April 2018

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

â„¢ April 2018 thepositivecommunity.com

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Education

FOCUS

Harlem Education Activities Fund (HEAF) Newark Charter School Fund Celebrates 10 Years

National Black Writers Conference at Medger Evers College

NCLC: Establishing a College-Going Culture

Neil deGrasse Tyson a career written in the stars

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

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APRIL 2018

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................18 HEALTH...................................22 EDUCATION.............................27 CULTURE ................................58

Features Pastoral Anniversary at Brown Memorial ................... 14

43 ON THE COVER: Exploring Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Universe

&also inside

General Baptist Leadership Convention .................... 16 Walk to Washington .................................................. 18 Circle of Achievement Awards Gala ........................... 21 Travel Tips for People with Dementia ........................ 22 Teachers Talk Inspiration .......................................... 27 Public Lectures Explore Spirituality ........................... 36 HEAF Gives Students Hope ....................................... 46 10 Years of Newark Charter School Fund .................. 48

Publisher’s Desk .................................. 10 Establishing a College-Going Culture ........................ 53 My View ............................................. 12 Hats on Parade for Hope .......................................... 54 Fitness Doctor .................................... 23 100 Black Men Benefit ............................................ 56 Gospel Train ....................................... 64 Faith of Our Mothers ................................................ 58 Spiritual Wealth Building ..................... 66 Artists Unite for Brooklyn Exhibit ............................... 61 The Way Ahead .................................. 72 Writers & Readers Discuss Culture ............................ 62 The Last Word .................................... 74 Celebrating Arturo Schomburg .................................. 65 4

The Positive Community April 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MONEY magazine says Touro’s NYSCAS is #1.

So do our students.

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

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

1.212.463.0400 x5500 | NYSCAS.TOURO.EDU

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

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

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Find Find out out more he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. least 50 magazines per month atrollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by by calling calling 973-233-9200 973-233-9200 or or email email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

Community Community Church Church of God, of God, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Mariners’ Mariners’ Temple B.C., B.C., New New York, York, NY NY Ruth Ruth Fellowship Fellowship Ministries, Ministries, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr.Temple Henrietta Carter, Pastor Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Rev.Abyssinian Dr. Calvin O. Butts III,NY Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Calvin Calvin O. Butts O. Butts III, Pastor III,NY Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NYNJ Rev.Abyssinian Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, NJ Pastor Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJCOGIC, Newark, NJ Abundant Abundant Life Life Fellowship Fellowship COGIC, Abyssinian B.C., Newark, Abundant Fellowship COGIC, Newark, Newark, NJLife NJ Supt.

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

Supt.

