GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
™ www.thepositivecommunity.com $2.95
April 2014
HEAF: Innovative After School Program Helps Students Reach their Potential
Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power Junius W. Williams Discusses His New Memoir
MEET THE PRESIDENTS Dr. Gale Gibson Essex County College
Dr. Rudy Crew Medgar Evers College
GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
™ www.thepositivecommunity.com $2.95
April 2014
Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power Junius W. Williams Discusses His New Memoir HEAF: Innovative After School Program Helps Students Reach their Potential
A Meditation Room in The Barclays Center? Rev. Herbert Daughtry at the Ribbon Cutting
MEET THE PRESIDENTS Dr. Gale Gibson Essex County College
Dr. Rudy Crew Medgar Evers College
BELIEVE IN NEWARK VOTE TUESDAY MAY 13
DEMOCRAT
MAYOR Paid for and authorized by Team Baraka, F. Murphy, Treasurer, 808 South 10th Street, Newark, NJ 07108.
The United Federation of Teachers honors the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The UFT has long supported the fight for social justice. United Federation of Teachers • A Union of Professionals 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Officers: Michael Mulgrew President, Emil Pietromonaco Secretary, Mel Aaronson Treasurer, LeRoy Barr Assistant Secretary, Mona Romain Assistant Treasurer Vice Presidents: Karen Alford, Carmen Alvarez, Catalina Fortino, Anne Goldman, Janella Hinds, Richard Mantell, Sterling Roberson GK01573
April 2014
CONTENTS 45
DR. GALE E. GIBSON: WHERE THERE’S A WILL SHE’LL FIND A WAY
SECTIONS MONEY ........................................17 HEALTH ........................................32 EDUCATION ..................................40 CULTURE ......................................68
&also inside Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Etiquette Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Selah! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 4
The Positive Community April 2014
DR. RUDY CREW HELMS MEDGAR EVERS
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Features Leaning In: Women’s Business Roundtable .....16 Roundtable Wrap Up ......................................17 Project Re-Direct Awards ................................22 NJ State Police Welcome New Recruits ...........28 Meditation at Barclays Center ........................30 Dr. Lloyd Brown Gives Back .............................32 Heart & Soul Fest ...........................................38 HEAF: A Secret Not to Be Kept ........................40 Activist Junius Williams Writes Memoir ............48 CUNY Internship Honors Terence Tolbert .........49 Uncommon Schools .......................................54 UNCF Gala ......................................................55 Education Starts with You and Me ..................56 Music Man Cast in a New Light ......................68 Jennifer Falu Performs at Mt. Pisgah ...............69 Rev. Logan is Installed ....................................70 The Links Host Luncheon ................................76 Cultural Literacy Church Tour ..........................78 www.thepositivecommunity.com
“ We are passionate about getting you the best care.” George Ingram, Horizon NJ Health
Horizon NJ Health is a compassionate and caring organization with employees who clearly understand the needs of the people they serve in New Jersey. We’re here to guide and assist you to get the health care you and your family needs. If you are on Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, or are uninsured, Horizon NJ Health can help. To enroll, visit HorizonNJHealth.com or call 877-765-4325 (TDD/TTY: 1-800-654-5505).
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2013 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.
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April 2014 The Positive Community
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annual aluMni/ae & partner day awardS lunCheon The BiBle lives in The CiTy the interChurCh Center 475 riverSide drive, SoCkMan lounge new york, ny 10115
wedneSday, May 7, 2014 8:30 a.M. - 3:00 p.M. SeSSion i
SeSSion ii
Morning inSpiration
awardS & reCognition lunCheon
Senior Director, Application Development – Operations New York City Department of Education
rev. dr. Maxine nixon (Mdiv ’91)
elder ChriStopher peet (Mdiv ’12)
aluMni preSenter
rev. dr. John Muniz (dMin ’10)
Division Director State Use Industry/DEPTCOR Department of Corrections-State of New Jersey
gueSt preaCher
Pastor, Fenimore Street United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, NY
SpeCial reCognition of aluMni/ae froM yearS ending in ‘4 and ‘9 reCognition of MiniStry partnerS
gueSt leCturer
the riSing aluMni awardeeS:
Professor of Biblical Interpretation New York Theological Seminary
Mr. John Valverde (MPS ‘95)
Rev. Daryl Bloodsaw (MDiv ‘10)
dr. obery hendriCkS
and
partner in MiniStry leaderShip awardee: The Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims
$40 donation Alumni/ae Display Tables Available with Advanced Registration Only (NOTE: Alternate side parking rules are not in effect in the area on Wednesdays)
Contact Cynthia Gardner-Brim, Director, Alumni/ae Affairs at (212) 870-1244 or cgardnerbrim@nyts.edu or Dr. Nancy Fields, Assistant Professor & Director of Supervised Ministry at (212) 870-1269 or nfields@nyts.edu
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | Tel: 212.870.1211 | Fax: 212.870.1236 | www.nyts.edu
GREAT
R C OLL
MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
ALL
TO PROGRESS
he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.00 each (one-third of the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com
T
Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor
Ebenezer B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, M.Div.
Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor
St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor
Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr, Pastor
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor
Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor
St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor
Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President
St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor
Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. Vernon Walton, Pastor Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Tisha M. Jermin Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor
First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor
Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor
St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor
First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor
The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor
Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev. Alfonzo Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. 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 Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Jasper E. Peyton, Interim Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor
Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor
First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President
Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor
Grace & Restoration Fellowship, Paterson, NJ Jerry Wilder, Sr., Pastor
Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor
Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor
Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham
Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor
Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor
Greater Faith Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Larry L. Marcus
Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor
Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. John Teabout, Pastor
Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor
Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Lagree Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Wayland Williams, Jr., Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter
Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor
St. Mark AME Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Vernon Peters, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor
Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder
Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Brown Executive Realty LLC, Morristown, NJ City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Muslim American Chamber of Commerce NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. WKMB-1070AM
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
“The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Black Church. All churches and businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Positive Community. Please support this magazine, the only one that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010
DR. HOWARD L. BURRELL GUEST EDITORIAL
Dr. Howard L. Burrell is Special Assistant to the President of Felician College
Cultural Literacy A Key Factor in the Cause of, and the Cure for What Currently Ails Black America was born and raised in the State of Mississippi during the late 40s through the first half of the 60s. During this period, Mississippi had the well-earned reputation of being the most dangerous place in America for a black person to live. However, even under these conditions, my mother, who has just a sixth grade education, along with the teachers in our racially segregated schools, plus others in my church community, made sure that I knew that I was more than—better than the negative, worthless, nonthinking caricature of a person that the majority society daily described in their words, and who they tried to mentally, emotionally and physically shape me into being through their laws and actions. My mother, teachers and church community inoculated me against the barrage of diseased words, actions and conditions aimed at destroying my self-concept and pride. They did this by ensuring that I had the knowledge plus an understanding of the social, economic, political, and religious aspects of the path that blacks had traveled as a people in our country. They made sure that I had the cultural literacy that was essential for me to be a part of the solutions, and not part of the problems; to understand the issues and conditions that black Americans faced in our country. While I have not, by any stretch of the imagination, been a “perfect” or “ideal” person, the sense of cultural awareness that I was provided, and embraced, has been a major life influencing force that has ensured that as I developed and grew in my personal and professional life, I have always remembered who and what I am, and the people that I represent. One of the key definitions the Merriam-Webster dictionary provides for the word literacy is: having knowledge and understanding that relates to a specific subject. Therefore, cultural literacy, as it relates to blacks in America, is about having the kind of knowledge and understanding that relates specifically to the social, eco-
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10 The Positive Community
April 2014
Young person reading the Cultural Narrative on Watch Night at Community Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ, January 2013.
nomic, political, and religious aspects of the path that blacks in America have traveled. I believe that most will agree that to a great extent, black Americans as a collective are culturally illiterate. This is sadly reflected in the disrespect that we demonstrate towards black American women and girls, i.e., far too many of our young men easily, casually, loudly, and without any embarrassment or shame, refer to women and girls as “bit—-s” and whores in songs and in everyday speech. And far too many women and girls have come to accept these degrading terms as culturally acceptable, modern day compliments or harmless slang. Lack of cultural literacy is sadly reflected in the easy, casual way that many of us use the infamous so called “NWord”—which has been called one of the ugliest, most hurtful, and universally recognized racial slurs ever created and is known around the world as a means to denigrate black Americans. This word packs such strong power to represent overt racial hatred, that many people —regardless of race—will not utter it aloud. Those of us who know and understand how the lack of cultural literacy has become an obstacle to the social, economic and political progress we have made over the decades must continue to inform and educate our brothers and sisters—especially the young ones—on the need for us to regain this sense of cultural literacy. For as Mahatma Gandhi said, “They cannot take away our selfrespect if we do not give it to them.” And we know that those who are culturally literate will not give away their self-respect or dignity. www.thepositivecommunity.com
A Timeless Posession!
The Grand Jubilee Calendar
T
he Positive Community’s Cultural Literacy Initiative presents the 2014 Grand
Jubilee Calendar commemorating the 150th sesquicentennial anniversary season of the Great Emancipation. This year’s theme: Faith Freedom and the Future, Coming Up Through Great Tribulation. It’s a celebration of the beauty and dignity of a people. The words and images a reflection of truth and goodness—thoughts and ideals. It is the ecumenical faith and worship experience of the contemporary African Diaspora as seen through the lens of photographer Bob Gore.
Own this precious document as a spiritual and cultural anchor for our times. Value your calendar as a faith/ freedom investment into the health and prosperity of future generations—the next 50 years of freedom! Preview online www.thepositivecommunity.com
Support Cultural Literacy! Invest in the Future—Now! Own the Grand Jubilee Calendar just $19.99 Ask about special bulk/group rates
The 2014 Grand Jubilee Calendar
CALL TODAY: 973-233-9200
Send Check or Money Order to: Grand Jubilee Calendar c/o The Positive Community 133 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042
REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW
Rev. Nance is pastor of The Church by the Side of the Road in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk show host and documentary filmmaker.
LISTEN TO THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY HOUR ON WKMB 1070 AM HARVEST RADIO, MONDAYS, 1:30–2:30 P.M. WITH HOST THERESA NANCE.
We’re Calling it The Senior Prom t’s not a new idea. I don’t purport to say it is. But I’ve begun doing and hosting a great deal of community activities where I have resided since 2005, especially at the Willingboro Public Library. For Women’s History Month I showed a documentary of the R&B artists from the 1950s and ’60s who weren’t necessarily unsung, but they sure were underpaid. The turnout, I’m happy to say was great, and so the last event of this threepart series is, you guessed it . . . The Senior Prom. The concept is to bring those who are 50 and older together and simply reflect on a time when we all were young. We’ll eat good food, dance a little, laugh a little and then go home. The information regarding the event has piqued the interest of many, according to those with whom I’ve talked. Willingboro, I learned, is the only municipality in the state of New Jersey where 90 percent of black residents own their own properties. It’s not Mayberry, but sometimes it has that kind of laid back atmosphere or ambiance where folks walk past you and say, “Hello,” even if they’ve seen you earlier that day. In trying to get to know many of my fellow residents, I’ve been doing some things that are intended to put smiles on their faces and think about the way it was. So on April 26, we’ll come back to the library and hopefully have a ball. What’s the point, some might ask? Too often, senior citizens are relegated to pockets of their community as if somehow their years of living, their talents and/or gifts, are no longer viable. It’s an insult. It’s ageism. It’s deplorable. And, if one buys into that poppycock, it can be downright hurtful. No one has a right to sit another human being on a shelf, so to speak, indicating that now they should just wait for the grim reaper to come along and sweep them away. When I showed my most recent film about the music and politics of that bygone era, I saw heads moving from side to side, I watched the tapping of shoes and the snapping of fingers. I saw joy! When I asked one woman if the video she was watching of Dinah Washington and Etta James singing brought back memories, she replied, “Lots,” with a sly smile that said it all.
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There was something so wonderfully amazing in that community room that Saturday afternoon . . . the presence of not only seasoned people, but also 20-something young men and women. These folks were eager to discover —some for the first time— what it was like back in the day, to use a tired cliché. They are invited to the prom as well. Why not? Where does it say that a mixture of different ages impedes the party atmosphere? India Arie’s song “Better People” told us, “And if old people would talk to young people, it would make us all better people all around, yes, it would!” For those who get insulted because some may use your age as a reason to prohibit you from engaging in certain activities, here’s my advice: Create your own whatever. You fill in the blank. To paraphrase a pop song from yesteryear, you’ve got a lot of living to do. So, do it. Old age may not be for sissies, but, it ain’t for quitters either. Hence, The Senior Prom is fast-approaching. www.thepositivecommunity.com
ADVANCING
THE COMMON
GOOD SINCE
1923 Come CelebrAte
With United WAy of essex & West hUdson!
90
th AnniversAry Celebration
May 29, 2014 newark Club newark, nJ For information please contact: George l. Xuereb 973-854-2215 or gxuereb@uwewh.org
Vote on Primary Day June 24 2014
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April 2014 The Positive Community
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SHAVAR JEFFRIES FOR MAYOR A fifth-generation Newarker, husband, father of two, and homeowner, Shavar has the plan and experience to increase safety, grow jobs, and improve our schools.
As Mayor, Shavar Jeffries will:
Stand up to protect all of Newark, particularly our women and children, from the deadly violence that is a cancer in our city. Implement a comprehensive public safety strategy that will expand treatment for nonviolent drug users and have a zero tolerance for gun and gang violence. Fight to ensure that every single student gets a quality education in order to compete in the future. Promote after-school programs, community policing and greater surveillance to combat our gang problem and make our streets safe.
Safer streets and stronger schools M A E T RIES Tuesday, May 13th JEF#FALLInark Vote Team Jeffries #AllInForNewark w
ForNe Paid
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Shavar Jeffries:
Newark’s Not So Prodigal Son
“P
eople have asked why I moved my family to Newark years ago. Why not one of the Suburbs? Their only connection to the city is the negativity that they see in the news, but you know, it’s the job of the press to report the crashes, if I may use an airport – a Newark Airport – analogy. They don’t tell you about the hundreds of planes that land safely every day.” After he graduated from Columbia University Law School, Shavar returned to Newark, the city of his birth and the place where he was primarily raised and nurtured. It was also the site of his deepest personal tragedy. When Shavar was 10 years old, his mother’s husband, a man who was not Shavar’s father, shot and killed her. The boy then went to live with his birth father. Dad gave it a try. Then one day he just wasn’t there when young Shavar came home from school. His grandfather picked him up and, along with his grandmother and ostensibly their Newark community, raised the boy who would be mayor.
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“It’s a fundamental part of my history but it is not who I am,” Jeffries said. Shavar moved with his wife, Tenagne, and their two young children to a house in the South Ward. It wasn’t a political statement. It was his family. It was his life, and he wants the best for them that he could possibly provide. “When we moved here, I wasn’t thinking about public office or politics. I was nurtured by my community,” Jeffries explained. “Relatives, neighbors, friends, they all looked out for me and helped give me the tools I would need to succeed. All of the things my city gave me, I want my children to have. A city is nothing more than the heart, soul and blood of its people. In many places those positive traits aren’t always easy to access. They’re locked behind gated community walls, trapped in cul-desacs, hidden away in skyscrapers, or unable to get past the electric fences buried beneath manicured lawns. “In Newark, all that heart is front and center and you can touch it. You can feel it. Newark is so much more than the negative things the media
dwells on. I want my babies to experience that. I want everyone’s babies to experience that, because it is good and it is beautiful. That’s why I came back home.” Tenagne Jeffries is no less excited about what the future has in store for them. Mrs. Jeffries is an accomplished businesswoman in her own right—smart, dynamic, beautiful, with a broad and easy smile. The Jeffries are the personification of an “upwardly mobile” family. “Whatever success – and I’m not necessarily talking about money or the accumulation of things – whatever success we have is meaningless if we don’t make sure that you, the family down the street and every child in this city have the same opportunities. Everything we have is because of the people who came before us and the sacrifices that were made by those who paved the way,” Tenagne said. “I don’t want anyone limiting my potential or putting any ceilings over our children’s future,” Shavar added. “I’m all in for Newark’s bright new tomorrow.” April 2014 The Positive Community
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Leaning In
L-R: Panelists Joanne English Rollieson, Angela Pearson, Jeannine LaRue and Verdia Johnson with Moderator Ursula Daniels (C)
number of area businesswomen attended the “African American Women Who Lean In Roundtable”—an event that was held at Bergen County Community College in Paramus in honor of Women's History Month. The Positive Community and Wells Fargo co-sponsored the Saturday gathering that brought out scores of highly skilled black women eager to listen to their counterparts discuss how they manage high level careers with the demands of family and personal life. Michelle Y. Lee, executive vice president and Northeast Regional president of Wells Fargo Bank, welcomed attendees while Moderator Ursula Parrish Daniels, Ed.D, executive assistant to the college president, expressed the joy she felt having such an event housed at her institution. Panelists included: Jeannine LaRue, senior vice president, Kaufman Zita Group, founder and CEO, LaRuelist Group, LLC; Verdia Johnson, CEO/president, Foot Steps Group; Angela Pearson, vice president, Catamaran Corporation: Julia Porterfield, CEO/Amaker, Porterfield Transportation and Joanne English Rollieson, CEO/President, English Realty Associates, Inc. Though each panelist excelled in a specific field, all were united in the tenacity one must have to get the task at hand completed. And, that the word “no” has never kept them from going back repeatedly until the no is turned to an affirmative answer. LaRue said there are only two important days in one's life: the day you were born and the day you know why. Translated: Your purpose. None was a shrinking violet and all firmly believed the key to their success was due diligence in their fields.
