September 2018

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY September 2018

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EDUCATION FOCUS

NYC: UNION PROUD! United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Transit Workers Federation (TWU) New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (NYCPBA) 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

The Taylors 25 years at Community Baptist Church of Englewood

Columbia University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Aliza Nisenbaum, Study for La Talaverita, Sunday Morning NY Times 2016, Gouache on paper, 27.9 x 38.1 cm / 11 x 15 ins, MMGNISEA-00016, Courtesy of the artist & Mary Mary, Glasgow

PAINTING WITH AN EYE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE Growing up in Mexico City, Aliza Nisenbaum knew she wanted to make a difference in the world. She contemplated becoming a psychologist, but wrestled with her deeper desire to become an artist who addresses issues of social justice.

Art won out. Now a professor at Columbia School of the Arts, Nisenbaum is making the impact she long sought.

From 2012 to 2016, she painted portraits of undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America, whom she met at Immigrant Movement International, a community space in Queens. As a volunteer teacher there, Nisenbaum developed friendships with her students, who shared stories of how they came to the United States. Eventually, she asked to paint their portraits. “I was always interested in how ethics comes into painting, and about the politics of visibility—how people are usually seen or depicted, and I was trying to show another side of that,” said Nisenbaum. “It’s very intimate, like painting as documentary.”

Nisenbaum brings this deep spirit of engagement to her teaching at Columbia. “Teaching art is not a straight line. You have to give of yourself and be sincere,” said Nisenbaum. “It’s mostly about the students. But they also want professional advice, and they ask questions about your own life as an artist and about how to belong to a meaningful community once they graduate.”

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SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTENTS 34

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ON THE COVER: First Lady Gayle and Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Celebrate 25 Years at CBC

Features

NYC Unions Are Still Strong ............. 19

MACC Focuses on Small Business ............................ 14

Focus on Education .......................... 28

The William Jordan Story ......................................... 16

&

Randall-Williams Retires from NYPD ........................ 18

also inside

Guest Editorial ................................... 10 My View ............................................. 12 Spiritual Wealth Building ..................... 27

NYC Is Union Strong ................................................ 19 NYTS Scholarship Commencement .......................... 30 McKinley Celebrates 46 Years at Calvary ................. 32 Christian Love Gets New Pastor ............................... 33

Fitness Doctor .................................... 54 CBC of Englewood Celebrates the Taylors ................. 34 Gospel Train ....................................... 62 UCC Honors Rep. Clarke .......................................... 40 The Last Word .................................... 65 Remembering NJ’s First Black Voter ........................ 60 4

The Positive Community September 2018

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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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 $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor

Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor

Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

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

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor

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

Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor

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

Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Ed Spencer IV, Senior Pastor

St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor

Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor

Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor

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

ROLL CALL

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor

St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Senior Pastor St. Luke AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor

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

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

St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ

St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul’s B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor

Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

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

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

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

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor

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

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

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

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Pastor

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

“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

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September 2018 The Positive Community

9

ANTHONY HARMON GUEST EDITORIAL

Anthony Harmon is president of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute, New York Chapter

Unions: Improving Education for Students and Teachers

“A

n educator’s working conditions are our students’ learning conditions.” This statement has never been more true than today as educators strive for excellence in our public schools. And at the center of this struggle is the Teachers Union, which advocates daily to improve not only their working conditions, but also the learning conditions of the students they teach. What are some of those working conditions? A safe and nurturing environment, an environment where teachers have real voices in the decision-making process, and working in an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The United Federation of Teachers has played a vital role in helping shape policy in this country and has attained many victories but, paraphrasing the words of American poet Robert Frost, “…there are still miles to go before we sleep.” This year marks the 55th anniversary of the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, calling on our nation to do and be better. Today we acknowledge that the “Dream” still demands our full attention, our dedication, and our commitment to a better America.

Education is the great equalizer that helps level life’s playing field. If we believe this to be true, then it behooves all of us to get involved and advocate so all children receive a quality public education — regardless of economic status, race, creed, sex, color, origin, or zip code. A good public education system allows an opportunity for all children to succeed. As a community activist and president of the New York Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, I stand in support of public education and join with other civil rights partners like the NAACP as we fight to keep the “public” in public education. The Institute is the senior constituency group for black trade unionists of the AFL-CIO. Founded

by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, leaders of the 1968 March on Washington, the organization continues to stand on the principles of advocating for social, labor, and economic justice in the workplace and in our communities.

10 The Positive Community

September 2018

There are numerous attacks on education by groups that would seek to privatize our school system and thus create a system of haves and have-nots. It is crucial that we all take a stand and support public schools; we need to stand in solidarity with educators who seek to make a difference in the lives of the children we teach and the communities we serve every day. We need to be reminded that the “power of the people” can overthrow the “people in power.”

A proud union member of the United Federation of Teachers, I am grateful for the many contributions the labor movement has achieved in this country—a 40-hour work week, weekends, safety standards in the workplace, sick time, vacations, minimum wage, overtime pay, collective bargaining, unemployment insurance, pensions, and healthcare.

In 1915, Ralph Chaplin, poet laureate of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), gave organized labor its fighting song: Solidarity Forever When the union’s inspiration through the workers blood shall run There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun Yet what force on Earth is weaker than the feeble force of one but The union makes us strong…

We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old for But the union makes us strong…

These words were true in our country over 100 years ago and, given the current political climate, are still relevant today.

Solidarity forever! www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

Why Not Atlantic City?

T

hat was a rhetorical question posed

by Frank Gilliam, the newly-elected mayor of Atlantic City. For the past six months, Mayor Gilliam has sat at the helm of one of the Garden State’s shore towns and Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam without apology insists that under his administration, the municipality is going to rise like a phoenix and be the repository of great cultural, economic, and political endeavors it once was.

The 40-something mayor handily beat out the Republican incumbent, Don Guardian. Much to the chagrin of Mayor Gilliam, he indicated that many of the black pastors chose to endorse the incumbent. But, he won, nevertheless.

Gilliam seemed to feel that he already was primed for this position after having served as a city councilman for eight years. He conceded that A.C., as it is affectionately called by many, has been left out of the economic boom and is determined that any monies that come to the city by way of community development, entertainment, or other enterprises will, in fact, be used for the enhancement of a community that for far too long is seen as a shell of its former self.

There was a time when Atlantic City was the place to go for the old money set, and many of the well-known aristocrats from back in the day trekked to the seashore where walking along the boardwalk seemingly was a fashion display among the elites.

In the 1950s and early ‘60s, African-Americans also flocked to the town and enjoyed top-notch entertainment from A-list entertainers on the now-famous Kentucky Avenue and the even more famous Club Harlem. Asked if he knew of the Jamaica motel, a once bustling getaway for blacks where the likes of singer Lloyd Price and other black performers of his ilk came to play,

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The Positive Community September 2018

the mayor said he didn’t know such an establishment existed at one time. But, he quickly opined that kind of upscale place can exist yet again. “It’s a matter of priorities,” he said.

Celebrating 14 years of marriage with his wife, Shawna, he also is the father of four children. He noted that his thrust is in rebuilding the city where all residents benefit, and readily conceded that various and sundry casinos along the boardwalk and elsewhere in the city did not make a real investment in the people of Atlantic City.

He intends, as mayor, to see that such unfairness does not happen again, he said.

He also intends to be above reproach like Caesar’s wife, he said, because, “I don’t ever want anybody to talk down to me.” He was told he would be going up against the old guard and the minefields may be waiting for him even as we spoke, but the very confident and animated mayor said he was elected to do a job. He had every intention of completing the job he was elected to do, and then he would go from there. I wish him well.

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Photo: Karen Waters

Standing: L–R: Ali Muhammad, Akbar Salaam, Shamsiddin Abdul Khabir, Mayor Wayne Smith, Wali Muhammad, Ibn Quddus, Sunah Nash, Jamal Majied, Yahya Salaam. Seated L-R: Fatimah Sabir, Elijah Nash, Yasmeen Muhammad, Nasirah Nash, Nadira Nash

Muslim American Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Networking

Former Mayor Wayne Smith, business development specialist, BCB Bank of NJ

Honoree Wali Amin Muhammed with Sis. Yasmeen Muhammad of MACC

W

hile some blame others for poor economic conditions, the late Halim Quddus chose to focus on solutions. Understanding that to grow a community must become strong economically, he established the Muslim American Chamber of Commerce (MACC), focusing on small businesses and entrepreneurship in NJ. On Saturday August 11, 2018, MACC held a networking event. “Prepare For Bigger Opportunities” was the theme for the day. Both the keynote speaker, former Mayor of Irvington NJ, Hon. Wayne Smith; and the guest speaker, Adrian Council, co-founder and publisher of The Positive Community magazine, shared a

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The Positive Community September 2018

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

wealth of information the attendees could use to grow or improve their businesses.

They honored two members, a pioneering Muslim and renowned photographer Wali Muhammad whose photos have been published in The Positive Community; and Sunah Nash, 15-year-old phenomenon and business owner since the age of seven. Painter, poet, and activist, the ingenious young entrepreneur sells her paintings online at creativeresistance.net. Visit her website. Her work is amazing.

For more information about the Muslim American Chamber of Commerce, visit http://muslimamericanchamberofcomm.org or www.maccomm.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Your Partner in Exploration and lEarning 2018-2019 School & tEachEr programS

Program listing available at newarkmuseum.org/School-Teacher All programs are: • Aligned with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, and most address goals of the National Common Core Standards initiative for language arts.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

• Led by professional museum educators, using an inquiry/ discovery approach.

• Centered on the Museum’s art and science collections.

Dress, 1956, Toshiko Yamawaki (Japanese, 1887–1960). Silk taffeta, Japanese gold-thread embroidery with wave motif. Collection of The Kyoto Costume Institute, Inv. AC12555 2011-8-35AB, gift from Yamawaki Fashion Art College. On view in 1870’s — Kimono Refashioned Now! October 13th Rufino Tamayo, Howling Dog (Perro aullando), 1960. Lithograph, 22 1/8 x 30 1/8 in. Gift of Marvin Small, 1961 61.458 Art © Tamayo Heirs/Mexico/ Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY. On view in Seeing America, Spring 2019 Arts of Global Africa gallery. On view now.

September 2018 The Positive Community

15

MOUNT PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH PRESENTS The William Jordan Story – A Synopsis

By Rev. Patricia Hodelin, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church staff

S

tories. They must be told. They must be heard. Stories – without which the formulative fibers of our being would dissipate into the night. When our stories are not told the heroes and sheroes whose shoulders we are privileged to stand upon evaporate into forgotten memories.

Storytellers. These are the ones who bring the narratives to life, who recognize the essence, power and purpose in preserving the narrative in such a way that it lives on in the hearts and minds of the hearers.

Enter one William Jordan Jr., son of William and Miriam Jordan, and a septuagenarian on paper, not by appearance or fortitude of spirit. Artist? He says, “No.” The works of his hands tell a different story . Activist or historian?

During our interview he humbly bows his head in agreement – “I wanted to show the tightness of space, the inhumane treatment, what the 3 ½ month journey across the water was like for our ancestors in the “Cadillac” of slave ships.

The Cadillac Mr. Jordan is referring to is the replica he has reproduced of the Brookes, the infamous slave ship built in Liverpool, England in the 1830s. It was designed so that every compartment was utilized. It could house a numbered multitude of slaves as well as hide some uncounted human cargo.

When Mr. Jordan recounts the initiation of his mission to tell the story through the building of the ship, he describes

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The Positive Community September 2018

being “inspired by a higher being.” Tears welled up in his eyes, and as he cleared his throat, anger reverberated like the ripples of waves in the ocean as he recounts – “They treated us like garbage, so I used garbage to create a memorial,” (as an indictment of their transgressions).

First housed during 1990’s at the Siloam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, New York and now in its permanent home at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Brooklyn, one third of the Brookes was suspended from the rafters of the gymnasium as part of the exhibit for “Footprints of Our History,” a black history program complete with study guides to teach what the schools do not and what pockets of our culture may choose to forget. Eighteen to 22 inches high and 6 ½ feet long, constructed from styrofoam, pantyhose, newspaper, and rags—depictions of bodies crouched, crunched, and cramped, tell the story of our ancestors’ journey across the Atlantic.

The storyteller, Mr. Jordan tells his own story of his need to collect and preserve. The son of a black entrepreneur, he delighted in sharing his father's achievements as an MTA motorman, real estate broker, and insurance agent.

