus.

•were We continue an open-door policy in the Office of student were inwill past. indecades decades past.

ERE ARE SOME RECENT EXAMPLES of students Tohave guarantee theythey —— and allall ourour scholars toolsthat to that succeed, we embarked upon— a— ToTothe guarantee and scholars — guarantee that they —have and all our scholars • We will continue an open-door policy in thestudent Office ofthe President as well regular •the will continue an open-door policy Office ofof ARE SOME RECENT EXAMPLES of students •We We will continue anas open-door policyininand thefaculty OfficeERE who have been externallyofoffor their acaERE RECENT students EREARE ARESOME SOMErecognized RECENTEXAMPLES EXAMPLES students have have the to succeed, wethat have embarked upon master planning process will guide the instituthe tools totosucceed, we embarked upon havetools the tools succeed, wehave have embarked uponaaa the President as well asmeetings. regular student andstudent faculty town hall the President asaswell asasregular the President well regular studentand andfaculty faculty demic achievements: who have been externally for their who have beenrecognized recognized externally foracatheiracaacawho have been recognized externally for their tion overplanning the next few years. master process guide the institumaster planning process that will guide the institumaster planning process thatthat willwill guide the institu•town Ourhall faculty must make certain that all of our stutown hallmeetings. meetings. town hall meetings.

•demic Svetlanna Farinha received a $10,000 NBA Bacardi tion demic achievements: achievements: demic achievements: the few tionover overnext thenext next fewyears. years. tion over the few years. have mastered the certain fundamentals, we •dents faculty must that allallbefore ofofour •Our Our faculty mustmake make certain that ourstustu• Our faculty must make certain that all of our stuO CARRY THE IDEALS of our founders forward, we Gold Standard Scholarship.

••Svetlanna Farinha received aa$10,000 NBA Svetlanna Farinha $10,000 NBA Bacardi Bacardi Svetlanna Farinha received areceived $10,000 NBA Bacardi can begin prepare them forbefore the kind academidents have the dents have mastered thefundamentals, fundamentals, before•we we dents have mastered thetomastered fundamentals, we ofbefore concurrently work uplift the forward, community.

Omust THE ofofto our founders forward, we OCARRY CARRY THEIDEALS IDEALS our founders forward,we we •Gold Michael Smith was awarded both a $4,400 Walmart O CARRY Standard Scholarship.

Gold Standard Scholarship.

THE IDEALS of our founders Gold Standard Scholarship. cally rigorous education needed sokind thatofthey can comcan totoprepare them for the canbegin begin prepare them foracademithe kind ofacademiacademiMedgar Evers College provides nearly $1 million in must concurrently work to uplift the community. can begin to prepare them for the kind of must concurrently work to uplift the community.

Foundation/ Thurgood Marshall College Fund First • Michael Smith was awarded both a $4,400 Walmart • Michael Smith was awarded both a $4,400 Walmart must concurrently work to uplift the community.

• Michael pete cutting-edge such as computer cally rigorous education needed can comcallyin rigorous education neededso sothat thatthey they can com- Smith was awarded both a $4,400 Walmart financial support to each of ournearly Centers perform Medgar College provides inin MedgarEvers Evers College provides nearly$1 $1tomillion million cally rigorous education needed sodisciplines that they — can comGeneration and a $4,400 Department Foundation/ Thurgood College Fund Foundation/Scholarship ThurgoodMarshall Marshall College FundFirst FirstofMedgar Evers College provides nearly $1 million in Foundation/ Thurgood Marshall College Fund First science and business.disciplines pete peteinincutting-edge cutting-edge disciplines— —such suchasascomputer computer work and research in areas such as social justice, financial support to each of our Centers to perform financial support to each of our Centers to perform Defense Scholarship.

Generation Scholarship Generation Scholarshipand andaa$4,400 $4,400Department Departmentofoffinancial support to each of our Centers to perform pete in cutting-edge disciplines — such as computer We must expand our facilities in ways that encourscience and science andbusiness. business.

GenerationDefense Scholarship and a $4,400 Department of literacy, and voter registration.

The Community work research ininareas asasnew social justice, workand and research areassuch such social justice, •Defense Omar Gardner won the International Chemistry ReScholarship.

Scholarship. science and business. work Justice and research inaareas such as social justice, ageWe and promote positive studentinoutcomes, such as Scholarship. expand our encourWemust must expand ourfacilities facilities inways waysthat that encourDefense program, partnership with Charles “Joe” and registration.

The new literacy, andvoter voter registration.

The newCommunity Community search Experience for the Students internship in Vietnam.

••Omar Gardner Chemistry ReOmar Gardnerwon won theInternational International Chemistry Re- literacy, We must expand our facilities in ways that encourour million positive dollar library expansion, slated toasas Gardner won the International Chemistry Reage and student outcomes, such age$18.2 andpromote promote positive student outcomes, such literacy, andthe voter registration.

Thewith newCharles Community • Omar Hynes, King’s district attorney, will“Joe” Justice program, aCounty Justice program, apartnership partnership with Charles “Joe” • Several student scholars received prestigious internsearch Experience for Students internship in Vietnam. search Experience for Students internship in Vietnam. age and promote student outcomes, such as million begin nextmillion year.

The newl ylibrary renovated $3.2 our $18.2 dollar library expansion, slated toto Experience for Students internship in Vietnam. Justice ourpositive $18.2 million dollar expansion, slated program, a partnership withattorney, Charleswith “Joe” integrate expertise in community re-entry Hynes, the King’s County district will search Hynes, the King’s County district attorney, will at Yale Medical School: including Renee Fleming, •ships Several student scholars received prestigious intern• Several student scholars received prestigious internour $18.2 million dollar expansion, slated$3.2 to swimming pool willyrenovated be completed time for begin next year.

The newly begin nextlibrary year.project The newl renovated $3.2inmillion million Hynes, the King’s County district attorney, will academically rigorous teaching and research integrate expertise inincommunity re-entry with integrate expertise community re-entry withto assist • Several student scholars received prestigious internChukwuazom Anthony Nwasike, ChisomRenee Dominic ships School: including Fleming, shipsatatYale YaleMedical Medical School: including Renee Fleming, begin next year.swimming The newlpool the summer months forwill the enjoyment andininrecreation ypool renovated $3.2 project be completed time swimming project will bemillion completed time for for formally incarcerated individuals, asresearch well as tototoassist academically rigorous teaching and academically rigorous teachingre-entry and research assist integrate expertise in community with Okezue, KishaSchool: La Fleur, and Chidinma Maureen Okezue.

Chukwuazom Anthony Nwasike, Chisom Dominic Chukwuazom Anthony Nwasike, Chisom Dominic ships at Yale Medical including Renee Fleming, ofthe the College andcompleted thefor community.

We for must find new summer the and summer months for theenjoyment enjoyment andrecreation recreation swimming poolthe project willmonths be in time provide studentsteaching with invaluable hands-on formally incarcerated individuals, formallyour incarcerated individuals, aswell wellasastotoassist academically rigorous and as research •Okezue, Other medical internship awardees include: Okezue, Kisha LaLafield Fleur, and Maureen Okezue.

KishaNwasike, Fleur, andChidinma Chidinma Maureen Okezue.

Chukwuazom Anthony Chisom Dominic and innovative ways tocommunity. address funding decreases on of College the We find ofthe the College and the community.

Wemust must findnew new he summer months for the and enjoyment and recreation experience this arena. provide our students with hands-on provide ourin students withinvaluable invaluable hands-on Bryce field at theinternship Virginia University of formally •Samantha awardees include: •Other Othermedical medical field internship awardeesSchool include: incarcerated individuals, as well as to Okezue, the state and local level and obtain the resources and innovative ways to address funding decreases on and innovative ways to address funding decreases on Kisha La Fleur, and Chidinma Maureen Okezue. of the College and the community. We must find new Our faculty imbues our curriculum and coexperience in this arena. experience in this arena.

Medicine, Summer Medical and Dental Education Samantha Bryce at the Virginia University School of Samantha Bryce at the Virginia University School of provide our students with invaluable hands-on • Other medical field internship awardees include: necessary to effect change. local level obtain thestate state and localfunding leveland anddecreases obtainthe theresources curricular initi a tives with pedagogy that not only Our faculty imbues our curriculum and coOur faculty imbues our curriculum and coand innovativethe ways to and address onresources Program; Lutchman at the NewEducation Jersey Medical Medicine, Summer Medical and Dental Medicine,Tornelle Summer Medical and Dental Education experience in this arena.

Samantha Bryce at the Virginia University School of necessary necessarytotoeffect effectchange. change. instructs our students in various disciplines, but curricular initiatives pedagogy that curricular initi ativeswith with pedagogy thatnot notonly onlyalso the state and local obtain the resources to evaluate Program; School, Summer Medical andatat Dental Education Tornelle Lutchman the Jersey Program; Tornelle Lutchman theNew New JerseyMedical Medical Our T ISlevel OURand COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY faculty imbues our curriculum and coMedicine, Summer Medical and Dental Education inspires to be theinin change they seek. In doing so, instructs our various disciplines, but instructsthem ourstudents students various disciplines, butalso also Program; and Jenelle Vincent the University School, Medical and Dental Education School,Summer Summer Medical andat Dental Educationof we can ensure that more of the students of Thow OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY totoevaluate TISIS OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY evaluate necessary to effect change. curricular initi atives with pedagogy thatseek. notofInIn only Program; Tornelle atVincent the Internship.

New Jersey Medical we pass the baton the next generation leaders, inspires them totobe change they doing inspires them betothe the change theyseek. doingso, so, Missouri, Summer Medical Program; and atatthe ofof Program;Lutchman andJenelle Jenelle Vincent theUniversity University Central Brooklyn are receiving twoor how that ofofthe students ofof howwe wecan canensure ensure thatmore more thefour-year studentsdeinstructs our the students intothe various disciplines, but also School, Summer Medical and Dental Education T IS OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY to evaluate as Medgar Wiley Evers and our founders passed their we pass baton to next generation of leaders, we pass the baton the next generation of leaders, •Missouri, ThroughSummer our Predominantly Black Institutions grant, Missouri, Medical Summer MedicalInternship.

Internship. grees from Medgar Evers College.

Tooror meet and exceed Central Brooklyn are receiving twofour-year deCentral Brooklyn are receiving twofour-year deinspires them toWiley be the change they seek. passed Inpassed doingtheir so, Jenelle Vincent at the Black University of and how we can ensure that more theCollege. students ideals on to us. as Evers and founders asMedgar Medgar Wiley Evers andour our founders their Medgar Evers College students have:Institutions attended gar••Through our Predominantly grant, Through our Predominantly Black Institutions grant, student needs and of expectations, must: grees Medgar Evers ToToof meet exceed greesfrom from Medgar Evers College.we meetand andProgram; exceed and we pass the baton to the next generation of leaders, ideals on to us. ideals on to us.

Missouri, Summer Medical Internship.

Central Brooklyn are receiving twoor four-year Medgar MedgarEvers EversCollege Collegestudents studentshave: have:attended attendedand andgargarstudent needs expectations, we must: student needsand and expectations, wedemust:

I

H HHH

TTT T

III

grees from Medgar Evers College. To meet and exceed student needs and expectations, we must:

mec.cuny.edu mec.cuny.edu mec.cuny.edu

mec.cuny.edu

• Through our Predominantly Black Institutions grant, Medgar Evers College students have: attended and gar-

as Medgar Wiley Evers and our founders passed their ideals on to us.

President Lisa S. Coico and the students, faculty and staff of

THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK

S

alute

our neighbors in

HARLEM

and look forward to building new partnerships for our community and our city.

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

Open House

for Women and Men Responding to Their Call to Ministry

October 11 - October 13, 2011 (4:00-6:00 pm) Roundtable discussions with NYTS Community (6:00-9:00 pm) Visit the class(es) of your choice

The City is Our Campus.

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

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

By Rev. Patricia Morris

UMBA Hosts 3rd Quarterly Session

L-R: Reverends Issac B. Graham, Moderator Lee Arrington, Anothony Lowe, Carl L. Washington Jr., host pastor; Sean P. Gardner Sr. and Keith Bolden.

T

he Third Quarterly Session of the United Missionary Baptist Association was hosted by the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. The Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr., is pastor and also 1st vice moderator.

The session began on Saturday morming July, 23 with Junior Ushers and Junior Laymen. The preacher for this session was Minister Kimmie McEachin of the Bethesda Baptist Church, New Rochelle, NY (Rev. Dr. Alan Paul Weaver, pastor).

The Lottie B. Heath Youth & Young Adult Auxiliary was the focus of the afternoon session and Minister Eric C. Jackson of the First Calvary Baptist Church (Rev. Keith Bolden, pastor) was the preacher.

The Third Quarterly Session officially convened on Tuesday, July 26 with the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richard-

L-R: Rev. Jeffrey Crenshaw, pastor Greater Tabernacle BC (NYC), unidentified, Moderator Rev. Lee Arrington; Deacon Terry Smith of Faith Mission BC, president Laymen's Auxiliary NYC; and Chief of Staff Rev. Willie Hairston

son addressing the 2011 theme: The Holy Spirit: God's Gift to the Church/The Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:7-13). Dr. Richardson set the spiritual bar high and every preacher addressing the session followed suit!

This spiritually energized session concluded on Friday, July 29 with the Congress of Christian Education and former Moderator, Rev. Isaac B. Graham.

The Annual Session will convene Saturday October 1st, Monday-Friday, October 3-7 at the Second Canaan Baptist Church, 10 Rev. John P. Ladson Place, NY. Rev. Wesley W. Wilson, Jr. is the host pastor. Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green will be the Parent Body Preacher on Monday, October 3. Thursday, October 6 is Moderator's Night.

Rev. Arrington will present his Stewardship Report, address the body. He will be honored by the body at this time.

Photos: Hubert Williams and Bruce Moore

Amerigroup community partner serves the people

Sharon Fleming from Journeys Unlimited Travel speaks with attendee

Community Partners:

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

17

Memorial Baptist Holds Summer Revival Photos: Leman J. McGhee

Rev. Dr. Lance D. Watson, pastor of St. Paul's Baptist Church, Richmond VA, preaching at the Summer Revival at Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem

L–R: Rev. Sean P. Gardner Sr, pastor, East Ward Baptist Church with his wife, Rev. Renee Washington Gardner, and Rev. Dr. Lance D. Watson

MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner Senior Pastor

CELEBRATING PASTOR RENEE’S SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY Thank God for a Pastor of Honor and Grace And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with love and appreciation.