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Bergen Community College Hosts Women’s Business Roundtable BY REV. THERESA NANCE The keynote speaker was Angela Logan, actress, comedienne and model. Logan's saga is widespread today. She was behind in her mortgage and sold baked cakes to meet that obligation. An article about her dilemma appeared in a local newspaper and was picked up by the Associated Press and the rest, as they say, is history. She is now founder/CEO of Mortgage Apple Cakes, and her business was chosen as one of the caterers for this year's Superbowl™. Logan was adamant about the fact that one must be prepared for the blessing that comes and then must also take responsibility for such blessings. She will be profiled in an upcoming edition of O Magazine and her story will be featured in a television movie April 27 on UP TV. Yet, Logan clearly stated that preparedness and a good product were the keys that unlocked doors In fact, this was a universal consensus amongst the panelists as well. The atmosphere was charged with excitement that day. Business cards were exchanged. Contacts and possible contracts were being discussed And those who sat in the audience and listened to these great women appeared to gather greater confidence about their own business possibilities.
L-R: Dr. Ursula Daniels, moderator with Angela Logan, keynote speaker
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Money BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK
American Women Lean In was an exhilarating event, an opportunity to network in authenticity “African with many who were within 3 degrees of separation! Women who were willing to share their powerful stories, experiences and lessons learned in hopes of empowering others to take risks and develop their strategies for pursuing their passion and purpose. Rev. Virginia Logan
”
Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport. Ct.
one of the most inspirational forums I have had the pleasure to be a part of. It was a blessing to have “Truly been in the mist of such inspirational women filled with integrity and character. ” Pastor Bernard F. Johnson III Friendship Baptist Church, Asbury Park, NJ
always said that something magical happens when women gather along with a few good men. And.... “I've that is exactly what occurred at The Positive Community's African American Women Lean-In Symposium in March. While I was thrilled to address the audience as an executive and business woman bringing decades of insight to the table, I walked away from that symposium energized, more informed, and more committed to do more to uplift my sisters and brothers in or greater community. Jeannine LaRue
”
Kaufman Zita Group
Community College President Dr. B. Kaye Walter and I thank you for the opportunity to “Bergen partner with you for the African American Women “Who Lean In” forum. This program is an important marker on our pathway to the inclusion of all our constituents of Bergen County. ” Dr. Ursula Parrish Daniels Executive Assistant to the President, Bergen Community College www.thepositivecommunity.com
April 2014 The Positive Community
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Scenes from the Business Roundtable
Joanne English Rollieson, CEO English Realty Assoc. Inc.
Angela Pearson, VP Catamaran Corp.
Verdia Johnson, CEO Footsteps Group
Moderator: Dr. Ursula Harris Daniels Exec. Assistant to the President, BCC
Photos: Karen Waters, Maurice McCoy, Vincent Bryant, Herb Glenn
Jeannine LaRue, SVP Kaufman Zita Group
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The Positive Community April 2014
www.thepositivecommunity.com
Keynote
Angela Logan Founder/President Mortgage Apple Cakes
Dr. B. Kaye Walter President, BCC
Rev. Olivia Stanard Assoc. Minister Community BC of Englewood
Michelle Y. Lee EVP and Northeast Regional President Wells Fargo Bank
Acknowledgements: We offer our deepest gratitude to Al Koeppe, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance; Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark; and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark for their vision and wisdom in the development of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series. www.thepositivecommunity.com
April 2014 The Positive Community
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Changing IT service providers? Here Are Five Things You Should Demand
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icture this: you’ve been stuck in IT limbo for years. On nights and weekends, a savvy friend helps you get your technology up and running. In her spare time, an office manager does her best to keep systems in working order. After a while, you realize the need for an IT professional to diagnose problems and resolve major issues. But that IT provider is busy with other accounts and not always able to immediately react to your request for service. Now you and your employees are idle while downtime affects productivity and decreases revenue. Let’s say you run a law firm with 50 employees that have an average salary of $50,000, an average yearly workload of 2,000 hours, and an average hourly rate of $25. Say your network is down for four hours and you can't access email, applications, or data files while you wait for your IT provider. Assuming that productivity is cut in half, if you multiply two hours of downtime at $25 an hour by 50 employees, you just paid your employees $2,500 for time they were unable to perform their job duties. Add in the cost of that IT professional — and the lost revenue opportunity from squandered billable hours — and your business is truly suffering. Now you know it’s time to find a new IT partner — but how do you protect your business from chaos and ensure the change goes smoothly? How do you know if the new provider will keep your systems running and your employees productive while the switch is happening? Maybe it’s better to stick with the lackluster provider you know than risk everything on a new company. Here's the catch: in the long run, proactive IT services cost far less than reactive or break/fix services. CMIT Solutions understands that switching IT providers can be stressful. You don’t just up and switch your lawyer or your accountant — your IT company should engender the same level of trust.
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Here are a few things any trusted IT service provider should do ( and do well ):
1) Identify high-risk aspects that demand immediate attention. If your backup drive has been working for years but only backing up local directories, not all data, this critical need should be addressed first to ensure business continuity and stability of all systems. 2) Provide proactive 24/7 monitoring of your systems. Does the IT service provider specialize in a blend of proactive and preventative maintenance and 24/7 monitoring? Does that provider have access to a Network Operations Center that utilizes the expertise of over 200 knowledgeable technicians? If you’ve got an emergency, resources like these should be available to solve any problem in a timely manner. 3) Implement services that fit your budget and your needs. Proactive IT services provide better long-term value than reactive or break/fix services. But that doesn't mean you don't still have real budgetary constraints. Your IT provider should understand them — and be able to identify an appropriate course of action. 4) Develop long-term plans of action for hardware, software, and support upgrades. No IT provider should ever recommend services that you don’t need. They should, however, work with you to identify areas where technological upgrades can make your business run more efficiently. 5) Listen, listen, listen. This flows from each of the previous four points. An IT provider should serve as a trusted advisor that understands your overall business What ifneeds, your compu CMIT is Your Technology Team about your technology goals, hears out your concerns, asks questions crashes and focuses on ways to improve your productivity and profitability. Once and you you can OUR SERVICES your customer infor decide to upgrade your current IT situation, your new provider should also work CMIT Marathon - Service Plans closely with your old provider to collect all necessary information and make the Security - Backup Solutions What if you suddenl transition as smooth as possible.
Is your computer guy driving you crazy?
We can
- Disaster Recovery access email? Support - Troubleshooting Most of -all, a new IT partner should work to serve your needs — Software & Hardware and make -you feel at ease. As many CMIT business owners testify,with a nasty Computer Networks infected the most rewarding part of bringing on a new client is when they Hosting - Email, Servers, Web reveal that the transition was so easy they wish they’d done it CMIT Anti-Spam What ifsooner. you had a te Ready to make a change and add value to your business? Voice Over IP (VOIP) professionals to take Contact CMITServices Solutions today for more info. We make technology Consulting your systems so you work for you, not against you. Payment Plans focus on your busine 973.325.3663
CMIT Solutions of Northe 800.399.CMIT 973.325.3663 www.cmitsolutions.com/ nunioncounty 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty www.thepositivecommunity.com
Sandy Recovery and Resiliency Contract Opportunities MTA Conference Helps Small Businesses Benefit
T
Photo: Seitu Oronde
he Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently held a conference for small businesses, especially minority-owned, women-owned and certified disadvantaged businesses (MWDBEs) that hope to bid for MTA construction projects intended to rebuild and fortify infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy. “Our transit network is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy,” said MTA chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. “In fact, we have years of work just to get where we were the day before Sandy. It is a monumental job, but we’re trying to look at this work as an opportunity to develop a larger pool of qualified contractors, who represent the diversity of the business community and the region we serve. Our goal for Sandy-related work has always been to maximize contract opportunities from our pool of certified MWDBEs.”
The MTA’s Small Business Development Program includes two small business mentoring programs that offer direct contract opportunities for pre-qualified, certified minority, women and disadvantaged firms. Michael J. Garner, MTA’s chief diversity officer who oversees the program, said he encouraged MWDBEs interested in entering the transportation market for both current MTA work and recovery and resiliency projects to attend the program because of the opportunities available. “Over the last four years,” he noted, “the program has awarded over $100 million in contract awards to over 113 firms, creating 1622 new jobs within the 14 counties served by the MTA.” Attendees at he conference received information and technical assistance to small businesses interested in working with the MTA on these and other projects. The program is part of a broader MTA effort to reach out to small businesses who want to participate in MTA procurement opportunities. —HF Photo: Seitu Oronde
CACCI Symposium
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he Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce (CACCI) and Industry celebrated Women’s History Month with a symposium on doing business in the U.S. and the Caribbean.
L–R: Edmund Sadio, CACCI Founder and CEO; Dr. Roy Hastick; Dr. Eda Hastick; NYC Councilman Mathieu Eugene; U.S. Rep. Congressman Yvette Clarke and NYS Assemblyman Carim Kamara www.thepositivecommunity.com
April 2014 The Positive Community
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Michael Patrick McMillan, CEO of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Sharon Berry, Project Re-Direct executive director
Newark Mayoral Candidate Ras Baraka and Randy Weingarten, president, AFT National
Honoree Hon. Calvin West, political strategist Photos: Karen Waters, Herb Glenn
Honorees from The Positive Community: Adrian A. Council, Sr., publisher and Jean Nash Wells, editor; Charlotte V. Ottley, market development strategist and Michael Patrick McMillan
Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith with Gemar Mills, Shabazz High School principal
Project Re-Direct Awards “Shooting Stars”
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hen Project Re-Direct Youth & Family Services held its 5th Annual Excellence in Business & Community Service Awards, the nonprofit organization celebrated and recognized people who are making a difference in communities across New Jersey. This year’s theme was “Shooting Stars - Children are a gift.” Hundreds of guests including elected officials, community leaders and advocates committed to serving our youth attended the awards dinner, hosted by C. Lawrence Crump, Esq., the event’s master of ceremony. In his keynote address, Michael Patrick McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., saluted programs like Project ReDirect “because they help our youth who lose their way. They also give them a roadmap to opportunities.” Noting that Project Re-Direct has a similar mission to the Urban League in St. Louis, McMillan assured Executive Director Sharon Berry that his organization will continue to partner with Project Re-Direct in the upcoming year as both groups work to improve the quality of life for youth and families across the nation. Established 16 years ago, Newark-based Project Re-Direct Youth and Family Services works to facilitate the restoration of families and prevent child abuse and
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The Positive Community April 2014
juvenile delinquency. Throughout April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the organization is involved in a public service campaign designed to highlight the tragedy of child abuse and how to end it. The Honorable Ras Baraka, one of this year’s award recipients, echoed McMillan’s sentiments about Project Re-Direct, calling the organization’s work in the community “…invaluable and crucial. We need strong families, strong communities and strong children. If we continue to stay on this path, we can transform our city and see to it that our families and youth are successful.” Other honorees were: Randi Weingarten, AFT National; Levi Holmes II, president of Bronze Shield; Councilwoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson, Trenton East Ward; Gemar Mills, principal of Shabazz High School; Captain Amanda Koontz, Irvington Police Dept.; Calvin West, Berger Org.; Dr. Walter Farrell, University of North Carolina; Michelle Lee, EVP, Wells Fargo Bank; Rev. Ralph Branch, pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church; Asia Smith, executive director of Purple R.E.I.G.N and The Positive Community magazine Publisher Adrian Council Sr. and Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells. For more information about Project Re-Direct Youth and Family Services, please call 908-251-4748 or visit www.projectredirect25.org —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com
Newark Business Leaders join Baraka Team Photos: Karen Waters
L–R: Frederick Cook, Maria Inglesias with Sam Delgado
L–R: Ras with Fernando Fuentes and Ciro Scalera, owner, 27 Mix.
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L–R: Ras Baraka and Dr. Tom Ortiz
upporters and friends gathered at Mix 27 Restaurant in Newark to host a fundraiser for Newark mayoral candidate Ras Baraka. It was a festive occasion highlighted with passionate remarks from the candidate in support of business growth, job creation and other positive communitybuilding initiatives. He also reminisced at how his parents, the late poet, playwright Amiri Baraka and his mother Ana, were frequent diners at Mix 27 on Halsey Street.
L–R: Sean Spiller, NJEA and Ray Ferriaoli
The Stars Shine at Baraka Birthday Bash
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ver 700 supporters packed into the ballroom of the Robert Treat Hotel for a star studded birthday tribute to their favorite guy, Ras Baraka. The event was headlined by Spike Lee and R&B Hip Hop diva Lauryn Hill.
L–R: Dr. E. T. Byrd, Fellowship Missionary BC, Newark; Ras Baraka and Spike Lee
Photo: Risasi Dais
www.thepositivecommunity.com
April 2014 The Positive Community
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The Positive Community April 2014
www.thepositivecommunity.com
Don Viapree and scholarship winners
The “I Have A Dream” Foundation® – Newark Program Photo: Jason Cowen
I
t wasn’t the promise of jazz and wine that drew party-goers to the Newark Club on February 28, 2014; it was the knowledge that their partaking of those simple joys would help the dreams of young men and women to get an education come true. The “I Have A Dream” Foundation® – Newark
hosted a “Jazz, Wine & Dreams” fundraiser to support the services they provide to the 39 young students —Dreamers—for academic support, cultural enrichment, mentoring, and other supports geared towards preparing them for college and beyond. The keynote speaker for the event was Don Viapree, director of Government Affairs for Cablevision, New Jersey.
“The Dream Lives On”
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r. Ralph David Abernathy, III launched the Civil Right2knowMovement in America in support of the Legislative Label Bills that would require labeling of foods as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and Non-Genetically Modified Organisms (Non-GMO) so that consumers have the opportunity to know whether or not they are eating genetically modified food. Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, III is son of the civil rights leader, Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., who was the best friend and partner to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 4,1968, at the death of Dr. King, the mantle of the Civil Rights movement was passed to Dr. Abernathy Sr., who led the Southern Christian Leaderwww.thepositivecommunity.com
ship Conference (SCLC) Poor People’s Campaign and was President Emeritus of the SCLC until his death in 1990. The younger Aberthany has launched his program on the 46th anniversary of Dr. King’s death. The CivilRight2KnowMovement will travel across the country to stand with state and assembly representatives to bring awareness to the public about the right to know and the right to choose what is in the food we eat. Recently, Dr. Abernathy, III visited the historic Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn to meet with Dr. Robert Waterman and members of a group that he chairs, AfricanAmerican Clergy and Elected Officials Organization.
L–R: Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, III and Dr. Robert Waterman, Antioch BC
April 2014 The Positive Community
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NEW YORK CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEES President Santos Crespo Jr. and Local 372 Board of Education Employees would like to gently remind those reading this wonderful, educational issue of Positive Community, that there is more to the process of education than a teacher standing in front of a class. The old African proverb that “It takes a village to educate a child” is experienced by us everyday in our schools. When a child’s family is in crisis and it shows on their faces, we’re the ones who provide referrals and hope. When students become unruly and act out, we assist in keeping order and balance. When the traffic whizzes by, we’re the ones who guide your children across the streets and avenues. When a child is hungry, we feed him or her, no questions asked. We are mainly women, and often ignored, but, we go the extra mile to console and protect your children. We are the educational first responders, the support staff for New York City public schools and we have a vested interest in our children’s success. We have a vested interest, in part, because we live in the communities in which we work. When our children succeed, our communities succeed. That is our commitment. We are Local 372. “Our job is kids,” and, we are proud to be of service.
EDUCATION EMPLOYEES
RE-ELECT Mildred C.
Employees would like to gently remind those reading this is more to the process of education than a teacher standing ge to educate a child” is experienced by us everyday in our ls.
aces, we’re the ones who provide referrals and hope.
we assist in keeping order and balance.
ide your children across the streets and avenues.
im or her, no questions asked.
o the extra mile to console and protect your children.
ew York City public schools and we have a vested interest t because we live in the communities that we work in.
our commitment! We are Local 372, “Our job is kids”, and be of service.
CRUMP
COUNCILWOMAN-AT-LARGE
Team Baraka MAY 13, 2014
16-B Paid for by the Friends of Mildred C. Crump for Council – C. Lawrence Crump, Treasurer
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The Positive Community April 2014
www.thepositivecommunity.com
Everyday heroes
We Serve
New York DC 37 Executive Board Lillian Roberts Executive Director
Eddie Rodriguez President Clifford Koppelman Maf Misbah Uddin Treasurer Secretary Heney Garrido, Associate Director Oliver Gray, Associate Director New York City’s largest public employee union with 121,000 members and 50,000 retirees District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO • 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007 • 212-815-1000 • www.dc37.net
From Our Hearts to Your Hearts! From Our Hands To Your Hands!
People Helping People . . . Let the Florence E. Browne Funeral Home family care for your family during your difficult season of bereavement. In business since 1912, our full service funeral home is well-known for its compassionate, professional & excellent service. Our staff is always available to assist you through the grieving process.
