23 minute read
Fitness Doctor
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.
Advertisement
Exercise Your Independent Spirit
We all have moments when we may not do our best physically. What do you want to accomplish? Weight loss, increased flexibility, reshaping your body? It may seem impossible to achieve. It’s not. Let’s talk about it!
First, decide exactly what you want. Do you want Michelle Obama arms, Teyana Taylor abs, Michael B. Jordan trapezius muscles? Now you can add specific exercises to your conditioning plan to work on that body part. You can’t just work your upper or lower torso exclusively, though, it will lead to an unbalanced physique—we’ve all seen it.
Next, secure a trainer. Most laymen are unfamiliar with physiology and exercise training and need a professional. You might join a gym and work out for hours each day. After some months you’ll give up because you can’t keep up the same level of commitment and you don’t see the changes you desire. Trainer’s secret: you don’t need to work out excessively, you just need to work smart! A trainer can help develop an exercise plan tailored for your current fitness level and time constraints. Your plan should grow with you as you become more fit: more reps, more weight, more challenge.
Diet is everyone’s least favorite topic. Maybe you feel if you exercise you can eat whatever you want? Truthfully, if you eat poorly (lots of fried foods, sugar, etc.), you will be exercising only to maintain your current weight and body type. You will not be able to affect a lasting change, because you are undoing any progress with excess calories. The exercise is still strengthening your body, but if you want to see substantial change you must eliminate high-calorie foods. The more disciplined you are, the quicker you will see change. Your body will start to burn excess fat as you go into caloric deficit and your muscle definition will start to show.
Experts say if you eat clean 80% of the time and exercise for 20%, you can make a great impact in your fitness. Let’s try it. Plan your meals and commit. Get a trainer to map out an exercise plan for you and build on it. Don’t wait until you are suffering from a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension before you make a change. Walk, run, stretch, ride a bike, lift weights, row, skate, do calisthenics, eat clean and live well! Next month I will share an arm workout that will change your life! Remember, it is the spirit that gives life! Let’s continue getting back to life. Please check out our new 8-week class, designed to help you reach your personal best. Additionally, here is a YouTube link to my 12-minute workout you can do 3 days per week at home. https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ Please place a comment on the YouTube video chat and let me know what you would like to see.
Live well and prosper.
Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.
“We encourage residents to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Our comprehensive plan provides vaccinations centers that are convenient to all Essex County residents. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated.” Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of County Commissioners Essex County COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing Locations
Sears Building, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston Mall Thursdays & Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m. & Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Orange City Hall, 29 North Day Street, Orange Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Irvington Town Hall, 1 Civic Square, Irvington Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange
Moderna, Pfizer and J&J vaccines are available. Everyone ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments for children ages 6 months to 5 years are required. Appointments for other vaccinations are not required. However, if you would like to make an appointment, visit EssexCOVID.org or call 973-877-8456. Appointments for testing are not required.
There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive vaccines. Residents will be asked to provide their medical insurance information so Essex County bill the insurance company $40 for each dose of the vaccine. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the vaccine will be covered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Funds.
Culture
music, art + literature
survival!By James Frazier Newark News & Story Collaborative Health ideas for wellness Black Theater Companies Pivot, Present | In-person Theatre is Back
L-R: Grand Marshall (2004) Adrian Council Sr. and Ambassador Cheryl DB Murphy Flag Raising at Jersey City HallF rustrated with the lack of diversity in American theater, Ricardo Mohamed Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson conceptualized the Crossroads Theatre Company. Since its founding in 1978, Crossroads has produced over 100 works, many of them premiere
The Jersey City West Indian Caribbean American Carnival Association, productions by African and African American artists, Inc. (JCWICACAI) raised the Caricom (Caribbean community) flag at including The Colored Museum and Spunk by George C. Wolfe, Jitney by August Wilson, Sheila’s Day by South AfCity Hall in Jersey City on July 6, 2022. To celebrate its diversity, the rican writer Duma, Ndlovu and many more. Crossroads city raises the flag of different constituent communities throughout the year received the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in the United States in recognition of its 22and in July, Jersey City celebrated Caribbean Heritage. Cheryl DB Murphy year history of artistic accomplishment and excellence. is Carnival Association president. “My father’s heritage is East Indian; my mother is African-American and so they were bringing together two cultures,” said Kahn. “That’s ethically as well as geographically. Growing up, there was never a sense that we were solely identified by being Black kids in Camden, New Jersey. Yes, we were Black in Camden, but our roots are global. What I’ve always wanted to tell people through Crossroads is that it’s about our roots. As Black people in this country we should not forget or even allow people to think this is all of who we are.” He continued, “There’s much more! The sense of a connecting, having a theater like Crossroads that connects to many different communities in this country and around the world is in order for us to redefine who we are on a larger level.”