I Thessalonians 5:12, 13 (Message) Bishop Eric Figueroa New Life Tabernacle Sunday, October 9 8am & 11am

Rev. Keith A. Bolden First Calvary Baptist Church Sunday, October 16 8am & 11am

Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner Sr. East Ward Baptist Church 141 Bishop Preston R. Washington Sr. Place Sunday, October 2 (115 Street between Lenox & St. Nicholas Avenues) 8am & 11am

Harlem, New York 10026

(212) 663 8830 Mbcvision2000@aol.com 18

The Positive Community September 2011

Rev. Dr. Joe Albert Bush Walker Memorial BC Sunday, October 16 3:30pm

www.mbcvisionharlem.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Loans to Minorities Did Not Cause Housing Foreclosures

By Kenneth J. Cooper America’s Wire

C

onservative Republicans and commentators have frequently blamed the housing crisis on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which encourages banks to make loans in the low- and moderate-income areas where they operate. But a study to be released this week and a bipartisan commission, conclude that the federal law had little impact on the crisis.

The 1977 law, designed to prevent redlining in less prosperous neighborhoods, requires banking examiners to consider how many loans a bank has made in these urban neighborhoods and rural communities when financial institutions seek approval to open new branches, acquire other banks or merge.

Critics charged that the CRA forced banks to approve mortgages for poor, unqualified buyers who could not maintain payments and went into default or

foreclosure, causing the housing market to collapse.

That charge was also leveled often at the affordablehousing goals of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, federally sponsored enterprises that buy mortgages made by private lenders.

But the Democratic majority of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission established by Congress concluded in January that the 1977 law designed to prevent redlining was “not a significant factor in subprime lending or the crisis.” Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, had made a similar statement two years ago, but the criticism continued.

The Democrats on the bipartisan commission also found that the affordable housing goals “contributed marginally” to purchase of risky mortgages by Fannie and Freddie.

Is your computer guy driving you crazy?

Support our We can help.

What if your computer crashes and you can’t access your customer information?

CMIT is Your Technology Team OUR SERVICES CMIT Marathon - Service Plans Security - Backup Solutions - Disaster Recovery Support - Troubleshooting - Software & Hardware - Computer Networks Hosting - Email, Servers, Web CMIT Anti-Spam Voice Over IP (VOIP) Consulting Services Payment Plans

What if you suddenly can’t access email?

Advertisers

infected with a nasty virus?

What if you had a team of professionals to take care of your systems so you can focus on your business?

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663 800.399.CMIT

510.538.CMIT (2648)

www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty

20

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s happening at

Columbia in September

Sunday, September 4 Men’s Soccer vs.

Sacred Heart 3:00 p.m.

Columbia Soccer Stadium, Baker Athletics Complex, West 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www .gocolumbialions.com.

Wednesday, September 7 The Secrets to Success for Twentysomethings 6:00 p.m.

Event Oval, The Diana Center, Barnard campus Glamour magazine’s editor-in-chief Cindi Leive moderates a panel of successful women offering advice on achieving success during and after college. RSVP required; email Katelyn_SilverHoward@condenast.com.

For more info, call (212) 854-2037.

Monday, September 12 Power Talks: From Closed Doors to Open Roads: A Journalist’s Journey 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sulzberger Parlor, Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Author and award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault gives this fall’s first lecture of The Athena Center for Leadership Studies “Power Talks,” which features today’s leaders in conversation on controversial topics. Followed

by Q&A. $20; free with CUID. To register, visit www.barnard.edu/events, email cshin@barnard .edu or call (212) 854-2374.

Wednesday, September 21 The Past and Future of French History 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Maison Française, Buell Hall, Morningside campus A roundtable discussion with historians Samuel Moyn, Gregory Mann, Emmanuelle Saada, Judith Surkis, and moderated by Robert O. Paxton, will reflect on the state of the field, where it’s been and where it might be going. Visit www.maisonfrancaise.org or call (212) 854-4482 for more info.

Saturday, September, 24 Lyrics From Lockdown 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus This true story begins when poet and activist Bryonn Bain is wrongly imprisoned in a New York City jail—while studying law at Harvard. This multimedia solo performance tackles America’s unresolved contradictions using spoken-word poetry and calypso-, classical music- and blues-infused music.

To purchase tickets, visit www.millertheatre.com or call (212) 854-1633.

Football vs. Albany: Baker Blast Community Day 12:30 p.m.

Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, Baker Athletics Complex, West 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www .gocolumbialions.com.

Sunday, September 25 Wed., Sept. 14-Sat., Sept. 17 Nine Rivers 8:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Miller opens its 2011-12 season with a threenight staging of James Dillon’s Nine Rivers. Part I, Leukosis, composed for six percussionists, six violins, 16 solo voices and chamber ensemble, will be performed Sept. 14. Part II, Iosis, will be performed by Schick on Sept. 16. And part III, Melanosis, on Sept. 17. To purchase tickets, visit www.millertheatre.com or call (212) 854-1633.

Sunday, September 18 Women’s Soccer vs.

Long Island 1:00 p.m.

Columbia Soccer Stadium, Baker Athletics Complex, West 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www .gocolumbialions.com.

visible: The Inside Story 2:00 p.m.

Julius Held Auditorium, 304 Barnard Hall, Barnard campus A discussion of the collaboration between choreographers Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, founder of Urban Bush Women, and Nora Chipaumire that resulted in visible, explores the personal narratives of those who leave their homelands. For more info, visit www.dance.barnard.edu, email mcochran@barnard.edu or call (212) 854-9769.

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

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

Reflections on 9/11 Anniversary Tuesday, September 6 Innovative Storytellers 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Journalism Building, Lecture Hall, 3rd Floor, Morningside campus Meet four innovative journalists using technology to tell stories in new ways: Danfung Dennis of Condition ONE; Burt Herman, founder of Storify; Chad Stevens of Mediastorm; and Laura Kurgan from Columbia’s Spatial Information Design Lab. Emily Bell will moderate. For more information, call (212) 854-9891.

Wednesday, September 7 Ten Years Later: What Have We Learned? The Psychological Impact of 9/11 2:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

New York State Psychiatric Institute, Hellman Auditorium, 1051 Riverside Dr. Speakers: psychologists Roxane Cohen Silver, Yuval Neria and Patricia Watson will disucss the psychological impact of the attacks; moderated by Bruce Shapiro, executive director, Columbia’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Webinar and lecture. Registration required. Visit www.psychologybeyondborders .org for more info and to register.

Thursday, September 8 9/11+10: Science, Policy And Public Health 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Low Library Rotunda, Morningside campus A conference featuring prominent academics, policy makers, journalists and health professionals. Limited seating. Email 9.11plus10@ columbia.edu to register, and visit www .mailman.columbia.edu/events for more info.

Friday, September 9 10 Years Later: 9/11, the U.S. And the World 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1501 International Affairs, Morningside campus A panel discussion assessing 10 years of research and policy on terrorism and counterterrorism.

Speakers: Kimberly Martin, Austin Long, Stuart Gottlieb, Page Fortna, Alexander Cooley; moderated

by Richard Betts. Registration required. Visit www .siwps.com/events for more info and to register.

Public Matters: New York Architecture After 9/11 5:30 p.m.

Avery Hall, 100 Level, Morningside campus Exhibition opening. For more info, email aks2117@columbia.edu.

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.

Sunday, September 11 Ten Years After: The Legacy of 9/11 in American Culture 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus A discussion introduced by Adam Kirsch, a senior editor at The New Republic, and moderated by historian and author Sam Tanenhaus, with writers Deborah Eisenberg, Claire Messud, Joseph O’Neill and George Packer.

Call (212) 854-6698 for more info.

Monday, September 12 Cafe Science: Research and Resiliency: An Epidemiologist On the Health Effects of 9/11 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Epidemiologist Charles Dimaggio will dsicuss how public health practitioners determined whether there were post-attack psychological and behavioral effects, what populations were most at risk and what interventions were helpful. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 222-8222 or visit www.cafes .columbia.edu.

Monday, September 19 Cafe Humanities: The September 11, 2001 Oral History and Narrative Memory Project: What We Learned 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Weeks after the 9/11 attacks, Columbia sociologist Peter Bearman and Mary Marshall Clark, director of the Columbia Center for Oral History, undertook a project to interview a diverse group of New Yorkers affected by the events and their aftermath. $10 per person.

Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 854 7083 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Monday, September 26 Cafe Social Science: Therapy After Terror: 9/11, Psychotherapists and Mental Health 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Psychotherapist and anthropologist Karen Seeley will discuss her book Therapy After Terror, which tells the story of 9/11 from the perspectives of New York City therapists who treated those psychologically wounded by the attacks. $10 per person. Limited seating. For more info, call (212) 222-8222 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

NOVEMBER 9TH For Tickets call 888-GO-NJPAC or visit njpac.org

Newark Leadership Roundtable Series Presents:

From to Striving to Thriving: Community Building and Business Growth in the 21st Century Streaming live on the web

A Business ROUNDTABLE Saturday Sept. 24th • 9am-1pm “We'll focus on 'the how to and the why not' of business–the possibilities and essentials of lasting progress, success and prosperity” Positive Community Editorial June 2011

EVENT SPONSORS:

Moderator Richard Roper

General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc.

Go to www.thepositivecommunity/nlrs.com to register for broadband webcast

Giving Back Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill Awards 30 College Scholarships

FRONT ROW: Consul General Geneive Brown-Metzger along with GK founders Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Foundation Board Members: Herma Hawthorne, Milton Hawthorne, Lowell Hawthorne, Lorna Hawthorne, Velma Hawthorne, Lorraine Morrison and Patricia Spencer SECOND ROW (L–R): Ibidapo Kayode, Desiree Waite, Omoailue Agans-Oliha, Liang Lin, Symone Reid, Johnathan Paul Stewart, Tahji Antonio, Trishorn Plummer, Stephanie King, Bridget Addai Mensah, Raquel Bailey, Amanda Plummer, Ryan King BACK ROW (L–R): Nia James, Javin Forrester, Jospehine Gyau, Ashleigh Simpson, T'Keyah Gordon, Shante Rochester, Ashley Romans, Kadeem Maxwell, Oniorode Esegine, Brianna Murray, Jamal Piper, Matthew Brown Scholarship Recipients not in photo: Taylor Duckett (FL), Taneisha Shand (FL), Nosakhere Griggs (GA), Lincoln Antonio (FL), Temisan Lawrence (MD).

M

any people know Golden Krust Bakery & Grill for its delicious and popular flaky Jamaican patties, jerk chicken, oxtail stew and other authentic island dishes. What many don’t know is the extent to which the nation’s largest Caribbean food franchise is committed to giving back to the community.

Living up to a pledge he made just two months ago, to provide 70 scholarships to young people in need of financial assistance for college in the United States and Jamaica this year through the Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Foundation, Golden Krust co-founder and CEO Lowell Hawthone made the first awards recently. On Thursday, August 4th, thirty exceptional high school students preparing to enter college in the fall received much needed scholarships at a ceremony at the United Church of Jesus Christ in the Bronx.

The latest of hundreds whose lives have been changed by Hawthorne’s commitment since 2005, these students were chosen based upon their essays about their immigrant experience in the United States or how their college education will help benefit the community.

24

The Positive Community September 2011

The Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Foundation has awarded over 100 college scholarships to students including graduates from Hawthorne’s alma mater, Oberlin High School in Jamaica Locally, Bronx Community College is the beneficiary of a $100,000 seven year endowment toward scholarships to students with high aptitude who demonstrate financial need. In January 2010, the company pledged $100,000 to the University of the West Indies, the oldest, fully regional institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The money will cover tuition costs for five students per year for a period of eight years.

Support of the community through education is one of the most important tenets of the company’s philosophy, and the lynch pin of this effort is the Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Scholarship Foundation, which honors the Hawthorrne’s late parents.

“Giving back to the community by helping to sponsor education is making a difference in the lives of young persons and families,” said Lowell Hawthorne, who continues to work diligently to meet the needs of his customers.

--JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

celebrating

of saving the world

. website design . logos & identities . brochures & collateral

. web applications . mobile apps . blogs & online stores

. social media marketing . search engine marketing . email marketing

A. Curtis Farrow Honored Hosts Dr. Alfred Lewis and Tony Vaughn

Photos: Kofi Asiedu Kamau Stewart

A. Curtis Farrow with Hon. Mildred Crump

L–R: Brenda Blackmon Tanya Beasley

. Curtis Farrow, producer and executive director of McDonald’s Gospelfest, was honored at the 16th Annual African American South Ward Festival In Newark, NJ on Saturday, August 20.

Presented by the Bergen Street Merchants Association, the festival, which ran along Bergen Street from Lyons to Nye Avenues, brought out Newark City officials including 11AUG Positive Community 4-5x4-5_Nyack Councilmembers Ras Baraka, Don-

A

Chamblee's Square Restaurant

City National Bank Team

ald Payne Jr. and Mildred Crump.

Also on hand to pay tribute to Farrow were MY9 news anchor Brenda Blackmon, Tanya Beasley of KISS-FM and McDonalds owner/ 8/8/11 7:35 PM Page 1Holder. operator Deborah

EARN YOUR DEGREE AT NYACK

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

of Divinity • Master of Arts • Master of Professional Studies • Certificate Programs

Full Line of Southern Style Food

An Academically Excellent education that is Socially Relevant and Personally Transforming in an environment that is Globally Engaged and Intentionally Diverse.

596 Hunterdon Street Newark, NJ (Corner Madison Ave.)

• Master

Now Accepting Applications for the Spring

973-824-8725 Open Daily: 7am—7pm Monday by Appointment www.thepositivecommunity.com

Nyack, NY • New York, NY September 2011 The Positive Community

27

Education T e ach i n g , L e ar n i n g , Mak i n g a D i f f e r e n c e

NY/NJ Act-So Students Excel

By Deborah Smith Gregory

S

tanding in the warm Los Angeles sunshine, they jokingly traded chants: NEW YORK! JERSEY! Adding gospel songs in the mix seemed to quell the anxiety as they waited for the procession into the convention center. The two competing teams, which actually have a close camaraderie, were ready to claim victory at the 33rd national Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). Over 600 students from across the country convened to compete against their peers.

New York ACT-SO proved to be a powerhouse in the Sciences, capturing six awards.