Edward Edward Bohannon, Bohannon, Jr, Pastor Jr, Pastor Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Jr, PastorNJ Newark, NJ Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Pastor Aenon Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Vauxhall Vauxhall NJ NJ RevAenon Alphonso Williams, SrJr,Pastor Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Jr, Aenon Baptist Church, Rev Rev Alphonso Alphonso Williams, Williams, SrVauxhall Pastor Sr Pastor PastorNJ Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall Agape BaptistWilliams, Church, Sr Newark Rev Alphonso PastorNJNJ Aenon Baptist Church, Rev Alphonso Williams, SrVauxhall Pastor Agape Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark Newark NJ NJ NJ Rev.Agape Craig R. Jackson, Pastor RevRev. Alphonso Sr PastorNJ Agape Baptist Church, Newark Rev. Craig Craig R. Jackson, R.Williams, Jackson, Pastor Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark NJ Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark NJ NY NY Rev. Craig R.Baptist Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Church., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Rev.Antioch Robert M.Jackson, Waterman, Pastor Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, Rev. Rev. Robert Robert M. Waterman, M.Church., Waterman, Pastor Pastor NY Antioch Baptist Brooklyn, NY Archdiocese New YorkPastor Rev. Robert M.ofWaterman, Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev.Archdiocese Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese ofDavis, New of New YorkYork Brother Tyrone Office of Black Ministry Rev.Brother Robert M.Davis, Pastor Archdiocese ofWaterman, New York Brother Tyrone Tyrone Davis, Office Office of Black of Black Ministry Ministry Archdiocese of New York of Black Ministry BaptistTyrone Ministers Conference Brother Davis, Office Archdiocese of New York of Black Ministry Brother Tyrone Office Baptist Baptist Ministers Ministers Conference Conference of Greater NY Davis, & Vicinity Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers of Greater ofDr. Greater NY NY & Vicinity &Conference Vicinity Rev. Charles A. Curtis, President Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY &A.Vicinity Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Charles Charles Curtis, A. Curtis, President President Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev.Berean Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr.Arlee Charles A. President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Griffin Jr.,Curtis, Jr., Pastor Pastor Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev.Bethany Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY Sr. NY Pastor Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Rev.Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus Dr.B.C., Adolphus C. Lacey, C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., NY Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., B.C., Newark, NJNY NJ Rev.Bethany Timothy E.Newark, Jones, Pastor Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Timothy Timothy E. Newark, Jones, E. Jones, Pastor PastorPastor Bethany B.C., NJ Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethany B.C.,E.Missionary Newark, NJB.C., Rev. Timothy Jones, Pastor Bethlehem B.C., Roselle, Roselle, NJ NJ Rev.Bethlehem Jeffrey Missionary Bryan, Pastor Rev.Rev. Timothy E.Bryan, Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, Beulah BibleBryan, Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Jeffrey Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Beulah Bible Bible Cathedral Cathedral Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJNJNJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, Gerald Gerald Lydell Lydell Dickson, Dickson, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor NJ Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Garfield, Garfield, NJ NJNJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior PastorNJ Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, Rev. Rev. Calvin Calvin McKinney, McKinney, Pastor Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ NJ Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJNJ NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Morristown, Morristown, Rev.Calvary Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Rev. Jerry Jerry M. Carter, M. Carter, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Calvary Baptist Morristown, Canaan B.M. C.Carter, of Church, Christ, Harlem, NY NJ Rev. Jerry Jr., Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr.,Harlem, Pastor Canaan B. C. B.D. of C.Johnson, Christ, of Christ, Harlem, NY NY NJ Rev.Canaan Thomas Pastor Rev.Rev. Jerry Jr., Pastor Canaan B.M. C.D.Carter, ofJohnson, Harlem, Rev. Thomas Thomas D.Christ, Johnson, Pastor PastorNY Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, Canaan B.C.,D.Paterson, NJ Rev. Thomas Pastor NY Canaan B. B.C., C.D. ofJohnson, Christ,NJ Harlem, Rev. Thomas Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJ NY Rev.Canaan Barry L. Graham, Pastor Rev.Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., NJ Rev. Barry Barry L. Graham, L.Paterson, Graham, Pastor Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Cathedral International., Rev. BarryB.C., L. Graham, Pastor Canaan Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Perth Amboy, NJ Cathedral Cathedral International., International., Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Perth Amboy, Amboy, NJ NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJHilliard, Bishop Bishop Donald Donald Hilliard, Pastor Pastor Cathedral International., Perth NJ CharityAmboy, Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Bronx, Bronx, NY NY Rev.Charity Reginald Williams, Pastor Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, Rev. Rev. Reginald Reginald Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor NY Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY NY Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY NY NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Christian Cultural Center, Center, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Rev. A.R. Cultural Barnard, Pastor Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Rev. A.R. A.R. Barnard, Barnard, Pastor Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, Rev. A.R. Love Barnard, Pastor Christian Christian Love B.C., B.C., Irvington, Irvington, NJ NJ NY Clear ViewBarnard, Baptist Church, Newark, Rev. A.R. Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ NJ Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ NJ NJ Clear View View Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, Rev.Clear Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Christian Love Irvington, NJ NJ Clear View Church, Newark, Rev. Rev. Curtis Curtis W.Baptist Belle, W.B.C., Belle, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., PastorNewark, Clear View Baptist Church, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Community B.C., B.C., Englewood, Englewood, Rev.Community Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor NJ NJ Rev.Rev. Curtis W.B.C., Belle, Jr., Pastor NJ Community Englewood, Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester Lester Taylor, Taylor, Pastor Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor NJ Community B.C., Englewood, Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NYPlainfield, NJ Community Church of God, Community Church of NY God, Concord Concord B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYPlainfield, NJ Rev. Dr.B.C., Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. GaryGary V. Simpson, V.Brooklyn, Simpson, Pastor Pastor Concord B.C., NY Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Gary V.Brooklyn, Simpson, Pastor Concord B.C., NY Rev. Dr. Gary Pastor New York, NYV. Simpson, Convent Convent Avenue Avenue Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Rev. Dr. Gary V.T.Simpson, Convent Avenue BaptistPastor Church, New New York, NY NY Rev. Dr.York, Jesse Willams, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Rev. Dr.York, Dr. Jesse Jesse T. Willams, T. Willams, Pastor Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New NY Ebenezer B.C. Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Jesse T.ofWillams, Pastor New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse Willams, Pastor Ebenezer Ebenezer B.C. B.C. ofT.Davis, Englewood, of Englewood, NJ NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Pastor Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. ofDavis, Englewood, Rev. Rev. Jovan Jovan Troy Troy Davis, Pastor Pastor NJ Ebenezer of Englewood, NJ Emmanuel Baptist Church, NY Rev. Jovan B.C. Troy Davis, Pastor Brooklyn Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ NY NY Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor Emmanuel Emmanuel Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Brooklyn Rev. Anthony Trufant, PastorBrooklyn Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor Brooklyn NY Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rev. Rev. Anthony Anthony Trufant, Trufant, Pastor Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Brooklyn NY NY Empire Missionary B.C., Convention Rev. Anthony Trufant,Church, Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Pastor Empire Empire Missionary B.C., B.C., Convention Convention NY NY Rev. Dr.Missionary Carl T.Trufant, Washington, Jr., Pastor Rev. Trufant, Pastor Empire Missionary B.C., Convention Rev. Rev. Dr.Anthony Dr. Carl Carl T. Washington, T. Washington, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor NY Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Fellowship Missionary B.C., NJ Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr.,Newark, Pastor NY Empire Missionary B.C., Convention Rev. Dr. Elton Carl T.Missionary Jr.,Newark, PastorNJ NJ Fellowship Fellowship Missionary B.C., B.C., Newark, Rev. Dr. T.Washington, Byrd Pastor/Founder Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Elton Elton T. Byrd T. Byrd Pastor/Founder Pastor/Founder Fellowship B.C.,Somerset Newark, NJ First Dr. B.C.Elton of Missionary Lincoln NJ Rev. T. ByrdGardens, Pastor/Founder Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First First B.C. of Lincoln of Lincoln Gardens, Gardens, Somerset Somerset NJ NJ NJ Rev. Dr.B.C. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Rev. Dr.B.C. Dr. DeForest DeForest (Buster) (Buster) Soaries, Soaries, Pastor Pastor First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ FirstDr. Baptist Church, EastSoaries, Elmhurst, NY Rev. DeForest (Buster) Pastor First B.C. ofChurch, Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, EastEast Elmhurst, Elmhurst, NY NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Rev Patrick Patrick Henry Henry Young, Young, Pastor Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY FirstPatrick BaptistHenry Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev Young, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First First Baptist Church Church of Teaneck, ofHarris, Teaneck, NJ NJ NY Rev. Dr.Baptist Marilyn Monroe Pastor Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Baptist Dr. Marilyn Marilyn Monroe Monroe Harris, Harris, Pastor Pastor First Church of Harris, Teaneck, NJ FirstDr. Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Marilyn Monroe Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr.Corinthian Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First First Corinthian Baptist Church, Church, NY NY Rev. Michael A.Baptist Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Rev. Michael Michael A. Walrond, A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Jr. Senior Pastor Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY FirstMichael Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First First Park Park Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Pastor Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rev. Rufus Rufus McClendon, McClendon, Jr., Jr., Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ FirstRufus Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, South South Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Rev. McClendon, Jr.,Pastor Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Rufus Terry Dr. Terry Richardson, Richardson, Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Friendship Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Dr. TerryBaptist Richardson, Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Friendship Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Rahway, Rahway, NJNJ NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Rev. Allen Allen Thompson, Thompson, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr.,Jr., Pastor General General Baptist Convention, Convention, NJ NJ Rev. Dr.Baptist Lester W. Taylor, President Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester Lester W. Taylor, W. Taylor, Jr., Jr., President President General Baptist Convention, NJ GoodDr.Neighbor Church Rev. Lester W.Baptist Taylor, Jr., President General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President Good Good Neighbor Church Church Rev. Dr.Neighbor GeorgeBaptist A.Baptist Blackwell, III, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester W.Blackwell, Taylor, Jr., President Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. George George A. A. Blackwell, III, Pastor III, Pastor Good Baptist Church Grace B.George C., Mt.A. Vernon, NY III, Pastor Rev. Dr.Neighbor Blackwell, Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace Grace B. C., B. C., Mt. Mt. Vernon, Vernon, NY NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Rev. A.Vernon, Blackwell, Pastor Grace B.George C., Mt. NY III, Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Dr. Franklyn Franklyn W. Richardson, W. Richardson, Pastor Grace C., Mt. Vernon, NY Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr.B. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Greater Abyssinian Abyssinian BC,BC, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Allen Allen Potts, Potts, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, Greater Zion HillSenior B.C., Harlem, NYNJ Rev. Allen Potts, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor Greater Greater Zion HillJ.Hill B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Dr.Zion Frank Blackshear, Pastor Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Greater Zion Hill B.C., Pastor Harlem, NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Frank Frank J. Blackshear, J. Blackshear, Pastor Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Harlem Congregations for Pastor Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Greater Zion Hill B.C.,for Harlem, NY Rev. Dr.Congregations Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Community Improvement Harlem Harlem Congregations for(HCCI) Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Community Community Improvement Improvement (HCCI) (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO Harlem for&(HCCI) Community Improvement Malcolm Malcolm A.Congregations Punter, A. Punter, President President CEO & CEO Harlem Congregations for (HCCI) Community Improvement Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO NJ Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Chamberlayne, Punter, President &Orange, CEONJ NJ Imani Imani Baptist Baptist Church, Church, EastEast Orange, Rev.Chuch Pastor Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO NJ Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Rev.Chuch Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Chamberlayne, Pastor Pastor Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJNJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Chamberlayne, Pastor It Rev.Chuch IsItWell IsKahlil Well Living Living Ministries, Ministries, Clark, Clark, NJ NJNJ Rev. Carmichael, Pastor Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor It IsKahlil Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Carmichael, Pastor Pastor It Is Well Ministries, Clark, NJ NJ Macedonia Baptist Church, Rev. KahlilLiving Carmichael, PastorLakewood, It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJNJ NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Macedonia Church, Church, Lakewood, Lakewood, Dr.Macedonia EdwardBaptist D.Baptist Harper, Pastor Rev. KahlilD.Carmichael, PastorLakewood, NJ Baptist Church, Dr.Macedonia Dr. Edward Edward Harper, D. Harper, Pastor Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Lakewood, NJ Macedonia Baptist Church, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