Florence E. Browne Funeral Home
436 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037
212-285-5181
The Little Chapel with a Big Heart www.thepositivecommunity.com
For many years Florence E. Browne has served many communities locally and abroad. Feel free to visit our Funeral Home located in the Village of Harlem, New York. Our Service Family would be more than happy to sit and answer your questions regarding funeral arrangements, cremations & pre-arrangements. In addition, we provide notary services as well as referrals for anyone desiring professional grief counseling.
April 2014 The Positive Community
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State Police New Recruit Orientation
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ewark’s Paradise Baptist Church recently hosted an orientation and luncheon for the 2014 recruitment class in training to become New Jersey State Police. Bishop Jethro James, host pastor, has been on the front lines in the minority recruitment effort promoting diversity within the ranks of the State Police. He was joined by members from the NJ state Attorney General’s office and the leadership of the NAACP and the National Action Network.
L–R: SFC Gregory M. Williams, Trooper Alina Spies, Lt. Daniel Spencer, Major Latrecia Littles-Floyd; Chief of Staff NJSP, DSG William Woodward and SFC Brian Polite L–R: Recruits Richa'D L–R: Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr., Johnson and Paradise Baptist Church, Newark & Desmond Reverend Steffie Bartley, New Hope Caldwell Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ
L–R: Recruits Omari Lewis, Kevin Iacovone, Alexis Castiblanco and Dwayne Phillips
L–R: Recruits Anna Decker & Jessica Herrera Photos: Karen Waters
Front to Back, SFC Gregory M. Williams, DSG William Woodward, Trooper Alina Spies, SFC Brian Polite and Major Latrecia Littles-Floyd
L–R: SFC Brian Polite and DSG William Woodward
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The Positive Community April 2014
L–R: Richard T. Smith, NJ State President NAACP, Melvin M. Warren - NJ NAACP Criminal Justice Chairman, Major Latrecia Littles-Floyd - Chief of Staff NJSP, Lee Vartan - Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General, Mary Beth Wood - Senior Deputy AG and Director of Community Affairs NJSP, Rev. Steffie Bartley, pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ & Eliz Chapter NAN President, Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr.,Paradise Baptist Church, Nwk, NJ www.thepositivecommunity.com
CITY OF NEWARK
Voting Machine Sample Ballot Municipal Election, Tuesday, May 13th, 2014
Polls Open * Urnas Abiertas * 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Vote for One
v Offices Cargos
vA Candidates Candidatos
Robert P. Marasco
Clerk of the City of Newark Secretario Municipal de la Ciudad de Newark
Muestra de la Papeleta en la Máquina de Votar Elección Municipal, martes, el 13 de mayo de 2014
For Mayor
Para Alcalde
Vote por Uno
Shavar D.
Ras J.
JEFFRIES
BARAKA
"All in for Newark"
"Team Baraka Believe in Newark"
1A P
2A P
Write In
v Personal Choice Selección Personal
(Use Keyboard below) Escriba - Use el teclado abajo
P
For Council Member At-Large Vote for Four
v Offices Cargos
vB Candidates Candidatos
Para Concejal por Acumulación Vote por Cuatro
Wilfredo
Carlos M.
"All in for Newark"
"All in for Newark" “All in for Newark”
"All in for Newark"
A New Direction for Newark
One Newark for All
Fired Up Ready to Go
HALL
VIZCAINO
2B
3B
P
P
P
P
P
P
Personal Choice Selección Personal
LLOYD
P
1B
Write In
v
Lynda
CARABALLO GONZALEZ
(Use Keyboard below) Escriba - Use el teclado abajo
P
Write In
(Use Keyboard below) Escriba - Use el teclado abajo
P
Write In
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P
Calvin Wayde
Juan
SOUDER
ARIAS
4B
5B
Carlotta
6B
Cesar A.
7B
vC Candidates Candidatos
"Team Baraka Believe in Newark"
1C P
Pablo R.
Anibal
RAMOS, Jr.
2C P
3C P
vC
"All in for Newark"
Candidates Candidatos
Write In
v Personal Choice Selección Personal
P
William
RAMOS
Building Today for a Better Tomorrow
P 11B
Carlos
Terrance L.
CRUZ-JIMENEZ BANKSTON
For Newark, Our Community Newark is Ready for Bankston and Families
P
P
12B
13B
v Personal Choice Selección Personal
P
JAMES
"Team Baraka Believe in Newark"
1C P
Jarmar
Yvonne D.
Brian K.
BASS
GARRETT MOORE South Ward "Get Moore"
"All in for Newark"
2C P
3C P
4C P
Dare to be Great
LOGAN
Uju
Joanne
CHIEMELU
MILLER
5C P
6C P
Rewriting History, Choosing Our Legacy
vC Candidates Candidatos
v
v Personal Choice Selección Personal
P
Joseph A.
"Team Baraka Believe in Newark"
1C P
2C P
Robert Kevin
Anton
Sheila
Anthony R.
WHEELER
MONTAGUE
HIGGINS
3C P
4C P
5C P
6C P
"Help is on the Way"
Change the Lens
Maryam
BEY
The Support You Can Count On
7C P
Rashawn
DAVIS
Putting the "New" Back in Newark
8C P
vC Candidates Candidatos
Write In
v Personal Choice Selección Personal
Eddie
OSBORNE
P
P
18B P
17B
East Ward Vote for One
Para Miembro del Concejo Barrio del Este Vote por Uno
James
PARRILLO
Experienced Community Leader You Can Trust
1C P
Jonathan
SEABRA
"Building Unity in the Community"
2C P
Omar A.
Luis
NIEVES
Safety and Affordability "One East Ward"
3C P
Augusto
CORREIA
AMADOR
4C P
5C P
It's Time for a Positive Change
"All in for Newark"
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P
Central Ward Vote for One
v
WATERS
"All in for Newark"
Patrick
COUNCIL
16B
For Council Member Offices Cargos
Barrio del Oeste Vote por Uno
Patricia J.
Mildred C.
CRUMP
"Team Baraka - Believe in "Team Baraka - Believe in "Team Baraka - Believe in “Team Baraka -Newark" Believe in Newark” Newark" Newark"
Write In
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West Ward Vote for One
BRADFORD McCALLUM, Jr.
P 15B
Offices Cargos
Barrio del Sur Vote por Uno
John Sharpe
Para Miembro del Concejo
Newark Bradford and You Perfect Together
P
Dosso
KASSIMOU
"Economic Empowerment for All"
v
Para Miembro del Concejo
For Council Member
Candidates Candidatos
LEWIS 14B
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Offices Cargos
vC
Marques-Aquil The Hope We Need
For Council Member
South Ward Vote for One
Offices Cargos
OLIVERA
One Vision, One Dream, One City
P
10B
For Council Member
v
Barrio del Norte Vote por Uno
Luis M.
P
9B
P
Para Miembro del Concejo
LOPEZ
Alturrick
KENNEY
Leadership Matters
Write In
North Ward Vote for One
Offices Cargos
Louis
SHOCKLEY
8B
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For Council Member
v
Luis A.
QUINTANA
Continuing to Serve You
Para Miembro del Concejo Barrio Central Vote por Uno
Darrin S.
SHARIF
"Let's Continue the Progress"
1C P
Victor
Gayle
Andre L.
Shawn
ZAMORA
CHANEYFIELD JENKINS
SPEIGHT
McCRAY
2C P
3C P
4C P
5C P
Saving Our Children Save Our City
"Team Baraka Believe in Newark"
"All in for Newark"
Miguel D.
ARCE
Rafael A.
Let's Make History Together
6C P
BRITO
Bringing a New Vision and Energy
7C P
Czezre T.
ADAMS
Building Today's Leaders for Tomorrow's Future
8C P
Write In
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v Personal Choice Selección Personal
P
(Use Keyboard below) Escriba - Use el teclado abajo
P
published pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:45-13
Robert P. Marasco Clerk, City of Newark
We’re Hiring! Accepting Applications:
April 21 - May 5, 2014 Apply Online at: www.thepositivecommunity.com
NJTrooper.com April 2014 The Positive Community
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A Place to Play and Pray Brooklyn’s Barclays Center has a Meditation Room
The Laymen’s Movement wants to recognize all veterans of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey in a special ceremony at the Semi-Annual Session. If you are a veteran, please contact: Deacon Willie R. Burke (Home) 732-662-4380 (Cell) 732-713-6768 Email address:willburky@gmail.com
Laymen’s Veterans Recognition Thursday, April 24, 2014
2:00 PM Tabernacle Baptist Church 676 South 20 20thth Street Street Newark, NJ 07103 07103 973-371-0423 973-371-0423
Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Pastor
Calling All Veterans Laymen’s Movement Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Convention President Deacon Willie R. Burke, Laymen President
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The Positive Community April 2014
Photo: Lem Peterkin
O
n March 11, 2010, history was created in Brooklyn with the groundbreaking of the $4.9 billion multipurpose indoor arena known as The Barclays Center. On March 11 of this year, another history making event took place at the arena with the dedication of the Meditation Room, the first of its kind in any arena in America. The idea of a mediation room was conceived in the mind of “the people’s Pastor,” Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, who for the past 55 years has been the spiritual leader of The House of the Lord Pentecostal Church, located a few blocks from the arena. The designation of such a space is part of The Atlantic Yards Community Benefits Agreement signed in 2005 by developer, Forest City Ratner Companies and The Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance (DBNA), for which Rev. Daughtry serves as founding chairman. Some opposed the creation of a meditation room at the arena, but on dedication day, Bruce Ratner, executive chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, embraced the opportunity that the room provides. “I am not a very religious man but I do believe that religion is
By Ayorinde
L–R: Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry; Bruce Ratner, CEO Forest City Ratner Co.; Lorenzo Chambers; Dr. Karen Daughtry and Sharon Daughtry
what makes us human,” he said. “This meditation room is a great vision and in many ways the most importation room in this arena. We all need some time to come, sit and remember why we are here. We need to see the words written on the walls like ‘love, peace, shalom.’ This is a special place for me and one which I think I will be visiting a lot because I need it,” he revealed. The lavender room emits an air of tranquility and gives patrons attending events at The Barclays Center an opportunity for quiet reflection. According to a promotional brochure, the intention of the room is that it will be place of “peace, quiet and a welcome friend. It is our hope that this room will be a place to which people of all backgrounds and traditions will come to find comfort, respite and peace. It is our faith that those who enter will leave encouraged, enlightened and inspired.” Rev. Daughtry, who had shaken off four years of public condemnation in order to make the Meditation Room a reality, was jubilant at its opening. “Life is more than stones, steel and stuff,” he said. “It’s about love, decency, fairness and teaching people that there’s more to life than materialism. This means that despite whatever is taking place in your life you can make it to the Barclays Center and feel the quiet and spirituality of the Mediation Room.” The effort is supported by several prominent local ministers and their congregations —some of whom attended the dedication ceremony presided over by Dr. Karen S. Daughtry, who played an instrumental role in choosing the furnishings and decorating the room. The Meditation Room will be open for use during public events and is accessible at the time of general doors opening by visiting the Guest Services desk located next door. On your next visit to the arena to see your favorite team play, take a few minutes and drop by this oasis in the middle of the metropolis at the Barclays Center, Downtown Brooklyn. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Spring Revival
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he Greater Central Jersey Clergy Association (GCJCA) recently hosted its annual Spring Revival at St. John Baptist Church, Scotch Plains where Bishop Kelmo Porter is host pastor. The four day service of worship, praise and fellowship was presided over by GCJCA President Rev. Gary Kirkwood and featured Revivalist Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas of Shiloh BC, Plainfield.
Rev. Gerald Lamont Thomas
Photo: Karen Waters
www.thepositivecommunity.com
Hon. Gloria Taylor
L–R: Dr. Euton Laing, Premier Family Life Church, Plainfield; Bishop William T. Cahoon, House of Prayer, COGIC; Bishop Herbert Bright, Triumphant Life Church, Trenton; Bishop Porter; Rev. Gary Kirkwood, Kingdom Life Church, Plainfield and Rev. Gerald Lamont Thomas
April 2014 The Positive Community
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Health P r eve n t i o n , T r eatme n t & C u r e
Giving Back the Future Lloyd Brown, MD
A
ccording to Lloyd Brown, MD, seeing a patient rebound after an organ transplant is somewhat akin to watching a miracle: Within days of surgery, a patient who was gravely ill, sometimes with only days to live, can be well on the road to recovery. Brown, a transplant surgeon at University Hospital in Newark, has witnessed this scenario many times, but still finds it extremely gratifying. “I am very fortunate to be able to help people who are so desperately ill,” he explained. He recalls the especially memorable case of a teenage girl with sudden-onset liver failure who had only hours to live. With no donor organ in sight, her older brother, whose tissue matched hers, was more than willing to be a living donor. That meant the surgeon would take a portion of his liver and transplant it into his sister, and hope that both livers would regenerate and become strong enough to survive. The procedure is extremely risky for both the donor and the patient. The parents faced an unthinkable decision: Allow their son to try to save his sister and risk both children’s lives, or watch their daughter die. With the clock ticking down and under great duress, they made the decision to go ahead. Two days later the siblings were sitting up, eating and trading what Dr. Brown calls “brother and sister jabs.” Besides the actual implanting of organs, Dr. Brown enjoys working with the host of physicians who are involved in the extensive patient evaluation before the surgery and in the after care. And because transplant patients need lifelong monitoring, he remains involved in their medical management. “Not all surgeons have the privilege of doing that,” he said. “It’s another aspect of my work that I love.”
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He can’t remember ever wanting to be anything but a doctor and had a natural love of biology. As a young man he enjoyed helping his family take care of his great-grandmother in their Jamaica, West Indies home. He also had a great deal of support from his family and speaks fondly of an anatomy book given to him by his mother when he was a young boy. “It had a set of transparent overlays, so you could peel away the layers of the human body, in kind of a virtual dissection,” he recalled. “I loved looking at it. I’ve never seen a book like it since.” His aunts, who were hospital nurses, would bring him paper surgical masks and anything medically related that was safe. Young Lloyd emigrated from Jamaica to Rochester, New York to be with his father. He attended elementary and middle school there then moved to Canada, where he finished high school. After graduating from the University of Rochester, he earned a medical degree at the University Of Rochester School of Medicine, completed a general surgery residency at The Ohio State University and a fellowship in transplant surgery at Henry Ford Medical Center in Detroit. Dr. Brown is trained in surgery of the liver and biliary system, transplantation of the liver, kidney, pancreas, intestine and multi-visceral transplantation. Home for this dedicated surgeon is Morristown, NJ, where he settled after coming to University Hospital a little more than a year ago. He found everything he was looking for in Northern New Jersey—a population that is socioeconomically and ethnically diverse as well as reContinued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com
Obamacare: A SUCCESS!! R
emarks by the President on the Affordable Care Act, April 1, 2014
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he first open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act came to an end on March 31, 2014. 7.1 million Americans have now signed up for private insurance plans through the new Health Insurance Marketplaces. That doesn't count the more than 3 million young adults who have gained insurance under this law by staying on their families' plans. It doesn't count the millions more who have gotten covered through the expansion of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It doesn't include the more than 100 million folks who now have better care -- who are receiving additional benefits, like mammograms and contraceptive care, at no extra cost. Now, millions of our fellow Americans have the comfort and peace of mind that comes with knowing they're no longer leaving their health and well-being to chance. For many of them, quality health insurance wasn't an option until this year -- maybe because they couldn't afford it, or because a pre-existing condition kept them locked out of a discriminatory system.
Today, that's changed. And while our long-broken health care system may not be completely fixed, it's without question a lot better. That's something to be proud of -- and there's no good reason to go back. Regardless of your politics, or your feelings about the Affordable Care Act, millions more Americans with health coverage is something that's good for our economy and our country. At the end of the day, that is what this law -- and the other reforms we're fighting for, from a 21st-century immigration system to a fairer wage for every American who's willing to work for it -- are all about: Making sure our country lives up to our highest ideals. I am thankful to be your President today, and every day. And I am proud that this law will continue to make life better for millions of Americans in the years to come.
DR. BROWN
Continued from previous page search opportunities. And while he has very little spare time—he is a self-professed workaholic—Dr. Brown enjoys taking advantage of the arts and culture that New York City offers, whenever he can. Brown explains that he conducts research because there is always a shortage of donor organs. He hopes to develop treatments that will decrease the need for transplantation and to improve the process of transplantation in the meantime. One of the areas he is studying is fatty liver disease, which is a non-alcoholic liver disease found in some people who are obese, have high blood pressure and diabetes. Fatty liver disease can lead to hepatitis and then cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver. Once the liver becomes scarred, it functions less and less, until the only treatment is transplantation. Dr. Brown is working on possibly reversing the effect of fatty liver disease before cirrhosis occurs. Another focus of his research may one day increase the pool of donors. Some donor livers are not suitable for transplantation because the person had fatty liver disease. It is his hope to be able to reverse the disease before the liver is harvested, by utilizing antioxidants. Dr. Brown plans to continue doing what he does so well, until the day that transplants are no longer needed. Because everyone, he says, should have a future. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Offering Medical, Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Physical Therapy Treatment for Adults and Children
Davis Integrated Medicine
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KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Monroe, NJ. He is the CEO of the Fitness Doctor Inc., a Fitness Rehabilitation and Wellness Consultation company. To contact Kahlil to become spiritually and physically fit visit www.itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746
Rise and Shine here is something powerful about waking up early in the morning and exercising; spiritually and physically! It has been my custom for the past 15 or 20 years to rise up early in the morning and begin my day, with worship, contemplative prayer, and exercise. These three spiritual and physical exercises have allowed me to connect with The Spirit, and fully walk in the assurance of one of my favorite scriptures: “…with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). My daily physical and spiritual exercises are: worship, contemplative prayer, and calisthenics. Worship allows me to center my true self in God’s presence while exalting God as Alpha and Omega, creator of the universe, and Elohim! Contemplative prayer is a spiritual exercise that calls for me to sit quietly in God’s presence and listen. No texting, social media, coffee, or music. All I do during this sacred time is listen for direction concerning faith, family, finances, fitness, and forgiveness of my trespasses as I forgive those who have trespassed against me. Another part of my morning routine is calisthenics, which help me to get moving and create positive endorphins, which keep me motivated to fulfill my daily goals and commitments. Starting my day with prayer, a focus on building muscle, enhancing my cardiovascular health, meditating on scripture and other sacred literature—are an important part of living well! It is a supremely transcendent experience when we make a decision to rise up early and prioritize our connection to God through spiritual and physical exercises. Jesus gave us this power example of rising early to pray: “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35 NRSV). Here are some benefits to early morning exercise: (courtesy of Health Solutions)
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A Consistent Workout A big barrier to getting enough exercise is often the fact that it’s hard to fit it into a daily schedule. If you commit to working out in the morning, however, you’re less likely to have the excuse of things just popping up. Plus, you won’t be exhausted from a rough day at the office.