He boasts about the strength of “mano a mano” mentorship without the dominance of feminine interference shaping him into entrepreneurship at the age of seven. For his first business, the 7-yearold William Jordan converted the simple chore of taking out the garbage into a

lucrative business. He began to sell paper, rags, and iron and recruited some of his friends to expand his venture. “Building our own, supporting our own, investing and reinvesting in our own and having our own” is one of the mantras by which William Jordan has lived.

He recalls his life after his tour of duty in the air force, working for General Motors. After over a decade of service, he resigned because of the inner pull to entrepreneurship. His resume is a “collective” of business ventures, the gamut of which includes helping to build and manage a liquor store with his aunt and uncle, opening a fish farm, “Inner City Oceans” as well as his artistry in carpentry and collecting of lithographs, documents and newspaper clippings from the 1400s to the present to preserve our stories. He is a member of the Esper (African American Stamp) Society for the past 24 years. Seeing images that reflect us and our stories is of major importance and is the heartbeat for what William Jordan does.

Knowledge, the acquisition of and proper use of it also has been part of the motivation behind his creativity. Throughout his life he has been a peruser of information, a collector of useful things.

His replica of the Brookes helps to give depth to the statement “one man's garbage is another man’s treasure.” Thank you, Mr. Jordan, for treasuring our past by making a memorial out of garbage so that we may never forget. www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Our Essex County Parks System is a beautiful place to visit as the “Our Essex County Parks System aa beautiful place to the “Our Essex County Parks System isthe beautiful place to visit visit as the leaves beginCounty to change colors andis temperature cools.

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Weofinvite you to join us autumn season and in our series fun, leaves begin to change colors and temperature cools.

We invite leaves begin to change the temperature cools.

We invite you to autumn you to join join us us this this autumn season season and and participate participate in in our our series series of of fun, fun, family-friendly activities.” you to join join us us this this autumn season and participate you to autumn participate in in our our series seriesof offun, fun, family-friendly activities.” family-friendly activities.” family-friendly activities.” activities.” family-friendly Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Joseph Joseph N. N. DiVincenzo, DiVincenzo, Jr. Jr. Joseph Joseph N. N. DiVincenzo, DiVincenzo,Jr. Jr.

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Parade 9:15 a.m.

Registration 10 a.m.

Parade Brookdale Dog Park 10a.m. a.m.Parade Parade Brookdale 10 Brookdale Dog Dog Park Park Bloomfield/Montclair BrookdaleDog DogPark Park Bloomfield/Montclair Brookdale Bloomfield/Montclair Bloomfield/Montclair Bloomfield/Montclair Saturday, October 20 Saturday, October Saturday, October 20 20 1:15 p.m. Registration Saturday, October 20 20 1:15 p.m.

Registration Saturday, October 1:152p.m.

Registration p.m.Registration Parade 1:152p.m. p.m.

Parade 1:15 2p.m. p.m.Registration Parade South Dog Park 2Mountain p.m. Parade South Mountain Dog 2 p.m.

Parade South Mountain Dog Park Park Maplewood/Millburn South Mountain Dog Park Maplewood/Millburn South Mountain Dog Park Maplewood/Millburn Maplewood/Millburn Maplewood/Millburn

Sunday, October 21 12 Noon Registration Sunday, October 21 12 Noon Registration Sunday, October 12 Noon Registration 1 p.m.

Parade 21 12 Noon Registration 1 p.m.

Parade 12Hilltop Registration 1Noon p.m.Dog Parade Park 11 p.m.

Parade Hilltop Dog Park p.m.

Parade Hilltop Dog Park North Caldwell Hilltop Dog Park North Caldwell Hilltop Dog Park North Caldwell North Caldwell North Caldwell Prizes will be awarded in Prizes will awarded Prizes will be be awarded in in various categories.

Prizes will be inin various categories.

Prizes will categories. beawarded awarded various Registration is free. various categories.

Registration is various categories.

Registration is free. free.

Registration is free.

Registration is free.

Essex County Gardens Aglow Essex County Gardens Aglow Essex County Gardens Aglow Essex County Gardens Aglow th Essex County Gardens Aglow

Friday, October 26th, 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, October 26 Friday, October 26th,, 6 6 to to 9 9 p.m. p.m.

Essex Friday, CountyOctober Presby Memorial Gardens p.m.

26thth, 6 to 9Iris Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Friday, October 26 , 6 to 9 p.m.

474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Montclair Gardens 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Area high school students will display artfully carved or 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair Area high school students will display artfully carved or Area high school students willthe display artfully carved or be decorated jack-o-lanterns among flower beds.

There will 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair Area high school students willthe display artfully carved or be decorated jack-o-lanterns among flower beds.

There will decorated jack-o-lanterns among the flower beds.

Thereiswill be activities, entertainment and refreshments.

Admission free.

Area high school students will display artfully carved or decorated jack-o-lanterns among the flower beds.

There will be activities, entertainment refreshments.

Admission is free. activities,jack-o-lanterns entertainment and and refreshments.

Admission iswill free. decorated among the flower beds.

There be activities, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is free. activities, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is free.Safe

Howl-O-Ween Safe Howl-O-Ween Safe Howl-O-Ween at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Safe Howl-O-Ween at Essex County Turtle Zoo st, 4 Back Safe Howl-O-Ween at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Wednesday, October 31 to 8 p.m. st, 4 Back at Essex County Turtle Zoo Wednesday, October 31 to 8 p.m. st Wednesday, October 31 , 4 to 8 p.m.

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange at Essex County Turtle Back st, 4 to Wednesday, October 31West 8 p.m.Zoo 560 Northfield Avenue, Orange

stAlso, 560 Northfield Avenue, Orange Trick or treat at Turtle Back Zoo. swing Wednesday, October 31West , 4 to 8 p.m.

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange Trick or treat at Turtle Back Zoo. Also, swing Trick or treat at Turtle Back Zoo. Also, swing by the train station for a “Not So Scary” train 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange Trick ortrain treatstation at Turtle Back Zoo. Also, swing by the for a “Not So Scary” train by the train station for a “Not So Scary” train ride.

The zoo will be closed from 2:30 to 4 Trick treat atwill Turtle Back Also, swing by theor train station for closed a “NotZoo. So Scary” train ride.

The zoo be from 2:30 to 4 ride.

The zoo will be closed from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to prepare for the event.

Admission is by theto train station for aevent.

“Notfrom So Scary” ride.

The zoo will be closed 2:30 totrain 4 p.m. prepare for the Admission is p.m. to prepare for the event.

Admission is $3 for Zoological Society members and $5 ride.

The zoo will be from 2:30 to p.m. to prepare for theclosed event.

Admission is4 $3 for Zoological Society members and $5 $3 fortoZoological Society members and $5is for thefor general public. p.m. prepare the event.

Admission $3 for Zoological Society members and $5 for the general public. for the general public. $3 for Zoological Society public. members and $5 for the general for the general public.

Photo: Lem Peterkin

Photo caption error in last month’s Harlem Summer Issue on page 50.

L-R: Inspector Timothy Pearson (Ret.), Det. Michelle Randall-Williams, and Lt. Derrick Powers Noble (Ret.)

Michelle Randall-Williams Retires from NYPD

A

fter 37 years of exemplary service to the citizens of the City of New York and the NYPD, Detective Michelle Randall-Williams celebrated her retirement with a “Walk Out” ceremony on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Brooklyn Army Terminal.

Randall-Williams broke the proverbial glass ceiling in the NYPD when she became the first female officer to be primary protection for then-New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins. She was last assigned to executive protection for New York City Public Advocate Letitia James. Dinkins, James, and Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries attended the ceremony.

Congratulations from

DC 37’s Everyday Heroes

Dr. Dale Irvin of NYTS, and Rev. Nigel Pearce, HCCI board member

People with Medicare, Mark Your Calendars!

Open enrollment is October 15 to December 7, 2018.

During this period, you can enroll for the first time and sign up for or switch your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and/or Medicare Advantage Plan.

All changes are effective January 1, 2019.

DC

For more information, call 311 and ask for “HIICAP.”

WE NEVER QUIT AFSCME AFL- CIO

Henry Garrido, Executive Director Representing 125,000 public employees

THE UNION THAT MAKES NEW YORK CITY RUN.

Department for the Aging

www.dc37.net

18

The Positive Community September 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Legacy

Unio n Prou d

lectively on a national level and help improve the harsh conditions facing black workers. By 1872, Frederick Dou- For black workers, unions have historglass was elected president of the CNLU and the union represented African-American laborers in 21 states. In ically provided financial and job secu1917, activist A. Philip Randolph began his journey to become America’s legendary union leader when he orga- rity. In 1869, the first African American nized elevator operators in New York City. In 1919, he became president of the National Brotherhood of Workers union was established. The Colored Naof America, which organized African-American shipyard tional Labor Union (CNLU) was formed and dockworkers. Although that union dissolved 1921 Gillespie Byin Fern under pressure from the American Federation of Labor, by 1925, Randolph had organized and led the Brother- to organize labor collectively on a nahood of Sleeping Car Porters. This was the first predominantly African-American labor union. In 1963, Randolph tional level and help improve the harsh headed the historic March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his landmark “I Have conditions facing black workers.

A Dream” speech. Over 40,000 union members were mobilized for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The following year, the American Federation of La“The Janus decision reflects years of scheming by forcbor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) es desperate to destroy workers’ rights and to undermine provided critical lobbying support and testimony for the public education. These people think their money, powCivil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. er, and privilege give them the right to rig the system in “A. Philip Randolph’s vision was to build bridges be- their favor,” announced Michael Mulgrew, president of tween labor unions and the community. He realized UFT, which has 187,000 members working in education. that if we are going to make an impact in our commu- “But our union will remain strong, and we will not be sinity, labor has to be a part of that change,” said Anthony lenced. Everything we have been able to accomplish for Harmon, president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute our members and our students has come from our ability New York, and assistant to the president at the United to work together, and we will continue to fight for the Federation of Teachers (UFT). “We see the impact being rights of workers, their families, and for public educapart of a union has on families. It means higher wages, tion.” better health benefits, and a path for advancement at the The NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association repark Janus, an employee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, did not workplace. For African-American communities, having a resents the approximately 24,000 sworn NYPD members union AFSCMEbetween to take $45 perhold month Although union standing with youwant can the be the difference who thefrom rankhisofpaycheck. police officer and Illinois wear apublic silver firefighters, police officers, andincluding other public victory and heartache.” sector employees like teachers, nurses, shield.

“Every NYC police officer, theservants recentIn New York City, public unions forJanus teachers ly-hired class, is a member of Still, this proud strongtoorgawereservant union members, had opted out of joining the union. he wasand required pay (United Federation of Teachers-UFT), transit workers nization,” announced President Patrick J. Lynch. “Those the monthly union “fair share fee” for benefiting in collective AFSCME negotiations. Defiant, (Transport Workers Union-TWU) and police (Patrol- who take on the challenge of law enforcement recognize Janus took hisare argument Supreme Court. afforded by a strong, active police union is men’s Benevolent Association-PBA) affectedtobythe the the protection

NEW YORK IS

!

M

Supreme Court decision. The union leaders’ reaction to Janus, thisTo ruling wasunions swift. were not working toward making the government better. To his attorney, supported by conservative think tanks, Illinois violated workers’ free speech2017 rights by forcing by them to donate to organizations The report the US Bureau of Lawhose political activities they might oppose. This June, the Supreme Courtstated ruled 5-4that in Janus v. AFSCME debor Statistics black workers ciding that non-union workers cannot be forced to pay fees to public sector called the most remained moreunions. likelyIt has to been be union memsignificant court decision affecting collective bargaining rights in decades.

Forwhite, unions, this Supreme Court decibers than their Asian, or Hispanic sion is seen as a method that will continue to empower corporations in their efforts to discourage employees counterparts.

22 The Positive Community September 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

essential to their safety and survival on the job.” from unions.

“As joining expected, they (Supreme Court) are helping rightThe 2017 report the US Bureau of Labor Statiswing politicians and by greedy corporate executives who tics stated that black workers remained more likelyUtato want to bust unions and silence workers,” said Tony be union members than their white, Asian, or Hispanno, president of TWU Local 100, which represents about ic counterparts.

According to the report, 45,000 workers in the MTA’s subway andblack bus workers system. continued to have a higher union membership in “Unions are nothing more than working men andrate work2017 (12.6 percent) than workers who were white (10.6 ing women advocating for fair wages, affordable healthpercent), Asianpensions (8.9 percent), Hispanic percent). care, and solid so theyor don’t wind (9.3 up paupers in For black workers, unions have historically their old age — all of which reduces revenues and providprofits. ed financial and job security.