Temple B.C., New York, NY Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev.Mariners’ Rev. Dr. Dr. Henrietta Henrietta Carter, Carter, Pastor Pastor Tracey Tracey Brown, Brown, Pastor Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY CT Rev.Rev. Ruth Fellowship Plainfield, NJ Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, Shiloh AMEBrown, ZionMinistries, Church, NJ Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor Rev. Tracey Pastor Englewood, Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, Rev. Dr.Baptist Henrietta Carter, Pastor Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Messiah Messiah Baptist Church, Church, Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT CT Shiloh Shiloh AME AME Zion Zion Church, Church, Englewood, Englewood, NJ NJNJ Rev. James Logan, Pastor Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Baptist Church, CT Rev.Rev. Shiloh Zion Church, NJ Rev.Messiah Rev. James James Logan, Logan, Pastor Pastor Bridgeport, John John D.AME Givens, D. Givens, Pastor Pastor Englewood, Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Shiloh AME Church, Messiah Baptist Church, Orange, NJ Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJEnglewood, NJ Rev. James Logan, PastorEast Rev. John D. Zion Givens, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Shiloh Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. James Logan, Pastor Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Messiah Messiah Baptist Baptist Church, Church, East East Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Shiloh B.C., B.C., Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor James Logan, PastorEast Orange, NJ Rev.Rev. Rev. John D. Hamilton, Givens,Sr., Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJSenior Rev.Rev. Rev. Dana Dana Owens, Owens, Pastor Pastor Hodari Hodari K. Hamilton, K. Sr., Senior Pastor Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, EastNJ Orange, NJ Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, Metropolitan B.C., Newark, Shiloh B.C.,K.Trenton, NJNJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Rev. 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Darell Armstrong, Pastor Mount Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, Englewood, NJPastor NJ St. St. Anthony Anthony Baptist Church, Church, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Rev. Dr.Baptist Duane E. Cooper, Pastor Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ St. Anthony Baptist Church, NY Rev.Mount Rev. Dr. Vernon Dr. Calvary Vernon C. Walton, C.B.C., Walton, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Dr. Duane Duane E. Baptist Cooper, E. Cooper, Pastor PastorBrooklyn, Englewood, NJ St. Anthony Church, Brooklyn, Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJNY Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Duane Cooper, Pastor New York, NY Mount Mount Calvary Calvary United United Methodist Methodist Church, Church, St. St. John John Baptist Camden, Camden, NJ NJ NY Rev. Dr. Baptist SilasChurch, M.E.Church, Townsend, Pastor Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr.Silas Duane E. Cooper, Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, Rev.Rev. St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ New New York, York, NY NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor Dr. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, M. Townsend, Pastor Pastor Calvary United Methodist Church, St. John Baptist Church,Plains, Camden, New York, NY St. John’s B.C., Scotch NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor Rev.Mount Rev. Francis Francis Kairson, Kairson, Pastor Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, St.John’s John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ New York, NY Rev. Dr.B.C., Silas M.Scotch Townsend, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY St. St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, Plains, NJ NJ Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor New York, NY Rev. Dr. Silas Townsend, Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJPastor Francis Kairson, Pastor Mt.Rev. Mt. Neboh Neboh Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev.Rev. Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Dr. Evans Dr. Evans L. Spagner, L. M. Spagner, Interim Interim Senior Senior Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev.John’s Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Rev.Mt. Rev. Dr. Dr. Johnnie Johnnie Green Green Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor St. B.C., Scotch NJNYPastor Baptist Church, Harlem, NY St. St. Rev. Dr. L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C.,Green Brooklyn, NY Luke Luke Baptist Baptist Church Church of Harlem, ofPlains, Harlem, NY Rev.Neboh Dr. Johnnie Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr.Evans Johnnie McCann, Pastor Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Evans L. 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Clayton, Clayton, Pastor Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJJ. NJJackson, St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Rev. Gregory Pastor Pastor StJames Luke B.C., Paterson, NJPastor Olive Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kenneth Clayton, Pastor St. St. James AME AME Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev.Mount Rev. Gregory Gregory J. Jackson, J.Baptist Jackson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Ronald L.D.R. Slaughter, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor NJ St. James Church, Newark, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev.Rev. Rev. Gregory J.NJ Jackson, Pastor Ronald Ronald L. Slaughter, L.AME Slaughter, Pastor Pastor Hackensack, St. James AME Church, Newark, Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Mount Zion Zion Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Westwood, Westwood, NJ NJ St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJNJ Rev. RonaldAME L. Slaughter, Pastor Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor St.John’s James Church, Newark, Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion Church, Westwood, NJ St. St. Rev. L. Wallace, Slaughter, Pastor John’s B.C., B.C., Scotch Scotch Plains, Plains, NJ NJ NJ Rev.Rev. Rev. Barry Barry R. Miller, R.Baptist Miller, Pastor Pastor Rev. Ronald Shawn T. Sr., Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John’s Scotch Plains, Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, Rev. Barry R. Miller, PastorNJWestwood, NJ Rev.Rev. Shawn Shawn T. Wallace, T.B.C., Wallace, Sr.,Sr., Pastor Pastor NJ Mount Zion Baptist Church, St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, Barry Miller, Pastor Mt.Rev. Mt. Olivet Olivet B.C,R. B.C, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Sr., Pastor Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Sr., PastorNJ St. St. Paul Paul Baptist, Baptist, Red Red Bank, Bank, NJ NJ Rev.Mt. Rev. André André W. Milteer, W. Milteer, Pastor Pastor Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor B.C, Newark, NJ Rev.Alexander Shawn T.Brown, Wallace, Sr., Pastor St. Paul Baptist, RedPastor Bank, NJ Mt. Olivet Zion Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. AndréAME W. Milteer, Pastor Rev.Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ St. Baptist, Red B.C., Bank, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt.Mt. Mt. ZionZion AME Church, Church, Trenton, Trenton, St. Paul Mark Missionary NY Rev. Alexander Brown, PastorJamaica, Rev. J.AME Stanley Justice, PastorNJ NJ St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ NY NY Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. St. Mark Mark Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Jamaica, Jamaica, Rev.Mt. Rev. J. Stanley J. Stanley Justice, Justice, Pastor Pastor Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev.Zion J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Owen Owen E. Williams, E. Williams, Pastor Pastor AMEChurch, Church, Trenton, NJNJ NJ Rev.Rev. St. B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. J.Baptist Stanley Justice, Pastor Mt.Mt. Mt. ZionZion Baptist Church, Westwood, Westwood, St. Mark Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. OwenMissionary E. Williams, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev.Zion J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Mt. Baptist Church, Westwood, Rev. Owen E.AME Williams, Pastor St. St. Matthew Matthew AME Church, Church, Orange, Orange, NJ NJ NY Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ NewMt. New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Metuchen, Metuchen, NJ NJ Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew Church, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Dr. Dr. Lanel Lanel D. Guyton, D.AME Guyton, Pastor PastorOrange, Baptist Westwood, New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev.Rev. St. AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev.Mt. Rev. Dr.Zion Dr. Ronald Ronald L. Owens, L. Church, Owens, Pastor Pastor St. Matthew Paul's B.C., NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D.Montclair, Guyton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ St.Paul's Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ New Hope Baptist Church of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. St. Paul's B.C., B.C., Montclair, Montclair, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L.Church Owens, Hackensack, Hackensack, New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church ofPastor ofNJ Rev. Dr.Bernadette Lanel D.Montclair, Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., NJ Rev.Rev. Dr. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Interim Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ NJ St. B.C.,Glover, Montclair, NJ Rev. Kevin Jones, Pastor St. Paul's Paul Community B.C., Pastor Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, NJ St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ NY NY Rev.Hackensack, Rev. Kevin Kevin Jones, Jones, Interim Interim Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. St. Paul Paul Community Community B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ NewKevin Jerusalem Worship Center, Rev. Jones, Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev.Rev. David David K. Brawley, K. Brawley, Pastor Pastor Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor Jamaica, NY New New Jerusalem Jerusalem Worship Worship Center, Center, St. B.C., Brooklyn, ThePaul New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ NY Rev. DavidCommunity K. Brawley, Pastor Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor New Jerusalem Worship Center, St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Jamaica, Jamaica, NY NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor TheThe New Hope Hope B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev.New Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor NJ Rev.New Rev. Dr. Dr. Calvin Calvin Rice, Rice, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, New Jerusalem Worship Center, Rev. Rev. Joe Joe Carter, Carter, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Jamaica, NY NewDr. LifeCalvin Cathedral, Mt. Holly, Rev. Senior PastorNJ The New HopeTemple,, B.C., Newark, NJ NJ Union Baptist Bridgeton, Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Jamaica, NY Rice, Rev. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJNJ New New LifeDr. Life Cathedral, Cathedral, Mt. Mt. Holly, Holly, NJ NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor NJ Union Union Baptist Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, Bridgeton, Rev. Albert L. Temple,, Morgan, Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Rev.New Rev. EricEric Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Rev. Albert Albert L. Morgan, L. Morgan, Pastor Pastor Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ NewEric ZionWallace, B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ NJ United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, New New Zion Zion B.C., B.C., Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJPastor NJ NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Rev. Albert L.H.Morgan, Pastor United United Fellowship Fellowship B.C., B.C., Asbury Asbury Park, Park, NJNJ NJ Rev. James Brown, Sr., Pastor Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Albert Morgan, Pastor Rev.New Rev. Kevin Kevin James James White, Pastor Pastor United Fellowship Asbury Park, NJ Rev.Rev. James James H. Brown, H.L.Brown, Sr.,B.C., Sr., Pastor Pastor Zion B.C.,White, Elizabeth, NJ NorthKevin Stelton A.M.E. Church, Rev. James White, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, Walker Memorial B.C.Sr., Bronx, Rev. James H. Brown, PastorNYPark, NJ New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Piscataway, NJ United Fellowship B.C., Asbury NJ North North Stelton Stelton A.M.E. A.M.E. Church, Church, Rev. James H.B.C. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Walker Memorial Memorial B.C. Bronx, Bronx, NY NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor North Stelton A.M.E. Church, Piscataway, Piscataway, NJ NJ L. Saunders, Pastor Rev. Dr.Stelton Kenneth Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., PastorNY Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. J. Albert J. Albert Bush Bush Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor North A.M.E. Church, Piscataway, NJ Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev.Piscataway, Rev. Dr. Dr. Kenneth Kenneth L.A.M.E. Saunders, L. Saunders, Pastor Pastor Welcome BaptistBush Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Memorial J. Albert Sr., Pastor North Church, NJ Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Pastor Walker B.C.Newark, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr.Stelton Kenneth L. Saunders, Rev. Dr. J.Baptist Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Welcome Baptist Church, Church, Newark, NJ NJ Piscataway, NJNewark, Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor Rev. Dr. L. Saunders, Paradise Paradise B.Kenneth C., B.James, C., Newark, NJ NJ Pastor Rev. Jethro Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Elijah Elijah C.Williams, C.Williams, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJNJ Rev.Paradise Rev. Jethro Jethro James, James, Pastor Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor C., Newark, NJ of Christ, ParkJethro Ave B. Christian Disciples Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Pastor Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor World World Gospel Music Music Assoc., Assoc., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Paradise B.James, C., NJ Dr.Gospel Albert Lewis, Founder Rev. 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Learning in the Transition Zone

Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 20 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, Learning in the Transition Zone Learning in the Transition Zone Learning in the Transition Zone

Learning in the Transition Zone Learning in the Transition Zone Learning in the Transition Zone Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018

Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Learning in the Transition Zone Learning in the Transition Zone Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018

Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 201 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Dear Genera Dear General Baptis Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Friday, April 20 – Saturday, April 21, 2018 Dear General Baptist Family and Guest Churches, Dear General Baptist Family and Guest Church Dear General Baptist Family and Guest Ch Dear General Baptist Family and Guest Church Dear General Baptist Family and Guest

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Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Convention President Rev. John Gamble, State Director Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President Rev. John Gamble, State Director Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn Rev. John Gamble, State Director Rev. John Gamble, State Director Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Convention President Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Convention President LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn

Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President Rev. John Gamble, State Director

Rev. John Gamble, State Director Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Rev. John Gamble, State Director 304 Route 22 West Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean 304 Route 22 West Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President Dr. Edward J. Bryant, Congress President LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn

Rev. John Gamble, State Director Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean

Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Springfield, New Jersey

Springfield, New Jersey Rev. John Gamble, State Director Rev. John Gamble, State Director 304 Route 22 West 304 Route 22 West 304 Route 22 West 304 Route 22 West 304 Route 22 West LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean

LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn

Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Mrs. Merrill-Jean Bailey, State Dean Springfield, New Jersey Springfield, New Jersey Springfield, New Jersey Springfield, New Jersey Springfield, New Jersey 304 Route 22 West LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn

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plan for more information. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums are covered for enrollees of UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete ONE (HMO SNP). Members must use network plan providers, pharmacies, and Saturday, April 21, 2018 8 AM – 3 PM Breakfast | Classes | Lunch | Closing Ceremony DME (Durable Medical Equipment) suppliers. Members will be enrolled into Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage under the plan and will be automatically disenrolled from any

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ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK Dedicated to the loving memory, devoted ministry and courageous leadership of: Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker 1929–2018, Pastor Emeritus, Canaan Baptist Church, Harlem NY, and Rev. Dr. Shirley Bernice Seabrook-Cathie, Ed.D, 1926–2017, Pastor Emeritus, Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ.

On Education, Community Pride and Cultural Literacy:

Rediscovering the Real Power of Soul

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elcome to The Positive Community’s (TPC) Education Issue! Special thanks to the educators: in public, charter, private, parochial, church Sunday Schools, Masjid, and Synagogues. At no time should we ever devalue the important contribution of those committed to the education of our children—our future. A quality education is not exclusive to a classroom experience. Ideally, learning begins in the home and is nurtured in the community. Cultural literacy, encompassing all the above, is key to lasting progress.

Congratulations to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka for his leadership in bringing Newark Public Schools back to local control after 22 years of being state run—an awesome accomplishment! We will share the full story in a future issue.