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People who work out in the morning have been shown to stick to their exercise plans better than people who plan to exercise after work. Better Cardiovascular Impact One of the reasons you’re plugging in time on the treadmill or pounding the pavement is to improve your heart health, right? Well, working out in the morning can actually increase the impact that exercise has on your heart. Why? One of the ways that your body naturally wakes you up is by increasing levels of hormones like adrenaline, which causes your heart to beat faster. This means that you can eke out some extra cardiovascular benefits when you work out in the morning. A caveat: if you have heart problems, talk to your doctor about working out in the morning, because research has shown that this extra heart activity can lead to chest pain and even heart attacks for people with underlying issues. Better Weight Loss An early trip to the gym has been shown to result in fewer food cravings throughout the day. Perhaps even better, working out in the morning means that your body will burn calories faster and more efficiently throughout the day. Combine that with nutritional foods and you have the perfect workout. Waking up early and starting our day with physical and spiritual exercises empowers us to get organized and live life to the full. So rise and shine! The world is waiting to meet the real you! “It’s time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you.”—Iyanla Vanzant Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com
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American Diabetes Association Expo Jacob Javitz Center, NYC
Photos: Robert Figueroa
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The Positive Community April 2014
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David Thomas entertained with a gospel mime performance at the event
Kersten Stevens delivered a powerful performance
Rap Artist Scott Ferguson sends a message about faith during his performance
Heart & Soul Music Fest Hundreds Celebrate Black History Month & American Heart Month at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Annual Event
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t was an evening of education and entertainment at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC) when they hosted their 4th Annual Heart and Soul Music Fest in celebration of Black History Month and American Heart Month. The event, which kicked off with buffet dinner of soul food was created to encourage and empower the African-American community to play a more proactive role in their heart health. There is a much higher incidence of heart disease and heart failure among African Americans than other races. It develops at younger ages anrecent studies show that African-Americans often do not practice prevention, nor do they receive the care they need. A tour through EHMC’s virtual heart unit provided much needed information. Afterwards, performances by gospel, R&B, Jazz and Hip-Hop entertainers rounded a wonderfully soulful, heartfelt and heart healthy evening, Radio personality Liz Black, Soul Tempo, Martin Christie, Kerstin, David Thomas and members of the Pilgrim Baptist Church choir in Passaic, NJ, were among those whose performances added to the uplifting nature of the occasion. —JNW
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Vinita Hazari & Gayathri Ganesh performed a Bollywood Fusion dance
Soul Tempo: (Back row, L–R) Kevin Mitchell, Soul Tempo; Scott Ferguson; Liz Black, WLIB/WBLS Radio Personality; Kerstin Stevens; Phyllis BrownEdwards, director, Community Affairs, EHMC; Jerry Brunson, Soul Tempo. (Front row, L–R) Soul Tempo members Phillip Mitchell, David Thomas and Anthony Burnett. www.thepositivecommunity.com
100%cardiac bypass survival rate – words to live by. Year after year, Englewood Hospital has achieved a 100 % survival rate in heart bypass surgery. Our top-rated cardiac surgeons are experts in a range of complex procedures and perform most surgeries without blood transfusions, which helps reduce risk of infection and speeds recovery. For a physician referral, call 866.980.EHMC or learn more at BestHeartDocs.com.
* New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, “Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey” report, June 2012 Patient portrayal
Education T each i n g , L ea r n i n g , M a k i n g a D i ffe r e n ce
HEAF Changing the Outlook for Academic Success Education is the Single Greatest Predictor of Life Success. Economic Circumstance is the Single Greatest Predictor of Educational Attainment.
L–R: Rev. Dwayne E. Cooper, pastor, St. Anthony’s Baptist Church, Brooklyn; Min. Anthony Bolton and Rev. Paul Martin, associate pastor, St. James AME Church, Newark
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L–R: HEAF President & CEO Ruth Rathblott; Boardmember Brett McCollough; Dr. Michelle Edden, Pharm D.; Rev. Christella Watts, associate minister, Thessalonia Baptist Church
he statements above encapsulate the reasons for the existence of Harlem Educational Activities Fund— better known by its acronym, HEAF. Through the implementation of the concepts outlined in its mission statement, HEAF “changes the lives of underserved young people beginning in middle school and continuing in college and beyond, through a youth development approach that includes rigorous year-round academic enrichment, social and cultural exposure and constant individual attention.”
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Founded 25 years ago by Daniel Rose, the highly regarded real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist, and his wife, Joanna, and looking for ways to expand its borders beyond Harlem, board member Brett McCollough reached out to The Positive Community. Together we invited members of the clergy to a breakfast on March 11, 2014 at the Red Rooster Restaurant in Harlem to learn more about HEAF’s innovative approach to encouraging and inspiring young people to be the best they can be, which includes ensuring that 100 percent of its high school graduates will get to attend college. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Golden Krust
2013 scholarship recipients
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he Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Scholarship Foundation was formed to provide scholarships to students in the communities where Golden Krust stores are located. The aim is to lend an uplifting hand to those who would otherwise not be able to pursue their educational dreams due to lack of funding. Over the years, through its foundation the company has granted over 150 scholarships in the United States and Jamaica, West Indies. Applications are still being accepted for 2014 scholarships; the deadline is June 1st. Graduating seniors may apply online at www.goldenkrustfoundation. org. Paper applications are also accepted at 3958 Park avenue, Bronx, NY 10457.
Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Golden Krust Scholarship Foundation Members
Photos: Bruce Moore, Wali Amin Muhammad
L–R: Rev. Robert Jones, pastor, St. John Baptist Church; Rev. Reginald Williams, pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx; Rev. Dr. William Watkins, Jr. and Imam Souleimane Konate, Masjid Aqsa Mosque
L–R: Rev. Lisa D. Jenkins, pastor of St. Mathew Baptist Church and Rev. Patricia Morris, pastor of Logos Missionary Baptist Church, both in Harlem
An after school program, HEAF’s approach is to work with students who have promise, but sometimes do not receive the attention or encouragement they need— those caught in the middle. Everyone in attendance expressed surprise that they were not aware of HEAF and the benefits it offers. Ruth Rathblott, HEAF president and CEO, explained. “We know that the church is an important facet of community life for students and families. It [the breakfast] was an important vehicle to help us broaden our visibility and recruit new students. We www.thepositivecommunity.com
were pleased to have the opportunity to meet them and delighted about the enthusiasm those who attended the breakfast demonstrated.” The not-for-profit —which serves students freeof-charge from the sixth grade through college and beyond, offers after-school, weekend and summer programs. The main office and classrooms are conveniently located in the Theresa Towers in Harlem. Its first pilot office was opened in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn this past January. For more information, visit www.heaf.org or call (212) 663-9732. April 2014 The Positive Community
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Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program
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he fields of community affairs, local government, political office, public or private administration, human resources and urban planning are ever-growing and thriving. Saint Peter’s University offers programs that will help advance or prepare an individual for careers in these sectors. The Public Policy Program is an innovative program designed for para-professional, entry-level government or social service workers who are also active in community, civic and volunteer organizations. There are multiple pathway options offered to help students be successful in these fields. An Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy and the Master of Public Administration is the perfect transition for those looking for graduate degrees. The flexible schedule of Saturday and Evening classes is geared toward busy, working, and mature adults.
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What makes the Public Policy program stand out is the approach to education. This approach is called “Experiential Learning,” which simply means that the starting focus of our classes is your own personal experience, coupled with that of your fellow students and staff. Saint Peter’s examines life conditions in the communities in which the students live and work and the public policies that have shaped them. Saint Peter’s University has a history of educational excellence and commitment to service in the Jesuit tradition since 1872. That, combined with the Experiential Learning approach, makes this program stand apart from the rest. The main campus location made up of nearly 25 acres is in the heart of Jersey City, NJ and can be easily accesed by car or public transportaion via the Journal Square PATH station.
To learn more about the Public Policy and Public Administration program, please call the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admission at (201) 761-6470 or visit us www.saintpeters.edu.
www.thepositivecommunity.com
Accepting Applications! Grades K-12 For 2014 -2015
Union County T.E.A.M.S. Charter School & High School/College Leadership Academy 515 West Fourth Street * Plainfield, NJ 07060 * (908) 754 – 9043 * www.ucteams.org One Mission, One School in Two Buildings Academic Environment * Project Based Learning * STEM * Dual High School College Bridge Program
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Experience 21st Century Education with us beyond these four walls!
www.citytech.cuny.edu/directadmission 300 Jay Street • Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.260.5500 April 2014 The Positive Community
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It’s happening at
Columbia in April
Tuesday, April 1–Saturday, May 31, 2014 Exhibition: The Raging ’70s, Latino New York as Seen by El Diario’s Bolívar Arellano
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 420 Hamilton, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-0507 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/cser. Tuesday, April 1 Columbia Summer Camp Scholarship Applications Due
Columbia University offers 25 scholarships per summer based upon financial need for children from the Manhattanville area to attend Roar-ee’s Cubs Summer Camp run by Columbia Athletics. One scholarship is equal to one week of summer camp. Campers must be ages 6-12. All scholarship applications must come to Columbia University through the West Harlem Development Corporation. For more info, call (646) 476-3394 or visit www.westharlemdc.org. Friday, April 4 Exhibition: Warhol at Columbia
4:30 p.m. Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, 826 Schermerhorn, Morningside campus Speakers: Neil Printz, co-editor of Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné; art critic Blake Gopnik; Larissa Harris, curator, Andy Warhol’s 13 Most Wanted Men and the 1964 World’s Fair, Queens Museum; and Tom Kalin, filmmaker, I Shot Andy Warhol. For more info, call (212) 8547288 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/ wallach. Monday, April 7 An Evening with Author Junot Diaz
7:15 p.m. Roone Arledge Cinema, Lerner Hall, Morningside campus Speakers: author Junot Diaz; Frances Negrón-Muntaner, Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race, Columbia University; and Alondra Nelson, Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-0507 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/cser.
Tuesday, April 8 Storytelling in the Digital Media Age
4:30 p.m. 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speaker: Jeff Gomez, founder, Starlight Entertainment. For more info, call (212) 854-0507 or visit www.columbia.edu/ cu/cser. Friday, April 11 Stargazing and Lecture: Cataclysmic Events in Binary Stars
8:00 p.m. 301 Pupin, Morningside campus Speaker: Emir Karamehmetoglu, Columbia University. Lecture will be followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather-permitting. For directions, weather and more info, visit http://outreach.astro.columbia.edu. Guastavino’s Palaces for the People: From Archive to Exhibit
12:30 p.m. 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speakers: John Ochsendorf, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Janet Parks, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit www.library.columbia.edu/news/ exhibitions. Monday, April 14 Café Columbia: Public Books and the 21st Century
Wednesday, April 16 Screening: Divine Intervention
6:00 p.m. Davis Auditorium, 412 Schapiro Center, Morningside campus
6:16 p.m. Second Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Speakers: Catherine Besteman, Colby College, and Daiel Goldstein, Rutgers University. For more info, call (212) 8548443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.
6:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Chapel, Morningside campus
A screening of this modern-day tragicom- For more info, call (212) 854-1487 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/music. edy will be followed by a Q&A with director Elia Suleiman. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit Thursday, April 24 www.arts.columbia.edu. Farmers: Between Nature and Architecture
6:30 p.m. Wood Auditorium, 100 Avery, Morningside campus
Book Talk: The Reckoning: Financial Accountability and the Rise and Fall of Nations
6:15 p.m. Second Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus
Speaker: author Jacob Soll, University of Speaker: Sou Fujimoto, Sou Fujimoto Architects. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 Southern California. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org. or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events. Thursday, April 17
Deadline: Community Scholars Program Applications Due
Bach Revisited: Tower and Bach
5:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus
The Columbia Community Scholars Program is seeking nominations and applications for its next class; the deadline is Thursday, April 24. The program, one of the benefits associated with the Manhattanville campus expansion, offers independent, community-based scholars from Northern Manhattan access to a suite of Columbia resources to work toward the completion of a project or attain skill in a particular area. For more info, call (212) 854-4289 or email communityaffairs@ columbia.edu.
The Bach series is back with a special anniversary twist: three extraordinary living composers featured in past Composer Portraits concerts return to curate a special evening pairing their music with favorite pieces of Bach.Tickets $25/$35. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events. Saturday, April 19 Music: Peter and the Wolf
5:00 p.m. Miller Theatre, Morningside campus
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. 113th St. Columbia Sounds: For Families presents the Columbia University Orchestra under Speaker: Sharon Marcus, Columbia the baton of Professor Jeffrey Milarsky University. $10 per person. Seating is along with acclaimed soprano and limited. For more info, call (877) 854Columbia voice teacher Sarah Wolfson 2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu. presenting the classic tale, Peter and the Wolf. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events. Wednesday, April 16 Hostile Charity: Somali Refugees and Risk in a New Security Age
Tuesday, April 22 Music at St. Paul’s: Juilliard Chamber Music
Asylums, Prisons and the Political Economy of a Punitive Society
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 532B Allan Rosenfield Building, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 W. 168th St. Linda P. Fried, dean, Mailman School of Public Health, and Lisa Metsch, chair, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, host a series of seminars on incarceration in the United States. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to cbd2116@columbia.edu. For more info, call (212) 305-0757.
Lifelong Learners Auditing Program
The Lifelong Learners Auditing Program was launched in 1986 by Columbia’s School of Continuing Education and the Brookdale Institute on Aging and Adult Human Development with the aim of establishing at the University a community of learners committed to lifelong education. Individuals over 65 years of age who are interested in auditing courses may enroll at a discount as Lifelong Learners. Because there is limited space available to auditors, and seats are taken on a first-come, first-served basis once registration is open, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as the courses are posted 1 month prior to the start of classes. For more info, call (212) 854-9666 or www.ce.columbia.edu/auditing.
All events are open to the public. This is a sampling of them. For additional events or general information, visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com. Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.