In 1869, the first African Still, we are cautiously optimistic this putrid ruling will American union was established.

The Colored National have a minimal impact on TWU Local 100.”

Labor Union (CNLU) was formed to organize labor colcont’don next page

September 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 19 September 2018 The Positive Community 43 September 2018 The Positive Community 23

lectively on a national level and help improve the harsh conditions facing black workers. By 1872, Frederick Douglass was elected president of the CNLU and the union represented African-American laborers in 21 states. In 1917, activist A. Philip Randolph began his journey to become America’s legendary union leader when he organized elevator operators in New York City. In 1919, he became president of the National Brotherhood of Workers of America, which organized African-American shipyard and dockworkers. Although that union dissolved in 1921 under pressure from the American Federation of Labor, lectively on a national level and help improve the harsh by 1925, Randolph hadworkers. organized the Brotherconditions facing black By and 1872,led Frederick Douhood of Sleeping Car Porters. was theand firstthe predomiglass was elected president of This the CNLU union nantly African-American labor union.

In 1963, represented African-American laborers in 21 Randolph states. In headed the historic March on Washington, where Dr. 1917, activist A. Philip Randolph began his journey to Martin King, Jr. delivered landmark “I Have becomeLuther America’s legendary unionhis leader when he orgaA Dream” speech.

Over 40,000 members were nized elevator operators in Newunion York City.

In 1919, hemobebilized for the March Washington for Jobsofand Freecame president of the on National Brotherhood Workers dom.

The following year, the American Federation of Laof America, which organized African-American shipyard bor Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and and dockworkers.

Although that union dissolved in 1921 provided criticalfrom lobbying support and testimony the under pressure the American Federation of for Labor, Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Voting Rights Act Brotherof 1965. by 1925, Randolph hadand organized and led the “A. of Philip Randolph’s visionThis waswas to the build bridges behood Sleeping Car Porters. first predomitween labor unions andlabor the union. community.

HeRandolph realized nantly African-American In 1963, that if wethe arehistoric going to makeon an Washington, impact in ourwhere commuheaded March Dr. nity, labor has toKing, be a Jr. part of that change,” said Anthony Martin Luther delivered his landmark “I Have Harmon, of the A. Philip Institute A Dream” president speech. Over 40,000 union Randolph members were moNew York, and March assistant the president at the United bilized for the onto Washington for Jobs and FreeFederation of Teachers (UFT).

“We see Federation the impact being dom. The following year, the American of Lapart of aCongress union has families.

It means higher wages, bor and of on Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) better health benefits, and support a path for advancement at the provided critical lobbying and testimony for workplace.

African-American communities, a Civil Rights For Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Acthaving of 1965. union standing with you can bewas the to difference between “A. Philip Randolph’s vision build bridges bevictory tween and laborheartache.” unions and the community. He realized InifNew Yorkgoing City, to public unions for teachers that we are makeservant an impact in our commu(United Teachers-UFT), transit workers nity, laborFederation has to be aof part of that change,” said Anthony (Transport Workers ofUnion-TWU) police Institute (PatrolHarmon, president the A. Philipand Randolph men’s Benevolent Association-PBA) are affected by the New York, and assistant to the president at the United Supreme Court decision.

The union leaders’ reaction to Federation of Teachers (UFT).

“We see the impact being this was swift. partruling of a union has on families. It means higher wages, better health benefits, and a path for advancement at the workplace. For African-American communities, having a The the Bureau between of Launion2017 standingreport with youby can be US the difference victory and heartache.” bor that black workers In Statistics New York City,stated public servant unions for teachers (United Federation of Teachers-UFT), transit workers remained more Union-TWU) likely to be (Transport Workers andunion police mem(Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association-PBA) are affected by the bers than their white, Asian, or Hispanic Supreme Court decision.

The union leaders’ reaction to this ruling was swift.

counterparts.

20

The Positive Community September 2018

The 2017 report by the US Bureau of Lawww.thepositivecommunity.com

For black workers, unions have historically provided financial and job security. In 1869, the first African American union was established. The Colored National Labor Union (CNLU) was formed The 2017 report by the US Bureau of Labor to labor collectively on histora naFororganize black workers, unions have Statistics stated that black workers remained

tional level and financial help improve ically provided and the job harsh secumore likely to be union members than their

conditions facing blackAfrican workers. rity. In 1869, the first American white, Asian, or Hispanic counterparts.

union was established. The Colored Na-

“The Janus decision reflects years of scheming by forces desperate to destroy workers’ rights and to undermine tional Labor Union (CNLU) was formed public education. These people think their money, power, privilege give them collectively the right to rig the in toand organize labor onsystem a natheir favor,” announced Michael Mulgrew, president of UFT, which has 187,000 members working the in education. tional level and help improve harsh “But our union will remain strong, and we will not be silenced.

Everything we have been workers. able to accomplish for conditions facing black our members and our students has come from our ability to work together, and we will continue to fight for the rights workers, theirreflects families, and public by educa“TheofJanus decision years of for scheming forction.” es desperate to destroy workers’ rights and to undermine The education.

NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association reppublic These people think their money, powresents the approximately 24,000 sworn NYPD members er, and privilege give them the right to rig the system in who theannounced rank of police officer and wear a silver their hold favor,” Michael Mulgrew, president of shield.

“Every NYC police officer, including the recentUFT, which has 187,000 members working in education. ly-hired is awill member this proud andwill strong orga“But ourclass, union remainofstrong, and we not be sinization,” announced President Patrick J. Lynch.

“Those lenced. Everything we have been able to accomplish for who take on the of law recognize our members andchallenge our students hasenforcement come from our ability the protection afforded by a strong, active police is to work together, and we will continue to fightunion for the essential to their safety and survival on the job.” rights of workers, their families, and for public educa“As expected, they (Supreme Court) are helping righttion.” wing and greedy corporate Association executives who Thepoliticians NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent repwant to bust unions and silence workers,” said Tony Utaresents the approximately 24,000 sworn NYPD members no, TWUofLocal 100, whichand represents whopresident hold theofrank police officer wear a about silver 45,000 workers in the MTA’s subway and shield. “Every NYC police officer, including bus the system. recent“Unions are nothing moreof than men and workly-hired class, is a member thisworking proud and strong orgaing women advocating for fair wages, affordable healthnization,” announced President Patrick J. Lynch. “Those care, and on solid pensions so they don’t wind up paupers in who take the challenge of law enforcement recognize their old age — all of which reduces revenues and profits. the protection afforded by a strong, active police union is Still, we are cautiously optimistic putrid essential to their safety and survivalthis on the job.”ruling will have a minimal impact on TWU Local 100.”

“As expected, they (Supreme Court) are helping rightwing politicians and greedy corporate executives who cont’don next page want to bust unions and silencewww.thepositivecommunity.com workers,” said Tony Utano, president of TWU Local 100, which represents about September 2018 The Positive Community 43

UNION STRONG

cont’d cont’d from from previous previous page page

From From 1996 1996 to to 2009, 2009, the the presidents presidents of of the the Transport Transport Workers Union Local 100 were black.

Willie Workers Union Local 100 were black. Willie James James was was the the first first African African American American president president of of the the bus bus and and subsubway way workers workers union union between between 1996 1996 and and 2000, 2000, and and Roger Roger Toussaint was president from 2000 to 2009.

Toussaint was president from 2000 to 2009.

Since Since 2006, 2006, George George Gresham, Gresham, an an African African American, American, has been president of 1199SEIU, which has been president of 1199SEIU, which is is not not aa pubpublic lic union union and and thereby thereby not not affected affected by

by Janus.

Janus. With With over over 400,000 400,000 members members throughout throughout Massachusetts; Massachusetts; New New York; York; New New Jersey; Jersey; Washington, Washington, DC; DC; and and Florida, Florida, 1199SEIU 1199SEIU is is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in in the the nation. nation. Members Members are are nurses, nurses, nurse nurse aides, aides, techs, techs, lab lab workworkers, clerks, housekeepers, dietary workers, transporters, ers, clerks, housekeepers, dietary workers, transporters, pharmacists, pharmacists, social social workers, workers, and and many many other other types types of of medical professionals. medical professionals.

From From its its inception inception in in 1932, 1932, 1199 1199 has has always always been been more than just a labor organization.

It has more than just a labor organization. It has always always been been connected connected and and tied tied in in with with social social justice. justice. Dr. Dr. Martin Martin LuLuther King Jr called it his “favorite union.” ther King Jr called it his “favorite union.”

“Not “Not only only did did Dr. Dr. King King call call us us his his favorite favorite union, union, but but we’re the only union where Malcolm X ever we’re the only union where Malcolm X ever attendattended ed and and spoke spoke at at aa rally,” rally,” explained explained Gresham.

Gresham. “Kwame “Kwame Toure, previously known as Stokely Toure, previously known as Stokely Carmichael, Carmichael, when when he he was was aa patient patient in in Presbyterian Presbyterian Hospital Hospital at at the the end end of of

24 The The Positive Positive Community Community September September 2018 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com

This June, the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in Janus v. AFSCME deciding that nonunion workers cannot be forced to pay fees to public sector unions. It has been called the most significant court decision affecting collective bargaining rights in decades. his his health, health, we we had had aa rally rally and and demonstration demonstration outside outside of of the hospital.

He actually asked to come out and the hospital. He actually asked to come out and join join us. us.

So, So, we we wheeled wheeled him him out out as as aa patient patient to to join join us us on on the the picket line.

He believed in 1199.

There is some historical picket line. He believed in 1199. There is some historical footage footage of of Kwame Kwame Toure Toure marching marching with with Dr. Dr. King King down down South and he’s wearing an 1199 hat.”

South and he’s wearing an 1199 hat.”

“The “The power power of of the the organization organization is is the the power power we we give give workers with a voice as we stand up for social justice,” workers with a voice as we stand up for social justice,” said said Gresham.

Gresham. “It’s “It’s not not just just putting putting aa good good paycheck paycheck in in someone’s pocket.

That’s very important, as someone’s pocket. That’s very important, as well well as as good good medical medical benefits, benefits, but but you you also also have have to to look look at at the the condiconditions they live under.

That’s why 1199 is considered tions they live under. That’s why 1199 is considered the the most most powerful powerful political political local local in in the the country.” country.”

Even Even before before the the Janus Janus ruling, ruling, the the AFL-CIO AFL-CIO had had obobserved workers organizing and taking collective served workers organizing and taking collective action action at at aa rapid rapid rate. rate. In In aa statement statement following following the the ruling, ruling, AFLAFLCIO President Richard L. Trumka declared, CIO President Richard L. Trumka declared, “More “More than than 14,000 14,000 workers workers recently recently formed formed or or joined joined unions unions in in just just aa single single week. week. This This followed followed aa year year where where 262,000 262,000 workworkers approval rating ers organized organized and and the the approval rating of of unions unions reached reached aa nearly 14-year high.

Working families nearly 14-year high. Working families know know the the best best way way to to get get aa raise, raise, better better benefits, benefits, and and aa voice voice on on the the job job is is through through aa union union contract.” contract.” www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com September 2018 The Positive Community 21

CREATING BUILDING TRADES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL NEW YORKERS

Congratulations to the Laborers Local 79 apprenticeship graduating class of 2018! Now you’re part of our diverse union family fighting for union rights, social justice, civil rights and a path to the middle class for all: • 62% of Local 79 members are women and people of color • 73% of all apprentices recruited over the last 5 years are women and people of color that live in NYC • 72% of all members live in the 5 boroughs • We work closely with over 30 community partners to strengthen communities and create economic opportunity • Through the Build Together Program, we recruit and grow M/WBE businesses into the union sector; our council has over 100 union M/WBEs

Meet the Real Power of the Labor Movement

The Rank and File

Latonya Crisp Recording Sec’y

Earl Phillips Sec’y Treasurer

Tony Utano President

TWU Local 100 | Union Headquarters | 195 Montague Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Tony Utano, President

Nelson Rivera Administrative VP

New York City Brags About the Expansion of UPK, But…

New York City Must Provide Wage Parity for New York City Brags About the Expansion of UPK, But… New York City Brags About the Expansion of UPK, But… The City’s Public Center-Based DayNew Care and York City BragsHead About theStart ExpansionEmp of UPK

New York City Must Provide Wage Parity for New York City Must Provide Wage Parity for The City’s Public Center-Based Day Care andNew Head Start Employees York City Must Provide Wage P Public Center-Basedearly Day Care and Head Start Employees ees workingThe forCity’s public center-based education centers are being cheated The City’s Public Center-Based Day Care and He Employees working for public center-based early education centers are being cheated out of

nds of Employees dollars working of income over their early careers by the City of New York. public center-based education being cheated of And the Ci thousands of dollarsfor of income over their careers by the Citycenters of Neware York.