In this edition, we are proud to introduce our readers to world-renowned astrophysicist, author and science communicator, Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of NYC’s Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of National History (pg. 43). Dr. Tyson selected The Positive Community to represent a special outreach effort to promote the sciences among young people and their families.

As I see it, the role of the educator is to stimulate in children a healthy curiosity about things, places, experiences, and ideas. Adults in the home and the community are to inspire and encourage—helping them to choose their heroes wisely and make informed career choices. Along with our faith institutions, everyone can play a role in youth character development. Indeed, “it takes a village to raise a child!”

A Community-Building Ideal

In this issue, we celebrate the forward-thinking education institutions that care. We make this appeal to our community

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The Positive Community April 2018

Young boy reads The Cultural Narrative during 2013 Watch Night service at Community Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ.

of readers and subscribers: support or seriously consider doing business with the corporations, local businesses, schools and institutions that advertise in this publication. These are the ones—stakeholders of progress—that have already said “yes” to a positive, community-building ideal thus making it possible for our team to deliver Good News from the Church and Community to your church, school, businesses, public and private institutions each month for the past 19 years.

“Shout Out” to members of TPC’s Great Roll Call to Progress (see page 7). We welcome our newest member to the Roll Call, the mighty North Stelton AME Church in Piscataway, NJ, where Rev. Dr. Kenneth L Saunders is pastor.

Recently, I was speaking with a pastor friend about the 50th anniversary observances of Martin Luther King’s death.

We both agreed the church of the future will need to do much more to promote cultural literacy. At the same time, coincidentally, we both suggested the book by noted theologian, James H. Cone: Martin, Malcolm and America! No one from our community should ever graduate high school without reading and comprehending this book. And, ideally it should be a primary responsibility of our own community institutions—faith based and otherwise to see to it.

The Power of Soul

On December 31, 2012—Watch Night—TPC introduced the Cultural Narrative to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Great Emancipation of 1863. At midnight, scores of congregations in NY, NJ and CT, welcomed 2013 by inviting a young person to read the following:

Download The Cultural Narrative at www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Cultural Narrative African Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law signaling an end to slavery.

On that day the African American community of the United States was born.

One hundred years later, in August, 1963, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a “March on Washington” seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen

rights for the people in what has been called the “Second Emancipation.”

Forty years after Martin Luther King’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, Barrack Obama (2008). In the 100 years between the first and “second emancipation,” in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine on in areas of religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports and in the creative arts—music, dance, language, fashion, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! That is our story—the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph! Let us never cease to remind ourselves; may we never grow weary of telling our own story to each other. Moving forward, every single child in our community, by the age of 12, should be able to read, speak, and comprehend this Cultural Narrative. Our collective future depends on it.

Finally, let us never, ever forget this enduring, unwav-

ering truth: on this world, and in this society, the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture, values and traditions—our collective soul—mean everything.

It’s our passport to happiness—the way forward—towards a prosperous and healthy future. We have all been entrusted with and called to insure the survival and safe passage of values from this generation to the next . . . and therein lies the real power of Soul!

Website

Exclusive: Ras J. Baraka Lecture on Spirituality

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

11

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

11

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

A Little Extra for Easter

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e’ve celebrated yet another Resurrection weekend and delighted in the fact that spring has sprung, so to speak. For the Christian, as the late Billy Graham preached after the 9/11 tragedy, the Resurrection is the highlight in the world of Christendom.

In pockets of various and sundry communities, frantic shopping occurred as frustrated shoppers paced hither and yon to find the right patent leather shoe for their little miss while measuring ties for the boy who wants to be a man as he tried to tell Mama he’s not going to wear short pants anymore. Of course, he still looks forward to his Easter basket and all of the candy and goodies inside, but he’s definitely too grown for those short pants. Besides, the way the weather has been lately, you never know if you’ll be dressing in seersucker for a lovely spring day, or wearing a winter coat.

I always ask the Lord for spring weather on Easter Sunday because I want to see everyone decked out in

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The Positive Community April 2018

pastel colors as they sway to the rhythm of the choir before the little ones put on the Easter pageant. I also love to see who will wear the hat with the widest brim because you know church folk can be extra, especially on Easter.

Speaking of church folk, a friend shared with me that she was invited to celebrate Easter with a friend’s family. After worshipping at their church, she was on her way to dinner at the home of someone she hadn’t yet met. She became separated from their caravan at a red light, but used her GPS to navigate to the correct street where she recognized some cars. She knocked and let herself in, then waved at the people in the living room as she headed toward the kitchen. There she found unfamiliar ladies working with pots and pans so she greeted them, presented them with a bottle of wine and asked, “Where’s everyone else?” She was told they were in the backyard, so she walked out there to find people who looked familiar, but clearly were neither her friend nor the friend’s family. At that moment she realized she was at the wrong house! She made a beeline back to the kitchen to retrieve her wine and take her leave, but was approached by the hostess with a “leaving so soon?” My friend fessed up to her blunder as the hostess laughed and said she had seen her at church, and anyone from church without someplace to go for Easter dinner was always welcome at her home, thus explaining the welcome my friend received.

The blessing of Christ’s sacrifice and the miracle of His resurrection are the good kind of extra that continue to provide for us on Easter!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Leading the Way at Brown Memorial Pastor Clinton M. Miller Celebrates 17th Anniversary

R

ev. Clinton M. Miller, born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, celebrated his 17th anniversary as pastor of the historic Brown Memorial Baptist Church in his hometown. Installed on March 19, 2001, as the church’s seventh pastor after a long and arduous search following the death of Rev. Dr. Samuel Austin in January,1998, Rev. Milller continues to lead the church in making strides toward its goal of empowering new ministries to meet the needs of God’s people. Through scholarship funds, food pantries, benevolence, and The Fryday Fund, Brown engages in responsible stewardship.

The music ministry has been expanded to include liturgical dancing, drama, audio, traditional and contemporary media, as well as CDs and social networking to express the Gospel of Jesus. The Brown Community Development Corporation (BCDC) assists families and pursues fair and just policies in New York and beyond.