Where There’s a Will Dr. Gale E. Gibson Will Find a Way By R.L. Witter Photo: Brian Branch Price
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hen Edlin and Clevan Gibson arrived in New York from Barbados more than forty years ago, they left behind more than just tepid weather and picturesque beaches. In their quest to make a better life for their family, they left the thing most precious to them—their one-year-old daughter, Gale—with her grandmother, Clementina. “My parents came to New York to set up a life for us… I’m one of four siblings. Our parents didn’t have formal education beyond high school, but between the four of us, we hold ten college degrees, and that speaks to the importance of education in my family. My father is a minister and he believed in education and knew that if we were well-educated, we could improve the quality of our lives.” While she knew that education would help her build the life she wanted, Gale Gibson, the little Caribbean girl who came to New York at around eight years-old, needed first to gain an education in how things were said and done in the Big Apple. “It was a huge culture shock,” she recalled. “I didn’t understand the American way of life… Kids would tease me and say I had on ‘rejects’ because my sneakers weren’t the latest name brand. I just knew they were clean and decent and I was happy to have more than one pair.” At first it was because of her “rejects” and her natural hair that www.thepositivecommunity.com
Gale was kept out of the in crowd, then another reason surfaced. “I was doing algebra and trigonometry and beginning calculus at eight years-old and I skipped a grade…” That seemingly sealed her fate as an unpopular bookworm, but Gibson found acceptance and encouragement with her teachers and in running track and doing other extra-curricular activities. “My dad made sure we learned how to roller skate and then I began to find out what else was available to me and I found my fit there.” Gibson was good at finding things, including solutions. After skipping a grade she found herself preparing to matriculate from Murry Bergtraum High School to college at 16 years-old, the same year as her older brother and she already had an older sister in college. “My dad said, ‘I can’t afford to have all three of you in school at the same time.” Undaunted, Gibson set out to do all she could to secure her education and came back with information on state schools, financial aid and the IBM Scholars program. “I found a way,” she said proudly. It was a blessing as her father didn’t work that year due to the air traffic controller’s strike. “I was financially disadvantaged,” Gibson explained. “So I got into this EOP (educational opportunity program).” Not only would the EOP program help her to afford colcontinued on next page April 2014 The Positive Community
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lege, but it informed her future by showing her what she might like to do upon completing her education. “I met the director of the EOP at Binghamton University,” Gibson explained. “I didn’t know what the job was; I didn’t know that it was a college administrative position and what it entailed. But I liked what he did.” That was Michael Boyd, and the Michael V. Boyd EOP Center at Binghamton University was named in his honor. “I liked that he was involved with so many constituents,” Gibson reflected. “He was involved with the parents, the students, the staff and the faculty… He seemed to have all of the answers that everyone needed. Although I was studying business and computers, I liked what he did.” After earning her bachelor’s degree, Gibson found herself working in a cubicle all day, in front of a computer. “I realized I didn’t really like that,” she revealed. “But the check was good!” It only took a few months for her to begin looking elsewhere for opportunities. She found herself back at Binghamton University where one of her mentors took her through a career exploration evaluation to find out if there was a career path better suited to her. The results said she’d be good at counseling, psychology and social sciences, so Gibson took more classes at her alma mater and received a master’s degree in social sciences and counseling. Positions at a teen crisis center, Alcoholics Anonymous, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Planned Parenthood followed. But the paychecks didn’t compare to those at IBM. “So I went back and did another career exploration,” Gibson chuckled. She decided upon higher education administration, applied and was accepted to four doctoral programs; her mother accompanied her to inspect each school and she chose North Carolina State University. “Before we left the airport my mother knew North Carolina was the place for me. She said it was ‘the vibe.’” Mom was right because Gibson accepted a couple of positions with the school and stayed for four years before returning to New York. By that time, her beloved grandmother, Clementina, had relocated to New York and her age was beginning to show. Gibson found the need to come back home. “My mom and my dad had each other, but my grandmother was by herself and getting old…” she explained. “I had been away for ten years and felt the need to come home and spend some time with her. My grandmother was the love of my life!” A position at Medgar Evans College in Crown Heights, Brooklyn would bring her back to New York and afford her some
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“Every day I have to touch a life; I have to know that I’m making changes in their lives… When I have the opportunity to create a new degree program or a new study abroad program or bring internships and scholarships into this institution—THAT is the best part of my day.” much needed time with Clementina. It was another moment of culture shock. The position at Medgar Evers enlightened Gibson to remedial classes where college students were performing at middle and high school levels. “I had never heard of remediation,” she explained. But it opened her eyes to how she could help be a force for positive change in people’s educations and thus, their lives. So she soldiered on with her administrative endeavors. “I came from a two-parent household; I traveled the world. I had all of these advantages and then met people who had never left Crown Heights,” she reflected. “It was culture shock again, but I knew that I was meant to be there to help people.” Fast forward to the present and we find Gibson well settled in her position as president of Essex County College (ECC). What does she consider the best part of her day-today job? “The students,” she answered without hesitation. “Making a difference in their lives… Every day I have to touch a life; I have to know that I’m making changes in their lives… When I have the opportunity to create a new degree program or a new study abroad program or bring internships and scholarships into this institution —THAT is the best part of my day.” Since her appointment as president, there have been plenty of good days! President Gibson has brought in more than $30 million in grant funds. “It truly makes me happy to know that I have the opportunity to make that difference,” she said. Despite the grant monies, the college still
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“Not everyone is ready to obtain an associate’s degree,” she explained. “But we can serve them through our training and certification programs.” Those programs offer what she calls “stackable credentials.”
Brian Branch Price
has a more than $3 million shortfall in the budget this year. “That’s the hardest part,” Gibson revealed. “Having to cut spending or eliminate jobs… that’s really tough.” But since she excels at finding solutions, Gibson has worked up a five-year plan to help ECC ascend to the next level and continue to build on the success they’ve already seen under her leadership. They’ve already raised their graduation rate three percent and in 2013, they graduated the largest class in the ECC’s history. President Obama has said that community colleges will be key in helping Americans acquire skills needed to secure employment and conquer the underemployment that hinders so many Americans today, and Gibson agrees. “Not everyone is ready to obtain an associate’s degree,” she explained. “But we can serve them through our training and certification programs.” Those programs offer what she calls “stackable credentials.” Students can receive certification in one area and use that to garner better employment opportunities. They can then return to ECC and obtain further certificawww.thepositivecommunity.com
tion or apply those credits and certifications toward a degree. “You can get a certificate and go out and get to work, get a job in a field,” she explained. Many of the certifications can be obtained in a year or less. “These certifications include Health Information Technology, Cyber Security and Pharmacy Technology,” she added. “With these certifications you don’t need an associate’s degree and the starting salaries are pretty decent. And at the end of the day, you’re investing in people. What I care about is that the mission of this college is to educate folks whether that means they leave here with a certificate or a degree or just a few classes, that’s what we’re here to do and it takes a community to do that...” In addition to her professional pursuits, Gibson enjoys a busy and fulfilling personal life that she shares with her fiancé, Irvin Gayle, and their two sons, ages ten and three years-old. When she’s not working on behalf of ECC’s students, staff and faculty, she and Mr. Gayle are “working to make it happen for those boys every day,” she said proudly, adding, “I’m also a big foodie.” She also finds time to travel back to Barbados to maintain her “connection to the island” and share it with her children. Upon tying the knot, Gale Gibson will become Gale Gayle, a name in line with her moniker “the quiet storm,” and a tribute to her tenacity, energy and determination. Her one unmet goal in life is “to attend professional tennis Grand Slam tournaments. I want to attend the matches in France, England Australia and the U.S. Open,” she divulged. Somehow, I don’t think it will remain unmet for long. April 2014 The Positive Community
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Junius W. Williams and the Unfinished Agenda
By Quinita Edmonia Good
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ivil rights activist, professor, attorney, musician and author Junius W. Williams has just released his first memoir, Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power. This historical memoir is filled with political and historical inquiry and analysis—pertaining to the period between the 1960s and the Obama Age—juxtaposed with the author’s own self-analysis. It is interlaced with lyrics taken from anthems, freedom songs, blues, R&B and soul that make those of us who were there, remember. Whether the issue is police brutality or racial profiling, discrimination in housing or in employment, civil rights or whites’ only facilities and institutions —Williams’ call to freedom is a compelling trumpet for justice. Recently, I had a chance to speak to Williams, who is now a professor with the Abbott Leadership Institute at Rutgers University-Newark, about himself and his book. “I grew up in Richmond, VA, the son of two music teachers, so music was always a big part of my life in the beginning,” said Williams, who is one of four siblings and still plays the harmonica and sings in the group Return to the Source. “We were expected to excel both academically and artistically.” So, it is understandable that throughout his book, Williams sings as well as writes, saying in one chapter about his work with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Montgomery, AL, “It was in Montgomery that I discovered the power of song to cope with fear.” Indeed, music was Williams’ first love; his intended college major. But when he received a full scholarship to Amherst College (which didn’t have what he thought was an adequate band at the time), he put his instruments away for a while and concentrated on his academic career.
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Finding himself in the midst of the civil rights movement in his junior year in college, Junius decided to major in political science. From there, he began to pay close attention to the movement and became involved politically and personally. He is most noted for his work in Montgomery and Harlem and for his leadership in Newark with such organizations as SNCC and the Newark Area Planning Association (NAPA). After graduating from Yale Law School, Williams made Newark his permanent home, fighting on behalf of residents in the South and Central Wards. When asked what he would tell students today about political involvement, he said, “I would want them to be true to themselves and in doing that, understand that you have to pay attention to the culture from which you come.” He also said that it would be important for students to respect themselves and their people and not seek to blend into the dominant culture. In confronting the issues brought about from the 1960s to the Obama Age, Williams said that the most important thing is for people to organize. “If we’re not organized, we’re not going to drive as a people.” Williams also says we don’t get that from our schools today. “People are not encouraged to work with other people… So people have to go out of their way to be part of a collective conscience.” He spoke about the movement around schools in Newark and in large cities across the country. “It’s a movement to save public schools because there are those who say that public schools are only good if they are privatized (taken over by charter schools),” he explained, adding that this is a very important moveContinued on page 66 www.thepositivecommunity.com
L–R: Carolyn Tolbert (mother of Terence D. Tolbert), Crystal Joseph, the 2014 Terence D. Tolbert Public Service Internship winner and CUNY Trustee Freida D. Foster
Terence D. Tolbert
CUNY Launches Terence D. Tolbert Public Service Internship
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he City University of New York has announced the launch of the Terence D. Tolbert Public Service Internship. The 2014 internship winner is Ms. Crystal Joseph of the CUNY School of Professional Studies, who will earn academic credit and an award as part of her fieldwork experience in the office of New York State Assemblyman and Housing Committee Chair Keith Wright (Harlem), where Mr. Tolbert served as Chief of Staff. Among the academic priorities she will focus on are educational access and advancement, which were central to Terence D. Tolbert’s activism on a city, state, and federal level. The event was held at Prime on the Plaza located in the Empire State Plaza during the annual NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus on February 15, 2014.The program also featured the 11th class of the CUNY Caucus Scholars program, an academically rigorous district office internship for students interested in service to the caucus members of the New York State Legislature. “The Tolbert Public Service Internship is a singular honor commemorating the extraordinary life of Terence D. Tolbert, who dedicated himself to government and public service,” remarked Interim Chancellor William P. Kelly. The chancellor also spoke glowingly of The Hon. Peter Rivera, commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor, who received the CUNY
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Educational Leadership Award. CUNY’s new Terence D. Tolbert Public Service Internship bears the name of one of New York’s lifetime public servants who passed away in 2008. The internship will provide a highly qualified graduate student with the opportunity to learn by doing in the office of an elected official. Crystal Joseph, the first Tolbert Public Service Intern, will work with community members and stakeholders in the city to resolve policy problems and address local needs. Tolbert, born and raised in Harlem and a graduate of Hunter College/CUNY, dedicated himself to politics and government service. He worked with the New York State Senate Minority Program Office; served on the staff of New York State Senators Martin Connor and Joseph L. Galiber; worked with Congressman Charles Rangel; and was chief of staff to State Assemblyman Keith Wright for eight years. He served as New York State director of John Edwards’ presidential campaign in 2003-04, and in 2004 as Nevada state director of a progressive get-out-the-vote organization, America Coming Together. In former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s bid for a second term, he served as liaison to ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the city. He also worked on the campaigns of Senator Charles E. Schumer and former Governor Eliot Spitzer. He was the New York City Continued on next page April 2014 The Positive Community
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Dr. Wallace Ford joins Medgar Evers College
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r. Wallace Ford has been named chair of the Public Administration department at Medgar Evers College (MEC). A longtime and valued member of the MEC community, he has taught in the department he now heads, as well as in several other colleges and universities including Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and Metropolitan College of New York’s School of Public Affairs. Ford is the founder and owner of Fordworks Associates, a management consulting and advisory firm based in New York, which has provided management services for an international client base for over a decade. He brings his prolific understanding of the changing face of transactional information to MEC’s Public Administration department with his highly-trafficked Point of View contemporary commentary blog
(the columns will soon be published as a book) and “The Inclusion Show with Wallace Ford” an online video program. He frequently guest hosts and provides commentary on political events and business issues on Arise TV and is a contributor to Black Noire Renaissance literary magazine. Ford served in the Dinkins Administration as New York City Commissioner of Business Services and the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Ports and Trade. During his time as commissioner, he oversaw the historic expansion of Business Improvement Districts and instituted and implemented New York City’s first Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. Dr. Ford also served as president and CEO of the State of New York Mortgage Agency under Governor Mario Cuomo. —JNW
CUNY Continued from previous page
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Department of Education’s primary representative in Albany and Washington, D.C. He died at age 44 in 2008 while a leader in the Nevada presidential campaign of Barack Obama. The luncheon also included a salute to the 11th cohort of the CUNY Caucus Scholars program, an internship program with the State Legislature for students considering careers and involvement in public service. The program allows students to learn about the work performed by the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, as well as the services provided by the State Legislature to communities of need in New York City. Selected students are assigned to the district offices of New York State legislators who are members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. Interns perform substantive tasks such as constituent case management, legislative research and assistance, and also draft research papers and written logs in which they describe and analyze their internships. All CUNY Caucus Scholars receive academic guidance through enrollment in campus-based seminars with CUNY faculty, as well as regular meetings with members of the caucus and their staff. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Dr. Rudy Crew Back Home in New York & Making Great Things Happen at Medgar Evers By Glenda Cadogan
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ugust 1, 2013 was the first day on the job for Dr. Rudolph F. Crew, the newly appointed president of Medgar Evers College (MEC) in Brooklyn, NY. He spent most of the day walking around the campus, meeting and greeting staff and faculty. It being summer, he did not have occasion to meet many students on his opening day. However, foremost in his thoughts were those 7,000 bright minds enrolled at the college, for whom he has been given the opportunity to help chart a course of higher education. “It felt good,” he said with aplomb. “It was good to be back home and throughout the day I felt assured that this is exactly what I wanted to be doing with my life,” he told The Positive Community magazine. This feeling of satisfaction in itself is a compelling story for the simple fact that Dr. Crew has done a lot with his life including a five-year stint as chancellor of New York City’s public schools and its one million students. Dr. Crew has earned the reputation as an outstanding educator nationally, having served as chief education officer in Oregon; Miami-Dade school superintendent and several other leadership positions on both the East and West coasts. Throughout his 30-year career, he has made it his life’s work to strengthen America’s public education system. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Now, he brings this wealth of experience and knowledge to Medgar Evers College, named after the civil rights activist murdered in Mississippi in 1963. The college was established in 1970 and has a history as checkered as the Crown Heights community in which it is located. Its varied peaks and valleys include the threat of losing its accreditation status; the construction of a $235 million state-of-the-art, academic building and a $22 million School of Business and student support services building. Through it all, the college has remained a bedrock of the community. And eager eyes have been on Dr. Crew to see how he steers the ship that gives many of its students the opportunity to be the first in their family to graduate from college. However, the lay of the land at Dr. Crew’s arrival was painted with some dark lines. “I think that it is fair to say that when I first got here the place was in a fragile condition,” says Dr. Crew. “There were a lot of frayed nerves by virtue of the tensions that had been on campus earlier. But I also soon found that there were untold possibilities that were crowded out by an enormous sense of doubt.” However, being a lifelong “possibilitarian,” Dr. Crew chose to focus on the promise and not the despair; the hopeful and not the hopeless. To achieve this he had to stretch beyond the boundaries of being an educator to morph into that of a healer. His first order of business continued on next page April 2014 The Positive Community
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became: let the healing process begin. “It was important to understand that there were people here [at MEC] with extraordinary talent who were deeply conflicted and in some cases actually hurt,” explained Dr. Crew. His healing therapy was to embrace and expand the vision of the founders of MEC. “Medgar Evers College has an enormously powerful mission of being a higher education institute that helps young people promote their lives, aspirations and careers,” he stated. “All of this was the bedrock that was already here. The vision that I am bringing to the table says: let’s extend that mission to a kind of global platform where we think about new and different degrees, programs, courses and opportunities for internship that we should be offering in an effort to be more current.” One of the principal new approaches that Dr. Crew hopes to institute is the creation of what he calls a pipeline. “The pipeline is our attempt at being the college that works directly with high, elementary and middle school students and their parents to create a long, long line of people in Central Brooklyn who are prepared to tackle the rigors of a four-year higher education institution,” he explained. Consisting of 20 schools, the pipeline will give parents and caregivers an opportunity to see their children matriculate into a four-year institution without having to take remedial or low level courses. This pipeline aims to make the statement that “…if you are born in Brooklyn, you are thought of as a Medgar Evers student.” The Board of Trustees of The City University appointed Dr. Crew in June of 2013 after an extensive nationwide search. Accepting the recommendation made by Chancellor Matthew Goldstein, the Board was pleased with its final selection and sang his praises in their public statement: “Dr. Rudy Crew brings to Medgar Evers College an exemplary record of academic, administrative and governmental accomplishment, combined with classroom experience and a strong commitment to students. We are confident that, with his leadership, Medgar Evers College will achieve new levels of excellence for its dedicated students and faculty and strengthen its role with the community.” Like many in the MEC student population, Dr. Crew was the first male in his family to attend college. But his upbringing in Poughkeepsie, NY and Harlem, USA led to his being divinely chosen as “just the right man for a time like this” to lead the college’s predominately African and Caribbean American population. A product
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of a single male parent-led home, Crew believes that the life lessons learned from his father prepared him for his life’s mission as an educator and ultimately his role as president of a college such as Medgar Evers. “My father was a model of what it meant to be willing to learn. My mother died when I was 2 years old and my father had been a prominent parent in every way. But mostly what he taught me was the ability to never give up and the importance of having good manners,” Crew explained. “Moreover, I also learned the need to understand other languages and points of view from people in other parts of the world even though they weren’t places that white America considered to be intelligent. I believe my father was an eclectic thinker because he was a musician and was around and played with many big-minded people
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who saw the world through different lenses than most conventional people.” In his public acceptance of the position, Dr. Crew made a heartfelt pledge to what he called “this body of work. We live in a time that is extraordinarily complex,” he told a packed room of CUNY Board of Trustees and other high-powered education stakeholders: The world is a sordid mixed bag of opportunity and challenge. What I accept is the challenge of embracing the community in Brooklyn, the students of MEC, the faculty, the enormous alumni association and others that are part and parcel of this college. The challenge is great but someone reminded me that it was equally complex when I first came to New York City. I argue that our lives are either daring adventures or nothing at all. So what we have is an opportunity for hope, to invest and to do something in life that’s bigger than ourselves. I believe earnestly and forevermore in the lives of the young people who are in this college. And I will invest my life, my
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love, my time and my energy in making sure that they get out of this, what I have gotten from countless others over the course of many years. Dr. Crew has chosen as his watchwords: Courage, Strength and Fortitude. “They serve as a guiding light for me as I do this work,” he said. “I think they represent the life of Medgar Evers and speak to the resilience of this community. We have a lot of work yet to do, but great things are indeed happening at Medgar Evers College.” It’s been several months since he made his return to New York City and began his tenure at MEC. In true “Crew cut style,” he has chest trapped both the hugs and hits about the direction of the college. But through all the ups and downs, the fires and the furies; the praises and the applause, Dr. Rudy Crew holds August 1, 2013 in his heart. He is strolling through the recently constructed majestic Academic Sciences Building on Bedford Avenue and says: “It’s a glorious day…because it feels really good to be home.”