And the Cityout is doing thousands of dollars of income over their careers by the City offor New York.center-based And the Cityearly is doing Employees working public education centers a aboutnothing it. about it. nothing about it.

thousands of dollars of income over their careers by the City of New nothing it.

For years these dedicated public day care and Head about Start employees have made exceptional sacrifices to public For years these dedicated day care and Head Start employees haveofmade exceptional sacrifices rs these dedicated public care and Head Start have made work in their profession.

The day City’s response has been to pay them employees tens thousands of dollars less toexcept work in their profession.

The City’s response has been to pay them tens of thousands of dollars less and yearsthey these public daythe care and education Head Start employees h than their public school counterparts, even For though arededicated mandated to hold same their profession.

The City’s response has been to pay them tens of thousands than their public school counterparts, even though they are mandated to hold the same education and work in their profession.

The City’s response has been to pay them teo state education credentials. stateschool educationcounterparts, credentials. than their public schoolare counterparts, even though they are mandate eir public even though they mandated to hold the sam state education credentials.

These employees have provided high quality early childhood education services to New York City’s ducation credentials.

These employees havefor provided highgenerations. quality early The childhood education to New City’s children and toddlers nearly two City has created aservices multi-tier wageYork disparity children and toddlers for nearly two generations.

The City has created a multi-tier wage disparity These employees havestaff provided high quality early childhood educatio program with Early Learn, Head Start and UPK teachers and other earning disparate and lower program with Early Learn, Head Start and UPK teachers and other staff earning disparate and lower children and toddlers for nearly two generations.

The wages, it seems, because the majority of employees are women and women of color – and manyCity arehas created mployees provided high quality early education services New wages, it households. seems, because majority of employees are women and This women of color –inand many are with Early Learn, Head and UPK teachers andto other staf heads have of Thisthe not happening inprogram Alabama or childhood Mississippi. isStart happening progressive heads of households.

This not happening inwages, Alabama or Mississippi.

Thismajority is happening in progressive it seems, because the of employees are women and New York City. and toddlers for nearly two generations.

The City has created a multi-tier wag New York City. heads of households. This not happening in Alabama or Mississippi.

New York City. m with InEarly Head and UPKcenters teachers other staff disparat fact, a Learn, retention crisis has Start developed in many caused byand the lack of wage parity.earning Early In fact, a retention crisis has developed in many centers caused by the lack of wage parity.

Early childhood education staffmajority earn their credentials and often leave for women the public schools.

Across the city t seems, because the of employees are and women of color – childhood education staff earn their credentials and often leave for the public schools.

Across thepaying city In fact, a retention crisis has developed in many centers caused by the many centers experience inordinate turnover rates when staff leave the jobs they love for better many experience inordinate when staff or leave the jobs they loveThis for better paying childhood education staff earn their credentials and leave for th f households.

This not happening inrates Alabama Mississippi. isoften happening jobs incenters public schools or other careerturnover opportunities. jobs in public schools or other career opportunities. many centers experience inordinate turnover rates when staff leave th rk City.It is the children who suffer because staff retention jobs in public schoolsfor or young other career is necessary minds opportunities. to flourish. The toll on It is the children who suffer because staff retention is necessary for young minds to flourish. The staff and families in these communities-in-need is also particularly painful. It is discrimination at toll its on staff and families these communities-in-need is also particularly painful.

It is discrimination its It is the children who suffer because staff retention at is necessary for yo lowest form.

TheinCity of New York cannot pretend to ignore it anymore. a retention crisis has developed in many centers caused by the lack of wage par lowest form. The City of New York cannot pretend ignore in it anymore. staff andtofamilies these communities-in-need is also particularly pai lowest form.

Citycare of New Yorkfor cannot pretend to ignore it anymo New York City mustearn act nowtheir to end credentials this thoughtless crisis in often child by providing necessary funding od education staff andThe leave the public schools.

New York City must act now to end this thoughtless crisis in child care by providing necessary funding for salary/benefit increases to the staff at the unionized nonprofit early childhood education centers enters for experience inordinate turnover rates when staff leave the jobs they love salary/benefit increases the staff at the unionized childhood centers New York Citynonprofit must actearly now to end thiseducation thoughtless crisis in child care across the city. The time fortochange is now! across the city. The time for change is now!for salary/benefit increases to the staff at the unionized nonprofit ear public schools or other career opportunities.

Name (print): _________________________________________________________________ across the city. The time for change is now!

Name (print): _________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Name (print): _________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ children who suffer because staff retention is necessary for young minds to flou Date: _______________ Address: _____________________________________________ Date: _______________ d families in these communities-in-need is also particularly painful. It is discrim th District Council 1707 AFSCME 420 West 45Date: Street New York, New York, 10036 212-219-0022 _______________ th

Council AFSCME West 45 pretend Street New York, New York,it10036 212-219-0022 orm. District The City of1707 New York420cannot to ignore anymore. th

District Council 1707 AFSCME 420 West 45 Street New York, New Y

WE CARE FOR NEW YORK

WE ARE THE 450,000 HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF 1199SEIU UNITED HEALTHCARE WORKERS EAST.

We are proud to support The Positive Community’s special Labor Edition.

Thank you for highlighting both the history of Labor and the impact union membership has on the lives of working families.

1199SEIU.org Together, we will continue to advocate for

our communities!

@1199SEIU

Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004 • 212-233-5531

Patrick J. Lynch, President

www.nycpba.org 9/11 ad 2018 - v3

THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 7 x 9.5

REV. DR. REV. DR. CHARLES CHARLES BUTLER BUTLER WEALTH WEALTH BUILDING BUILDING

Rev. Dr. Charles Butler is the VP of Equitable Development, Rev. Dr. Charles Butler is the VP of Equitable Development, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI)

He Heisisthe the Light Light of of Our Our Eyes Eyes

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n the Gospel ofof St.St. John 6:33, n the Gospel John 6:33,wewefind findJesus Jesustelling tellingthe the religious rulers that He religious rulers that Heis isthe thebread breadofoflife lifethat thatcame came down from heaven.

Yes, down from heaven.

Yes,He Hecame camedown downfrom fromheaven heaven to to give His lifelifetotoa adying give His dyingworld, world,a aworld worldcursed cursedbybythe the ravages of of sinsin and corruption. ravages and corruption.A Aworld worldruined ruinedbybyhuman human greed, envy, jealously, and envy, jealously, andselfishness; selfishness;a aworld worldthat thatseeks seeks greed, to to serve self rather than toto serve self rather than servethe thetrue trueGod Godofofcreation creation serve —a—a world devoid ofof a spiritual devoid a spiritualconsciousness. consciousness. world The lawlaw ofof God was hidden The God was hiddenfrom fromtheir theirsight. sight.Romans Romans 3:10 states, “There is is none 3:10 states, “There nonerighteous, righteous,no nonot notone. one.There There is none who understands. who understands.There Thereis isnone nonewho whoseeks seeksafter after is none God.” A world held prisoner bybywar A world held prisoner warand andthe therumor rumorofofwar war God.” —racial segregation, racialdiscrimination, discrimination,human humantraftraf—racial segregation,racial and slave trade stillexist existininour ourworld worldtoday. today. ficking, ficking, and slave trade allall still A world held captive by the power of darkness.

We A world held captive by the power of darkness. We has are to test the spirits, every spirit that confesses Jesus are to test the spirits, every spirit that confesses Jesus has God, andevery everyspirit spiritthat thatdoes doesnot not come the flesh come in in the flesh is is ofof God, and Jesus has come in the flesh is not of God. This confess confess Jesus has come in the flesh is not of God. This isis which youhave haveheard heardwas wascomcomspirit the antichrist thethe spirit of of the antichrist which you is now in the world (1st John 4:1-3). ing and ing and is now in the world (1st John 4:1-3).

Johnwarns warnsususnot nottotobebedeceived. deceived.False Falseprophets prophets John are in the world today preaching and teaching false docare in the world today preaching and teaching false doctrine, trying to lead the people of God astray.

The Apostle trine, trying to lead the people of God astray. The Apostle Paul tells thatSatan Satanand andhis hisdemons demonscan cantransform transform Paul tells ususthat themselves into ministers of righteousness (2nd Corinthemselves into ministers of righteousness (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15). thians 11:13-15). world that couldonly onlybeberedeemed redeemedbybythe theatoning atoning AA world that could sacrifice of Jesus’ own flesh and blood as the sacrificial sacrifice of Jesus’ own flesh and blood as the sacrificial lamb appease thewrath wrathofofGod. God.There Therecan canbebeno norerelamb to to appease the mission for sin without the shedding of blood—innocent mission for sin without the shedding of blood—innocent blood, which only theJesus Jesuscould couldoffer offer(Hebrews (Hebrews9:22).

9:22). blood, which only the There is, indeed, power in the blood of the Lamb!

There is, indeed, power in the blood of the Lamb!

What is this text saying thechurch churchtoday? today?The Thetimes times What is this text saying toto the have changed, but unfortunately, the world has not. We have changed, but unfortunately, the world has not. We are creatures of habit. Jesus provided miracle after miraare creatures of habit. Jesus provided miracle after miracle. He stated, “I am the Son of God, if you cannot believe cle. He stated, “I am the Son of God, if you cannot believe in me, then believe in the works that I am from God.” in me, then believe in the works that I am from God.” However, these leaders refused to believe him. The However, these leaders refused to believe him. The Prophet Isaiah foretold this, “Tell the people you will Prophet Isaiah foretold this, “Tell the people you will hear, but not understand, you will see but not comprehear, but not understand, you will see but not comprehend; the hearts of the people will become dull. Lest they hend; the hearts of the people will become dull. Lest they

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

hearwith withtheir and understand understand theirears, ears,see see with with their their eyes eyes and hear with their hearts and be healed (6:9-10). with their hearts and be healed (6:9-10).

AskGod Godto toremove remove the the veil veil blocking blocking your your vision vision and and Ask open your eyes to see clearly.

Jesus said, “Those who beopen your eyes to see clearly. Jesus said, “Those who believe in me will never hunger or thirst” (John 6:35).

Jesus lieve in me will never hunger or thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus willsatisfy satisfyyour yoursoul. soul.He Heknows knowsyou you are are longing longing for for aa relarelawill tionship with God, the Father.

The only way to the Father tionship with God, the Father. The only way to the Father throughaccepting acceptingthe the Son Son as as your your personal personal Lord Lord and and isisthrough Savior.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Theyasked asked Jesus Jesus for for aa sign. sign. Jesus Jesus responded responded to to this this They same question by saying an evil and adulterous generasame question by saying an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign and no sign shall be given except tion seeks after a sign and no sign shall be given except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the the sign of the Prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:39). After Jesus’ cruthe heart of the earth (Matthew 12:39). After Jesus’ crucifixion, He was buried in a tomb. He stayed there three cifixion, He was buried in a tomb. He stayed there three days, but on the third day, He rose from the grave with all days, but on the third day, He rose from the grave with all power in His hands. power in His hands.

Summer 2018 The Positive Community September 2018 The The Positive Positive Community Community Summer 2018

NA 27 NA

Education the art + science of learning

Back to School With Honors Newark School Superintendent Roger León

N

ew Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Roger León was honored on August 22 at a reception at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Ryan Gallery. León officially began his term in July as the first superintendent of Newark Public Schools since the return to local control after 22 years.

L–R: President Richard Levao of Bloomfield College; President Nancy Cantor, Rutgers University Newark; President Anthony Munroe, Essex County College; Ron Chaluisán, executive director of the Newark Trust for Education; and Reginald Lewis, executive director of the NCLC.

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The Positive Community September 2018

In the Newark school system’s 163 year history, he is the first Latino superintendent.

Born in the city of Newark, Roger León grew up in the city of Newark, lives in Newark, and remains a proud product of the Newark Board of Education. He has dedicated 25 years of service to the children in the Newark Public Schools, as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He has taught thousands, mentored hundreds, and witnessed generational progress inspiring others to become outstanding leaders, doctors, social activists, teachers, principals, attorneys, scientists, authors, professors, innovators, business owners, artists, and countless other professions.

A brief program featured remarks from Reginald Lewis, executive director of the NCLC; Rich Levao, president of Bloomfield College; and Anthony Munroe, president of Essex County College. Community Partners were the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC), Newark Trust for Education, Prudential Financial, and Rutgers University-Newark.