GOLD Arhea Marshall - Biology/Microbiology Crystal Burgess - Physics SILVER Malik Williams - Architecture Afsana Nasrin - Medicine Health BRONZE Desiree Waite - Engineering Anayet Chowdhury - Medicine/Health

28

The Positive Community September 2011

Living up to the motto, “Encouraging dreams and demanding excellence,” my colleagues and I exchange information and support each other and our teams.

Anton Tomlinson, advisor of New York City ACT-SO for the past 25 years reminds us that Vernon Jarrett created this program 35 years ago to “cultivate, encourage and demand excellence from our young people and to give them the same accolades as athletes while mobilizing the adult community.”

Truly a community effort, ACT-SO is a national initiative sponsored by the NAACP. Hundreds of volunteer advisors, mentors and judges across the New Jersey scored with three country work together for the medals in Math, Visual and achievement of the participating Performing Arts. high school students who are matched with professionals for GOLD mentoring in one or more of the MaryClare Sobon— 26 categories under the headings Vocal Music Contemporary of Humanities, Sciences, BusiBRONZE ness, Visual and Performing Arts.

Sara Meretab—Math Mentoring culminates in a local Shemamphorash Andre—Filmmaking competition with the winners advancing to the national competition held annually in conjunction with the NAACP convention. The national winners receive scholarship prizes and laptop computers. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Malik Williams, Arhea Marshall, Anton Tomilson, NYC ACT-SO chairman; Afsana Nasrin, Crystal Burgess, Roland Brummer, NYC ACT-SO executive director; Desiree Waite; Anayet Chowdhury.

Photo: Gerald Peart

L–R: Deborah Smith Gregory, Newark advisor; Shemamphorash Andre, MaryClare Sobon; Shaun Adams, New Brunswick advisor; Thomas Reynolds, Montclair advisor PosComm.5_Sep:PosComm .5 9/2/11 10:44 AM Page 1 and Sara Meretab

100% Graduation rate 100% ColleGe aCCeptanCe open House oct 15 11aM to 1pM

www.thepositivecommunity.com

• Millions of dollars in scholarships awarded • personalized learning environMent • coMpetitive tuition and payMent plans

September 2011 The Positive Community

29

Chad School Foundation Awards $23,000 in Scholarships

Chad scholar Marqui Salley of Syracuse University (center) with Chad Trustee William F. Williams, and Reginald Lewis, Chad School Foundation executive director as he receives his laptop computer.

L-R: Breona Oliver, who now attends Spelman College, with Chad School Foundation Board Chairwoman, Dr. Kia Calhoun-Grundy, M.D. and Westside High School counselor, Pierre Oscar as she received her laptop computer.

T

he Chad School Foundation, Inc., a Newark, New Jersey-based education policy and advocacy organization, recently made its first scholarship and student grant awards, totaling $23,000 in cash assistance.

Two students, Rakiyah Nadia Wright of East Orange, and Marqui Salley of Montclair, were named the Foundation’s first Chad Scholars recipients; each receiving four-year $10,000 scholarship awards to attend their respective colleges and universities. Ms. Wright will attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology and major in Bio-Medical Engineering. Mr. Salley will attend Syracuse University and major in

30

The Positive Community September 2011

Engineering. Ms. Wright and Mr. Salley have also received Chad-sponsored mentors who will support them throughout their time in college. The Foundation will also assist both students in finding summer internships aligned with their career aspirations.

A third student, Breona Oliver, 2011 Valedictorian of Westside High School in Newark, was awarded a $3,000 Grant-In-Aid to enable her to attend Spelman College, where she plans to pursue a Biology/Pre-Med major.

All three students were provided “care packages” from Chad that included fully-equipped lap-top computers, representing another $10,000 in in-kind assistance to awardees. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HOW TO LIVE UNITED. HOW TO LIVE UNITED. HOW HOW TO TO HOW TO LIVE UNITED. REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND HOW TO HOW TO LIVE UNITED. LIVE LIVE UNITED. UNITED REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL.

REACH OUT THE A HAND TO ONE AND LIVE UNITED. INFLUENCE CONDITION OF ALL. JOIN JOIN HANDS. HANDS INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. JOIN HANDS.

OPENOPEN YOURYOUR HEART. HEAR OPEN YOUR HEART. LEND LEND YOUR YOUR MUSCLE. MUSCL LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND FIND YOUR VOICE. VOIC FIND YOURYOUR VOICE.

GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE GIVE10%.

10%.10%.

GIVE 100%.

100%. 100%

GIVE GIVE 110% 110% GIVE 110%

GIVEGIVE ANAN GIVE HOUR. ANGIVE HOUR. AA SATURDAY. GIVE A SATURD HOUR. GIVE SATURDAY.

THINKTHINK WEOF BEFORE ME. THINK OFOFWE BEFORE WE BEFORE ME. M

REACH OUTA AHAND HANDATO TOHAND ONE AND REACH OUT REACH OUT ONE TO ANDONE A

INFLUENCE GIVE. ADVOCATE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. VOLUNTEER. INFLUENCE INFLUENC CONDITION OF ALL. GIVE. ADVOCATE.THETHE VOLUNTEER. CONDITION THE CONDITION OF ALL. OF AL GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED UNITED GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED GIVE. GIVE. ADVOCATE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. VOLUNTEER LIVE UNITED LIVE UNITED LIVE LIVE UNITED UNITED www.unitedwayessex.org www.unitedwayessex.org www.unitedwayessex.org

www.unitedwayessex.org

www.unitedwayessex.org

www.unitedwayessex.org www.unitedwayessex.org

United Way Where Faith & Knowledge Meet Distributes Back Packs for Back to School

The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark (serving

Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties) offer a positive, encouraging and safe environment where children can grow in body, mind, and spirit. Our caring, qualified teachers provide a strong academic foundation. We are deeply committed to helping students develop into productive, responsible adults and citizens with goals and direction.

3 97% of graduates advance to college 3 NJ core content standards met or exceeded 3 High academic standards 3 Christ-centered values

32

The Positive Community September 2011

Photos: George Xuereb

D

onna Lee Walsh of EverBank Commercial Finance, Inc. hands a brand new back pack to one young man at United Way of Essex and West Hudson’s Back Pack Distribution day. The event, which was held on August 31, provided kids with an opportunity to receive a back pack stuffed with school supplies.

The bags were generously donated by EverBank Commercial Finance, Inc. Children were also screened by a nurse from Newark’s Child and Family Well-Being department. Kids could also meet representatives from Newark Police and Newark NOW and learn about the programs they offer.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Mock Trial

T

he Newark Municipal Court hosted its annual Summer Intern Mock Trial on August 17. Twentyone Newark Municipal Court interns participated as prosecutors, witnesses, and defense attorneys in the mock criminal trial of the State of New Justice vs.

Miranda Wainwright. The students developed writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills by preparing and litigating the legal case before Newark Municipal Court Chief Judge Richard E.A. Nunes, in which the jury of seven interns who heard the evidence acquitted the defendant, who was accused of stealing a cell phone from a schoolmate’s purse. Here, defense attorney Terrence Dixon, a St. Lawrence University pre-law student and West Ward resident, cross-examines a witness. “The internship was educational, informative, and inspiring to me,” he said. “I hope it continues and is as inspiring and productive to others, as well.”

Photo: Newark Press Information Office

White House Announces We the People Go Online and Make Your Feelings Known

T

he White House has launched “We the People,” a new online engagement feature. On this platform, individuals can create and sign petitions seeking action from the federal government on a range of issues. If a petition gathers enough signatures, White House staff will review it, ensure it is sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response.

You can begin submitting petitions later this month. To sign up for an alert when it launches and preview the feature, visit http://www.WhiteHouse. gov/WeThePeople.

“When I ran for this office, I pledged to make government more open and accountable to its

www.thepositivecommunity.com

citizens. That’s what the new “We the People” feature on WhiteHouse.gov is all about – giving Americans a direct line to the White House on the issues and concerns that matter most to them,” said President Obama.

If a petition reaches a threshold of 5,000

signatures within 30 days – it will be sent to the appropriate policy makers throughout the Administration, reviewed, and an official response will be published to WhiteHouse.gov and emailed to all signers of the petition.

732-549-1108 Bishop George Ahr High School Edison, New Jersey 08820 www.bgahs.org September 2011 The Positive Community

33

PosComm-FallReg-0811 8/25/11 3:06 PM Page 1

B e r g e n

C o m m u n i t y

C o l l e g e

A Smart Start to a Four-Year Degree.

• • • • • • •

Affordable tuition Flexible schedules with day and evening classes three locations: Paramus, Hackensack and meadowlands Dedicated faculty online courses and degree options transferable credits more than 130 academic programs

REGISTER FOR CLASSES Come to campus if you need help registering.

Professional counselors and our registration staff are here to help you. Visit the registration Center, A-129 in the Pitkin education Center at Bergen’s main campus in Paramus, 400 Paramus road.

Please call (201) 447-7200, text BERGEN to 770-07 or visit www.bergen.edu for more information.

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BergenCommunityCollege.

Classes begin on October 26 at the Ciarco Learning Center in Hackensack.

Register today.

H

A C

K

E

N

S

A C

K

|

P A

R

A

M

U

S

|

M

E

A

D

O

W

L

A

N

D

S

ANTOINETTE ELLIS WILLIAMS Ph.D. IN PERSPECTIVE

Antoinette Ellis Williams, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies at New Jersey City University and Assistant Minister in Newark.

Entitled or Favored: When is it Right to Ask? ray that God will have favor on our children.” “I know God will favor me.” We hear the songs, prayers and the popular Christian refrain, “God will show favor.” I have even seen Facebook status posts saying, “Pray that God will once again have favor on America.” Does God “favor” some more than others? The idea that God will give us “special blessings” or “His favor” (usually in the form of money, recognition, power, etc.) because we asked or He wanted to shower us with goodness is at the heart of the “favor principle.” Does God love the United States more than Peru? Isn’t grace available to all? I am somewhat uncomfortable with the notion that God favors some and ignores others.

On further examination, Christ focused his ministry on widows, poor, homeless, children and prisoners. Those Jesus touched had nothing and were outcast by society; they asked for very little. His “favor” or bias seems to have been placed on individuals without powerful lobby groups, without a good name, and whom no one else favored. Is favor another word for entitlement? If this is the case, we have to consider the possibility that the powerful, rich, beautiful, and well connected may not be in need of special support or entitlements.

God asked us to care for those with less and provided a safety net for those most in need—it was His son, the Christ. He did not promise special “favors” to people already abundantly blessed. God is not a magical genie granting our every wish.

Too often, we cannot see our blessings; we are constantly looking for more goodies—more favor. Our glasses are never full enough.

Children have become entitled, spoiled, overly privileged and expecting of special favor. At Christmastime children no longer give hints, they give detailed lists of items they want or think they deserve. Guilt, or genuine belief that we are doing some good, along with trying to keep up with the Joneses, drives parents to comply with their requests.

We have become victims of an entitlement mentality and the favor principle. The entitlement mentality is when we believe we are supposed to get things because we are in need.

We are then comfortable to beg and demand that others give us things. The favor principle is when we ask for a buffet and forget about the loaf of bread we already have in the fridge.

Both approaches undermine hard work, foster laziness and reward greed.

So how do we support those most in need without alienating the hard working middle class? The challenge is to balance

“P

www.thepositivecommunity.com

competing values and needs. We are Biblically bound to support those in need. Psalm 12: 5 tells us, “‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’” And yet God also encourages work hard. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” (Proverbs 10:4-5) Entitlement programs for poor and middle class Americans are currently under attack (Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security). While there are some problems with these programs, they have been beneficial to many poor people. The need for supporting the poor and uninsured has increased as the population has increased, especially the numbers of senior citizens.

Social Security was enacted when life expectancy for Americans was 61.7 years old; in 2007 it had increased to 77.9 years. According to the US Census report in 1930 there were an estimated 6.7 million Americans 65 years old. However, the Census predicts that the number of older people will increase dramatically during the 2010–2030 period. The older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as in 2000, growing from 35 million to 71.5 million and representing nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population.

A religious coalition, which includes leaders from Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical, African-American and Latino Christian churches, including two prominent Catholic bishops, challenged lawmakers to avoid cutting federal spending on anti-poverty programs that help the poorest and most vulnerable people during the country’s climbing budget crisis.

The leaders introduced the “Circle of Protection” campaign, pointing to biblical values of justice and compassion for the “least of our brothers and sisters” as the debate over the 2012 federal budget unfolds. The Circle of Protection is rightfully moving to protect entitlement programs. Because we are such a wealthy nation we should be able to share our fortune, with those vulnerable.

We are an entitled people; we are entitled to count our blessings and share them with others. We are a favored people; God has saved us so we can testify to His goodness, not our own. He has favored us to do more for the least of us. Don’t worry about how God is blessings others; know that He will not forget about you. Stand ready to give to others and watch God perform many miracles in your life.

September 2011 The Positive Community

35

BUF’s Bright Beginnings

By g.r. mattox

Plainfield Pre-School offers Students a Solid Foundation

Sondra Clark points out how the facility is blessed to have volunteers who work with the children

I

t’s never too early for learning and preschool is an opportunity for both parents and little children to get a feeling of what will be expected of them from their teachers as children begin the process of interacting with each other, making new friends and starting to build the skills that will take them through life.

Black United Fund Health & Human Services (BUF/ HHS) goes about the business of early childhood education and guidance with great energy, teamwork and a cheerleader spirit. It prides itself on being a safe, secure and stable environment where children can grow socially, emotionally and intellectually through a curriculum developed by the HighScope Educational Research Foundation. The staff of about 80 is looking forward to another school year with its three and four-year-olds The organization offers or refers parents to other social services in the community that can help improve their daily lives. Almost two dozen local and statewide organizations participate in the partnership, including JFK Medical Center, Plainfield Public Library, Center

36

The Positive Community September 2011

for Stronger Families and Legal Services of NJ. “Here at BUF Human Services the children are our number one goal,” said CEO/ President Sondra Clark. “To educate them, to make sure they have a bright beginning by giving them an excellent curriculum that is proven and data-driven,” she continued.

Two Sites

BUF/HHS is located on two sites. The 50,000 square-foot HHS Community Center was purchased in 1994 to revitalize the community of Plainfield, NJ. In addition to the classroom space, the facility offers features that are scarce in the community including conference rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a performing arts space that can serve as a gym and is used by the students as a cafeteria, and a sauna and steam room. There is an after-school program that accepts children up to age 11 until 5:30.