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Alejandra Palomino learned the value of a good education the hard way
By Derrell Bradford
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child of a low-income, immigrant family that didn’t speak English, Alejandra grew to excel in public schools in New York City, earning straight A’s in honors classes. But when she got to college—at Franklin and Marshall University in Lancaster, PA. —she learned first-hand a sad truth that too many black and Latino low-income students face: she was unprepared for college-level work. Her English professor told her that her first paper was so bad it couldn’t even be graded. “Imagine my devastation,” Alejandra said. “I was a top honors student my whole life and suddenly I was told I was unworthy of being graded.” Alejandra became determined to get her degree and then return to her community to teach—so that other children with similar backgrounds wouldn’t face the same obstacles she did. She ultimately caught up and even made the Dean’s List. “I was lucky and I worked hard to get better, but our kids shouldn’t have to play catch up when they reach college.” Alejandra was able to fulfill that goal as a junior in college through the Uncommon Schools Summer Teaching Fellowship. The program recruits high-performing rising college seniors to spend their summer teaching at one of Uncommon’s 38 schools.
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Operating in three states, Uncommon Schools serves over 10,000 low-income students in some of the country’s toughest urban environments. Contrary to what many people believe about the potential of lowincome students, the students in Uncommon schools routinely close the achievement gap with higher-income and white students in their states. Uncommon has quadrupled the college completion rate of low-income students. Last year, a study by Stanford University found that Uncommon low-income students performed so well in math and reading that the effects of being at an Uncommon school “completely cancel out the negative effect associated with being a student in poverty.” This year, Uncommon will welcome nearly 80 college students into the STF program, up from 40 Fellows last year. Fellows participate in several weeks of intense teacher training, and then become summer school teachers. A majority of the Fellows—like Alejandra—fall so in love with teaching, and the support they get as teachers at Uncommon, that they come back to teach permanently as full time teachers. Alejandra is now a full time third-grade teacher at Leadership Prep Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn. In the past several years, up to 78% of Summer Teaching Fellows were of-
fered and accepted jobs as full time teachers at an Uncommon School. About 85% of the teachers in the Summer Teaching Fellows program are black or Latino, underscoring Uncommon’s commitment to ensuring its teachers are diverse and reflective of the communities in which they teach. “There were hours of training every day. But what was best about the STF program was that it wasn’t just theory. We’d learn something and then the very next day we’d have a chance to try it in the classroom,” she said. “Uncommon, and Leadership Prep, where I teach, are places driven by teacher vision and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.” After her summer teaching experience at Uncommon, Alejandra decided to spend a portion of her senior year student teaching at a small Lancaster, PA., elementary school. “When they saw me teach they said ‘There's no way you only have a summer of experience.’ And now I teach kids just like me 20 minutes from where I grew up. It’s amazing.” Join Uncommon Schools for a halfday conference for teachers and leaders of color at one of our schools in Brooklyn on April 26, 2014. For more information, write to Natasha CherryPerez at ncherry-perez@uncommonschools.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com
UNCF 70th Anniversary Gala UNCF member presidents
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NCF (the United Negro College Fund) celebrated its 70th anniversary by bringing together educators, business and civic leaders, and supporters of education from across the country on March 6th at its annual UNCF “A Mind Is” Gala. The fundraising event, held at the New York Hilton, benefits the more than 60,000 students each year who receive UNCF scholarships and attend UNCF’s 37 member historically black colleges and universities and more than 900 colleges and universities across the country. “Tonight is a night to honor and celebrate all we have achieved together, but the expense of a college education means that we are in danger of losing the very students we need to be our next generation of leaders;” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO.
Dr. Michael L. Lomax , CEO of UNCF and host for the event, Tamron Hall of NBC-TV
Dr. Carlton E. Brown, president of Clark Atlanta University; Ambassador Andrew Young and Fred Mitchell , VP, GradStudies ad Johnson 2014_CatholicNY copy 4/2/14 3:44 PM Page 1 Development), UBCF Continued on page 66
Photos: Seitu Oronde
More CUNY Master’s Program Success Stories Hire Prospects in Public Service
Outstanding Graduate Programs at 13 Colleges in All Five Boroughs
4 Michael Johnson
Master of Political Science The CUNY Graduate Center Senior Advisor to the General Manager NYC Housing Authority
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Visit cuny.edu/grad BARUCH COLLEGE • BROOKLYN COLLEGE • CITY COLLEGE • HUNTER COLLEGE JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE • LEHMAN COLLEGE • THE CUNY GRADUATE CENTER • CUNY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH • COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND • CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM • CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW • SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES • QUEENS COLLEGE
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OP-Ed:
EDUCATION: It Starts With You and Me
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he importance of education must be instilled into children at an early age. Our grandparents and great-grandparents understood this and many forced their children to seek higher education at all costs. They fought in the trenches, sacrificed their dreams and paid whatever they could rustle up in the hope that future generations could be successful. Our success would be the return on their investment. More than ever before achieving higher education cannot be an option. It is a requirement no matter the vocation or direction we expect to take in life. A defining moment in my life occurred when I was about to make a choice of which college I would attend. I walked into my father’s office and explained my choices to him. After hearing me out, he paused, looked me in the eye and with an exacting tone stated, "You are going to Wilberforce University; now get out of my office.” The critical point here is not that he unilaterally made a decision for an 18-year-old child (yes, at 18 one is still a child), nor that I had to go to an Historically Black College or University (Wilberforce is the oldest HBCU). What was not in question was that I was going to college. No debate, no options and no discussion. Are we instilling in our young people this concept, that higher education is a “must”? There is an open and nefarious assault on them from several angles. Incarcerate them and they will be labeled convicts forever; emasculate them and their own culture will brand them second class or create an environment in which the illiterate, uneducated child is influenced and seduced by flashy cars, empty promises and silly television shows. We can fight it now, head on —or we
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By Paul Martin can buy into the enemy’s attack and surrender later. You may ask what attack against our children would we ever support? I ask what do we watch at home, where do we spend our time and what are our priorities for our children? Do we spend our family time curled up on the couch watching “Real Fools of Any City?” Do we teach them about relationships by allowing them to follow "Ignorant and Hip Hop?” Do we express our values and impress upon them the importance of education? Or do we say subconsciously that you get ahead by exploiting your body as in “Basketball Witches?” That which we allow to infiltrate our children’s spirit will manifest itself in what they will be tomorrow. We can inculcate the importance of education into our family’s everyday life in ways that cost nothing but mean everything. Convince your children they are better than what they see on TV and better than what they are told in much of the music they hear. Help them to develop their dreams and encourage them to fulfill their dreams irrespective of how far reaching they may be. We can also speak achievement into their spirits— constantly. These are not new methods but proven ways in which our forefathers instilled education in us. The education of current and future generations must be the mechanism whereby we separate ourselves from crime, poverty and ignorance. Talk to your children from the moment they are born. Leave the baby talk behind and speak in plain language. Read to them. Inexpensive, culturally appropriate books can be found on Amazon and eBay. Indoctrinate them with the principle that education is not an option— it is a requirement. It starts now and it starts with you and me. www.thepositivecommunity.com
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Graduate Students • Develop credentials, knowledge and leadership skills to advance your career. • Graduate programs include a combination of coursework and fieldwork to prepare you for leadership roles.
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L–R: Rev. Freddie Crawford, Pastor Union Grove BC, Bronx, NY; Rev. Dr. Kris F. Erskine, Pastor Bethany BC, NYC & President of UMBA Congress of Christian Education Deacon Irene Pollock, Union Grove BC, Bronx, NY (Honoree); Moderator Carl L. Washington, Jr; Deaconess Lizzie L. Pannell, Solomon Temple BC, Bronx, NY (Honoree) (back) Sister Ophelia Blair receiving posthumous award for Sister Elizabeth Armstrong; 1st Vice Moderator, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe
By Rev. Patricia Morris, pastor, Logos Missionary Baptist Church Photo: Bruce Moore
Congress of Christian Education Hosts Luncheon
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embers of the Congress of Christian of the United Missionary Baptist Association gathered at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx on March 29, 2014 for their 31st Annual Pearl Tuthill Luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon support the annual scholarships the organization provides to deserving students The theme for the event "Our Pur-
suit, Our Passion, Our Purpose" (II Timothy 2:15) conveyed the mission of the organization: Rev. Lawrence Aker, pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, preached a moving and insightful sermon. The Luncheon was named to honor Pearl A. Tuthill for dedication and outstanding service in the area of Christian Education.
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Upcoming Quarterly Session: Saturday, April 26 — Monday, April 28, 2014
The United Missionary Baptist Association will hold its Second Quarterly Session at the Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY, the church where the late Congress Dean, Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson was pastor. The Congress will honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Sampson and the message will be by Dr. Sampson's son, Rev. Malobe Sampson, the interim pastor of Thessalonia Worship Center. The Session will convene on April 26 with the Lottie B. Health Youth & Young Adult Auxiliary. On Sunday, April 27 there will be a concert held at the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church 171West 140th Street, NYC. The Session will include classes in the early evening with preaching at 7:45 nightly. Preachers are: Rev. Anthony Lowe, pastor of Mt. Carmel BC, Bronx, NY and 1st Vice Moderator UMBA; Rev. James Wilson, pastor First Union BC, Bronx, NY; Rev. James Morrison, pastor Mt. Lebanon BC, Bronx, NY and Rev. Torrence Robinson, pastor Gethsemane BC, Bronx, NY & UMBA program chai; Rev. Dr. Charles Curtis, pastor Mt. Olivet BC, NYC; Rev. Robert Jones, pastor Second St. John BC, NYC. The Congress Address will be delivered by president and pastor of Bethany BC, NYC, Rev. Dr. Kris F. Erskine. The General Theme of the session is "Reflecting the Will of God in Ministry, Message and Mission" (II Peter 1:3-11) www.thepositivecommunity.com
College with a personal touch
NYSCAS
A Div ision of
Touro
College
assOCiate’s anD BaChelOr’s DeGrees
• Business Management and Administration • Information Technology • Human Services • Psychology • Education • Biology • Social Sciences • Paralegal Studies • Digital Multimedia Design • Liberal Arts and Sciences • and more inteGrateD hOnOrs traCKs Undergraduate/Osteopathic Medicine Undergraduate/Pharmacy
Other PrOfessiOnal OPPOrtunities • Pre-Law • Pre-Medical • Pre-Dental
212.463.0400 x5500 718.265.6534 x1003
infOrMatiOn sessiOns:
Manhattan:
Manhattan: 27-33 West 23rd Street, Admissions Office Wednesdays, 12 noon-5 pm
BrOOKlYn: Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Flatbush, Kings Highway, Starrett City
Brooklyn: 1870 Stillwell Avenue, Admissions Office
Queens:
718.520.5107 x109 Forest Hills
w w w.to u r o. e d u /ny s c a s N ew Yo r k S c h o o l o f C ar e e r an d A p p li e d S tu di e s
Wednesdays, 11 am-7 pm
scan here
Touro College is an equal opportunity institution
GUIDING CHANGE IMPROVING SCHOOLS
You are Invited
Second Annual Chad Scholars Awards Reception Honoring the 2014 Chad Foundation Scholarship recipients And Mr. A. Robert Gregory, Principal, American History High School Distinguished Educator Award recipient
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 6-8 PM
Maize Restaurant (Robert Treat Hotel) 50 Park Pl Newark, NJ 07102 (Free parking- Mulberry Street entrance)
$50 per Person All proceeds benefit the Chad Scholars Program RSVP donnalittlejohn67@gmail.com (973) 622-1061, Ext 1 Learn more about the Chad School Foundation by visiting www.thechadschoolfoundation.org
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE TOURO COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
BECOME A TEACHER AND CHANGE THE WORLD
Get ahead this summer with classes at Bergen — the ideal spot to begin your studies, continue your path to graduation or transfer credits to a four-year school. S U M M E R
2 0 1 4
BETTER. BRIGHTER.
BERGEN. Day and evening classes, multiple start dates/locations Distinguished faculty Affordable tuition among the lowest in region m.S. Programs in:
Biology Education* · Education & Special Education Instructional Technology · Mathematics Education School Leadership · Teaching Literacy · TESOL Certificate Programs Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) *Starting this fall at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY
CoUrSeS aVaiLaBLe onLine anD at tHeSe LoCationS:
B ro o k l y n • M a n h a t t a n • Queens Staten Island • Bay Shore, Long Island
Sessions Offered: May 27 – July 3 May 27 – August 7 June 9 – July 3 July 8 – August 7 July 8 – August 14 August 11 – 28
For more information, visit Bergen.edu/pc.
For more inFormation:
Visit: www.touro.edu/edgrad | Call: 212-463-0400 ext. 5675 Email: studentaffairs.gse@touro.edu facebook.com/WeAreTouro
@WeAreTouro
Touro is an Equal Opportunity Institution
www.thepositivecommunity.com
H AC K E N S AC K | M E A D OW L A N D S | PA R A M U S April 2014 The Positive Community
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A
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yack College/Alliance Theological Seminary is a private, co-educational institution founded in 1882 by Dr. A.B. Simpson. Today Nyack is comprised of an accredited liberal arts college, seminary, and graduate programs offering more than forty majors and seven graduate programs to more than 3,100 students who earn associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s and doctoral degrees. Among the newest programs approved by the New York State Board of Regents are the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), the Bachelor of Science in biology, the Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, and Bachelor of Science in music and worship. Fully online programs include the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, Master of Business Administration, and the
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Master of Science/Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Ministry, was approved in July 2010 by the New York State Board of Regents and launched in January 2011. The first graduates of the D.Min. program will receive their degrees in May 2014. The more than 125-acre Nyack, NY residential campus is set on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge, just twenty-five miles north of Times Square. In the fall of 2013 Nyack opened the doors to the new home of its New York City campus at 2 Washington Street in historic Battery Park, where the college occupies 166,385 square feet in a modern structure on the Manhattan skyline. An extension site is also located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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With close proximity to the New York greater metropolitan region, Nyack College is one of the nation’s most culturally diverse campuses—in both the student and faculty population. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Nyack multiple times among the most diverse campus in the Northeast. Nyack College is among the top 20 most diverse campuses in America according to a recent BestColleges. com ranking. Nyack College is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Alliance Theological Seminary, also sponsored by the C&MA, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
www.thepositivecommunity.com
UNCF
Continued from page 55
Visit Our New Improved Interactive Website: THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY.com
View The Entire Contents of The Positive Community Online
Plus… Photos Video Music Events Calendar Prizes special online only content
“We need to continue our investment in our young people and our historically black colleges and universities to ensure a better future for them, and for all of us.” Hosted by NBC Today Show co-host Tamron Hall, Ambassador Andrew J. Young received the UNCF Lifetime Achievement Award for his long legacy of service. An icon of the civil rights movement, Young has served as mayor of Atlanta, a Member of Congress, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He has been a longtime supporter of UNCF, whose commitment led to the founding—with Billye Aaron—of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Masked Ball, an event that is now a signature fundraising event in communities across the country. McDonald’s Corporation/National Black McDonald’s Operators Association and the General Motors Company/ General Motors United Automobile Workers received The UNCF President’s award in recognition of their support of the UNCF and its fundraising efforts over the years. The UNCF “A Mind Is” Gala is co-chaired by Bertrand Camus, president and CEO, United Water and Suez Environment North America, and David Michael P. Norris, COO and market president of Corporate, Sodexo. —JNW
JUNIUS WILLIAMS
Continued from page 48
Visit Frequently…there’s always something new Check us out on Facebook Join the fastest growing online community
THEPOSITIVECOMMUNITY.COM! 66
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ment and people can assign themselves to make public schools better based upon what is good for most people as opposed to what is good for a few people. The father of four and grandfather of one, Williams is a proponent of both cultural and academic education. The Abbott Leadership Institute provides programs for parents, students and teachers around advocacy in public education. He said of his work there, “I teach them to become organizers, how to be in organizations, and play roles that are important to help bring change. I want them to understand some of the things I learned over the last 50 years, working in Newark and outside of Newark. That’s my objective.” Williams said that he wrote Unfinished Agenda now because he had a collection of thoughts, ideas and analyses that he wrote over 10 years. He jokingly says that his wife told him he had enough for two books and that it was time to publish. A review of the tome on NJ.com concludes, “Williams is an example of what one leader can do to inspire change in the city. He’s passing his knowledge on to the next generation, to keep the fires of resistance and imagination burning.” Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power can be bought everywhere books are sold. Quinita Edmonia Good is the founder and operator of Qwrites Writing & Editorial Services and the author of Prayer 101: How to Form a Consistent Prayer Life. She can be reached at qwrites@live.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders
INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE 12TH INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE 12TH
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders
EssEx County EssEx County
oPEn HousE oPEn AT TURTLE HousE BACK ZOO AT TURTLE BACK ZOO
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014 • 10am - 2pm SATURDAY, 31, 2014 • 10amACTIVITIES - 2pm ENJOY GAMESMAY & FAMILY FRIENDLY
ENJOY GAMES & FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FrEE aDMIssIon to turtlE BaCk Zoo! FrEE aDMIssIon to turtlE BaCk Zoo! “This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the variety of services “This is a wonderful opportunity to available, and the important role learn about the variety of services and impact that Essex County has available, and the important role on the community and our quality and impact that Essex County has of life. Having our Open House on the community and our quality at Turtle Back Zoo enables us to of life. Having our Open House showcase the many exciting exhibits at Turtle Back Zoo enables us to and attractions that have made our showcase the many exciting exhibits Zoo destinationthat attraction. I look anda attractions have made our forward seeing you at our I12th Zoo a todestination attraction. look Annual Open forward to House.” seeing you at our 12th Annual Open House.”