—JNW Photos courtesy of Newark Public Schools

Superintendent Roger Leon and Newark Board of Education member Asia Norton greet current and former Arts High School Jazz Band members.

Superintendent León with Alejandra Ceja, executive director of the Panasonic Foundation

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UNIVERS T YI V| E NE UI N RW SAI R T KY

|

Where Opportunity Op NEWARK Meets Excellence

AN OO R R I N IS N T IST T U ITTI O of A NR EW A NCCHH UNT IinONNE W inA RNKE, W KA , RofK N E W A R K RE RC BA S EADS A R ESSEEAA RH C- H -B E CDA D AECMAI C DP E RMO IGCR APMRSO G R A M S EX I EI N LE RN I NRGN , IL N O CGA, L L L L YG L O B A L L Y E XPPEER R E TNI A T LI A LA L EA LYO and C AG LL LO YB A and D II VVEER R S ES E S TS UT DU EN C U LFTAYCCUOLMTMYU N TY D DTE and N TF A and C IO MMUNITY A FFFFOOR R DD A BAL B E LEE D UECDAU T ICOA NT I O N A

Visit Us. Learn More.

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NE RR K .K R .URT U GE N EW WAA T RGSE. ERDSU. E D U

118th Annual NYTS Scholarship Commencement Rev. Dr. Jack Fortin, chair of the Board of Directors, delivers Commencement sermon

�oora�

Maurice Steven Daniels receives the President’s Award from Rev. Dr. Dale T. Irvin

Rev. Dr. Chang Behk leads faculty procession

Graduates! for the

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The Positive Community September 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos courtesy of New York Theological Seminary

Students and their families attend the 118th Annual NYTS Commencement at The Riverside Church of New York on Saturday, May 19, 2018

Join new York Theological SeminarY ThiS fall for

Thriving Thursdays ThurSdaYS from 6:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m.

Community Relations and Outreach: Who Should be at the Table?

Management Training: What Seminary Doesn’t Teach you about Running a Church

Rev. Dr. Deborah Jenkins

Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan Simpson

Pastor, Educator, Theologian Faith @ Work Christian Church

Executive Pastor The Concord Baptist Church of Christ

September 20, 2018

October 11, 2018

Intergenerational Synthesis: 21st Century Challenges to Traditional Church Practices

A Pastor’s Time Management: Accessibility vs. Personal Boundaries

Rev. Dr. Charlene Han Powell Executive Pastor Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church

November 15, 2018

Rev. Dr. Daryl Bloodsaw Pastor First Baptist Church of Crown Heights

December 13, 2018

find addiTional informaTion and rSVp online aT

www.nYTS.edu/ThriVingThurSdaYS NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | Tel: 212-870-1211 | Fax: 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

Looking Toward 50 Calvin McKinney celebrates 46 years at Calvary B.C.

L–R: Tayo Ademuyiwa, M.D. co-founder, Givelify; Pastor Calvin and First Lady Brendalyn McKinney; and Givelify Founder/ CEO Walle Mafolasire

O

n June 10, 2018, Pastor Calvin McKinney celebrated his 46th Pastoral anniversary at Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield, NJ, where he has pastored since June 1972.

A young and energetic Passaic, New Jersey native, he accepted the call to serve as Calvary’s 10th pastor. His tenure there is the longest in the church’s history.

Pastor McKinney continues to work diligently and faithfully to lead the membership in becoming viable Christian witnesses, or as he would put it, “the light of the world and the salt of the earth.” Through the reorganization of all auxiliaries and boards of the church into a six-fold ministry the goal has been accomplished. Christian education was and is still paramount in the life of Calvary. Under Pastor McKinney’s preaching, teaching, and guidance, the people of Calvary have been taught, grown, and become obligated to teach and grow others according to the word of God, the Holy Bible.

After laboring for many years to leave Moab and journey to the promised land, on Sunday, March 19, 2006, under Pastor McKinney’s visionary leadership, moving

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The Positive Community September 2018

from the structure originally purchased for $3,500, the congregation settled into their new $10 million state-ofthe-art church home.

In September 2009, Dr. McKinney was elected General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. He served as the youngest moderator in the history of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association from 1986 to 1990; and served from 1996 through 2000 in an unprecedented tenure as one of the youngest presidents in the history of the 300,000 member General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc. That exemplary leadership was rewarded by declaring him President Emeritus.

For 46 years, despite his numerous responsibilities, his primary commitment has been to his beloved Calvary Church and because of Pastor McKinney’s visionary leadership, the Calvary family is becoming a contagious congregation, spreading into surrounding communities while remaining “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:58) www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photo: Terri Fowlkes

L-R: Hon. Richard Rigoglioso, Mayor of Garfield; State Senator Nellie Pou; Passaic Chapter NAACP President Jeffrey Dye; Congressman Bill Pascrell; US Senator Bob Menendez; Louis Aloia, Aloia Funeral Homes, Garfield; Pastor Calvin McKinney; Major Brian Polite, NJ State Police; NJ Governor Phil Murphy; Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly; Councilman Frank Calandriello; and Deputy Mayor Joseph Delaney

Christian Love’s New Pastor Rev. Brandon K. Washington Pastor Brandon and First Lady Marie Washington

P

Pastor Brandon Washington is the son of Rev. Dr. Renee Washington-Gardner and the late Rev. Preston Washington. Dr. Renee Washington-Gardner is also first vice moderator of UMBA. Pastor Washington is the proud husband of Marie Washington. They have two sons, Brandon and Preston.

Photos: Bruce Moore

astor Brandon K. Washington's call to ministry came to him in a dream and was manifested into reality when he was licensed by Memorial Baptist Church on August 18, 2013. He was ordained pastor at Christian Love Baptist Church, Irvington, NJ on June 23, 2018. Rev. Washington was called to pastor the church on May 5th, 2018.

Harlem’s Memorial Baptist Church was filled to capacity—standing room only— to formally welcome their favorite son into the ministry of clergy leadership and to wish him well in his pastoral assignment in the Garden State.

This joyous occasion was highlighted by the presence of leaders in the Baptist denomination in New York and New Jersey. In attendance were Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr, president of Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY; Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, president of General Baptist Convention of NJ; Rev. Anthony Lowe, moderator, United Missionary Baptist Association of NY(UMBA); Rev. Dr. Johnny Green, president of MPAC (Mobilizing Preachers And Communities); and leaders of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY &Vicinity.

Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe and Rev. Washington

Pastor Washington with Rev. Dr. Betty Spencer

Proud mother Rev. Renee WashingtonGardner and her son, Rev. Brandon K. Washington

Rev. Sean Gardner and Rev. Washington

Deacon Dorothy Jackson Towns with Rev. Washington www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2018 The Positive Community

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Notewor thy

Chosen to serve—Challenged to grow Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Celebrates 25th Pastoral Anniversary

By Linda Wilson, CBC

M

onday, May 21, 2018 was not an average Monday. It was a night of grand elegance honoring Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor and First Lady Min. Gayle Taylor in gratitude for 25 years of pastoral leadership at Community Baptist Church of Englewood (CBC).

The congregation of 400 had embraced the young man when he became their pastor in 1993. They provided him an opportunity to grow and the congregation grew, too. In 2008 Taylor led them on a journey of faith to erect a new facility. The vision he had cast came to fruition In January of 2011, and with more than 4,000 faithful members, a new 13 million dollar edifice proclaimed the glory of God. The celebration had actually begun months

before, on Sunday January 21, 2018—the third Sunday of the month, and continued each third Sunday thereafter. Month after month, pastors who shared in the development and shaping of his ministry spoke of Taylor’s journey to leadership at CBC, some reflecting on his parents, both of whom predeceased his pastorate.

Rev. Taylor had not only pastored Community Baptist Church of Englewood, as a skillful and accomplished musician, he shaped the dynamic of music in the fellowship. Many former members who now serve on the music staffs of other churches attribute their growth and development to the “Maestro,” Dr. Lester Taylor. So, on May 20, the final Sunday of the celebration, the CBC Reunion Choir featuring former choir members, choir directors, and musicians traveled from Texas, Louisiana,

The celebration had actually begun months before, on Sunday January 21, 2018—the third Sunday of the month, and continued each third Sunday thereafter.

34 32 The The Positive Positive Community Community

September September 2018 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: Bishop George and Pastor Mary Searight; First Lady Gayle and Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor L-R: Jamir Cope, Amber Nicole Taylor, Pastor and First Lady Gayle Taylor, son Brindin Lamar and wife Nancy Taylor, grandchildren Peyton and Jordan Taylor

Atlanta, Baltimore, and the Carolinas to pay tribute to the musical life of their former pastor in an extraordinary performance at the church. A rousing display of musical gifts and talent by the Reunion Choir uplifted everyone in the sanctuary. Particularly poignant were the songs that utilized the arrangements the Maestro had taught years before.

The following night, over 700 parishioners and other well-wishers gathered at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ along with the Taylor children

and grandchildren to share the proud moment. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Englewood Mayor Frank Huddle and First Lady, Assemblywoman Valerie Huddle, clergy across denominations, and community leaders from across the state and across the bridge, joined in the festivities.

With such a blessed journey to reflect upon, the Venetian was the venue of choice for culmination of the grand celebration. In dapper black ties and elegant evening gowns they gathcont’don next page

Month after month, pastors who shared in the development and shaping of his ministry spoke of Taylor’s journey to leadership at CBC, some reflecting on his parents, both of whom predeceased The Taylors with special guest Karen Clark Sheard

his pastorate.

Photos: Ashleigh Crawley

www.thepositivecommunity.com

September 2018 The Positive Community

35 33

CHOSEN TO SERVE cont’d from previous page

The congregation of 400 had embraced the young man when he became their pastor in 1993. They provided him an opportunity to grow and the congregation grew, too. In 2008 Taylor led them on a journey of faith to erect a new facility. ered, waiting for the honorees to arrive and although this night was to celebrate Pastor Taylor, a communal “oooh” sounded throughout the room as the radiant and ravishing queen of the night, Lady Gayle Taylor entered, resplendent in white, accompanied by her husband.

The entire evening overflowed with loving sentiments, spirituality, and praises to God Almighty. One such highlight occurred when Honorable Frank Huddle, mayor of Englewood, read a proclamation declaring the renaming of First Street, where the CBC stands, to Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Way! The Venetian erupted in tumultuous applause and a standing ovation ensued. Gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard of the famous Clark Sisters brought the evening to a fitting close with her soul stirring renditions, surprising Dr. Taylor by singing some of his favorite songs.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve in such a great community,” said Taylor attributing his success to “a supportive family, an encouraging church family, and most importantly, faith in a God of possibilities.”

Pastor Lester W. Taylor stands on the truth that he was “chosen of God to be fruitful,” according to John 15:16.

His fruitfulness continues as he also provides leadership to the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Inc. He is our pastor. He is our convention president. He is “Chosen to Serve; Challenged to Grow!”

NJ Governor Phil Murphy and Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor

L-R Guest; Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, president Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY; Dr. Taylor, president General Baptist Convention of NJ; and First Lady Taylor

The vision he had cast came to fruition In January of 2011, and with more than 4,000 faithful members, a new 13 million dollar edifice proclaimed the glory of God.

36 34 The Positive Positive Community Community

September September 2018 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE GENERAL BAPTIST CONVENTION OF NEW JERSEY, INC REV. DR. LESTER W. TAYLOR, JR., CONVENTION PRESIDENT

Congratulations to our Convention President

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ On your

Rev. Dr. George Blackwell, First Vice President Rev. Dr. J. Michael Saunders, Second Vice President Rev. Dr. Darrell L Armstrong, General Secretary Rev. Dr. James Dunkins, Asst. General Secretary Sis. Carolyn Colston, Recording Secretary Rev. Kevin White, Financial Secretary Rev. Joseph L. Jones, Treasurer

of the

Worship Nights First Nazarene Baptist Church 1500 South 8th Street, Camden, NJ Rev. Dyheim T. Watson, Host Pastor 7:00pm Sunday. October 7th

Consecration & Communion

Rev. Dr. Wayne Croft, Sr. St. Paul Baptist Church West Chester, Pennsylvania 7:30pm Wednesday, October 10th

The Women’s Auxiliary

Rev. Lisa D. Jenkins St. Matthews Baptist Church Harlem, New York

7:30pm Tuesday, October 9th

The Laymen, Ushers & Nurses Auxiliaries

Rev. Dr. Anthony M. Chandler Cedar Street Baptist Church of God Richmond, Virginia New Jersey residents, learn how you can get

MORE7:30pm BENEFITS

THAN ORIGINAL MEDICARE. Thursday, October 11th

The Parent Body & Convention At-Large

If you live in New Jersey and have both Medicare and full Medicaid, you may qualify for the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO SNP) plan. It’s a plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, including:

Health Products Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Debit Card Up to $800 in credits to buy things you may need.