The second location, called BUF2 by the staff, is a twostory, 10-classroom building that opened with great fanfare www.thepositivecommunity.com

in 2009. Noting that funding for all their operations is gained through the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, corporations, private individuals and fee-for-service, “We used no State funds for this project,” Clark said. BUF/HHS has the capacity for 350 students.

Each space is filled for the 2011-2012 school year.

Classroom teachers are P-3 certified and many have master’s degrees; teacher assistants either have or are working on their associates’ degree. The 950 square-foot classrooms are filled with books, games, art and writing supplies, manipulatives, blocks and toys that help children explore and learn. Students from a number of colleges come in during July and August to work in the summer camp, which accepts children up to 11 years old. Meals and snacks are prepared daily on-site in the fully equipped kitchens. “They can eat as much as they want, but we are cautious of their health,” Clark pointed out, “because we

English-speaking parents and helping them with understanding and completing forms like job applications,” Clark said.

Last year, BUF/HHS offered a class for children at least two-and-a half-years old, offering the toddler-level HighScope curriculum. Clark says it was a success, and though she believes you can’t effectively service too many areas at once, she is considering making this a permanent part of the school. Her current focus is on expanding the BUF2 location with an auditorium, a gym and maybe another swimming pool.

“It’s very important that all children have as much physical activity as they can, and they need safe facilities to do that,” she explained. She also wants to start a therapeutic daycare for those children who have emotional and behavioral problems. “These children need special care; you have to work with them, you

Photos: Les Wormack

President/CEO Sondra Clark with students

have had children with diabetes and with high-blood pressure.”

The center, which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, has been mindful of the growth of L–R: Maria Pina-Vogel, Lori Harris, Lisa Gibbs, Sondra Clark, Brenda Alston and Yudit Morales the Hispanic population in Plainfield, and either the teacher or the teacher assistant can’t just shut them away.” in each class is Spanish-speaking. “My job is almost Clark, who also serves as CEO/president of the the same as the teacher’s,” said teacher assistant East Orange-based African-American Fund of NJ and Yudit Morales. “When we have small group activity, oversees the NJ Federation of Black Charities, said that I supervise one of the groups. I like to be with kids despite a well-equipped classroom and an exceptional and God gave me a lot of patience, which you really teaching staff, the key component to the program’s sucneed with children this age.” cess is the parents. “Parents are the key,” she stresses. “I often tell the parents that it’s that reading to the child; Plans for the Future it’s that talking to the child; it’s that playing with the “One of the non-classroom initiatives we are develchild and letting the child be a child and helping them oping with the NJ Strengthening Families Initiative is to explore their physical surroundings that will contriba program to help Spanish-speaking parents learn or ute to their classroom success. We all have to partner in improve their English, improving the reading skills of that to make it happen, and it’s a 24/7 job.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

37

NYSCAS New York School of Career and Applied Studies

a division of TOURO

COLLEGE

Get on the Road to a Bright Future!

ASSOCIATE’S AND BACHELOR’S DEGREES

• Business Management and Administration • Human Services • Psychology • Education • Biology • Social Sciences • Paralegal Studies • Computer Science • Desktop and Web Publishing • Liberal Arts and Sciences* • and more *also in conjunction with the School of Health Sciences

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR FALL 2011!

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS • DMX—Digital Media Arts | 212.463.0400 x5588 • Desktop and Web Publishing | 718.336.6471 x30119

Uptown | 877.722.7130 x101 240 East 123rd Street

Other Professional Opportunities

Midtown | 212.463.0400 x5500 27-33 West 23rd Street

• Pre-Law • Pre-Medical • Pre-Dental | 718-252-7800 x219

Other sites located in Brooklyn and Queens

www.touro.edu/nyscas

| 877-3NYSCAS

Touro College is an equal opportunity institution

“Overjoyed” Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake: his life, ministry and service to the community

By Glenda Cadogan

H

is journey began in 1961 when at age 15 he accepted God’s call to ministry and delivered his first sermon at a small church in Houston, Texas. Now, 50 years later, the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake not only celebrates that milestone anniversary, but also his 35th year as the senior pastor of the Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of New York.

The road along this endeavor has been a winding one of hills and valleys; a couple of treacherous curves interspersed with a few rocks of controversy. But it is at the points of the uphill climb that Rev. Flake has been at his best, never once wavering in his faith that God is always in control. As such, at every turn, whether as preacher, politician or president, it has been clear that he is indeed one of God’s anointed.

His first pulpit—a 50-member congregation in Lebanon, Ohio—was poles apart from what is today Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York, a 25,000 member church publicly proclaimed as one of the largest in New York if not the country. His efforts in bringing the church to this acclaim while at the same time building one of the most dynamic economic engines in Southeast Queens have received national attention. But the Floyd Flake story is not just one of influential ministry, political savvy, or business expertise. At the heart of the Floyd Flake

story as told to The Positive Community are humility, faithfulness, service, passion and obedience to the will of God. Multitasking One of 13 children born to a military father and a homemaker mother, Rev. Flake learned the values of hard work from an early age while growing up in Houston. “My father was a multi-dimensional man who always held down several jobs,” he explained. “On evenings, he took all of the boys with him to first clean up an office complex and then do the same at St. John’s Hospital. My mother on the other hand made sure that all of us, boys and girls, learned how to cook, wash and sew.”

The road along this endeavor has been a winding one of hills and valleys; a couple of treacherous curves interspersed with a few rocks of controversy. But it is at the points of the uphill climb that Rev. Flake has been at his best. . . continued on next page

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

39

COVERSTORY OVERJOYED continued from previous page

This combination of good home economics and diligent work ethics proved to be invaluable tools as Rev. Flake continued on this journey to the national spotlight.

At age 16 he left Houston and worked several jobs–as many as three at a time–to put himself through college.

“At one point I worked in a cafeteria, waited tables at a hotel and then cleaned my French teacher’s home once a week,” he said, adding, “I guess I have always been a multi-tasker and it has been the nature of my life even up to now.”

It comes as no surprise then, that as his life’s journey took shape, Rev. Flake, at various points, and sometimes simultaneously held positions as marketing analyst (Xerox Corporation), pastor, politician (he served 11 years as Congressman of the 6th District in Queens and college president (Wilberforce University). And with skill and efficiency, he moved with ease between the pulpit, the podium and the boardroom.

A Passion for Preaching But through it all it was the preaching and the passion for ministry and people that would be at the center of his existence. Indeed, according to Rev. Flake, it seems as though he was called to do so even from the womb. It was a quiet Easter Sunday, when at age 10, he walked up to the altar and gave his life to Christ. “Since that day church has been an integral part of my life,” he said.

“Whether it was being in charge of youth ministry or preaching in the backyard, it seems as though this has been my life. In fact, I clearly remember those days of staging our own backyard Sunday school with my sisters and brothers. We even caught lizards and other critters and held funeral services using popsicles as crosses,” he recalled chuckling with the memory.

While working his way through the labyrinth of his varied life experiences, Rev. Flake arrived at Greater Allen Cathedral in 1976, just one year after he married his wife and co-pastor Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake. The congregation at the time was about 1,500 people who worshiped in what he described as a very nice worship center that was built in 1964. But despite the church’s vibrancy and physical beauty, the surrounding community was in despair and moral decay. “This was once a thriving community where greats the likes of Jackie Robinson, Lena Horne, Count Basie and Brook Benton set up and an enclave and made it their

But through it all it was the preaching and the passion for ministry and people that would be at the center of his existence. Indeed, according to Rev. Flake, it seems as though he was called to do so even from the womb. It was a quiet Easter Sunday, when at age 10, he walked up to the altar and gave his life to Christ. home. But by the time I got here, people were moving out to the counties in droves. I needed to know why.”

If you build it…

So putting his years of experience as a marketing analyst on the table, Rev. Flake embarked on a comprehensive study not just in search of the why, but to find solutions.

Three key factors emerged from this study: First, people were moving away because they felt that their children could not get a proper education in Southeast Queens; secondly housing values had dropped, and more potently, the drug culture had taken over portions of the community.

“We made the decision that if these were the things driving people out, then, as a church; we needed to address them in order to keep people. Our first response was to build a senior citizens complex that consisted of 300 units and was one of the first of its kind in the country. Next we decided that the best way to impact education was to build our own school. So on the first floor of the senior citizens center, we opened a school that provided instruction from pre-K to 8th grade,” Rev, Flake explained. Last year the school celebrated its 27th graduating class.

The Allen Christian School opened in 1980 and in that first year the membership at Allen AME grew by 783 members. “As we impacted the lives of senior citizens, their children and grandchildren started coming to Allen continued on next page

40

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

OVERJOYED continued from previous page

(L.–R.) Rev. Drs. Elaine and Floyd Flake

Church,” Rev. Flake said. “This simply proved to us that if you meet the needs of people, they will come.”

From those humble endeavors, the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of NY and its numerous subsidiaries is now one of the driving economic engines in Southeast Queens, having brought in excess of $600 million to the community.

Today with a roll of 25,000, Allen AME employs a total of 229 people, 107 in the church and 122 in the school.

However, the development and community empowerment projects did not come without its share of challenges. Proving that there is no obstacle that true grit and amazing grace cannot overcome, Rev. Flake skillfully quieted the dissenting voices with results oriented action. “It was a very real struggle,” said Rev. Flake. “At that time I was not just a new pastor, but I was also only 31 years old.

People in the community were a bit anxious about this young man who just came here and was already constructing buildings.” But Rev. Flake, believing in his heart that this was the will of God, was undaunted in his efforts. “In my mind, ministry does not grow exclusively from what you do on the inside but by what you do on the outside.

This is what I call outside-in ministry. So, slowly, as people saw a visible response toward meeting their needs, our membership started to grow.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

God’s Plan Now as the church and the community prepare to celebrate his 50 years in ministry and 35 years at Allen AME, Rev. Flake said he is “overjoyed. In the AME church a pastor can be moved on an annual basis. So being here for 35 years is like three lifetimes. And to me, the joy of my ministry is that it is still growing, performing and meeting the needs of the community. Further, it’s a joy because I didn’t plan it this way, but I truly believe that it was in the plan of God.” Rev. Flake finds his balance by maintaining a healthy focus on both church and family life. As a family ritual, he cooks every Saturday and he and his wife, Elaine, are joined for dinner by their four adult children and one grandchild. “I just love what I do,” he said. “I do everything with passion because when my time comes and I retire or the Lord calls me home, I want this ministry to be sustainable well beyond my lifetime.”

And even after 50 years, Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, like the prophet Jeremiah, still has the word of God in his heart like a burning fire in his bones. But always one to see the big picture, he has embraced as his legacy, “service to God and community. And I’ve given it my all, I gave it all.”

September 2011 The Positive Community

41

Ramadan: The Month of Blessing

By R.L. Witter

Photo: Kevin Muhammad

A

s August came to a close, so did the month of Ramadan for more than one billion Muslims throughout the world. Newark Councilman Ras Baraka, son of Poet, Author and Activist Amiri Baraka, sought a way to include the Muslim population of Newark in celebrating the holy month. Baraka and his legislative aide, David Muhammad organized three events over the 30-day period that brought together hundreds of Muslims in Newark, NJ for outdoor prayer and fellowship as they broke their daily fasts with an evening meal.

Ramadan is the month of blessing in Islamic culture, marked with prayer, fasting and charity. According to Islam, Ramadan is a way for Muslims to show their devotion to God, Allah. For 29 or 30 days, depending upon the lunar calendar, participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours. By not eating or drinking anything —even water— throughout the day, Muslims are reminded of their faith by the feelings of hunger and thirst. They are also reminded of those less fortunate and take part in charitable acts as part of the month-long observance.

It is stated in the Qur’an: He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.

At the age of twelve, Muslims begin taking part in

42

The Positive Community September 2011

sawm, the practice of fasting during sunlit hours for the month of Ramadan. Prayer during Ramadan begins before sunrise and is followed by a morning meal called suhoor. The evening meal is iftar, and takes place only after the sun has set. It is usually followed by prayer or recitation of the Qur’an in mosques. Approximately one thirtieth of the Qur’an is recited nightly so that at the end of the month of Ramadan, the holy scriptures of the Qur’an have been recited in entirety.

While charity and generosity are always important tenets of Islam, they have special significance during the month of blessing. There is a distinct obligation to help feed the poor, make charitable contributions to mosques and share good fortune with those who have less.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting and is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, the other occurring after Hajj, making the journey to Mecca. It literally means “festival of breaking the fast.”

“Eid Mubarak!” can be heard as the customary greeting on this day of joy and celebration, meaning “blessed festival.” Children are given gifts of new clothes and candies during the traditional celebrations and many men wear white as a display of their purity.

The Newark celebrations were held over a threeweek period at various locations. On Wednesday, August 10, 2011, people gathered at Bergen Street and Lyons Avenue where Imam Aqeel A. Mateen of United Muslim Inc. was the officiating Masjid. The following Wednesday service was held at Clinton Avenue and 11th Street and was officiated by Masjid Fallahee and Imam Gibril Muslim Larry. The final event took place on August 24th at Springfield Avenue and 18th Street, officiants were Masjid Al Haqq and Imama Abdul Kareem Muhammad. www.thepositivecommunity.com

NEWARK BRANCH NAACP

GET YOUR COPY or send a gift to a friend...

97 Annual TH

Freedom Fund Awards Dinner

“Affirming America’s Promise: A Salute to ACT-SO” Thursday, October 20, 2011 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm The Terrace Ballroom at Newark Symphony Hall 1020 Broad Street, Newark NJ Donation $75 per person For Tickets and Information Call 973-624-6400 Joyce Simmons, Branch President Kathleen Turpin-Merritt, Chair Freedom Fund Awards Dinner Committee

Upcoming Special Issue!

September Newark Focus Issue

To Advertise Call: 973-233-9200 or Email: Positive.corp@verizon.net for rates & deadlines

CHURCH OM THE EWS FR GOOD N

11

MMU AND CO

NITY

mmunity.com

veco www.thepositi 8 Vol. 9, No.

May 2009

$2.95

Mentoring ine Medicin e Installs id rs ve Ri Minister New Senior Good News from Haiti

SPECIAL SECTIONS Health

issues for $20.00

Heritage Parade

OF THREE THE POWER

Davis ins, Sampson t, George Jenk Rameck Hun (L–R) Drs.

A family publication you’ll be proud to have in your home...read about the progress and development of the contemporary church community, plus entertainment, health, education, reviews, business, and much much more...delivered monthly.

Join the Roll Call to progress.

For bulk delivery to your church or organization.