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive
PUTTING PUTTING EssEx County EssEx County FIRST FIRST
Visit our Natural Habitat Exhibits featuring Sea Lions, Jaguars, Komodo Dragon, Gibbons Apes, Black Bears, Visit ourNaped NaturalCranes, Habitat Penguins, Exhibits featuring Lions, White Otters, Sea Alligators, Jaguars, Apes, Black Bears, Eagles, Komodo CougarsDragon, and the Gibbons Reptile House White Naped Cranes, Penguins, Otters, Alligators, Learn about Essex Programs Eagles, Cougars and County the Reptile House & Services Travelabout through theCounty woodsPrograms on our Miniature Train (Free) Learn Essex & Services Treetop Adventure (feeson apply) Travel through the woods our Miniature Train (Free) PaddleAdventure Boating (fees Treetop (feesapply) apply) Ride the Carousel per ride) Paddle Boating (fees($2 apply) Playthe on Carousel our miniGOLF Ride ($2 perSafari ride) ($6 children/$8 adults) Rideonthe ($2 per ride) Play ourPonies miniGOLF Safari ($6 children/$8 adults) Walkthe through Ride Poniesthe ($2Outback per ride)Adventure and Aviary ($2 per weather permitting) Walk through thefeedstick Outback –Adventure and Aviary ($2 per feedstick – weather permitting)
Essex County South Mountain Recreation Essex CountyComplex South Mountain Recreation Complex EssEx County turtlE BaCk Zoo EssEx County BaCk Zoo 560 Northfield Ave.turtlE • West Orange, NJ 560 Northfield Ave. • West Orange, NJ 973-621-4400 973-621-4400 www.essexcountynj.org
www.essexcountynj.org
Culture L i fe , M u s i c , A r t & L i te r at u r e
By g.r.mattox
The Music Man Sweeps Through Two Towns
“T
hat was a good time!,” one appreciative theater goer laughed as he exited one of the NJPAC performances of The Music Man, Meredith Wilson’s famous musical about big brass bands and small-town busybodies. A concert version of the classic musical, which won a Tony Award in 1957 for Best Musical, recently played six performances at Two River Theater in Red Bank, then traveled up to Newark’s NJPAC for four more. These stagings represent the first theatrical collaboration of both theaters, and almost 4,000 people attended the run of the show in the two venues. These performances had an intriguing twist: The entire cast, set in 1912 River City, Iowa and led by Broadway actor Isaiah Johnson as con-man “Professor” Harold Hill and Stephanie Umoh as Marian “The Librarian” Paroo, were African American.
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The musical was directed by Robert O’Hara, who has been honored by the NAACP, theaterWashington, and won an Obie Award. He said the casting twist was irresistible. “We think of early Americana through the lens of white people and that black people were on the margins,” he explained, “Well here is Americana where black people are actually in the center. How exciting that it is a musical, which is something that AmericanAmericans have contributed to greatly in this country.” Kudos go out to both leads: Johnson for tackling that seriously rapid-fire three-minute piece “(Ya Got) Trouble,” Umoh for her singing with the school board quartet in “Lida Rose” and both leads tender duet on the standard “Till There Was You.” Though “Professor” Hill breezily tells the gullible people of River City “you don’t have to bother with the notes,” those notes came out clearly due to a wellseasoned cast in this enjoyable production. www.thepositivecommunity.com
LOVE, above all things… Jennifer Falu’s One Woman Show at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church L–R: Jaime Falu, percussionist; Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, pastor, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church; Jennifer Falu, playwright and actor; Jesse Wooden, Jr., director; Denise S. Gray, SeasonWalk Productions, producer; Dr. Lorraine Edey, money coach and panel moderator.
Jennifer Falu, playwright and actor
Photo: Bryan Weathers
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ennifer Falu has transformed her celebrated poem “Loses Things” into a powerful one woman play entitled LOVE, above all things: testimonial of a woman who loses things…praise gave it back. This nontraditional experience of sharing and healing took place at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY during Women’s History Month. The workshop production of LOVE, above all things was presented in collaboration with SeasonWalk Productions and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. SeasonWalk Productions is dedicated to producing with vision and developing projects that promote the intelligence and rich heritage of people of color. Denise Gray, president, SeasonWalk Productions and producer said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to bring this blessing to the world.” Approximately one year ago, during a Sunday service at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church led by the renowned Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Jennifer Falu, an award winning spoken word artist, shared Loses Things with the congregation. The feedback was overwhelming! In this poem, Falu talked about losing things like her keys and the painful experience of temporarily losing custody of her children to the foster care system. "Jennifer Falu is a gift to the world that ought to be experienced,” stated Rev. Youngblood, “For those of us
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who do, our lives are made better. And for those of us who do not, well..." Falu’s family, church family and friends rallied to her support. With the unwavering loyalty and blessings of church members Denise Gray and Obie award winning director, Jesse Wooden, Jr., Falu was encouraged to share her story and be the catalyst for healing. The play is a journey into the first few days of the threeyear plus battle that Falu is still fighting to get her children back. She is joined onstage by Jaime Falu, her father and a percussionist in the show. Jennifer thanks all those who have loved her through this journey. “You never know how far you will go until you have children…This show is dedicated to my children – Makaiya and Bree.” Falu recently won first place in NBC TV’s Amiri Baraka Poetry Slam and is currently ranked third internationally in the Women of the World Poetry Slam. She is a celebrated performance artist throughout NYC and across the country and as a member of the 2006, 2009 and 2012 Nuyorican Poets Café Slam Teams, became the top female poet of the year in 2006, and ranked 3rd in both 2009 and 2012. As a performer, Falu has shared the stage with Jennifer Holliday, Carl Thomas and Patti LaBelle. She makes her film debut in the soon to be released movie, Mania Days alongside Katie Holmes. April 2014 The Positive Community
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The Messiah Baptist Church First Family L–R: Rev. James B. Logan, First Lady Virginia Logan with daughters Olivia and Sydney
Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., senior pastor, Cathedral International, Perth Amboy NJ
Rev. Timothy U. Ryals, Pastor, Beulah Baptist Church, Harlem, NY with Pastor Logan
Rev. James B. Logan Installation Services By Jean Nash Wells
Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, senior pastor, Community Baptist Church, Englewood NJ “God Has Spoken, Let the Church Say Amen”
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nstallation Services for Rev. James B. Logan as the sixth pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT were held March 12 through March 16. The services celebrated “A Faithful God, A Faithful Steward and A Faithful Congregation.” Lamentations 3:23; Corinthians 4:2 and Deuteronomy 18:1 were the scriptures guiding the celebration. Reverend James B. Logan was born to Deacons James and Mamie Logan in New York City, where he attended public schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from York College of the City University of New York. Rev. Logan worked for over 15 years in both the public and private sectors. He received a Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary and was ordained into the gospel ministry on January 12, 1992. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary with concentrations in Marriage and Family Ministry and Change Management.
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Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams Jr., senior pastor, Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Harlem NY “I’m Covered By The Blood”
Reverend Logan received his spiritual foundation from his parents, grandparents and the Convent Avenue Baptist Church (CABC) family located in New York City. It was there that he began developing leadership skills from childhood through young adulthood, participating and serving in various ministries including the Children and Youth Usher Boards, The Youth Choir, The Sunday School, and The Baptist Youth Fellowship. He also provided leadership over The Board of Christian Education’s Leadership Development initiative and the Marriage and Singles Enrichment Conference. For 18 years prior to becoming pastor of Messiah B.C., Rev. Logan was involed in pastoral care leadership at Convent Avenue B.C., including 12 years as the Children and Youth pastor. For the last five years, he served fulltime as the first executive minister of Convent under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr., senior pastor. Reverend Logan and First Lady Virginia Caroline have two daughters, Olivia Savannah, a junior in college and Sydney Alexandria, a high school student. www.thepositivecommunity.com
One Center Street, Newark, NJ
Spring is in full swing! Norm Lewis • 5/3
Rodriguez from “Searching for Sugar Man” • 5/8
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • 5/10 & 5/11
Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell • 5/17
The Monkees • 5/24
Midtown Men • 5/28
El Gran Combo with special guest Charlie Cruz • 6/14
Antonio Douthit-Boyd. Photo by Andrew Eccles
Julio Iglesias • 4/27
Il Volo • 6/15
Season at a glance April 2014 Apr 18–19 Apr 23 Apr 27
Renaissance Ani DiFranco Julio Iglesias
May 2014 May May
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Norm Lewis Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance American Repertory Ballet, Maurice Chestnut, Cleo Mack Dance Project, Timothy Kochka and Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
May May
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May 9 May 9 May 10–11 May 16 May May
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May May
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Eddie Izzard, comedian Rodriguez, from “Searching for Sugar Man” My Favorite Things: Richard Rodgers Joshua Bell, violin, with the NJSO Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Stuart Little Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell The Monkees The Midtown Men
Please call our ticket services department to let them know if you require ADA services, particularly if you require wheelchair seating.
June 2014 June
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June June
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June June
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youtube.com/njpactv
Cinderella The Remix Imagination Stage RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles El Gran Combo with special guest Charlie Cruz Il Volo Under the Street Lamp and Gentleman’s Rule
facebook.com/njpac
twitter.com/njpac
njpac official
Visit njpac.org for a full schedule 1-888-GO-NJPAC Groups of 10 or more: 1-888-MY-NJPAC PosivtiveComm_7x9.5_4-24.indd 1
3/24/14 1:56 PM
Voza Rivers Honored
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L-R: Jamel Joseph, Councilwoman Inez dickens, Voza Rivers, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Congressman Charles Rangel, Woodie King, Jr. and Robert Townsend Photos: Seitu Oronde
oza Rivers, executive producer and co-founder of New Heritage Repertory Theatre, is renowned as Harlem’s cultural impresario. An accomplished theatre, music, film and events producer, Rivers is recognized as one of the country’s leading African American theatre producers. Friends and family celebrated with him at the 44th anniversary gala of Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre (NFT), where he received a special honor. The event, held on March 16 at the Tribeca Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan, was co-hosted by Danny Glover, Debbi Morgan, Tamara Tunie and Robert Townsend, and attracted theater lovers from all walks of life familiar with Voza’s body of work. The NFT’s gala honorary committee was co-chaired by Harry Belafonte and David Dinkins and included Ruby Dee, Congressman Charles Rangel, Cliff Frazier, Natsu Ifill, Byron Lewis, Sen. Bill Perkins, Shauneille Perry, Marcia Sells, Daniel Beaty, and Lloyd Williams. The benefit committee included Jeff Burns, Jr.; Imhotep Gary Byrd; Stephen Davis; Geoffrey Eaton; Irene Gandy; Barbara Horowitz; Jamal Joseph; Lonette McKee; Phyllis Yvonne Stickney; Michael Unthank; Linda Walton; Karen Witherspoon; George Williams, Jr. and others.
Danny Glover and Voza Rivers Robert Townsend, Valerie Simpson and Voza Rivers
THE ONLY SHOW THAT LIFTS YOU OUT OF YOUR SEAT…
AND INTO MUSIC HISTORY.
photos by Andrew eccles.
ON BROADWAY MOTOWNTHEMUSICAL.COM MOTOWN® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC.
LUNT-FONTANNE THEATRE, 46TH ST. & B’WAY • 877-250-2929 72
The Positive Community April 2014
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AMERICA WAS CHANGING. LOUIS ARMSTRONG PLAYED ON.
Friday, May 2, 2014, 6:00PM
Join Us in Honoring
Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive
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Metropolitan Room, Newark Club 1085 Raymond Boulevard, Newark
To run a congratulatory ad or to purchase tickets for the Ball of the Oranges, please call 973-266-2925.
Westside Theatre, 407 W. 43rd St. · Telecharge.com · 212-239-6200
SatchmoNYC.com
Compassion you can count on.
April 2014 The Positive Community
www.thepositivecommunity.com SATC-Positive_Community-4.3.55x9.6.4C.indd 1
Quality care you can trust.
3/31/14 11:26 AM
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Vaughn Harper
Presents FIRST FRIDAY’s
Friday,January May 2nd3, , 2014 Friday 2013
A Monthly Gathering For Mature Adults
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lack Radio pioneers, music lovers, artists and many, many friends came together on Friday, April 4 to celebrate the birthday of legendary broadcaster, Vaughn Harper. The popular venue, MIST Harlem was the scene of the joyful occasion. Vaughn is best known as the voice of the “Quiet Storm” format that has become a favorite of urban radio stations across the country. Each month, MIST Harlem and Vaughn Harper host First Fridays featuring the Fred Mac Band, DJ Darryl James and popular entertainers. Come join the mature adult set, First Friday’s with Vaughn Harper! Photos: Bruce Moore
Featuring Live Music By:
Vaughn Harper hosts First Fridays at MIST Harlem
The Fred Mac Band and DJ Darryl James
Doors Open at 7:30 Admission $20 in Advance $25 At The Door
For Tickets Go To:
Conveniently Located At MIST Harlem 46W. 116th Street New York, NY
Vaughn Harper and WBLS’s Debi Jackson
Musician Phil Young and Vaughn
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The Links of Central New Jersey (NJ) Chapter host Luncheon By Dr. Chonita Spencer, chairperson International Trends and Services Alma J. Smith, vice president, Programming
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s we continue to work towards breaking the culture of silence that impacts the health and welfare of women and children, The Central New Jersey Chapter of the Links Incorporated seeks to broaden the knowledge and understanding of the challenges and issues that impact women and children worldwide in our five program areas: International Trends and Services, Services to Youth, Health and Human Services, The Arts, and National Trends and Services. The Central New Jersey Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, in their 65thyear of programing and service, hosted the International Women’s’ Luncheon at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey on March 1, 2014. One hundred women—multi-cultural, and cross generational—gathered at the university. The speakers from around the world addressed the disparity in education, health care, sex and labor trafficking, access to basic provisions and poverty.