President of the General Baptist Meal Program Up to 84 meals in 28 days Convention of New Jersey delivered to you with $0 copay.

Health Products Catalog Up to $900 in credits to buy things you may need.

Personal Emergency Response System No cost for monthly monitoring.

If you have both NJHost FamilyCare and Medicare, you The Bethany Baptist Association, Association may qualify for more benefits. Call us to learn more.

TTY 711 Rev. Aaron Lee,1-888-834-3721, Host Moderator 8 a.m.

– 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

www.gbcofnewjersey.org • 201.500.6004 UHCCommunityPlan.com/NJ

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the

New Jersey residents, learn how you can get

MORE BENEFITS THAN ORIGINAL MEDICARE. If you live in New Jersey and have both Medicare and full Medicaid, you may qualify for the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO SNP) plan. It’s a plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, including: Health Products Catalog Up to $900 in credits to buy things you may need.

Personal Emergency Response System No cost for monthly monitoring.

Health Products Debit Card Up to $800 in credits to buy things you may need.

Meal Program Up to 84 meals in 28 days delivered to you with $0 copay.

If you have both NJ FamilyCare and Medicare, you may qualify for more benefits. Call us to learn more.

1-888-834-3721, TTY 711

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

UHCCommunityPlan.com/NJ Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums are covered for enrollees of UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete ONE (HMO SNP). Members must use network plan providers, pharmacies, and DME (Durable Medical Equipment) suppliers. Members will be enrolled into Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage under the plan and will be automatically disenrolled from any other Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. UnitedHealthcare does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you

communicate with us, such as letters in other languages or large print. You can also ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call the toll-free member phone number listed on your health plan member ID card, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su

disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-941-4647, TTY 711.

1-800-941-4647, TTY 711.

Y0066_161213_104149 Accepted H3113-005_CST17522

UCC Honors Rep. Clarke

UCC Executive Chancellor Professor Dennis J. Gayle (left) and Dr. Winston Adams, Group Executive Chairman, UCC Group (Right)

Brooklyn Congresswoman Receives Honorary Doctorate

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n July 22, 2018, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke became Rep. Yvette Clarke, PhD when the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) conferred an honorary Doctorate of Public Policy upon the esteemed Brooklyn Congresswoman.

Dr. Clarke, who represents the Ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn (NY-09), only the sixth person of Jamaican heritage to be honored by the UCC, stated, “It’s a commitment and obligation that I have to give back to the nation that gave me my parents, and gave me the values and the drive, and determination to be a voice for the people of the community and by extension

the entire region of the Caribbean.”

Recognized for her exemplary work in the Caribbean region toward bringing growth and development, Congresswoman Clarke serves as one of the three co-chairs of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus (CCC). The Caucus seeks to continue to develop and strengthen the economic and social relationship between the United States and the Caribbean region.

UCC Executive Chancellor Professor Dennis Gayle and Executive Chairman Dr. Winston Adams conferred the honor following Rep. Clarke’s keynote address to the class of 2018 at Jamaica National Stadium.

Thomas Goes to Shaw Reverend Gerald Lamont Thomas, PhD To teach at HBCU

A

fter three years in pastoral retirement from the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, The Reverend Gerald Lamont Thomas, PhD recently joined Shaw University as University Chaplain of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel and Associate Professor of Preaching at Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh, NC. “I just wanted to give back some of what God has bestowed upon me to this next generation of church pastors and congregational leaders while I still have time,” said Thomas.

A native of Youngstown, OH, he received his B.A. in Economics from Howard University and the M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Thomas was licensed by the late Dr. E. V. Hill and ordained by Dr. Morris W. Lee. He pastored four churches for 30 years and led Shiloh for more than 18 years. The new, state-of-the-art 70,000 sq. ft., $15 million

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edifice was built by the Lord and edifice, and as Thomas believes, “… is a testament – not a monument – of the awesome power of God.” Dr. Thomas has taught at several seminaries across the USA, Caribbean, and Africa in the disciplines of preaching, worship, pubic policy, and church administration. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked in corporate business for over 12 years in the areas of accounting and computer sales. Author of the book, African American Preaching: The Contribution of Gardner C. Taylor, he contributed a chapter on Dr. J. DeOtis Roberts for the book Baptist Theologians. Dr. Thomas and his lovely wife, the former Alma J. Smith, now live in Tampa, FL. Thomas has three adult children and one grandson, and enjoys mentoring young preachers, reading, traveling, and golf. He can be reached at revgltphd@gmail.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

“The Graduate School at Montclair State changed my life in so many ways – both professionally and personally.

I met and learned from extraordinary people, and forged connections that will benefit me for years to come.”

STANLEY FILS ’16 MBA IN MARKETING

montclair.edu

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.S. News & World Report recently released its “2019 Best Colleges” list and once again Nyack College is a leader in ethnic diversity for regional universities in the North. Nyack is the only private institution that shares the second highest score on diversity with public colleges in the North.

The ranking is based on data collected on the student body for the 2017-2018 academic year. Groups calculated in the findings were African-American (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, White (non-Hispanic) and multiracial (two or more races).

International students were not factored in these results.

Nyack’s student population is 30% African-American, 28% Hispanic/Latino, and 12% Asian. Not only do students benefit from studying with their peers from some 50 countries, but they are taught by a faculty that is 20% African-American; 18% Hispanic-Latino and 12% Asian. In addition, 47% of the faculty is female and 53% are male.

This year the College was also among the top 20 institutions on the 2018 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education World University Rankings applauded for campus environment, a distinction that began with the 2017 inaugural edition of this higher education ranking. This list measured the percentage of international students enrolled and the inclusion of students from lower-income and first-generation college families, placing Nyack among “the top multicultural schools in the Northeast” region of the United States.

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During the fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year, Nyack is celebrating Diversity Day by bringing together its undergraduate students from the Nyack Manhattan and Nyack Rockland campuses for a day of activities in New York City. This one-day event will include guided tours led by Nyack faculty at the National Museum of the American Indian, the African American Burial Ground, the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

A Diversity Celebration Convocation will explore the topic, “The Implications and Effects of Diversity Within the Nyack College Community.” Dr. Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda director of Nyack’s Center for Scholarship and Global Engagement will serve as a moderator for a Nyack faculty panel discussion featuring Dr. Lyndell O’Hara, history professor in the College of Arts & Sciences; Prof. Willana Mack, gospel performance degree lecturer in the School of Music; and Dr. Jeffrey Garcia, professor in Nyack’s Ancient Judaism & Christian Origins master’s degree program.

For more than 130 years, Nyack College has remained true to the mission of educating men and women to become world-changers as well as thought-leaders in corporations, communities and churches. The aim of Diversity Celebration Day is to connect students with the visionary leadership on multiculturalism embraced by Nyack’s founder Dr. A.B. Simpson when the institution was established in New York City in 1882. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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BY SANDRA SANDRA CASILLAS (SOPHOMORE)

M

y experience at Pillar College has been quite the journey thus far. A leap of faith and obedience was what it took. When I began this new journey in my life at age 35, the very thought of going back to school after all these years was quite terrifying. My anxiety was especially heightened because I simply hated school! I had been out of work for nine years because of an illness. I had also been out of high school for 17 years. Returning to school was simply frightening, if not terrifying.

But I was convinced that it was the Lord who directed my path to Pillar.

Before enrolling, I remember times when the Lord kept pressing upon my heart to go back to school.

At the time it seemed ridiculous, if not somewhat humorous, for someone my age who disliked school.

The school’s name kept popping up on my radar: first on 1190 AM WLIB, a local gospel station, promoting Pillar as New Jersey’s only evangelical Christian college and then later a speaker at a conference who was a Pillar alumna.

Before both encounters, I knew little about Pillar and I wrestled with God – asking what He was trying to say to me. I reluctantly obeyed and decided to head back to the class-

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The Positive Community September 2018

room. But it was not Pillar. It was at a local community college that only lasted for one semester because I was miserable. I never felt at peace because I was sensing that was not where God wanted me to be. A year later after withdrawing, I was attending a woman’s conference where I unexpectedly discovered that the keynote speaker was from Pillar. I was convinced that it was God speaking to me and I finally surrendered. The following week I applied and was accepted.

My first semester at Pillar was challenging as much as it was exhausting, especially since I had been out of school for a very long time. I was now a college freshman but I felt like a child learning to walk. For example, using a computer to type an assignment seemed like a foreign experience. I had to re-program my brain for the collegiate, academic experience because I was coming on empty. It was a frustrating start that ended with many tearful nights.

But with the help of the Lord and great support from professors and staff alike who were always there to pray you through, encourage you and uplift you along the way, I am moving forward one day at a time. What I love the most about Pillar is the small classroom size, knowing my class-

mates and professors on a personal level, and an overall intimate feel of our campus. Pillar offers extra academic support with love and care that one can only experience at a Christcentered institution. At Pillar, I feel like I am more than a student ID number; but like a unique child of God with a divine purpose. Best of all, I love the fact that prayer is an integral part our classroom experience and student life. It is not unusual for one of your peers to stop you in the hallways or in between classes to pray.

Finally, at Pillar College you feel as if you are part of one big family that is learning and growing together. Personally, I am growing daily, both academically and spiritually.

But I have also come to learn and understand that everyone has his or her journey to take. Everyone has his or her path to blaze and his or her unique story to tell. But there is one common denominator: Christ.

As I enter my sophomore year as a Psychology & Counseling major, I plan to continue to grow and mature – but only through Christ who strengthens me. Over the summer, I was elected President of the Student Government Association for the Newark campus. Amazing for someone who was lost and dreaded school only a year ago. Only God! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Complete Your Your Complete Bachelor's Degree Complete Your Bachelor's Degree IN FOUR Degree Bachelor's IN FOUR SEMESTERS IN FOUR SEMESTERS SEMESTERS

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Reasons why why to to enroll enroll at at Pillar Pillar College College Today Reasons Today ReasonsYour why to enroll at Pillar College Today Success - Our Focus Your Success - Our Focus Provide accredited degree opportunities that offer flexibility for Your Success - Our Focus Provide accredited degree opportunities that offer flexibility for a varietyaccredited of life and career needs.

Become A Transformational opportunities offer flexibility for aProvide variety of life and degree career needs.

Becomethat A Transformational Leader after graduation. a variety of life and career needs.

Become A Transformational Leader after graduation.

Leader after graduation.

Your Faith - Our Position Your Faith - Our Position Rooted and committed to Christian faith and love, we focus on Your Faith - Our Position Rooted and committed to Christian faith and love, we focus on

3 Pillars and to prepare students for success: Educate.

Equip. committed to Christian faith Educate. and love, Inspire. we focus on 3Rooted Pillars to prepare students for success: Inspire.

Equip.

3 Pillars to prepare students for success: Educate. Inspire. Equip.

Your Future - Our Pride Your Future - Our Pride Working adults receive a holistic approach to student success Your Future - Our aPride Working adults receive holistic approach to student success

through touches in our cohort based model of teaching.

Workingpersonal adults receive a holistic approach to student success through personal touches in our cohort based model of teaching. through personal touches in our cohort based model of teaching.

Your Fit - Our Population Your Fit - Our Population Pillar serves diverse community from all walks of life.

Yourserves Fit - aaOur Population Pillar diverse community from all walks of life.

Pillar serves a diverse community from all walks of life.

Pil l ar Pil l a r Pil l ar

C O L L E G E

C OTruth L inLEducation E G E C Truth O in L Education L E G E TM

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Truth in Education

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Email: info@pillar.edu | Call: 973-803-5000 | pillar.edu Email: info@pillar.edu | Call: 973-803-5000 | pillar.edu Pillarinfo@pillar.edu College 60 Park Place, Newark NJ 07102 | PILLAR.EDU Email: | Call: 973-803-5000 | pillar.edu Pillar College 60 Park Place, Newark NJ 07102 | PILLAR.EDU Pillar College 60 Park Place, Newark NJ 07102 | PILLAR.EDU

‘Serial Entrepreneur’ Tells Students: Live in the Moment

S

yleecia Thompson, DBA, is an author, entertainment strategist and agent. Her company focuses on empowerment, entertainment, entrepreneurship and education, and she has booked more than $5 million in television, book, music and film deals.