Call 973-233-9200 Send check or money order to: The Positive Community, 133 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 Subscribe online at www.thepositivecommunity.com

44

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

- Nelson Mandela

A new school year.

A new opportunity to continue our investment in our children, our schools, our communities – and our future.

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

Nelson Mandela photo courtesy of “South Africa The Good News” www.sagoodnews.co.za

Culture MUS IC,

STEEL STANDING One man’s tribute to the victims and survivors of 9/11

BY GLENDA CADOGAN f you cannot get transportation then walk, but get downtown to the World Trade Center now,’ was the instruction Anthony Whitaker received from his Con Edison supervisor. On any other day this request would have seemed like a peculiar one to be given to Whitaker, a technical engineer. But on this day—Tuesday September 11, 2001—it was in perfect context. It set in motion a series of events which ultimately led to the creation of one of the most iconic pictorial monuments of the tragedy that collapsed the twin towers in Lower Manhattan and shocked the world.

“Steel Standing” is the title of a photograph taken by Whitaker, a Harlem designer/artist/photographer. The stunning black and white image shows steel beams standing majestically on the northeast corner of Albany and

‘I

46

The Positive Community September 2011

ART

&

LITERATURE

Washington Streets where World Trade Center Tower #2 once stood. The photograph, which is the first image approved for sale as a poster by the 9/11 Memorial Site, was taken seven days after the terrorist attacks that killed more than 2000 people and permanently altered the lives of thousands of others.

Whitaker describes the experience of his first encounter with the steel façade as “a spiritual one,” hence his belief that the image speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. “As my supervisor had instructed, I walked from 123rd Street in Harlem to Ground Zero and arrived there around the one o’clock hour on September 11,” Whitaker explains. “But it was the following day when he was sent into what was called the “hot zone” to check on some cables that Whitaker experienced the power of “Steel Standing.”

“The physical essence of the piece was so strong that I heard it speak,” he says. “I heard a voice that said, ‘I am steel; I am standing … I am steel standing!’ That’s when I knew that I had to capture this image as a testament to the strength of the human spirits that transcended the physical death on that horrendous day.”

It took six more days and a series of events that can be best described as Divine intervention before Whitaker got back to the area with the opportunity to capture the image with his 20-year-old camera. This included a “casual encounter” with a professional photographer who corrected the setting on his camera and a firewoman who hitched a ride on his work truck. When she admired his duffel bag, in a kind gesture Whitaker gave it to her. He says he was more than repaid when she in turn got the soldiers on guard at the towers to give the all-clear for him to take the shot. “I was so sure that the encounter I had with the image was a spiritual one,” Whitaker remembers. “It felt as though the souls of the victims were sending a message that they were still standing. It was a message of strength, perseverance, resilience and rebirth. I wanted to capture not just the image but the voices. I wanted to compose a shot that captured the

Whitaker describes the experience of his first encounter with the steel façade as “a spiritual one,” hence his belief that the image speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Indeed the message of “Steel Standing” now reverberates throughout the world as an image of hope and rebirth. In addition to being sold at the 9/11 Memorial Site . . .

voice I heard in such a way that when people see the image they too will think and feel the same way I did at that point.”

Using his years of experience as a fashion designer and student of art, Whitaker—who was an amateur photographer at this point— says he first composed the image in his mind and on paper. On September 18, when he finally got the clearance to enter the secured area, he clicked and clicked and clicked

www.thepositivecommunity.com

– seven times before he got what is today the powerful poster image, Steel Standing. “When I took the first shot I felt electricity run through my body” he says. “This was my confirmation that I was on a spiritual endeavor and all the circumstances leading up to that moment were not coincidental.”

Indeed the message of “Steel Standing” now reverberates throughout the world as an image of hope and rebirth. In addition to being sold at the 9/11 Memorial Site, “Steel Standing” is the first work of art that will be permanently displayed inside the lobby of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building in Harlem. And as an even more lasting legacy, The Steel Standing Foundation created by Whitaker raises money for The National September 11th Memorial Museum and Wounded Warriors, a non-profit helping wounded soldiers after active duty in the United States military.

Anthony Whitaker believes that everyone has a steel standing story.

“We all go through trials and tribulations and encounter obstacles in life.

But if we approach our challenges with character and strength, then we will overcome—even death,” as did the spirits of the victims of 9/11 who Whitaker says are: “Steel Standing!”

September 2011 The Positive Community

47

Aretha Franklin Performs for Charlie Rangel

ABOVE: L–R: Alma Rangel, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and Congressman Rangel share a laugh.

A

long with his wife Alma, children, constituents, colleagues and friends, Congressman Charlie Rangel celebrated his 81st birthday at the Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, August 10. Rangel was jubilant, his trademark smile beaming more than ever as Aretha Franklin sand her signature song, “RESPECT.” Photos: Seitu Oronde

SONYMA makes homeownership affordable in these difficult times.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers first-time homebuyers: • 30- or 40- year fixed interest rates that are typically below market; • Financing up to 97%; • Flexible underwriting guidelines; • Down payment assistance (higher of $3,000 or 3% of the loan amount or up to $15,000); • No points; • No financing add ons.

For more information, call

1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit www.sonyma.org

48

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Trip of a Lifetime Harlem’s St. Luke B.C. travels to the Holy Land and Egypt

E

arlier this year members of St. Luke Baptist Church in Harlem took the trip of lifetime to the Holy Land and Egypt along with Pastor Rev. Dr. J.G. McCann Sr. and Leading Lady T. McCann. During the 11-day Journeys Unlimited tour, the travelers spent six nights in the Holy Land, where they were baptized in the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, sailed on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on water and prayed within the Upper Room where Jesus initiated the Lord’s Supper. In Egypt they visited the Alabaster Sphinx and the remains of two colossal statues of Ramses, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Coptic Churches of Cairo as well as the Coptic Museum and the place where Jesus lived when the family had to flee Israel.

“There is no way to put into words what our trip meant to each of us,” said Rev. McCann. “It was awesome in so many ways. Each day we would return to the hotel and someone at the table would say, ‘… this has to be my favorite day!’ and we would all agree. But then the next day would be an even greater experience!”

Stay tuned for St. Luke’s 2012 China Trip!

Photos: Risasi Dais

Louis Reyes Rivera Trubute

During a special tribute to poet and activist Louis Reyes Rivera at this year's Harlem Book Fair, friends posed with Rivera onstage at the Thurgood Marshall Academy in Harlem. (From left to right): -- Amina Baraka, Amiri Baraka, Layding Kaliba [rear], Barbara Killens-Rivera (front), Ted L. Wilson (rear), C.D. Grant, Sonia Sanchez, Gary Johnston, Tony Mitchelson, Shani Baraka and Louis Reyes Rivera (foreground). www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

49

Visit Our New Improved Interactive Website: THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY.com

View The Entire Contents of The Positive Community Online

Plus…

GOSPEL TOP TEN Kirk Frankin- I Smile

Photos Video Music Events Calendar Prizes

special online only content

Vashawn Mitchell- Nobody Greater William McDowell- I Give Myself Away Troy Sneed- My Heart Says Yes Marvin Sapp- He Has His Hands On You Canton Jones- Window Trinitee 5:7- Over and Over Dawnkins & Dawkins- Get Down Richard Smallwood- Trust Me King- Greatful 50

The Positive Community September 2011

Visit Frequently…there’s always something new

Check us out on Facebook Join the fastest growing online community

THEPOSITIVECOMMUNITY.COM! www.thepositivecommunity.com

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Jovita Sheppard Was Born To Rock Righteous!

Grace & Peace! s the lines between Gospel, R&B and Hip-Hop music become more and more blurred, Jovita Sheppard hits the scene and takes things in another direction entirely by venturing into Alternative and Rock sounds under the Gospel banner with her CD, Rock Righteous! There is a sound that is made through sincere passion and conviction that can relate to listeners as a call— I like to call it a Selah sound.

Sheppard makes no apologies for her desire to express her writings in an eclectic style that’s second to none. Why? Because she doesn’t mind letting God be first in her life. Her original interpretation is spiritual and convincing to all, and if she’s gonna’ rock, she might as well Rock Righteous!

This project was a long time coming. Sheppard has ministered in almost every church in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY and travels to other churches both far and near. She gets her commitment and dedication from her parents, because she’s a preacher’s kid. Her mother, Apostle Rosalinda Warren and her father, the late Pastor Thomas Warren, Sr. trained her up right.

Her first single, “Running” was released last year. Jovita created a pop track that is a love song with an up-tempo swing. The lyrics state: “It’s amazing that I can finally

A

www.thepositivecommunity.com

breathe/ I’m running to life eternally/ I’m running, running back to God/ And I’m desperate, desperate for your love.”

However, it was a bittersweet time, because sadly, she lost her father in the midst of her early success. Not one to give up and realizing the call on her life to deliver her songs, Jovita held on to her faith and the strength that was instilled in her as a child. Just as God keeps His word and what He has promised He delivers, Sheppard followed through on completing and releasing her music.

So now, over a year later an abundance of music dropped in April of this year. That music and Sheppard’s message are spreading wider and growing faster, just as she had hoped and God has promised. Rock Righteous! is a project filled with 10 non-stop throw-ya-hands-up-in-the-air, jump, bounce, whipyour-hair-back-and-forth praise songs! Highlights include “Not Afraid to Glow” featuring Pastor Din Tolbert. Sheppard is not ashamed to let her light shine no matter where she is and invites listeners to join her and do the same. “I’m Still in Love with You” is an up-tempo love song that expresses how a sinner has left God for a while, but Sheppard reminds us that He hasn’t forgotten us and the Father is waiting because He’s still in love with each and every one of us. A remix of her debut single, “Running” was added to the CD, but maybe your next ringtone or callertune should be Sheppard’s tell-it-like-itis song, “Clear My Line,” which features another appearance from Pastor Din Tolbert. This song is a letter to Satan, but I think it’s fitting for any destructive people calling with negative or undesirable news. Before they even get started, this song shuts them down and tells them, “Get off my phone, I don’t want to hear it!” Now you know you want a ringtone like that in Jesus’ name!

Rock Righteous! is a must have if you want to get your praise on to something out-of-the-box that will get you stomping, clapping and saying “Amen!” If you don’t believe me, you can see her on TBN this month (check your local listings) spreading the word in song as she ministers to the masses and lives out her goal to reach the world one soul at a time.

September 2011 The Positive Community

51

PANZAI

357 7th Ave New York, New York 1 (212) 594-6697 www.panzai.com

Haute Couture Men's • Women's • Pastoral Robes Design Ensembles

It's Okay to be Extraordinary

Cruising At The Cathedral GOOD SHIP: LADY BEULAH

T

June Baptist

Shirley Riles and Loretta Joiner

Moderator: Michele Hanks

Judge: Doris Crawford

Judge: Janice Johnson

Shirley Riles

Angie Henix

Photos: Jane Boyd

Captain: Rev. Gerald Lydell Dickson

he Christian Education Ministry at Beulah Cathedral hosted a summertime cruise featuring a cruise wear fashion show on Saturday August 6, 2011.

The ship embarked at 2:00 pm at the Cathedral with Pastor Gerald Lydell Dickson as Captain and Min. Andre' Scott as second in command.

Cruising under the tent, attendees were treated to a fashion show featuring the latest in cruise wear as models walked the red carpet in high style casual and evening wear dressed to meet the Captain, who was dapper in his attire.

Helen Caldwell and Aurelia Blount

Connie Dock: president Christian Education Ministry

Connie Stokes and Sonya Thomas

Tiffany Baptist

Sonya Thomas and Dawn Bradshaw

Judge: Tonya Barrino

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

53

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Scenes from Brooklyn’s International African Arts Festival

54

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Women In Support Of the Million Man March

WINNER! 2010 TONY AWARD

®

Presents Our 12th Annual

BEST MUSICAL MUSICAL

African Ball & Awards Dinner

Honoring a Call to Action WRKS 98.7 KISS FM Radio Open Line Talk Show Team: Bob Slade Bob Pickett

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

2011 Honorees

James Mtume Fatyne Muhammad

Community Service Award Newark Anti-Violence Coalition

Unsung Heroes Award

Saturday, October 22, 2011 7:00 pm - Donation $150

WISOMMM African Cultural Center 13 - 15 James Street Newark, New Jersey 07102 Proceeds benefit the WISOMMM Holistic Preschool Center

FEEL THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC THAT

ROCKED THE WORLD

Parking available at Rutgers Faculty Parking Lot on Essex Street – Off of James Street

For Tickets and Ads call 973 353-9888 or 973 297-1186 e-mail: wisommm_event_services@yahoo.com

African Attire Preferred Semi-Formal Attire Accepted www.thepositivecommunity.com

MEMPHIS BOOK & LYRICS BY JOE DIPIETRO MUSIC & LYRICS BY DAVID BRYAN CHOREOGRAPHY BY SERGIO TRUJILLO DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY

MEMPHISTHEMUSICAL.COM

$

51.50

SHUBERT THEATRE, 225 W. 44TH STREET

*

TICKETS

Bring this coupon to the Box Office at The Shubert Theatre or visit BroadwayOffers.com or call 212-947-8844 and use code MEFL725

*Subject to availability and not valid on prior sales.

September 2011 The Positive Community MEM031 PosCommnty 3.4x9.5.indd

ML

55

FLO WILEY IN THE SPIRIT & IMAGE

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.—Romans 8:25 KJV

omething about September brings a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings to my spirit. After a long and hot summer, I am ready for a change.

Ten years ago that expected seasonal shift was disturbed by a profound assault on our personal and community spirit. We remember it as if it were yesterday. The response of the church and the world of the arts to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center helped and continues to help us heal, and we have so much from which to heal. For an awesome affirmation of the resiliency of the human spirit, go see the mighty Maafa when it returns to St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn from September 12th to 24th. See their ad elsewhere in the magazine for more details. To let me know about the arts and cultural events taking place at, or sponsored by, your church in New York and New Jersey, please email me at: spiritandimage@thepositivecommunity.com.

S

Friday, September 16 8:00pm JAZZ AT THE CRYPT The Church of the Intercession 550 W. 155 at Broadway, NYC Rev. Jose R. Gandara Perea, S.T.L., priest-in-charge www. intercessionnyc.org or (212) 283 6200 “Good music and art in a unique space,” this very popular monthly series offers a “Spoken Word & Poetry Night” featuring local performers. Admission is $20, Tickets at the door only. \ Sunday, September 18 3:00pm THE HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYERS St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 521 W. 126th Street, NYC Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, pastor Music At St. Mary’s with The Harlem Chamber Players returns featuring the music of Mozart (String Quintet in B-flat Major, K.174) and Brahms (Songs, Op 91 for Mezzo-Soprano,

56

The Positive Community September 2011

Viola and Piano & Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op 115).