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Ann Nicol, executive director of UNA-NY, Women’s International Forum at the UN and head of the International Affairs Committee of the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge, NJ, was mistress of ceremonies. She encouraged all of us to embrace the work and challenges of women and children world-wide and to further partner with women internationally to foster public awareness of these urgent global issues. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, former ambassador to Kenya and chief of the Executive Board and External Relations Branch in the Information and External Relations Division (IERD) at the United Nations, challenged the luncheon attendees to dedicate themselves to discovering and disseminating their support in addressing extreme poverty and poor health in developing countries and improving education for all internationally. Dr. Ojiambo is no stranger to the Central New Jersey Chapter; a year ago
at the UNANY and Links collaboration Schomburg event ‘A Small Act,’ she inspired students with her message that kindness can make a difference in a child’s life that can last a lifetime. The Chapter’s International Trends and Services Facet welcomed Dr. Ruchira Gupta, NYU professor, 2009 Emmy Award-winner for the documentary The Selling of Innocents, recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award and the Abolitionist Award at the United Kingdom of Lords. Dr. Gupta shared information regarding the 21st century slave trade and the political and governmental support that helps to continue the tragic exploitation of mainly women and children and seeks to suppress the voices that speak out against it. Dr. Amowi Phillips asked us to imagine the many children throughout the continent of Africa and other countries worldwide, who have never seen public green space for themselves or any quality outdoor www.thepositivecommunity.com
urban life. “Playtime in Africa,” a project for rethinking access to public green space for children, has been her mission. A former attorney and professor at The University of Washington, she has a lifelong interest in issues affecting women and children. Her journey into urban culture and environmental advocacy exposes timely questions about the values of today’s urban dwellers and the surprisingly hopeful potential for creative and resilient child-centered solutions. Dr. Abena Busia, professor and current chair of the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers, is co-director and co-editor of the groundbreaking Women Writing Africa Project and Theorizing Black Feminisms. Her riveting presentation addressed the urgency to involve ourselves, regardless of our backgrounds, in eliminating challenges that impact women and children locally, nationally and internationally. The Central New Jersey Chapter of the Links, Incorporated has built a school in South Africa, sent books and supplies to Liberia, built wells in Africa, held a Haiti Conference in the state’s capital, sent survival kits for women and girls to Haiti, and held a S.T.E.M. program (science, technology, engineering and math) at the United Nations. Members of the luncheon committee were Edwina Hawes,Tasha Norma Jacobs, Yvonne Russell-Mann, Dee Scott-Huggins and Betty Scott-Jones. www.thepositivecommunity.com
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The Positive Community’s Cultural Literacy Church Tour Evergreen BC
L-R Rev. Harry Brunson, Rising Sun BC, Philadelphia with First Lady Betty Brunson; First Lady Dorothy Campbell and Pastor Campbell
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ublisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. continues his tour of churches, schools and all who would listen and respond to the call of the message in the 2014 Grand Jubilee Commemorative Calendar. The theme: Faith, Freedom, and the Future say it all! The subtitle: Coming Up through Great Tribulation assures us that “the struggle continues, but victory is certain!” In this season of The Great Emancipation observance, it is absolutely urgent that we begin to ground ourselves spiritually and culturally for the challenging times ahead. No home, school or church should be without this precious possession. Our soul and our culture—our collective experience—are timeless possessions. Truth is timeless; Beauty is timeless; Goodness is timeless! This calendar is timeless. The progress of our children and the integrity of African American culture mean everything! On this earth we are ultimately accountable for ensuring the survival
Young Justin Townsend before he reads the calendar’s Cultural Narrative
and safe-passage of values, ideals and traditions from this generation to the next! Greetings and thanks to Evergreen Baptist Church in Palmyra, NJ, Pastor Guy Campbell, First Lady Dorothy and their friendly congregation for welcoming us on the occasion of the church’s 94th anniversary. Reverend Campbell is the president of General Baptist Convention of NJ. A special “thank you” to pastors George and Mary Searight and to the mighty congregation of Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, NJ for their warm hospitality and loving ministry. In each service on Sunday, Pastor George devotes a segment to discuss debt, thrift and financial literacy! The Cultural Literacy Tour coming soon to a church near you. To schedule a visit in NY or NJ call 973-233-9200 or e-mail: adrian@thepositivecommunity.com
Melvin Sheppard, Naasan Carr, Kamora Williams
Nizaiah Carr, Marcus Grimes, Imani Jones
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Pastor Mary introduces Adrian Council
abundant life family worship Bishop George and Pastor Mary Searight
Bishop George with his father Thomas Louis Searight Photos: ALFWC Photo Ministry
Christening and blessing
L–R: Adrian and Pastor George with TPC’s Tour Coordinator Karen Waters
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FAMI RE LY T C
TYRONE OH HAPPY
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GOD BLEISLSD THE CH
An inspirational musical celebration of life, love and family!
STO NAME POIN THE F LOVE
I AM NO MY HAIRT
“The hippest, most imaginative show in NY !”
SINGLE
LADIES
TYRONE
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DORIS YOUNG BOYER ETIQUETTE POWER
Doris Young Boyer speaks writes and coaches on ways to be confident and successful in business and social situations. She is co-author of Mastering the Art of Success with Les Brown, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. She is CEO of A Sense of Grace Global Protocol. www.asenseofgrace.com. Write to her at Doris@DorisYoungBoyer.com. www.DorisYoungBoyer.com
Gracious Dining The Top Dining Do’s and Taboos DO . . . • Learn the most formal ways of dining. It is better to have the information and not need it, than to need it and not have it. • Take small bites of food so you can avoid talking with food in your mouth. • Remember to butter your bread on the plate and not in the air. • Sit up straight. Posture at table is important. Minimize having your elbows on the table.
TABOOS . . . • Smacking your lips while you are eating. • Spreading your elbows when you are cutting your food. Keep them close to your sides. • Reaching across the table or across another person for an item. Ask the person closest to you to pass it to you.
• Beginning to eat before most of the people at your table have received their food. • Eating your neighbor’s bread or salad. A good way to remember the table setting is BMW (Bread is on the left, Main entrée is in the middle and Water and other beverages are on the right).
• Chewing with your mouth open. • Using your knife, fork or spoon to make your point while conversing at the table. If you are not using your utensils to eat they are to remain on the plate.
• An excellent resource for gracious table manners as well as savvy tips for other areas of life is BASIC Black: Home Training for Modern Times by Karen Grigsby Bates and Karen Elyse Hudson
• Picking your teeth at the table, either with a toothpick or your fingers. Excuse yourself and take care of the problem in the restroom.
• In this column, as space permits, we will address topics or questions that you have. Send your thoughts and questions to Doris@ASenseofGrace.com
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ev. Jeffery Thompson celebrated his second anniversary as pastor of Emmanuelle Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ on Sunday, March 23, 2014. Revivalist for the week was Rev. William C. Riddick of Faith Hope Baptist Church, New Brunswick.
Pastor Jeffrey Celebrates 2nd Anniversary L–R: Guest Preacher Rev. J. Michael Sanders, Fountain BC, Summit, NJ and Pastor Thompson
Leah Joy Hilliard aka Elle Jay Wows the Crowd at Foundation Fundraiser By Helene Fox
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he inaugural Donald & Alease Hilliard-Chapman Foundation fundraiser on Friday, February 28, 2014 was phenomenal! From John Gray’s hilarious comedy to Bishop Donald and Cheryl Hilliard-Tucker’s introductions and beautiful words regarding the Foundation’s purpose and the wonderful people it was established to honor, the night began with a bang! The art show exhibit was outstanding and the hors d'oeuvres at the reception, especially the shrimp, were all a huge hit. Now, we cannot talk about this exciting event without talking about Leah Joy Hilliard aka Elle Jay’s extraordinary one-woman stage performance! We all knew she was talented, but this performance was beyond all of our expectations. She not only wowed the crowd, but she engaged them and kept their attention with her poetic words and high energy from beginning to end. If you had to miss this night, please try and get a copy of the recording and sow into this worthy cause. Every bit is worth it to support a child. For more information on the foundation, please visit: www.dahcf.org
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JOANNE J. NOELLE SELAH!
Professor Joanne J. Noel, B.A., M.A., M. DIV., DMIN is Assistant Professor of English and Director, Instructional Resource Center at Somerset Christian College
Church Folks are Hypocrites “I Like your Christ. I do not like you Christians. You Christians are so unlike your Christ.”—Mahatma Gandhi
“THOSE PEOPLE IN THAT CHURCH ARE A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!” How many times have you heard that statement or uttered it yourself? If you have been hurt or disappointed by the words or behavior of a self-confessing Christian, you probably have made similar comments. If you trusted a Christian and have been deceived, it’s easy to understand why you might think that all Christians are hypocrites. The statement, however, is a fallacy-—an overgeneralization—based on faulty logic. Before you condemn all church folks to hell, remember “One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch.” You may have been hurt by a Christian, but that doesn’t mean that all Christians are hypocrites. The word “hypocrite” in Greek means “playing/acting” and some people who claim to be Christians have been play
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acting. While they may display evidence of being “saved,” going to church every Sunday, participating in every activity in church, or paying tithes and giving an offering cannot save an individual. The acts that lead to salvation are: confessing our sins, repenting our sins, and accepting Jesus as God’s son who died for our sins (Romans 10: 9-10 & Rev. 20: 15). Life is a stage, according to Shakespeare, and we are the actors, but no one can act out of his/her true character indefinitely. The fact is that the primary evidence of a changed heart is changed behavior. However, it is possible for a person who has sincerely accepted Christ as Savior to “act up” and “act out.” That is, he/she still possesses and acts upon traits and mannerisms of the un-believing self. When this happens, the Christian is not necessarily ‘playacting’ at being a Christian. What you may be evidencing is an illustration of his/her un-sanctified or under-sanctified self. Becoming more like Christ requires an ongoing sanctification (“dying” to sin and living righteously); this process takes time. Confessing our faults, failures, and shortcomings and praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and reading the Word (acts that form Christian character) aid in the process of sanctification. Moreover, when social justice advocate, Mahatma Gandhi reportedly stated, “I like your Christ; I do not like you Christians. You Christians are so unlike your Christ,” we should pause and be concerned. His statement should make Christians cautious about how our behavior and words can weaken one’s witness and scare people away from the Christ of the Christian Church. Illustrations of the way in which we weaken our witness can be seen in the popular wave of reality TV shows about preachers, preachers’ wives, and preachers’ kids. While they generate wealth for some; they impoverish Christian witness. Ironically, however, Gandhi’s statement reminds us that perfection can only be found in Christ and not in another Christian. It is when we enthrone a Christian on the sacred altar of our hearts, which only Christ is worthy enough to occupy, that we may become bitterly disappointed when that person doesn’t measure up to our ideal, and so we lament: Church folks are hypocrites! www.thepositivecommunity.com
BY PATRICIA BALDWIN
Dr. Bobby Jones Says “Rejoice with Me” Grace & Peace! et’s get straight to it, BET’s longest running program and cable’s longest running show in TV history belongs to the living legend Dr. Bobby Jones. Not only has he been on for 33 years, but he has won awards from A to Z (well I should say T), which include the Grammy®, the Dove, the Stellar and the Trumpet Award. If there is an award with a name after it, then the winner is . . . Dr. Bobby Jones. He is also the ambassador to Dominica since 2006. Internationally known for his outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry, Dr. Jones is also celebrated for his charitable work in the United States with the American Heart Association, the Diabetes Association and the Lupus Foundation. Overseas, he is recognized for other prestigious awards for all things concerning gospel music from Europe to Asia and from the motherland (Africa) to the fatherland (Jerusalem). Outreach and music ministry are his passions, “Well, you know I do this for Jesus,” he explained. “So why stop? I will when I have to, but if I don’t have to, as long as it’s the Lord’s will here I go.” He also has kept busy with appearances in television and film projects like Sister, Sister and Make a Joyful Noise. Oh and did I mention that in 2001 he was recognized in a proclamation by President George W. Bush for “revolutionizing the gospel music industry” and “exposing numerous gospel music artists to the world.” Jones is also a syndicated radio host, member of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Board of Directors, NAACP member, Tennessee State University Alumni Association and he’s an instructor at Nova Southeastern University as well. The list goes on and on and everything he’s put his hands to has truly caused him to prosper, but everything hasn’t been easy. In his early years, he admits to growing up in an abusive home with an alcoholic dad. “I began at a very early
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age protecting myself from the abuse . . . verbal and physical,” Jones recounted. But clearly God’s grace helped him to eventually forgive his father, and now he wants his testimony to encourage others. “I went ahead to do the things that I thought I could do to overcome that situation,” he explained. “And a lot of people who may be in a position now that I was in then, they’ll just have to leave it and find a way to get around it and that’s a part of life.” The Tennessee native revamped gospel music in Nashville, TN with his Nashville Super Choir so that every Sunday morning for the last 33 years, the soul-stirring sound of spiritual music from Bobby Jones Gospel has filled millions of homes across America. So now what? Well with 13 musical projects under Dr. Jones’ belt, his new project, Rejoice With Me, is nothing but a praise festivity that had to happen. The title track features churchraised R&B Diva, Faith Evans. It’s an up-tempo, handclapping, celebration, party-jam intro that sets you up for what’s to come. Dr. Jones took this opportunity to rejoice with other friends of his such as Ann Nesby (Sounds of Blackness) and R&B vocalist Howard Hewett. Now if you really want to take it back to “chuuch” (no “r” necessary), the powerful soloist Shawn McLemore lends his vocals to a handclapper that persuades people “Let’s Praise the Lord.” After all Bobby Jones has been through, we just ought to rejoice with him! This 75-years young musical trailblazer has lived long enough to turn his knowledge to wisdom and wisdom into longevity but moreover, it doesn’t look like he’s stopping anytime soon. Gospel artist James fortune said it best when he told CBN news his views on the ministry of Dr. Bobby Jones: “He’s selfless; it’s not all about him. He’s not just concerned about Dr. Bobby Jones making it, but he understands there are kingdom principles— that we’re all doing this together for the kingdom of God.” You know what I say: make it happen, and keep building the kingdom! www.thepositivecommunity.com
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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD
Passion Week Reflection esurrection Sunday is the most sacred holiday of the Christian year. Good Friday through Resurrection Sunday is the most important weekend of the Christian year. And the 8-day week leading up to and including that weekend is Christianity’s most hallowed week. It is significant that the Gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—devote disproportionately large portions of their New Testament books to the week leading up to and encompassing Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Chapters 21 through 28 of the Book of Matthew—28 percent of the entire book’s chapters—detail the week from Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday and beyond, up to Christ’s issuance of the Great Commission: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:18-20 (New American Standard Bible) So a few final weeks occupy more than a quarter of Matthew’s book detailing Jesus’ three-year earthly ministry. Similarly, the Book of Mark devotes Chapters 11 through 16, or about 38 percent of the book, to these final weeks. For Luke’s gospel it is chapters 19 through 24, or about 25 percent of the entire book, and John’s gospel allots chapters 12 through 21, a whopping 48 percent of the book. Within these final chapters, the gospel writers report on Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem; ousting the money-changers and merchants from the temple; teaching and prophesying in the temple and on the streets; His arrest and trial by the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod Antipas; the crucifixion; the resurrection; and Christ’s activity after being resurrected from the dead. It was after Palm Sunday but before Good Friday that the disciples asked Jesus what would be the sign of His second coming and “the end of the age.” Jesus responded, in part: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom…”—Matthew 24:6–7 (New International Version)
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Theologians debate whether these and Christ’s immediately accompanying prophecies relate to the ultimate end of the entire world or merely the Roman empire’s crushing of Jerusalem, including the temple, in 70 A.D. I think both are right. My own study and analysis lead me to conclude that there are multiple fulfillments of some Biblical prophecies over the centuries and millennia. Regarding “wars and rumors of wars,” and “nation rising against nation,” prominent news coming out of Europe in March 2014 concerned Russia moving troops into southern Ukraine (a.k.a. Crimea), southern Ukraine’s referendum vote to succeed from overall Ukraine, and Russia’s annexation of southern Ukraine into Russia. The United States and Western European countries condemned these actions and imposed economic sanctions or Russia. Could confrontation between Russia and the United States lead to worldwide war and apocalyptic conflagration? Is this a “rumor of war?” Western European powers colonized the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries, ignoring territorial rights of Native Americans. In the early 19th century, emigrants from southern states of the U.S. militarily grabbed northeast Mexico, i.e. Texas. Later, the United States militarily conquered and annexed the rest of northern Mexico, including areas that today are New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Later in the 19th century, Western European powers conquered Africa and other parts of the world that they had not conquered in prior centuries. How then, now, can the United States and Western Europe condemn Russia for doing to Ukraine what the U.S. and Western Europe did to others on much larger much scales in past centuries? Early in his ministry, years before His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2, NIV) Let’s pray for peace, since we worship God through the Prince of Peace. Let’s focus on Christ and align ourselves with God’s worldview. Moreover, during this holy season, let’s focus on Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, His resurrection, His commandments, and, yes, His return, in God’s time. April 2014 The Positive Community
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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
www.thepositivecommunity.com April 2014
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Vol. 14, No. 4
Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.
The Last Word BY REV. DR. ALFONSO WYATT Founder, Strategic Destiny: Designing Futures through Faith and Facts
THE PROMISE OF SPRING
Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells
Associate Editor R. L. Witter
Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR
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Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Doris Young Boyer Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams
Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman
The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 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.
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pring is here—but you may not see the evidence yet. The grass is still brown, tree branches still bare, and no flowers yet visible. The calendar tells us the spring season is here. A quick spiritual lesson: The beginning of one season does not change the reality of the last season. There is a transition gap or what psychologists would deem as cognitive dissonance between what we see and what we desire. Are you there? Let us apply the spring metaphor to life. You may have experienced a season of devastation evidenced by a set-up, put-down, get-back, or breakup. You yearn to “magically” get through the pain of the moment that seemingly will last a lifetime. Your mind will not turn off. Long into the night and well into the day, endless scenarios of “What if? What next? Who said? And why?” now take residence in your mind. When all is seemingly lost, what do you do? Where do you turn? What hope do you have for a brighter day? If you live long enough, love hard enough, give too much or take too much—one day you may find yourself dry and barren, bereft of solutions, yearning for a spring season to find you. If you’ve been there, are there, or know someone there—read on. I want to offer a spiritual solution to a practical problem. Spiritual people will go through life issues but their take on the journey is marked-
April 2014
ly different. Come with me to The Book of Isaiah, a major prophet with a timeless “In Season” Word. I ask that you try to hear this prophecy with your soul and not reason with your mind: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it will spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” —Isaiah 43:18-19 You are instructed in the passage of scripture to “disremember” [forget the former things, nor consider the things of old] and shed the heavy things you can no longer afford to carry. Let go and let God. The Lord can help you when all else fails [behold I want to do a new thing]. The Word will blow your mind [shall you not know it?] as you are mired in your circumstance and suddenly a way out of no way [I will make a road out of the wilderness] appears. Only God can refresh that which is dying or dead [rivers in the desert]. Your situation is not hopeless. It is not over as much as you need to turn it over. The promise of spring is learning how to rest assured that change is on the way, even though not readily visible. The promise of spring is much deeper than a New Year’s resolution because it has nothing to do with personal willpower. It has everything to do with God’s omnipotent power. The brown grass will soon turn green. The branches of the trees will bring forth leaves. Beautiful flowers will soon bloom. You may be asking, “What is this promise?” I say The promise of spring is divine and inevitable renewal . . . Keep looking until you see. www.thepositivecommunity.com
When families & schools work together, our children are the winners! The members of the New Jersey Education Association... making public schools great for every child!
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