Across the Hudson River, one of the pioneering institutions integrating artists of color and women into the mainstream American theater, Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theater (NFT), faces major changes. Founded in 1970, NFT began as an outgrowth of a theatre Caribbean American Community, City of Jersey City Officials, CARICOM members, Consul program called Mobilization for Youth. The theatre’s Generals, City Councilmembers, JCWICACAI Statewide Carnival Parade 2022 Grand Marshals and Board of Directors, and Founder and President Cheryl DB Murphy first season opened in the basement of St. Augustine’s Jersey City Council Pres. Joyce Watterman
Money Church on Henry Street. Many performers benefited from early successes on NFT’s stage—the late Chadbuiness, finance + work wick Boseman, Debbie Allen, Morgan Freeman, Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Education Ricardo Kahn Crossroads Theatre Company Jackson, Issa Rae, and many more. Woodie King Jr. retired from leadership of the illustrious theater at the end of June. “During the first part of the pandemic, March 2020, the art + science of learning I had been thinking about retiring,” King revealed. “Then the pandemic increased in time. The offices closed down. Then people needed to have shots. I said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go back to work. I’m 83 years old. So, what should I do?’ I thought, I needed a young person to run it. And that person was Elizabeth Van Dyke, our artistic director. She’s experienced and understands how to communicate with this generation. And getting that younger person to run it and work with me over the last year and five months, solidified it for me.” As millions of people quarantined last year, theaters around the world temporarily closed their doors and we were forced to stay at home without live entertainment. For the first time, the theater found the need to compete with social media and streaming platforms. NFT embraced change, deciding to shift theater to the digital space with pre-recorded and live
Friends, family, and mentors of the newly ordained gathered at Abyssinian to bear witness
Abyssinian Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Church of the Garden Pastor Rev. Earl Y. Thorpe Jr. Rev. S. Raschaad Hoggard Ph.D.
Harlem’s Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church Ordains Three New Ministers
BY GILDA SQUIRE
Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III welcomed three souls into ministry in the month of May. Ordination worship services for S. Raschaad Hoggard Ph.D., in conjunction with the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, took place on Sunday, May 22. Janine Myrick and Darryl Stephen Williams, in collaboration with The United Missionary Baptist Association on May 29.
The ordination recipients worked long and hard through journeys unique to each, leading them to this most important moment in their lives and the lives of the people they will touch in their ministries.
Rev. Hoggard, a graduate of North Carolina A&T with a B.S. in Political Science, left his home state of North Carolina to study homiletics and social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. “I am fueled by my faith and anchored in justice. My faith informs the work I do …to tackle systemic issues that impact marginalized and oppressed communities,” declared Rev. Hoggard.
Minister Myrick enjoyed a respected career as a licensed financial services professional for many years. She graduated from Baruch College with a degree in business administration, after which she attended New York Law School.
About making a serious career shift Minister Myrick stated, “After fighting the call most all my life and while serving at Abyssinian as an intern minister, I allowed myself to finally lean into the call. My ordination ceremony is a culmination of all the events in my life that led to this point.”
Minister Myrick’s commitment to a life in ministry solidified at Union Theological Seminary. Minister Myrick earned her Master of Divinity Degree in May 2020 and received the distinguished Maxwell Fellowship Award for the promise of excellence in parish ministry.
A ubiquitous presence at Abyssinian long before his ordination, Minister Darryl Stephen Williams began attending church there in 1988 and 11 years later, became a member. From 2012 to 2015, he co-led the Men’s Ministry and now serves on the board of the Abyssinian Development Corporation.