The featured players are Liz Player, clarinet (pictured); Carolyn Sebron, mezzo-soprano; Richard Brice, viola; Joyce Hammann, violin; Monica Davis, violin; Amadi Azikiwe, viola; Lawrence Zoernig, cello; Evelyn Golz, piano and hosted by writer/historian, Eric K. Washington. General Admission: $15, and student/senior admission is $10. Call (212) 866 1492 or visit www.harlemchamberplayers.org for more information.

Saturday, September 24 3:00pm 12th ANNUAL AFTERNOON OF THE ARTS Memorial Baptist Church 141 Bishop Preston R. Washington Sr. Place, Harlem, NYC Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, senior pastor www.mbcvisionharlem.org or (212) 663 8830 The Ministry of the Arts, co-chaired by poet Mother Virginia Lee and storyteller/poet Sister Linda Humes (pictured), presents an uplifting afternoon of poetry, spoken word, storytelling, praise dance and song. This year’s theme is “Jewels,” and will be lifted by special guests Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets), poet Deanna Daniels, storyteller Thomas Saxon and several Memorial disciples. Free—love offering will be taken. Reception and artists’ marketplace. broadcast each Thursday from 6 to 7pm at WHCR 90.3 FM & online at www.whcr.org.

Linda Humes

Thomas Saxon

Flo Wiley is a disciple at Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem, where Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner is Senior Pastor. She is a founding member of Memorial’s arts ministry, an award-winning actress (AUDELCO, 1978), acting teacher and public speaking coach, an independent producer and publicist, and since 2001 the host of Black Beat New York: The Flo Wiley Show on Harlem Community Radio broadcast each Thursday from 6 to 7pm at WHCR 90.3 FM & online at www.whcr.org. Please let me know about arts and cultural events taking place at, or sponsored by, your church: spiritandimage@thepositivecommunity.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Bronx Charity BC Block Party

C

harity Baptist Church in the Bronx hosted their 12th annual Summer Community Block Party and Cookout.

L–R: TOP ROW Rev. Reginald Williams, pastor with wife Sandy BOTTOM ROW Rev. Lee Arrington and wife Patricia

Photos: Bruce Moore

CHA CHA SLIDE CHA CHA SLIDE ELECTRIC SLIDE ELECTRIC SLIDE MISSISSIPPI SLIDE MISSISSIPPI SLIDE CUPID SLIDE •• STEPPIN’ CUPID SLIDE STEPPIN’

PINOCHLE PINOCHLE PHASE 10 •• WII SPORTS PHASE 10 WII SPORTS SPADES •• BID WHIST SPADES BID WHIST UNO •• POKENO UNO POKENO

SEPTEMBER 9 •13 APR. •• JUNE APR. 8 8 •• MAY MAY 13OCTOBER JUNE 10 10 14

Friday, Friday, 5:00 5:00 pm pm –– 12:00 12:00 am am Terrace Ballroom JAN. Terrace Ballroom JAN. 14 14 •• FEB. FEB. 11 11 •• M M

Scrumptious Dinners Available

by Eclectic • Music by DJ Joe Smith Scrumptious Dinners Available AllCatering Evening

Scrumptious Dinners Available All Evening Line Line Dance Dance Lessons Lessons with with Kenny Kenny J: J: 5:00 5:00 -- 7:00 7:00 pm pm Ladies Ladies and and Gentlemen Gentlemen Free Free Admission Admission Before Before 7pm 7pm ($10 ($10 After After 7pm) 7pm) Raffl Raffle e Prizes Prizes ● ● $5 $5 Wine Wine ● ● $5 $5 Beer Beer ● ● $3 $3 Drink Drink Specials Specials

Tickets can be purchased at the Newark Symphony Hall Box Office located at 1030 Broad St. Newark, NJ Tickets can be purchased at the Newark Symphony Hall Box Office located at 1030 Broad St. Newark, NJ For information call: (973) 643-8014 or www.newarksymphonyhall.org For information call: (973) 643-8014 or www.newarksymphonyhall.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

57

58

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Family, Church & Community Minded

Serious Injury • Wrongful Death • Closings • Wills & Trusts • Estates Real Estate Sales & Purchase • Commercial & Residential Immigration • Family Law • Commercial Business Representation

Bruce L. Bozeman Attorney at Law 914-668-4600 6 Gramatan Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10050

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

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

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

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

Free Initial Consutation on Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2011 The Positive Community

59

Health Pr e v e n t i o n , T r e at m e n t & C ur e

ABC’s and 123’s of School Nutrition

By R. L. Witter

I

t’s September and while the calendar tells us that we are in the last days of summer, new clothes, backpacks, the latest shoe styles and fresh ‘dos signal back-to-school season (rejoicing parents everywhere are also a telltale sign). You’ve made sure your kids have the supplies necessary for success, or have you? Yes, you checked off the pens, pencils, binders and calculators.

You may have even gifted a new iPod or smart phone to the lucky student in your life; but what about health and nutrition? Do you pack healthy, balanced lunches daily or do you leave that up to the schools? Well, there is good news for all who partake of school lunches, breakfasts and snacks; guidelines have changed due to a bill passed at the end of last year that helps children across the country eat healthier, more nutritious food in school.

“I think that our parents have a right to expect that their kids will be served fresh, healthy food that meets high nutritional standards,” said Michelle Obama recently. She’s right, and with combating childhood obesity being her signature cause as First Lady, she should know.

Last year, President Obama signed the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act of 2010 into law. The law not only provides breakfast and lunch in public schools nationwide, but mandates that the foods schools serve will contain less fat, salt and sugar than the current selections do.

Some changes are simple, substituting grilled chicken for chicken nuggets and making sure that at least half of all grains offered are whole-grain breads. Other adjustments include adding fruit to breakfast offerings and categorizing vegetables. In addition to green vegetable requirements, red/orange vegetables will be required

60

The Positive Community September 2011

and servings of starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn will be limited to one cup per week. Limiting starches marks a significant change as most schools offer french fries or some other potato daily. New guidelines would decrease their availability to only twice weekly, which could help decrease consumption of carbohydrates and sodium.

Beverages are getting a much-needed makeover as well. Not only are serving sizes being limited to 12 ounces, but the selection will no longer include sodas and sugar-laden juices and sports drinks. Milk will continue to be a staple on schools’ menus, but only fat-free and low-fat varieties will be offered. Juice will still be served, but must be 100% juice without added sugars. Vending machines and school stores have long been exempt from regulation and thus served as an “out” for students to purchase soda, candy, baked-goods and sugary drinks.

The new legislation will now apply there too and limit kids’ accessibility to unhealthy foods at school.

Continued on Page 76 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Welcome to the Community.

AmeriChoice® of New Jersey, Inc. is now UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. But changing our name hasn’t changed all the reasons New Jersey families choose us. You still get the same doctors, the same access to specialists, the same large network of hospitals.

Changing our name to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan says you’re part of a bigger community, over 3.3 million members strong, all across the country. So, New Jersey families can be confident they’ll receive the same great care.

Welcome to the Community. Call 1-866-322-1194 (TTY: 711) for information about UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

is now

©2011 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

NJ11-MC006 Pos Community Ad 8.5x11V1.indd 1

uhccommunityplan.com

5/2/11 2:55 PM

A Salute to Yesterday’s Children

BY MAHAICA DEVILLE spirited 100 year-old woman was among the three honorees celebrated at a festive community event called: A Salute to Yesterday’s Children. Receiving a package of gifts and awards were: Miss Elmena Parris, 100, from Guyana; Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, 91, of Grenada and Miss Pearline Thomas-Sandy, 83, of Trinidad & Tobago. The thriving rhythms of African drums signaled the opening of the event, which took place in Brooklyn on Saturday, August 13.

“A Salute to Yesterday’s Children” was an event described by its creator and producer, Glenda Cadogan, as: “an exercise in love, honor, obedience, gratitude and unity.” Cadogan, a writer and communications specialist who is the Director of Mauby Media Services, says she was inspired by the words of the calypso song, “Yesterday’s Children,” sung by Winston “Gypsy” Peters, the current Minister of Arts and Multiculturism of Trinidad & Tobago.

A

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.

“The idea was born out of a desire to celebrate community elders, many of whom sacrificed their own desires and ambitions so that their children could become the high achievers of today,” she explained. “But on a more personal level, the event also paid tribute to the nurturing I received from my parents, Irene and John Cadogan.”

With the support of family, friends, performers, entrepreneurs, spiritual and community leaders, “A Salute to Yesterday’s Children” was a visible testament of what philosophers call, “the mystic bond of brotherhood that makes all men one.”

Three other entrepreneurial businesses supported the event in a segment called “The Gifting” in which the

The Procession

The honorees: Ms. Elmena Parris, 100, from Guyana; Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, 91, of Grenada and Ms. Pearline Thomas-Sandy, 83, of Trinidad & Tobago

62

The Positive Community September 2011

Presentation of the gifts

The honorees with event organizer, Glenda Cadogan (far right)

honorees were bestowed gifts that were handmade especially for them. They included portrait pictures from Umoja Photography, personalized crocheted items from Ahsiro Creations and leather-crafted masks from Keyiko Afrikan Arts. Crowning the gifting segment was the signature award in which the honorees received certificates authenticating that stars in the heavens were re-named after them and registered with the International Star Registry.

In interviews prior to the event, the honorees shared their wisdom while giving glimpses into their lives. “It was a rough life growing up, but I was happy,” recalled Thomas-Sandy. “I worked hard and many days I had to work the garden, change the cows and wash clothes by the river. But then I enjoyed wrestling with my brothers, pitching marbles and skipping rope in the yard. Those were good days.”

In sharing his secret to a long life, Dr. Stanislaus gave this bit of wisdom: “Love God, trust in him and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“There is no secret to what God can do,” said Miss Elmena when questioned about the secret to living to 100 years. And subsequently, added that growing up on a diet of duff (a traditional Guyanese food somewhat like a dumpling) helped her to be as strong as she is today.

“Life was rough but I made it through. We were raised to have a contented mind, love God and do well.”

The event also raised funds in support of senior citizens homes in the native home of each honoree. A total of $1,077 was raised and will be donated toward recreational activities in The Helena Charles Senior Citizens Home in La Brea, Trinidad, The Hill’s View Senior Home in Gouyave, Grenada and Uncle Eddy’s Home for the Aged in Guyana www.thepositivecommunity.com

Home is where your heart is.

We can help keep you there and help get you the care you need!

If you need help with day-to-day living and do not want to leave the comfort of your home, we can help. We offer Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) coverage under the New York State-sponsored health insurance programs.

Our MLTC program offers you: n Home health care n Physical therapy n Transportation n Private duty nursing n Care management n Social day care n Adult day health care

To find out if you or someone you know qualifies and to find out about additional covered services, full eligibility requirements and details about the program, call 1-800-950-7679 (TTY: 1-800-855-2880). Or visit www.myamerigroup.com/ny for more information.

Amerigroup is a culturally diverse company. We welcome all eligible individuals into our health care programs, regardless of health status. If you have questions or concerns, please call 1-800-600-4441 (TTY: 1-800-855-2880) and ask for extension 34925.

Or visit www.myamerigroup.com.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

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

It’s Not Over popular gospel song says, “It ain’t over, until God says it’s over.” For many of us, we have all but given up in our efforts to become healthier and fit. We have tried many times and been unsuccessful and have mistakenly concluded and said, “There is no hope for me.

I give up.” But I want to encourage and remind you that it’s not over!

How do you know that it’s not over? Well first of all, you still have that desire to get it together! You would not have the desire to live a better life if somewhere in the recesses of your subconscious you did not have a belief that just maybe there was a chance for you.

Secondly, you are still here. Perhaps diabetes has run rampant in your family and some have succumbed to the disease. But that does not have to be you. If you are able to get up every day, then you have the ability to make better choices to reverse, prevent, and manage disease.

A

How do you know that it’s not over?

Well first of all, you still have that desire to get it together!

And lastly, it’s not over because you are still fighting.

Despite your losses, and setbacks you continue to keep going. You walk; you say no to that second slice of cake and you are still keeping your doctor’s appointments to stay informed about your health.

If you are ready to give up, just know that it’s not over, but perhaps it is time to ask for help and/or do something differently. Many times we may be ready to give up because we have done the same thing over and over again and have gotten the same results. Instead of giving up, shift and make a change. Remember as you have probably often heard, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity!

Here is a quick 15 minute weight training routine to help you get started that will provide all over conditioning and boost your metabolism. Try to do each routine at least twice weekly:

64

The Positive Community September 2011

Routine One-Upper Body: • Use resistance bands or light dumbbells from 3–10 lbs.

• Do 15 reps of standing bicep curls using both arms while holding your left leg up at a bent knee 90 degree angle. Alternate legs.

• Do three sets of 10 pushups.

• Do three sets of triceps kickbacks. Bend arms at 90 degree angle and press dumbbells back.

Routine 2-Lower Body • Using a chair if needed, do 3 sets of 20 bent knee raises alternating legs. (Do 3 sets for each leg) • Do 3 Sets of 10 squats. To do squats, pretend you are going to sit in a chair and then go back to standing position.

• From a standing position do upright kicks. Complete 1 full set of 10 repetitions per leg and then alternate.

Do 3 sets for each leg. Use wisdom and do not raise your leg higher than is naturally comfortable.

If working out before or after work has presented a challenge for you here are some tips from the American Heart Association that can help you get active on the job: • Join a fitness center or work with a certified fitness professional near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout.

• Start a fitness club and/or workout and walk with your co-workers to help keep one another motivated.

• Walk during business calls when you don’t need to reference important documents • Schedule in physical activity for each break whenever possible • Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.

Remember that you can do it, and that it’s not over, until God say’s its over!

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

PHILIP M. BONAPARTE M.D. ON CALL

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

Depression: More Than Just the Blues Question: A close family member lost the job he held for almost five years and has been without permanent work for some time. At first, he found a temporary job, but he became depressed and stopped trying. Our family wants to help him get over his depression, but we do not know what to do. Any suggestions?