The MLK After school program, community organizing, job development, and community wellness are all inte-

gral parts of BCDC’S mission and purpose. In addition to leading individuals to salvation, Brown has advocated for social justice and economic and educational equality in New York City. Under Miller’s dynamic leadership, construction of the Brown Memorial Fellowship Hall has been completed, other major renovation projects are underway, and most importantly, church membership is growing spiritually and exponentially.

On Anniversary Sunday, March 11, 2018, Rev. Lamont Granby brought an inspiring message.

Congressman Hakim Jeffries delivered congratulations from the Congressional Black Caucus and a magnificent musical presentation by students from the Noel Pointer Foundation highlighted the celebration.

Rev. Miller earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Connecticut State University. His mission is to demonstrate consistent Christian service, strong financial administration, and sound preaching to introduce the salvation of Jesus Christ to individuals through dynamic worship and relevant Christian education. —JNW Photos: Lem Peterkin

Students from the The Noel Pointer Foundation

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The Positive Community April 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MSU President Cole Visits Paradise B.C

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L–R: NJ Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.; First Lady Rev. Dr. Kim Yancey James, Bishop Jethro James, pastor; MSU President Susan A. Cole, Phd.; Jeff Indiveri-Gant, MSU director of Undergraduate Admissions; and Rahjaun Gordon , assoc. director of Educational Opportunity Fund.

elcomed by Pastor Jethro and First Lady Kim James, Montclair State University President Susan Cole addressed the congregation of Paradise Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. Dr. Cole stressed the critical importance of higher education, invited congregation members to visit the MSU campus, and encouraged young people to apply.

Photo: Erika Bleiberg

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April 2018 The Positive Community

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L–R: Rev. Dr. Evans Spagner and Sister Joyce Small, president, GBCNJ Women’s Auxiliary

Rev. Dr. D. Darrell Griffin, keynote speaker; and Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, GBCNJ president

General Baptist Convention of NJ Superb Learning and Warm Hospitality

BY REV. DR. EVANS SPAGNER

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Pastor Lester Wormley, Evangelist Nellie Suggs, Pastor Jeffrey Bryan, and Lester Taylor

Photos: Karen Waters

ver 250 members and friends of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey gathered for a Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, where Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries serves as senior pastor. We appreciate First Baptist and Dr. Soaries for opening their doors to us and once again exceeding our expectations. We had a superb learning experience that was greatly enhanced by warm hospitality and Christian fellowship. Given that time is filled with swift transition, President Lester Taylor expressed the need for relevant ministry and leaders who are equipped to move ministry forward in spite of circumstances. We were blessed by the keynote speaker, Dr. D. Darrell Griffin, author of Navigating Pastoral Leadership in the Transition Zone. Conferees provided enthusiastic feedback and indicated that they felt better informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference in their corner of Zion.

Pastor John Spencer facilitated a module

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The Positive Community April 2018

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Starting with the 2018 fall freshman class, our new Presidential Scholars Program will give accomplished, motivated students the added challenge of special academic and career preparation opportunities, and a $5,000 scholarship for each of their four years of study.

Known statewide for a welcoming, diverse community, solid academics and the advantages of easy access to career-ready internships in New York and New Jersey, with this new program Montclair State helps New Jersey’s high-achieving students prepare for success.

If you have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, and a record of rigorous high school study, you can apply to be a Presidential Scholar at Montclair State.

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Making Connections Verizon and NJ Chamber Host 81st Walk to Washington

Leon Ellis

L–R: Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura; VP State Government Affairs NY, NJ and Ct., Verizon Leecia Eaves; and Verizon VP of External Affairs Samuel Delgado

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L–R: MSU President Susan A. Cole and NJ State Senator Ronald Rice

L–R: Terry Tucker, chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver; and Shivaun Gaines, director of Government Affairs, MSU

L–R: Jazz Clayton-Hunt, director of Communications; Mayor Adrian Mapp, Plainfield, NJ; and Tai Cooper, deputy Policy Advisor to NJ Governor Phil Murphy thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community April 2018

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egislators, corporations, and small business owners came together on Thursday, March 1 to discuss the state’s most pressing issues while on a train to Washington, D.C. as part of the 81st annual “Walk to Washington.”

Following the Verizon-sponsored breakfast at the Gateway Hilton Hotel across from Newark Penn Station, attendees boarded a private Amtrak train. Fourteen cars soon filled with people looking to make face-to-face connections.

“It's an avenue for people to have great discussions, very fruitful discussions, and come up with great ideas and ways that we can improve the economy and grow jobs here in the state of New Jersey,” explained Michael Egenton, EVP of the NJ Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor.

“We want to make sure the community is aware that we’re interested in what their concerns are, what the concerns are for the community and the constituents, and if there’s somethingByweGlenda can doCadogan to make it better, we show them we’re here for you and we can work together and partner,” said VP of NJ Operations, Verizon, Yolanda Stancil.

Lawmakers speaking to Fios1 News say that with a new administration in Trenton, the event has become a unique way for both sides of the aisle to have their passions and the needs of their constituents heard.

Republican Assemblyman Jon Bramnick set forth the challenge. “What we have to do is say, ‘Democrat or Republican, look at each other and say let’s compromise.’”