Before moving to New York City from his native Chicago, Minister Williams graduated from Notre Dame and received an MBA from The Tuck School of Business. In 2020, he received his Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. Minister Williams is a member of 100 Black Men of New York and most recently worked as CFO of Warner Media’s Global Real Estate division.
Since 2019, Minister Williams has served at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Harlem, leading the audio-visual and finance ministries, and co-leading the church’s Sass Place Café community food program.
As much change as there is in our country and in the world, knowing these three wonderful human beings will continue to spread the word of the gospel and of God is good news. And for that, they are to be celebrated with sincere “Congratulations” and “Welcome.”
Rev. Janine Myrick Rev. Dr. M. William Howard Jr.
Presentation of the ministerial robes by Virginia Union Univ. President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas
Harlem Is Lit(erature)
The Schomburg Center Literary Festival on June 18th, 2022 was free, public, and open to all ages. The festival builds on the foundation created by Arturo Schomburg—encouraging freedom of thought, the relentless pursuit of Black History, and the engagement of our imagination toward our collective freedom. The event featured some of the most talented writers of African descent and influential figures in culture today. One of the authors present was renowned photographer Bob Gore, who signed copies of his latest book documenting the protests after the murder of George Floyd. The book is titled Know Justice, Know Peace.
The inaugural festival, founded in 2019 as an in-person event, has been virtual for the last two years. This year marks its fourth year and reconvened communities of book lovers to interact with their favorite authors. Presentations took place on stages named for Adam Clayton Powell and Zora Neale Hurston. There was a marketplace of local organizations and vendors, and a NYPL mobile library. Readings, panel discussions, and workshops at the event ranged from prose to poetry, comic books to young adult novels, fiction, and nonfiction.
Attendees saw the power in sharing personal stories— the power to spark meaningful connections, to deepen self-awareness, and even to inspire social change.
Photographer Bob Gore signs copies of his newest book, Know Justice, Know Peace.
Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter Honored
Eleven Years at St. James AME
The Saint James Congregation L-R: Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter and Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II
L-R: Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree and Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter L-R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Dr. Diane Johnson, and Dr. Kenneth Saunders
Saint James AME Church celebrated the 11th pastoral anniversary of Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter on Sunday, June 12, 2022. The congregation celebrated Reverend Dr. Slaughter during two worship experiences at St. James’ campuses in South Orange and Newark. Special guest preacher, Presiding Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District of the AME Church Bishop Marvin C. Zanders delivered a passionate sermon relating to being right for the moment and leading for the moment. Due to the COVID pandemic, church attendance was limited to 200 people, but despite the limitations, the celebration was heartfelt and full of love for First Lady Kyla and Pastor Ronald Slaughter.—TPC Staff
L-R: Rev. Dr. Derrick Dumas, Rev. Dr. Carol L. Patterson, Rev. Laphon FloodFrancis, Rev. J. Michael Sanders, Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, Rev. Greg Jackson, and Rev. Danté R. Quick The installation celebration began with Rev. Danté R. Quick Ph.D. meeting and greeting FBCLG congregants
Rev. Danté R. Quick PhD. Installation
First Baptist of Lincoln Gardens Honors New Pastor
First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, NJ installed Rev. Danté R. Quick Ph.D. as the fourth senior pastor during a fiveday celebration, June 8-12. At the formal ceremony concluding the festivities, Senior Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Atlanta and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Morehouse College Rev. Aaron L. Parker Ph.D. preached. Grammy award-winning gospel artist Kurt Carr provided musical selections. Other program highlights included a revival by Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis and president of the Lott Carey Foreign Missions Society; and an evening of music, artistic interpretation, and fellowship featuring the Baylor Project, Sounds of A&R, and hip hop violinist Bri Blvck.
Rev. Quick’s practical preaching style boldly addresses what some may perceive as “taboo” topics in a traditional Baptist church. His sermons acknowledge that Christians are not immune to everyday challenges like coping with mental illness, living life after divorce, grappling with issues surrounding sexuality, and more. Rev. Quick explains, “Far too often we act like we are holy. I don’t come to church because I am holy…I come to church because I have done wrong and I need God to make me right. I don’t come here because I am perfect. I am a wretch undone; but God’s grace and mercy do follow me.”