Recently, Dr. Thompson spoke about “The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media” as a guest on the talk show Sister Circle LIVE! She has been a guest at summits in South Africa and at the White House.

A self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur,” Dr. Thompson is a professor in the Management program in the Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, bringing her real-world experience into the classroom and giving students valuable experience to begin their careers. Berkeley College enrolls more than 7,100 students at its campuses in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and White Plains, NY, and Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ – as well as globally through Berkeley College Online®.

Q: What are some professional lessons that you impart on your students?

A: People will judge you based on how you write, speak and carry yourself. Therefore, you have to put 100 percent effort in everything you do. Focus on your health, wellness and nutrition in order to live your best life. Health is wealth. Study, prepare and plan for the future, but live in the moment.

Jennifer Ruesta Certified Surgical Technologist

A few of my lessons include “You get what you negotiate,” and “Anything is possible if you work hard.” I also encourage students to give their best, read things other than social media, and learn to speak in front of a crowd of 1 or 1000.

Q: What is the most important thing for students pursuing a career in management to learn?

A: Know business and know the business you are in.

GRADUATE to a better future

Q: Why do you choose to teach at Berkeley College?

A: I love Berkeley because it’s diverse, student-centered and focused on learning and helping students achieve career success.

To learn more about the Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®, email MUM@BerkeleyCollege.edu or call (212) 986-4343, ext. 4358.

Read Jennifer’s story at BerkeleyCollege.edu/JenniferRuesta

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The Positive Community September 2018

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The Birthplace of Bebop Where The Legends Were Born September 2018 The Positive Community

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NEW YORK SCHOOL OF CAREER & APPLIED STUDIES

A DIVISION OF TOURO COLLEGE / Where Knowledge and Values Meet

CAREER FOCUSED, STUDENT CENTERED BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE WITH A NYSCAS EDUCATION

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ouro was ranked #1 by MONEY in the Value-Added All-Stars rating for 2017. Touro has been recognized as top in the category for helping students beat the odds.

That means that Touro students outperformed their peers from similar academic and economic backgrounds on important success indicators such as graduation rates, alumni employment and student loan repayment rate.

How do they do it?

As a progressive urban institution of higher learning, Touro’s NYSCAS supports, accommodates and celebrates students from diverse cultures through flexible course schedules, small classes, caring faculty and advisors.

With classes at night and on weekends, NYSCAS knows that one size does not fit all when it comes to delivering comprehensive academic programs to students dedicated to their academic and career future.

NYSCAS welcomes recent high school graduates and transfer students as well as nontraditional students who are currently working and are returning to pursue higher education after taking an extended break from school.

Academic pathways to real world professions With over 45 associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, NYSCAS offers rigorous academic training that prepares graduates for real-world jobs, including Business Management and Administration, Criminal Justice, Digital Multimedia Design, Education, Biology, Health Sciences (pre-med, pre-dental) Human Services, Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Paralegal Studies, Pre-Law and Psychology.

Experienced and caring advisors are on hand at locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to guide students from application process to graduation. Career development personnel and faculty with professional networks in their fields help undergrads land meaningful internships and prepare for job interviews.

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The Positive Community September 2018

Reaching higher in higher Ed For students who want to go further, NYSCAS opens doors to graduate degrees.

Eugenia, an honors student, graduated with a B.S. in Biology and is now enrolled in New York University’s College of Dentistry.

Ram, a web developer who earned a B.S. from NYSCAS went on to receive a Master’s degree from Touro Graduate School of Technology.

And Yasmin, who earned a B.S. in biology and will continue her education at Touro’s Physician Assistant program at the School of Health Sciences. “I have always loved medicine,” Yasmin said. “This career allows me to pursue my dream to practice medicine while still being able to have a family life.”

Sgt. Ingrid Anderson, an honors student, received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology after serving four years in the armed services and three years in the reserves.

These are just a few examples of NYSCAS outstanding students and alumni who are pursuing the education they dreamed of in ways that work for their lifestyle and professional goals.

An excellent value A NYSCAS education is more affordable than you may think. Financial aid counselors can discuss the best ways to pay for your education and help determine your eligibility for a wide range of aid, including generous internal Touro grants and scholarships.

So what are you waiting for? Call 1-888-334-7992 to make an appointment or visit us at nyscas.touro.edu.

Career focused, student-centered. Let NYSCAS get you to where you want to go.

Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit www.touro.edu www.thepositivecommunity.com

MONEY magazine says Touro’s NYSCAS is #1.

So do our students.

Steve O. B.A. | NYSCAS ’18 Future Special Ed teacher

Your path to success starts at New York School of Career & Applied Studies (NYSCAS). Students like Steve choose from more than 45 associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs at seven convenient locations throughout the metro area. Choose NYSCAS. A division of Touro College.

1.212.463.0400 x5500 | NYSCAS.TOURO.EDU

Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, visit www.touro.edu *Touro College was named #1 in the Value-added all star category.

MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. From MONEY Magazine, ©2017 Time Inc. Used under license. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of Touro College.

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THE STATE UNIVERSITY NEWYORK YORK THE STATE UNIVERSITY OFOF NEW

Manhattan EducationalOpportunity Opportunity Center Manhattan Educational Center THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK THE THE STATE STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OFNEW OF NEW NEW YORK YORK THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF YORK

Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center Manhattan Manhattan Educational Opportunity Opportunity Center Center ManhattanEducational Educational Opportunity Center

The MEOC: A Game Changer in Educating Adult Learners

The Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) direct care, or supportive roles in hospitals, clinics and delivers student-centered academic and workforce physician’s offices such as Electronic Health Records The MEOC: A Game Changer in Educating Adult Learners development programs and serves as a gateway to access Specialist, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Certified The The MEOC: MEOC: A Game Acareer Game Changer Changer in(MEOC) in Educating Educating Adult Adult Learners Learners The MEOC: Game Changer in Educating Learners further education, achievement, personal growth, and Adult Phlebotomy Technician.

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Contact Us Today. prepare students for employment in office environments, York, NY in 10027 • (212) 961-3231 prepare prepare students students for for employment employment in in office environments, environments,New prepare students for employment in office office environments, admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu • www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc for employment and/or career advancement.

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The MEOC: A Game Changer in Educating Adult Learners

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Today. New Become anMEOC MEOC Student.

Contact Us York, NY 10027 • (212) 961-3231 admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu • www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc

NewNew York, York, NY •NY 10027 10027 • (212) • (212) 961-3231 961-3231 NY 10027 (212) 961-3231 admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu • •www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc • www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc New York, admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc

Become an MEOC Student. Contact Us Today.

50 The Positive Community• September 2018 admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu www.bmcc.cuny.edu/meoc

163 West 125th Street, 15th Floor www.thepositivecommunity.com New York, NY 10027 • (212) 961-3231

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September 2018 The Positive Community

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Rooted.

Innovative.

Courageous.

Drew Theological School—a community of scholars, ministers and activists gathered on a beautiful, wooded campus—has trained rooted, innovative and courageous leaders for over 150 years for service to the Church, the academy and society. We are a diverse and open community that dares to pursue the love, wisdom and justice at the heart of the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ.

MENTORSHIP

Our faculty are leaders in theology, biblical studies, liturgy and social ethics.

They don’t settle for easy answers or empty pieties.

Innovative and provocative, they challenge you and each other. Our alums say working with their faculty mentors was among the most valuable experiences of their Drew education.

ACTION

Less sitting. More doing.

We expect you to read, write and discuss things that matter—yet we firmly believe that real-world experiences are essential to a modern theological education. You’ll do this through ministry placements, internships and cross-cultural courses around the world. We prepare students for the real world IN the real world.

COMMUNITY

Second career and twentysomethings collaborate on projects. African American gospel music resounds from the chapel. Students practice sermons—in Korean and Spanish.

Students, faculty and staff pray, eat, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle—together.

We are looking for believers, activists, seekers, thinkers, counselors, preachers, teachers, poets and dreamers who value thinking and action.

Learn more or apply online for one of our six specialized degree programs.

Drew University | Madison, NJ | 973.408.3111 gradm@drew.edu | drew.edu/positive

ARE YOU? A Believer An Activist A Seeker A Thinker A Counselor A Preacher A Teacher A Poet A Dreamer

Commit to courageous Christianity.

Mix it up for ecological and social justice.

Change your church, your neighborhood.

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY. Our circle is wide. Our engagement is deep. And diversity is not a slogan—it’s our reality. Students, faculty and staff pray, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle— together. Our community reflects the diversity, and the challenges and rewards that go with it, of the real world.

Learn more or apply online for one of our six specialized degree programs.

Drew University | Madison, NJ | 973.408.3111 gradm@drew.edu | drew.edu/positive

Rooted.

Innovative.

Courageous.

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The Positive Community September 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Free Breast Screening

Join us for Sisters Checking In, a day of breast health education and no-cost mammograms for African-American women.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. by appointment only To make an appointment, call 201-894-3622.

Limited space available.

Open to women ages 40 and above who have not had a mammogram within the past year and do not have any symptoms of breast disease*

LOCATION The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center Englewood Health Englewood, NJ Meet and greet with WBLS/WLIB radio personality Liz Black | Complimentary chair massages | Light refreshments

*if you have symptoms such as a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or change in breast size or shape, please contact us for further assistance.

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9/14/18 2:45 PM

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

The Joy of Exercise

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have been blessed with a tremendous opportunity to serve as the hospice chaplain for Penn Medicine Princeton Health. This position is an extension of my ministry and I am grateful for this God-given opportunity.

I have had the opportunity to meet people from various walks of life and help care for their souls (and the souls of their families) as they transition from this life into eternity. The work and the conversations with the patients and families are sacred.

The topics of conversation may vary but are always thought-provoking and of divine nature. One conversation that sticks out in my mind is a discussion I had with an 89-year-old woman about, of all things, exercise. This lovely woman shared with me how she exercised almost every day of her life. She described to me how she walked a mile or two and lifted light weights for about 30-40 minutes daily. “Nothing fancy,” she explained. “I just tried to do my best.”

As she continued to describe her exercise routine I smiled to myself, thinking, “She doesn’t even know that she is talking to the founder of the Fitness Doctor.” After she finished telling me all about her former fitness routine, she made a statement that hit me like a ton of bricks.

She looked at me at said, “I guess all that exercise was for naught, I still ended up getting sick.”

My heart broke for her, but the Lord gave me a response. I said to this lovely lady, “Maybe your exercise routine was about keeping you healthy and making you feel good day by day.” In other words, when we exercise, perhaps we are not only exercising to feel good and be healthy for the future. But maybe, just maybe, we are exercising to experience health, vitality, and joy for that day. Yes joy. Good health and vitality are a benefit of daily exercise, but so is happiness.

Daily exercise is a strategy for reducing stress and improving mood that not only seems to make people happier, but happier in the moment. When we walk, run, bike, or engage in some other form of physical exercise, we generally seem to feel happier and less anxious immediately.

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. However, unlike with morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body’s endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.

So, to feel happier and experience more joy, exercise more frequently —perhaps 4-5 times per week for at least 15–30 minutes minimum.

When exercising, the benefit I experience in the moments after exercise are of far more value than the longterm benefits. I guess the answer to that lovely woman’s question as to whether her daily exercising was in vain, is a resounding “No.” Exercise that makes us feel good is never futile or pointless.

As always, exercise consistently, eat healthier, live well.

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.

56 The The Positive Positive Community Community 56

September 2018 2018 September

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Healthier Life STARTS HERE!

Take the first step. Learn how a WellCare Medicare Advantage plan can help you be a better you.

CALL NOW! 1-866-670-8187 | TTY 711 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 7 days a week WellCareforNJ.com

WellCare Health Plans, Inc., is an HMO, PPO, PFFS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. You may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP). WellCare TexanPlus complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致 電 1-888-736-7442 (TTY:711)。 Y0070_WCM_15746E CMS Accepted 07232018

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Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Makes College Dreams Come True

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ewark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is making college a reality for two young men from the greater Newark area. The hospital recently launched a scholarship in honor of the late F. Dein Rice, MD, a beloved internal medicine physician whose career spanned 29-years at The Beth.

After Dr. Rice’s passing in 2017 fellow Newark Beth Israel physician Marc Cohen, MD, Chair of Medicine at Newark Beth Israel, and his wife Anita Cohen launched this scholarship to honor Dr. Rice’s commitment to the community.

For three years, Obodai Annon and Rancell Romero, will each receive $7,500 dollars to support their undergraduate education.