—Concerned Answer: Dear Concerned: I’m glad that you recognized the depression in your family member, since helping someone who is depressed early with this disease is important. Depression is a relatively common condition that affects many people and has multiple symptoms such as: • Inability to sleep or sleeping too much • Feelings of hopelessness and being helpless • Feelings of isolation • Either loss of appetite or you can’t stop eating •Thoughts that life is not worth living • Feeling much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual Depression is sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason. Your presence as a support can make a difference.

However, most friends and family members may not know how to help.

Certainly having lost a job and being unemployed without the means to support a family are practical and emotional hurdles to overcome. These two harsh realities can cause someone to be depressed, and may be the reason why your family member is in this emotional state.

From time to time, all of us feel sad, but usually these feelings do not last more than a few days. Depression is like a high wall. This wall stands between the person who feels tremendous pain and the ability to live a regular, productive life. Those who care about the person are also affected and in pain, since they want the best for their family member or friend. Your family member’s depression must be addressed and there are ways to help.

Getting care for depression issues is not a procedure like having a broken leg set and that ends it, once the cast is off. Treatment for depression is a process of care. Treatment takes time and those who are in treatment will need ongoing support and encouragement. Even those who are severely depressed can be treated with a variety of methods, such as medications, counseling and ongoing therapy.

Unfortunately, too many people with an illness like depression never seek treatment or medical care.

The number of unemployed Americans is rising and has increased the impact on their mental health.

Difficult economic times are tough on those who have health issues and find

themselves stressed out especially if they do not have health insurance.

Stress can also be a result of one’s traditions or culture. In many families, one is taught at an early age that he or she must always care for, provide and keep the family safe from harm, including harm caused by not having the finances to pay for housing, food or utilities. Depression can be deepened by one’s feelings and inability to provide.

Your family member, like so many Americans and those worldwide, has been adversely affected by being underemployed and unemployed in an economy that is filled with uncertainty. According to research from the Center for Studying Health System’s Change (HCS), between 2007 and 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has increased, while their efforts for medical care have decreased. Due to the lack of insurance and no job, many are not seeking the medical care and preventive screenings they require for healthy lives and that includes mental health.

In 2009, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conducted a survey that showed: Compared to working people, unemployed individuals face an increase of psychological stress, are four times more likely to consider hurting themselves and twice as likely to use alcohol and/or drugs. One NAMI report found that someone unemployed for an entire year is 10 continued on page 74

66

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Choosing the best hospital in New Jersey just became easier.

Our unique combination of caring, skill and technology has elevated Hackensack University Medical Center to be recognized by US News & World Report* as one of the best hospitals in the region and one of the finest in the nation. To learn more about how we can help you, call 201-996-2000 or visit us at humc.com.

Hackensack University Medical Center www.humc.com *For more details on the US News & World Report study, go to www.usnews.com/besthospitals

HUM-005-11_FNL-Combo-PosCom.indd 1

8/25/11 3:12 PM

Plainfield Neighborhood Health Center Celebrates National Health Center Week L–R: Dr. Philip Bonaparte, chief medical officer, Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield; Unknown; La-Kisa Hines, UnitedHealthcare; Aviva WoogIrvin, Healthfirst; Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Plainfield; Karen Clark, CEO/COO Horizon NJ Health and Terence L. Byrd, VP/Executive Director, Healthfirst NJ L–R: Caryl Lucas and Dr. Pamela Clarke, Ph.D., MBA, Acting President/CEO and CFO, both of Newark Community Health Center and Leticia Bailey, Horizon NJ Health

P

lainfield Neighborhood Health Center's annual health fair was held outside the center in Plainfield on August 8. It was the first of a series of events to be held throughout the state during National Health Center Week, a time to recognize these centers and the quality health care they provide to residents who otherwise might not be able to afford it. Amidst the many screenings for various health conditions, and the fun, frolic and food, there was seriousness, too.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez warned that the cuts that some in Congress want to make in social aid programs could have a devastating effect on health centers like Neighborhood Health Services Corporation in Plainfield in New Jersey and nationally. The Affordable Care Act of 2010, promises health coverage for an additional 30 million Americans. There would be “access with no place to go,” Menendez asserted.

68

The Positive Community September 2011

Rudine Smith, president/CEO, Neighborhood Health Services Corp.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

Assemblyman Jerry Green

United Healthcare team with The Positive Community’s Rev. Theresa Nance (3rd from right)

Len Kudgis, Horizon NJ Health

NJ Assembly Speaker Sheia Oliver

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“We know our community.

We live here.”

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

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

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

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

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

To see if you’re eligible, call 1-877-7NJ-HEALTH (1-877-765-4325)

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

“ A true monument to Dr. King would be the birth of a vigorous move-

ment within communities across this nation to heal the divides that we have all inherited...

”

By Dr. Gail C. Christopher, DN

All God’s Children Courtesy America’s Wire

I

n an often expressed dream for a better America, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called upon Americans to honor “all God’s children” and their rights to equality and justice. His powerful voice and leadership would be welcomed in the turbulent world around us.

Forty-three years after the March on Washington, Dr. King’s dream of equality for all remains unrealized – the impact of racism persists and children of color still live with the consequences of the racial divide embedded in American society. Our leaders face mounting fiscal challenges, yet we urge the nation not to abandon children in need. As the struggling economy brings fear and despair to families and communities, America must marshal its resources to assure that our children have opportunities to thrive. There is an intersection between Dr. King’s dream and efforts by government, non-profit advocates and communities working to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children.

Recent census data soundly demonstrates the challenges we face, as a nation, in assuring that future generations can succeed. The poverty rate for children in the U.S. is at 20.7 percent, with 35.7 percent of AfricanAmerican children living in poverty, 33.1 percent of Hispanic children, 17.7 percent of white children and 14 percent of Asian-American children.

Even more disturbing is that those numbers are rapidly increasing. The census also found that 1.4 million children fell into poverty for the first time in 2009.

70

The Positive Community September 2011

Efforts to revive the economy will grow even more difficult in the future if the nation doesn’t address child poverty. The Center for American Progress says that in 2007, even before the recession, the economy took a $500 billion hit from child poverty because of increased costs for health care and criminal justice, and decreases in productivity. In fact, economists estimate that child poverty resulted in a 4 percent decrease in the U.S. gross domestic product.

But the statistics don’t tell the entire story. There is an emotional toll on Americans when we recognize that our nation is failing our children. We cannot relegate millions of children to a future without opportunities, a destiny of poverty and social exclusion. That is not the American Dream, and it is an anathema to Dr. King’s dream for our nation.

We must embark on new ways to overcome current child and family poverty statistics and the trajectories they portend. Clearly a shift in federal budget priorities is needed. England has proven that child poverty can be dramatically reduced, if it becomes a national priority. Since 1994, England has cut its child poverty rate by more than 50 percent by establishing public policies such as these: providing tax incentives to single parents for finding jobs, improving public benefits for parents, increasing the minimum wage, allowing parents of young children to request flexible work hours and implementing a comprehensive preschool program. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Center for American Progress says that if $90 billion a year for 10 years is used to fund policies addressing child poverty, the United States can reduce child poverty by 41 percent.

Furthermore, the nation must also address the legacy of the mythology of racism that fueled the nation’s early economic engines, jumpstarting the United States’ meteoric rise to its position as a world power. Racism played a critical role in the development of this country. Its hallmark was systematic dehumanization codified into law for centuries. Related inhumane, destructive and exclusionary practices left indelible impressions in the minds and hearts of people. These impressions or beliefs became feelings and memories (both conscious and unconscious) that have been passed down through generations. Related behaviors are encoded in the patterns of families, communities, ordinances and organizations.

The legacy of our racialized past remains embedded in today’s societal structures, continuing to negatively impact children of color. Persistent residential racial segregation and seemingly intractable disparities in life expectancies, disease burdens, poverty levels, incarceration rates and unemployment levels are symptoms of vestiges of centuries of structural bias in our society, made possible by the mythology of racism.

Dehumanization and denigration or privilege and separation defined the lives of millions of families and their children in America, for most of our existence as a country. Resilience, courage and success against engrained odds are often the untold story for many families of color.

It’s time for America to change.

A true monument to Dr. King would be the birth of a vigorous movement within communities across this nation to heal the divides that we have all inherited through the absurd belief systems of racial hierarchy and privilege based on physical characteristics.

This healing work requires honesty and courageous self-examination but it builds trust and alliances that yield creative solutions to seemingly insolvable problems. Let us honor Dr. King by realizing his dream for a healed America. Let’s do it for our children.

East Orange General Hospital Annual Golf Classic In these challenging economic times we need your help more than ever!

Please join East Orange General Hospital as a sponsor or player and help us raise funding for the Hospital’s many essential programs and services.

Monday, September 26, 2011 Maplewood Country Club 28 Baker Street Maplewood, NJ 07040 For more Information please contact: Shekera Robinson at (973) 266-2925 robinsonsh@evh.org

Dr. Christopher is Vice President of Program Strategies for the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, which has launched a $75 million, five year “America Healing” initiative to address structural racism in America.

America’s Wire is an independent, non-profit news service run by the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. For more information, visit www.americaswire.org or contact Michael K. Frisby at mike@ frisbyassociates.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2011 The Positive Community

71

DR. LIZ PARENTING 101

The Special Needs Family: A Pediatrician’s Perspective ccording to the US Department of Justice, an individual is considered to have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as: seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for oneself, and working. A child with a disability can include a child suffering from a variety of different illnesses —asthma, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy and developmental delay to name a few.

From my perspective as a pediatrician, the family of a special needs child is extraordinary and extremely special. The family has to deal with the physical, emotional, economic and social challenges of raising a child with complicated medical needs while at the same time dealing with the needs of the other members in the family unit. Remaining cohesive and fostering strong, healthy relationships with each other is often difficult because the needs of the family may be put on the back burner to attend to the more pressing needs of the challenged child.

As a pediatrician, I not only take care of the child with special needs but I also take care of her siblings as well. The siblings of a child with special needs often require attention that their parents have neither the time nor the energy to give. The sibling may become extremely self-sufficient because of this, or there is the potential for them to act out, rebel, or get caught up in the wrong crowd.

Siblings of special needs children often have trouble coping. They may have many different and conflicting feelings. For example, they may feel worried about their sibling, jealous of the attention their brother/sister receives, or resentful of having to explain, support, and/or take care of their brother or sister. They may also feel resentful that they are not able to do things or go places because of their sibling.

As parents, paying attention to the moods of family members is important. If you notice signs of depression or other changes such as hanging out with the wrong crowd, get them help. I highly recommend counseling for the entire family in order to equip family members with coping strategies to manage the inevitable stressors that will come their way. Support groups are also invaluable.

A

72

The Positive Community September 2011

It’s important for parents to acknowledge how frustrating and challenging life must be for all members of the family. It’s often easy to get caught up in managing the day to day challenges of a child with special needs.

As parents, you should remember to praise your other children for their ability to succeed despite the difficult circumstances and acknowledge them for some of their positive attributes. A word of recognition, a caring touch, a hug, an hour alone with mom and/or dad will make a world of difference.

When you first learn that your child has a disability or chronic illness and needs special care throughout life, you can be emotionally overwhelmed. You will feel stressed in all areas of life, including your marriage, finances, and relationships with friends and family. You may experience feelings of sadness, worry, denial, anger, embarrassment, and resentment. You must find time for yourself. It’s essential to take care of your physical and mental well being so you have the strength to deal with everything else.

Communication is paramount. Being fully selfexpressed is important because it brings everything out into the open. Bringing things out in the open gives everyone an opportunity to deal effectively with the issues at hand. Having a child with medical issues is challenging, but dealing with these challenges together as a family is essential in restoring stability and in creating a healthy, nurturing, and cohesive family unit.

About Dr. Liz Dr. Elizabeth Robinson Henry (Dr. Liz) has dedicated her life to providing youth with the knowledge and confidence to lead healthy and productive lives. She is the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a practice focused on making a difference in the lives of adolescents by addressing their physical, emotional, and mental needs. Teens, tweens and their parents can find resources on how to build self-confidence, manage anger and stress, and overcome issues such as bullying, emotions, fitting-in, and obesity at www.drlizforyouth.com.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is solely for educational purposes and should not be relied on for a diagnosis.

Always consult your physician for medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis.. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Long before he’s your star, he’s getting five-star treatment.

HealthGrades recently honored Englewood Hospital and Medical Center with a five-star rating for the ninth consecutive year, as well as the Maternity Care Excellence Award,™ and ranked us in the top ten percent in the nation for maternity care. Just a few shining examples of our commitment to the quality care of you and your baby.

866.980.3462 / englewoodhospital.com

Wedding Bells

T

he lovely Alicia Vinnette Bryant of Montclair, New Jersey wed Keith Williams of Trenton, New Jersey. They tied the knot and jumped the broom at St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ. Both are Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA graduates where they met. The reception was at the Mediterranean Manor, Newark, NJ. The couple honeymooned in Las Vegas.

ON CALL continued from prage 66

times more likely to feel depression. This mental health problem can also decrease a person’s chances of finding a new job by 70 percent To help a friend or relative: • Learn about depression and become familiar with the illness.

• Encourage your family/friend to discuss their feelings with their healthcare provider. Depression is an illness and qualified healthcare professional can help. The person is not alone and care is available.

• Be there for your friend or family member • Listen and spend time talking with them.

• Be gentle and supportive. Include the family member in social gatherings; go for a walk together, play a game, go shopping, and engage in group activities. Keep trying, if at first they decline.

• Remind them that depression can be managed with treatment over time On the NAMI website, you can view information on depression, including resources and ways to help. “How can I help a friend or relative who is depressed?” http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/ publications/depression/how-can-i-help-a-friend-or-relative-whois-depressed.shtml

Foot Pain? Walking Problems?

FOOT CENTER of NEW YORK 55 East 124th St.

(between Madison & Park Aves.)

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8 am - 4 pm

Wednesday 8 am - 7:30 pm

Treating Adults & Children Expert staff diagnose and treat foot ailments including: Sports Injuries • Foot Pain • In-toeing • Out-toeing Flat Feet • Ingrown Toenails • Walking Problems Heel Spurs • Bunions • Hammertoes

Full-Service Physical Therapy Center Diabetic Wound Care

55 East 124th St. @ Park Avenue, in Manhattan Call 212-410-8158 for an appointment www.footcenterofny.org Most insurances accepted

74

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Swears-in First Female Police Chief

O

n Tuesday, August 9, 2011, Mayor Cory A. Booker introduced Newark’s first female Chief of Police, Sheilah A. Coley, at a Police/Fire Communications Center press conference. “I am honored and excited by the challenge of becoming Newark’s first female chief of police. I thank Mayor Booker, Police Director DeMaio and the Municipal Council for the trust and confidence they have placed in me. I promise my brothers and sisters in blue that I will give them the highest level of professional leadership and the citizens of Newark the best police force in the entire nation,” said Chief Coley.