L-R: Morehouse MLK Chapel Dean Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. Carter Sr; FBCLG Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr.; Metropolitan BC Boston Pastor Rev. Steven Neville Ph.D.; Senior Pastor Allen Temple BC Oakland, CA Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson; FBCLG Pastor Rev. Danté R. Quick Ph.D.; Collegeville, PA Mayor Rev. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins; FBCLG Assoc. Pastor Rev. Dr. Carol L. Patterson; Howard U. School of Divinity Professor Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert; Vanderbilt U. Divinity School Assoc. Professor Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas; and Vanderbilt U. Assoc. Professor Juan Floyd-Thomas 44 The Positive Community Summer Issue 2022 www.thepositivecommunity.com
Pastor Emertis Rev. Dr. Deforest Soares administers installation of Rev. Quick.
L-R: Fmr. President Chicago Theological Seminary Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., Howard U. School of Divinity Professor Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, Vanderbilt U. Divinity School Assoc. Professor Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas, and Princeton Theological Seminary Director Center for Black Church Studies Rev. Dr. David Latimore
L-R: Cyrus Chestnut and John Lee
L-R: Vocalist Tommy Garrett and his sister, Yvonne Garrett Patterson, COO of The Patterson Foundation Return to Love: Jazz on a Summer Afternoon
Music lovers brought chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets and listened to the sensational sounds of jazz on the lovely grounds of The Patterson Foundation in South Orange, NJ on July 10. With a warm and gentle breeze, the weather was the perfect accompaniment to the music of bassist John Lee and friends including pianist Cyrus Chestnut, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Steve Harrington-tenor sax, Sharel Cassityalto sax, and Tommy Campbell-drums. The Argus Trio featuring Ben Collins-Siegel, Sam Konin, and Mecadon McCune also performed along with vocalist Thomas Garrett. Sponsored by the Patterson Foundation, John Lee Productions, and Gregory Burrus Productions, the funds raised go to support access to arts and performances.
L-R: Jonathan Council, Adrian Council Sr., Josephine Nash, and Lynda Council
L-R: Leslie Nash, Lisa Nash, and Josephine Nash Jazz Lovers!
Rolando Briceno Latin Jazz Big Band L-R: NYS Assemblyman Al Taylor, US Rep. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, WBGO Radio Personality & Author Sheila Anderson, Dr. Betty Shabazz’s youngest daughter Malaak Shabazz, and NYC Councilwoman Gale Brewer.
L-R: Trombone/trumpet player “Kumba” Frank Lacy and trumpet player James Zollar L-R: Guitarist/Harmonica/Vocalist Keith “THE CAPTAIN” Gamble and Pianist/ Composer Yovanne Pierre NAMA members about to enjoy the cake
NAMA Brownstone:
A Harlem Institution for 100 Years
One hundred years ago, June 26, 1922 to be exact, The New Amsterdam Musical Association (NAMA) purchased the brownstone at 107 W. 130th Street in Harlem. The oldest African-American musical association in the United States, NAMA was conceived by musician, arranger, and composer James Reese Europe. Founded in 1904, NAMA served as a union for Black musicians denied admission into the whites only American Federation of Musicians. The NAMA brownstone provided a place for hard-working, underpaid Black musicians to stay, network, and share information on gigs—helping one another survive.
NAMA celebrated the centennial anniversary of the brownstone on June 25, 2022 with a gala event at the Harlem School of the Arts and one of the best jam sessions ever. The Centennial Gala helped raise funds for renovation of this most important and culturally significant site. The inimitable Sheila Anderson, author and WBGO Jazz on-air host, served as mistress of ceremony. The best and brightest musicians and singers—from the past to present day—performed. Willie Mack, Steve Sink, Don Baron Sr., Antoinette Hamlin, and Robeson Norton received recognition and awards for their service to the organization.