“Through this scholarship we are honoring the legacy of a physician who dedicated his life to improving the health of residents in the South Ward and the greater Newark Community. The higher education that these young men receive will have a positive impact on the health of their families and their communities for generations,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

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The Positive Community September 2018

“I always dreamed of attending Rutgers University and I knew a scholarship was the only way I could pay for it,” said Rancell.

Rancell is 17 years-old, he left the Dominican Republic in 2016 and joined his mother in Newark. He attended Barringer High school where he began dreaming of becoming a lawyer and attending Rutgers University-Newark. He is now living on campus and studying international business.

“One day I want to be able to return this scholarship money so that Newark Beth Israel can help other kids just like me,” said Rancell.

Originally from Ghana, Obodai, 19, came to Irvington, New Jersey, on Thanksgiving Day 2012, to join his father and four sisters. He became an ROTC officer and is now attending The University of Pittsburgh–Greensburg, where he is majoring in biological science.

Obodai says he has a lot to be thankful for, “I am very thankful for the scholarship, it is really helping me.”

Obodai wants to become a doctor one day, perhaps even practice at the hospital that helped him get his start, Newark Beth Israel. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Save the date!

Save the date!

Monday, November 12, 2018 | 5:00 PM Monday, November 12, 2018 | 5:00 PM

THE BETH’S ANNUAL THE BETH’S ANNUAL

Ray Murphy Men’s Health Ray Murphy Men’s Health and Wellness Night and Wellness Night Maplewood Country Club Maplewood Country Club 28 Baker Street, Maplewood NJ 28 Baker Street, Maplewood NJ Panel Moderator: George Martin Panel Moderator: George Martin Captain, 1986 NY Giants Captain, 1986 NYChampion Giants Super Bowl XXI Super Bowl XXI Champion Registration required: Registration required: visit rwjbh.org/nbimenshealth visit rwjbh.org/nbimenshealth or call or call 973-926-4255 973-926-4255

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8/28/18 10:50 A

Thomas Mundy Peterson Remembered in Perth Amboy First African American to Vote After Passage of 15th Amendment Great granddaughter and Kim Nesbitt place a wreath on Thomas Mundy Peterson’s headstone

Photos: Karen Waters

Thomas Mundy Peterson’s great granddaughter, joined by Perth Amboy Mayor, Assemblywoman, Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission, and city officials unveil a plaque in honor of Thomas Mundy Peterson

L-R: Mayor of Perth Amboy Wilda Diaz; Kim Nesbitt Good, Nesbitt Funeral Home; and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez

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Thomas Mundy Peterson’s gravesite

hey came from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia–joining relatives, friends, and community leaders to celebrate the unveiling of the plaque honoring Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first AfricanAmerican in the United States to vote after the passage of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The historic event took place on June 29, 2018 in the 300-year-old city of Perth Amboy. Rev. Dr. AnneMarie Jeffery, pastor of St. Peter’s, the oldest Episcopal Church in New Jersey, hosted the event.

Thomas Mundy Peterson was born on the Mundy farm in what is now known as Metuchen, New Jersey.

He later worked, owned a home, and voted in Perth Amboy. He is buried in the cemetery behind St. Peter’s Church.

Melvinia Knight’s idea of a plaque to honor Thomas Peterson became a two year effort by the Perth Amboy Historic Preservation, which designed the 40-inch by 58inch bronze raised bust plaque. For several months after the completion of the plaque, members of the Public Works Department carefully stored it before displaying it on a specially built stand and covering it with special fabric from Gambia in West Africa

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The Positive Community September 2018

Mundy Peterson descendants

Anna Daily, chairperson of the Thomas Mundy Peterson Plaque Project of Perth Amboy Historic Preservation Commission, joined the city administrators in celebrating the unveiling. Joining in the celebration were members of the Commission/Planning Committee, members of the City Council of Perth Amboy, staff members of the Perth Amboy Free Public Library, community representatives, and Mundy’s great-great granddaughter and great-great cousin. After the unveiling, Rev. Jeffery led a processional to his gravesite to lay the wreath donated by Kim Nesbitt Good of Nesbitt Funeral Home.

The plaque will be installed on the wall of the Perth Amboy City Hall Chambers, one of the oldest functioning city hall buildings in the nation. It was here that the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution were signed.

A reception followed in St. Peter's Parish Hall. Guests were treated to souvenir bottles of water displaying Mr. Peterson’s image, also donated by Nesbitt Funeral Home. Sandwiches and punch were prepared by members of the Abundant Life Worship Center of Perth Amboy, who were assisted by committee members Jeannette WilsonPerry and Pastor Amos Dickerson, Jr., pastor of St. James A. M. E. Zion Church. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Celeste Betton is Speaking Honestly!

Grace & Peace ’m not a fan of TV talent shows, especially when it comes to voting. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised when Ms. Celeste Betton won Season 9 of The Voice. Betton didn’t just win, she killed it or should I say she really had her way with the musical choices by picking music that matched her style exactly and she didn’t hesitate to show her gospel roots. If you are like me, you’ve probably thought of Celeste and wondered “Where is she now?”

Well wonder no more because Celeste is here with her debut project, Honestly. She didn’t make a typical album, but rather a purposeful one, mixing Philly soul with world sanctification. Although in gospel music there is often a

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62 The Positive Community

September 2018

story, this one can only be told by someone who’s been there and done that! “With the way the world is going, it can be hard to find a reason to place any confidence in humanity. My hope is that ‘Trust’ will give voice to what people are feeling, but also serve as a reminder that God is in control in spite of the facts, and what we see,” says Betton of her single “Trust,” which samples Kim McFarland’s “In My Name.” When you hear the chorus say, “Just put your trust in me,” not only is it an affirmation, but it’s a declaration of a promise instructed—and you know He will never lie!

Bettton penned nearly all the songs, seamlessly blending genres to birth perfect songs like “I Know You Love Me,” and “Remind Me Again,” in which she asks God to remind her why she is worthy and loved. Her song “10,000 Reasons” is likely familiar—you’ve almost definitely heard it on the radio and somewhere in your praise and worship retreat. It names every reason why you should be praising The Lord! If there was ever any question in her mind, in 2016 God was showing Celeste what was to come when the whirlwind ride first began.

Since we always need some good news, the best news is that it gets better and better on every excursion. Face it, when you ride the unknown with God, things seem familiar because you’re safe in His arms. “I wanted to write songs that really speak to the heart of where we are,” said Betton. “And that can possibly be the jumpstart to an honest conversation with God or with ourselves about where we are going.” There’s no doubt that this mother of one and up-and-coming music star who sacrificed her heart is on her way to something great that God has in store for her. She’s on her path and although we might not know the destination, we know she will get there from living Honestly!

To Tujuana Robinson, Learning & Loving God & The Holy Ghost for yourself is better than any story ever told! www.thepositivecommunity.com

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September 2018 The Positive Community

63

Website

Always something going on!

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The Positive Community September 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

September 2018

Vol. 18 No. 7

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Fern Gillespie g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance Photographers Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 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.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

THERE’S STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

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all is almost officially here.

While the weather is still a bit warm in many places, other signs of autumn are popping up around us. I’ve already seen Halloween costumes and decorations on display in several stores; and pumpkin spice everything seems to be everywhere. The other sign of fall and possibly the most welcome—especially among parents—is children EVERYWHERE have gone back to school. Let’s have a moment of praise for the teachers!

All too often, educators are the unsung heroes and heroines of the American story. Day in and day out, these wise and often weathered individuals aim to fill our children with knowledge, confidence, and care. They strive to nurture a new crop of leaders, teachers, parents, first responders, and every other profession or vocation we can imagine.

Sadly, we tend to fall short in appreciating teachers and educators for their dedication and hard work, especially financially. Here’s where we need to give a moment of praise to the teachers’ unions, which work to provide our teachers with fair wages, healthcare benefits, and other means to improve their lives both inside and outside of the classroom.

In addition to the teachers’ union, we should also recognize the Transit Workers Union (TWU), whose members help us get to and from school, work, and almost everywhere else in a safe and timely manner; the Patrolmen’s Benefit Association (PBA), who work daily to keep us and our communities

safe; and the United Healthcare Workers East (1199 SEIU), whose members provide care when we need it most.

The word union stems from the Latin “unio,” which means “unity.”

We also see “union” in other words like communion and reunion. They all share the same root, “one” or “unity” for good reason. There’s a proverb that tells us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Those sage words also apply in other aspects of life, particularly marriage. A marriage is a union; and that union strives to improve two lives by joining them together and making them stronger, happier, more fulfilled.

Marital unions often share common goals and build stable families. We see a wonderful example of such a union in the Taylors at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood.

Unity should always be a major facet of our communities.

Whether in the form of a formal union like the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the very first chartered labor organization led

by African Americans, which was founded by A. Philip Randolph; or a principled and organized stand like lunch counter sit-ins or the Montgomery Boycott, unity has helped form our community in the past and should continue to do so.

So let us unite in mind, heart, spirit, and deed to make better lives for all of us. History has proven we will not get there fast.

But, we can all get there together.

September 2018 The Positive Community

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an evening with wyclef jean Tue, Oct 16 @ 7PM A special performance and conversation with the 3-time GRAMMY®-winning musician and producer in NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

the miseducation of lauryn hill

neil degrasse tyson

20th Anniversary Tour Mon, Oct 22 @ 8PM Multiple GRAMMY® winner Ms. Lauryn Hill celebrates 20 years of her iconic solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Cosmic Collisons Wed, Dec 5 @ 7:30PM This famed astrophysicist and television host explains Cosmic Collisions—all the things that go bump in the night (and in the day).

theresa caputo live! the experience Sun, Oct 14 @ 7:30PM A spellbinding evening of live audience readings and more with TLC’s incredible Long Island Medium.

the hip hop nutcracker Dec 14 With special guest MC Kurtis Blow NJPAC’s original holiday hit returns, with guest MC Kurtis Blow.

Dianne Reeves

Marcus Miller Gregory Porter

Dianne Reeves & Gregory Porter Thu, Nov 8 @ 8PM Antonio Sanchez: BiRDMAN LiVE Thu, Nov 8 @ 7:30PM

Sheila E.

Sheila E., Eddie Palmieri, Tito Nieves & Christian McBride Congas y Canto Fri, Nov 9 @ 8PM

Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Lalah Hathaway and more!

Sat, Nov 10 @ 8PM

Terri Lyne Carrington’s Guitar Passions with Money Jungle Sharon Isbin, Joni Mitchell’s Romero Lubambo Mingus featuring & Stanley Jordan Luciana Souza, Kate For ticketsMcGarry & full schedule visit Fri, Nov 9 @ 7:30PM and Jo Lawry njpac.org/moodyjazz Sun, Nov 11 @ 3PM Gregory Porter

Count Basie Orchestra with Jon Faddis, Catherine Russell and Stefon Harris Thu, Nov 15 @ 8PM

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Sun, Nov 18 @ 3PM

Cécile McLorin Salvant Fri, Nov 16 @ 7:30PM

For tickets & full schedule visit njpac.org/moodyjazz

Sheila E.

dance series

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC• njpac.org • Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street • Newark, NJ Sep-Oc-Positive-Community-v2.indd 1

9/14/18 3:46 PM

The United Federation of Teachers welcomes our students and educators back to school.

MICHAEL MULGREW

MELVYN AARONSON Treasurer

KAREN ALFORD

Vice President for Elementary Schools

CARMEN ALVAREZ Vice President for Special Education

Assistant Secretary

Assistant Treasurer

EVELYN DeJESUS

ANNE GOLDMAN

JANELLA HINDS

RICHARD MANTELL

STERLING ROBERSON

HOWARD SCHOOR

President

Vice President for Education

Vice President for Non-DOE Members

Vice President for High Schools

Vice President for Middle Schools

LeROY BARR

Vice President for Career & Technical Education High Schools

TOM BROWN

Secretary

Democrat for New Jersey

We need Bob Menendez fighting back against Donald Trump and protecting our rights. When you stand with Bob this November, you are standing for: Excellent public education, and a bill to make 2 years of community or technical college tuition-free

Affordable and high-quality health care by protecting and expanding Pres. Obama's Affordable Care Act Equality under the law for every person, regardless of race, gender, religion or identity Safe communities and common-sense gun safety laws that protect our children and families Criminal justice reform that ends racial profiling and discrimination

Learn more and get involved!

MenendezforNJ.com @BobMenendezNJ @MenendezforNJ PAID FOR BY MENENDEZ FOR SENATE