On Thursday, August 18, 2011 along with Mayor Booker, members of the Newark Municipal Council, State Attorney General Paula Dow, Essex County Superior Court Judge Michael Petrolli, Essex County Chief of Detectives Anthony Ambrose, Business Administrator Julien X. Neals, Esq., and other dignitaries, former Acting Police Director DeMaio and Police Chief Coley were sworn in to their new positions during a ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church.

Photo: Newark Press Information Office, A. Savoglou

L–R: Newark Municipal Council Member-at-Large Mildred Crump, Central Ward Council Member Darrin Sharif, Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio, Mayor Booker, Police Chief Coley, and Acting Prosecutor Carolyn Murray.

It’s Our Mission.

Quality Health Coverage Child Health Plus with Fidelis Care

• Free or low-cost health insurance coverage for children up to age 19 in New York State.

• Checkups with your child’s doctor • Immunizations (shots) • Hospital and emergency care • Prescription drug coverage • Dental and vision care • Speech and hearing services • More than 43,000 quality providers

Proof of age, income, and address necessary to enroll.

Child Health Plus is a New York State-sponsored health insurance program offered by Fidelis Care.

Some children who had employer-based health insurance coverage within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can enroll in Child Health Plus. This will depend on your household income and the reason your children lost employer-based coverage.

To find out if you are eligible for one of our government-sponsored health insurance programs, call Fidelis Care at:

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

www.thepositivecommunity.com

• fideliscare.org

1-866-435-9521

September 2011 The Positive Community

75

A-Team A-Team Physical Physical Therapy Therapy An An Anoutpatient outpatient outpatientorthopedic orthopedic orthopedicPT PT PTpractice practice practice

SCHOOL NUTRITION

111 111 111Northfield Northfield NorthfieldAve, Ave, Ave,Suite Suite Suite205, 205, 205,West West WestOrange, Orange, Orange,NJ NJ NJ07052 07052 07052 Tel: Tel: Tel:973.736.1090 973.736.1090 973.736.1090• •Fax: • Fax: Fax:973.736.1092 973.736.1092 973.736.1092 www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com While some people argue that the new school nutri-

50th Wedding Come Come Come visit visit visit West West West Orange’s Orange’s Orange’s newest newest newest PT PT PTAnniversary office office office

Continued from Page 60

Photo: Bruce Moore

tion regulations exemplify over-reaching government and are tantamount to legislators usurping parents’ rights to decide what their children eat, others view the new requirements as a valuable tool in helping Christian Christian Christian Atexide, Atexide, Atexide, PT, PT, PT, DPT DPT DPT40QA01330900 40QA01330900 40QA01330900 to combat the growing and very serious problem of obesity in America.

Statistics show that the  State State State licensed licensed licensed physical physical physical therapist therapist therapist number of American children classified as obese (more than 20%  Over Over Over 2020 20 years years years ofof of clinical clinical clinical experience experience experience heavier than normal weight) has more than tripled in  Experienced Experienced Experienced ininin treating treating treating allall all types types types of of oforthopedic orthopedic orthopedic injures injures injures the past 30 years.

“When more than one in four young people are unqualified for military service because We We Weoffer: offer: offer: of their weight, childhood obesity isn’t just a public Christian Christian Christian Atexide, Atexide, Atexide, PT, PT, PT,  PrePre Pre && post &post post operative operative operative care care care health threat,” remarked Mrs. Obama. “It’s not just an  it’sOne One One on on on one one one care care care economic threat, a national security threat as well,” Manual Manual therapy therapy therapy Member Member Memberofof of she continued. Manual  be Back Back Back school/ school/ school/ Body Body Body mechanics mechanics mechanics training training now Changes should happening across the training country with implementation of the new guidelines being manda ACL ACL ACL Injury Injury Injury Prevention Prevention Prevention Program Program Program tory by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.

InScreens the Ask Ask Ask about about about our our our Free Free Free Screens Screens meantime, ditch the outdated “food pyramid” and begin We We We accept accept accept all all all Insurance: Insurance: Insurance: Medicare, Medicare, Medicare, Horizon Horizon Horizon BC/BS, BC/BS, BC/BS, Oxford, Oxford, Oxford, United United United HC, HC, HC, Cigna, Cigna, Cigna, Americhoice, Americhoice, Americhoice, Motor Motor Motor vehicle, vehicle, vehicle, Worker’s Worker’s Worker’s Comp Comp Comp using the new “choose my plate” food icon as a guideline to eating healthy, balanced meals at home, in school and when dining out. Also, check in with your local schools to see what they are serving and if they are embracing Charles and Rosa Moody of Harlem (right) renew their vows on the and moving toward the new school nutrition guidelines. occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary at Mother AME Zion For more information, visit www.letsmove.org or www.

Church. Rev. Dr. Gregory Smith presided over this joyous event!! choosemyplate.gov

A-Team A-Team Physical Physical Therapy Therapy An An Anoutpatient outpatient outpatientorthopedic orthopedic orthopedicPT PT PTpractice practice practice 111 111 111Northfield Northfield NorthfieldAve, Ave, Ave,Suite Suite Suite205, 205, 205,West West WestOrange, Orange, Orange,NJ NJ NJ07052 07052 07052 Tel: Tel: Tel:973.736.1090 973.736.1090 973.736.1090• •Fax: • Fax: Fax:973.736.1092 973.736.1092 973.736.1092 www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com www.ateamphysicaltherapynj.com

Come Come Come visit visit visit West West West Orange’s Orange’s Orange’s newest newest newest PT PT PT office office office Christian Christian Christian Atexide, Atexide, Atexide, PT, PT, PT, DPT DPT DPT40QA01330900 40QA01330900 40QA01330900

  

State State State licensed licensed licensed physical physical physical therapist therapist therapist Over Over Over 2020 20 years years years ofof of clinical clinical clinical experience experience experience Experienced Experienced Experienced ininin treating treating treating allall all types types types ofof oforthopedic orthopedic orthopedic injures injures injures

We We Weoffer: offer: offer:

    

Pre Pre Pre && post &post post operative operative operative care care care

Christian Christian Atexide, Atexide, PT, PT, Christian Atexide, PT,

One One One on on on one one one care care care Manual Manual Manual therapy therapy therapy

Member Member Memberofof of

Back Back Back school/ school/ school/ Body Body Body mechanics mechanics mechanics training training training ACL ACL ACL Injury Injury Injury Prevention Prevention Prevention Program Program Program

Ask Ask Ask about about about our our our Free Free Free Screens Screens Screens

We We We accept accept accept all all all Insurance: Insurance: Insurance: Medicare, Medicare, Medicare, Horizon Horizon Horizon BC/BS, BC/BS, BC/BS, Oxford, Oxford, Oxford, United United United HC, HC, HC, Cigna, Cigna, Cigna, Americhoice, Americhoice, Americhoice, Motor Motor Motor vehicle, vehicle, vehicle, Worker’s Worker’s Worker’s Comp Comp Comp

76

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Gay Marriage “…Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

—Matthew 19:4-5 (New American Standard Bible). Jesus Christ quoting from Genesis.

If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.

—Leviticus 20:13 (New International Version) …Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. —1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NASB)

fter New York State legalized gay marriage this summer, mass media prominently publicized mass celebrations of the law’s passage and mass gay and lesbian marriages performed throughout New York City. Local government worked the weekend to enable scores of men to marry men and women to marry women. New York’s Mayor Bloomberg and others call it “marriage equality,” which attempts to link it to social justice and civil rights. Yet, the Bible indicates that Godly marriage occurs only between a man and a woman.

Various Bible translations known for accuracy describe homosexuality as “detestable,” “abominable,” “indecent,” and other indications that God doesn’t like it.

Therefore, we who are in Christ should support only heterosexual marriage. Standing firm on this word will likely incite growing numbers of people to call us bigots, meddlers, persons living in the past, “holy rollers” and worse. So be it. Christ preached in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12; NASB).

Jesus said we who love Him will keep his commandments and obey his teaching. (John 14:15, 23). Isaiah prophesied that the government would be on Christ’s

A

www.thepositivecommunity.com

shoulders. (Isaiah 9:6). So Christians should not violate God’s Law in order to conform to secular laws. Our primary obedience is to God through Jesus Christ, whose “kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36; NASB).

When this priority results in our marginalization by secular government and its subjects, we of God’s “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9) should rejoice. And we should joyfully stand by those pastors who refuse to perform gay and lesbian marriages. We must support them in church, in court, and on the street. And let’s joyfully vote against legislators who voted for gay marriage.

But let’s not pretend that homosexuals are the only sinners out here, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...” (Romans 3:23). Look again at Paul’s sinner list from 1 Corinthians, quoted at the outset. We have no right to get self-righteous with homosexuals if we have committed sins. Nor does being heterosexual make one righteous.

What the world calls “premarital sex” is almost babble under God’s law, which states that if a man and woman have intercourse, they are to get married (Exodus 22:16). Moreover, Christ says that “unchastity” is the only legitimate grounds for divorce and that to violate this standard and “re-marry” is to commit adultery (Matthew 19:9, New Revised Standard Version). Many heterosexual Christians have violated these.

Nor is it an excuse to say I was born such-and-such a way and therefore can’t control it. We are all born into sin. Yet, through Christ’s salvation, we can sin less, even if we never become 100 percent sinless. God gives human beings minds, which exceed the instinctual limitations of animals. The saved mind is more motivated than the unsaved mind to do God’s will and counter sinful inclinations. If robbers and murderers can be rehabilitated, think differently – repent − and stop stealing and killing, then saved homosexuals can also think differently. I believe saved homosexuals, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, can resist sinful urges just as saved thieves can resist the urge to steal a wallet.

So it’s about “love the sinner, but hate the sin,” their sin and ours. It’s about Christians struggling to do God’s will, while thanking God for His grace in providing salvation through Jesus Christ.

September 2011 The Positive Community

77

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com September 2011

Vol. 11, No. 8

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: positive.corp@verizon.net Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 2010 The Positve Community Corporation.

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

78

The Positive Community September 2011

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER READY FOR THE STORM lmost to the day, six years after Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans, Mother Nature threw a few curves at the east coast; first an earthquake, then a hurricane. As we checked the batteries in our flashlights and fans, I told my husband, “I don’t want to be wandering around helpless like those people were after Katrina or the Haiti earthquake.” We hunkered down and got ourselves prayed up for the big storm. We had an emergency plan at the ready and even mapped out various routes to reach our loved ones if necessary. The winds howled, the rain fell in buckets and the rivers rose.

We braced for the worst and were grateful that Irene did not pack the wallop that was predicted. Thankfully, we escaped virtually unscathed. We checked in with friends and loved ones and while many experienced flooding and the loss of power, none of our loved ones were lost in the storm.

Sadly, the day before Irene struck the area, my husband’s Uncle Van passed away. He was relatively young, only in his early 60s. He had an infectious smile and loved to share it with everyone around him. He loved music, playing cards and spending time with family. No one would have thought that Uncle Van would be gone so soon, but nonetheless, he was.

Uncle Van’s illness was not unlike an unexpected storm. There was very little warning and it seemed to sweep in and wreak havoc on his body; but not on his heart, or that wonderful smile. While he had been a beloved husband, uncle, brother, friend and member of the community, Uncle Van had not been a member of a church.

As he felt the storm brewing inside him, he opened his great, big heart and accepted Christ as his Savior. Even as we mourned his loss, we took comfort in knowing that Uncle Van had taken the time to prepare for the storm. He had stocked his personal pantry with words of prayer and his faith shone brighter than any candle or flashlight on earth. The cross provided him with all of the shelter he

A

needed and his soul was safe from any uncertainty or question.

My husband, a strapping man who stands 6’4” and is the epitome of a “man’s man” officiated at his uncle’s funeral. He was stoic and eloquent in his words. He was overcome with emotion only once, when relating the story of how Uncle Van welcomed the Lord into his life. Van’s brother, my husband’s father, had begun attending our church at the onset of his brother’s illness. He eventually joined the church and it was he who brought the pastor to his brother’s bedside at the hospital. When my husband realized how his own faith and church attendance had impacted his father and his uncle’s lives, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

Meanwhile, the waters began to recede and life began to go on . . . for most of us. Prior to the storm we purchased only two items: a case of bottled water and some ice for a cooler.

We already had canned goods, radios, flashlights and candles. We even had enough “D” batteries to share with relatives and neighbors. Because of our forethought, we were able to aid some who simply hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

The hurricane is over and hopefully there won’t be any more earthquakes anytime soon. But while we know not what the future holds, we know that God knows all and that our unwavering faith in Him will comfort and see us through anything. The people of New Orleans and Haiti— survivors with faith— have shown us that. The same way that you might have helped friends or neighbors prepare for Irene, shine a light, share your faith and help them be prepared forever. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community’s

GREAT COUNTDOWN TO FREEDOM The Grand Jubilee

I

n less than two years, America will observe the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation—the sesquicentennial commemoration. From the date of January 1, 1863 through January 1, 2013 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: 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, 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 by the young and the old. We the people, descendants of the Emancipation Proclamation, must tell our story to each other reminding ourselves, over and over again of the great, noble struggle and scarifies 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!!

Stay tuned to The Positive Community magazine and online www.thepositivecommunity.com for features and updates on news, church events, concerts, and other activities leading up to January 1, 2013—the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation—our Great Countdown to Freedom: The Grand Jubilee!!

To become a Community Partner or Sponsor: Call Today 973-233-9200.

22

The Positive Community September 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Join us for 2 full days of celebration

OCTOBER 8th & 9th, 2011 at the

EXPO

moving. changing. growing.

at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYC • SATURDAY, see Bishop Noel Jones take over the seminar room • Get your praise on at the SUNDAY morning worship service with Bishop Hezekiah Walker

•Check out the GOSPEL EXPLOSION CONCERT with performances by:

Canton Jones

Dorinda Clarke

For

Sto p

by

de t a

the

ils a

Co ok

ing P

nd tic

a vil ion

James Fortune

, Vendor & Exhibitors, Fashi

kets visi t us

of at www.circle

on

si

Hosted by our own

Co-Co Brother

pl w o h S

co . s r ste

us

m

re mo

...