The brownstone today is prime real estate in radically changing Harlem—near Sylvia’s, Red Rooster, and the Schomburg Center on a block with other grand, historic, 19th-century brownstones. On this same block, Bayard Rustin planned the National March on Washington in 1963. As a child, the painter Jacob Lawrence took art classes nearby.
In recent years, developers have come knocking at NAMA’s door, looking to purchase the building. In today’s real estate market, such a sale would be a windfall for the organization. But determined to keep the association intact, even in the face of gentrification and an aging membership, NAMA holds on to its heritage and the brownstone. —TPC Staff
L-R: Kim Nesbitt Good and Congressman Donald Payne Jr.
Juneteenth Picnic, Prayer, and Praise
The Friends of the NJ Legacy Foundation observed Juneteenth on Friday, June 17th at the Warnico Park in Roselle, NJ. A fantastic family and friends cookout was followed by a prayer and praise service. Community partners included Aetna, the NAACP, the Urban League of Union County, and a host of faith and clergy leaders also participated.
First Lady Bredelind McKinney (in white) next to Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney with friends and family
Rev. Dr. J. Wendell and First Lady Shirley Mapson Harold McKinney of Miami, Fl. L-R: Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson and Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney
Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney Celebrates 50 Years of Service
The culmination of a magnificent, four-day celebration of 50 years of service took place in Garfield, NJ on Sunday June 5, 2022. Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney, the beloved pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, received a trove of commendations for his years of service to his congregation and his community.
Guest preacher Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr. of Monumental Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa. gave the closing sermon. Special presentations and remarks by US Senator Bob Menendez; Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton; Gifelify Founder/CEO Walle Mafolasire; Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik; and Pastor McKinney’s brother, Harold McKinney of Miami, Fl., showed how loved and well-respected Rev. Dr. McKinney is in the community.
At services on June 1st-3rd, guest preachers included GBC New Jersey President and Fountain Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders; North Jersey DMBA Moderator and Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Rev. John H. Gamble Jr.; and National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. NE Region Vice President and Community Baptist Church of Englewood Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor.
L-R: Deac. Carolyn McGinnis, Worship Leader Bro. Stacey Hough, Sis. Teresa Hough, Sis. Kyra Valentin, Pastor Campbell, First Lady Deac. Campell, Deac. Bertha Childs, Sis. Lucretia Sumner, Bro. Herb Sumner, Sis. Joanne Johnston, Sis. Sandra Fuller, and Bro. Earl Bull.
Evergreen Baptist Church Celebrates
Palmyra, New Jersey
On Sunday, April 10, 2022, Evergreen Baptist Church celebrated the 53rd pastoral anniversary of Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell Jr. and First Lady Deac. Dr. Dorothy S. Campbell. The Campbells have served Evergreen for more than half of its 102 years of existence. During a spirit-filled service, Rev. Dr. Milton L. Hendricks, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Pleasantville, delivered an encouraging and inspirational message. Deac. Carolyn A. McGinnis served as the worship leader and the Campbell’s Inspirational Choir provided gospel musical selections. True joy and exuberance filled grateful members who felt doubly blessed for the longevity of their awesome God-led leadership.
Rev. Dr. Milton L. Hendricks, pastor Faith Baptist Church Pleasantville, NJ
Evergreen Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell Jr. and First Lady Deac. Dr. Dorothy S. Campbell
Macedonia Baptist Church Breaks Ground
Since 2017, the members of Macedonia Baptist Church have held services in a temporary church in nearby Lakehurst. At that time under the leadership of their pastor, Dr. Edward D. Harper, Macedonia sold its church building, three houses, and a vacant lot in Lakewood, NJ.
The Church purchased land in Jackson, NJ in 2018 to build a new sanctuary, multipurpose center, and educational wing. Unforeseen events (such as a global pandemic) delayed the project. But with God’s grace, the faithful members of Macedonia witnessed Pastor Dr. Edward Daniel Harper and First Lady Virginia Ann Harper break ground for the new home of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Pastor of Macedonia BC Dr. Edward D. Harper, and First Lady Harper L-R: Mrs. Dorothy Milligan, First Lady Harper, and Mrs. Rose Renne
Members bear witness to the groundbreaking