Summer 2017 The Positive Community —JNW 17

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: Samantha Gordon, senior advisor to Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Mayor Baraka; and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVenczo

Yoli Stancil, VP of NJ Operations, Verizon

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“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the variety of services available, and the important role and impact that Essex County has on the community and our quality of life. Having our Open House at Turtle Back Zoo enables us to showcase the many exciting exhibits and attractions that have made our Zoo a destination attraction. I look forward to seeing you at our 16th Annual Open House.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite you to Attend the

16th Annual

FREE ADMISSION

Essex County Open House Saturday, June 3rd 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Essex County Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ For information, call 973-621-4400  Enjoy Games and Family Friendly Activities  Learn about Essex County Programs &Services  Treetop Adventure (fees apply)  Paddle Boating (fees apply)  Ride the Carousel ($2 per ride)  Play on our miniGOLF Safari ($10 children/$12 adults)  Ride the Ponies ($2 per ride)  Travel through the woods on our Miniature Train (Free)  Walk through the Outback Adventure and Aviary ($2 per feedstick – weather permitting)  Visit our Natural Habitat Exhibits featuring Lions, Hyenas, Giraffes, Sea Lions, Sharks, Jaguars, Komodo Dragon, Gibbons Apes, Jaguars, Black Bears, Penguins, Otters, Alligators, Eagles, Cougars, Condors, Giant Anteaters and the Reptile House Advertisement supported with a grant from the Essex County Parks Foundation. Not printed at taxpayers’ expense.

Circle of Achievement Awards Gala Hosted by NJ African American Chamber of Commerce

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L–R: Harry Lennix, John E. Harmon ach year during Black History Month, the African and Hosea Johnson American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey (AACCNJ) recognizes distinguished African Americans who have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, sports, or entertainment.

On February 15, 2018 AACCNJ’s black-tie awards gala at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ was filled to capacity.

Harry Lennix, the renowned film, television, and stage actor and producer, gave an inspiring keynote address in line with the event theme, “Bridging the Gap.” Each of the honorees spoke briefly about theAACCNJ and how the work of CEO John E Harmon Sr. continKim Green and her husband, ues to break down barriers for African American-owned Rev. Derrick L. Green, senior small businesses throughout the state. They are Laura L–R: Laura Wooten, Obie McKenzie, policy adviser for NJ Gov. and Sheriff Mildred Scott Wooten, election poll worker for more than 70 years; NJ Phil Murphy State Senator Sandra B. Cunningham; Obie McKenzie, Attendees were delighted to see New Jersey Governor managing director at BlackRock; Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott; and Louise Calloway, historian and Phil Murphy who, recognizing the value of the overwhelming support of Black voters in his election, made a founder, Underground Railroad Educational Center, surprise appearance. —JNW Burlington County, NJ. Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Malcolm and Flora Dunn; John E. Harmon, Sr.; NJ Governor Phil Murphy; Dr. Ursula Daniels of Bergen County College; and Cecil and Joanne Sanders www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

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Health ideas for wellness

Courtesy Alzheimers New Jersey (www.alznj.org)

Travel Tips for People Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

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or a person living with Alzheimer’s, a simple vacation can be anything but simple. Whether a vacation is just on the other side of town or across the country, careful planning and preparation is extremely important to help ensure the safety and comfort of both the person with Alzheimer’s as well as his or her caregiver. If travel is part of your future plans, here are some tips to consider when you’re traveling with someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Plan ahead. If you’re planning to visit family and friends, have a conversation with them before you arrive about your loved one’s condition. Be realistic as to what both you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease are able to do. Explain that you may not be able to do things the way you have in the past and will need to keep things manageable. When packing, include some items that your loved one may associate with being familiar and comfortable. Keep important documents with you in a safe place – health insurance cards, passports, doctors’ names and phone numbers, a list of medicines, and a copy of the person’s medical records.

Write down and bring a list of emergency contacts. If you are flying, notify the airline in advance for accommodations related to security, boarding and seating and to learn about any specific companion requirements.

You should also strongly consider traveling with another family member or friend who can assist you as well as the person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Simplify. Once at your destination, aim for as few changes in your daily routine as possible. Don’t plan too many activities in one day and allow lots of time for each activity. Consider traveling at non-peak times when crowds are smaller and wait times are shorter. Travel

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The Positive Community April 2018

light and try not to overpack so as not to overwhelm yourself and your travel companion.

Take time to rest. Go slowly – take time out for rest and even for nap periods. While traveling is exciting, too much stimulation all at once could overwhelm a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Remember that enjoying your vacation is your primary goal. Try not to fill every hour of every day with a flurry of activity. Schedule events earlier in the day to address sundowning.

Keep a light on. When staying in an environment that is unfamiliar to the person with Alzheimer’s disease, such as a hotel or the home of a friend or family member, keep an unobstructed and well-lighted path to the bathroom and leave the bathroom light on at night.

Carry Identification. Being in an unfamiliar place may cause someone with Alzheimer’s disease to wander as a way to find something familiar. In the event that your traveling companion gets lost, make sure that he/ she is carrying some form of identification with his/her name, your name and phone numbers including your mobile number and local phone numbers for contacts of those you are staying with such as family, friends or the hotel. Be sure to have a recent photo (paper and digital) of your travel companion.

Bring extra medication. Remember to bring enough medication with you to cover the period of travel. Also, bring medication for at least one extra day, just in case there are delays in your travel plans.

With thoughtful planning, a quick overnight “staycation” or an extended vacation can be a fun and rewarding experience for a person with Alzheimer’s and his/ her caregiver. Remember to adjust your expectations, be flexible with your itinerary, slow down and enjoy the small present moments. www.thepositivecommunity.com

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

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

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

The Same Power

W

e just celebrated Easter and I am so excited. I love the traditional holidays and Easter is one of my favorites. I have a sincere fondness for the way individuals who celebrate this wonderful holiday put on their Sunday best and make their way to church. But I also have an attachment to the traditional activities such as Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. I know, I’m old fashioned.

From a theological perspective, as a Christian, I celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus without shame. I believe in the power of the resurrection and what it represents.

One of my life scriptures is Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV): “and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”

As I was writing and meditating on this scripture, I began to reason and cogitate about the magnitude of God’s power, which lives inside of us. Could this same power that raised Jesus from the dead help the community overcome the lack of exercise, overeating, and unhealthy food choices?

More than a quarter of Americans age 50 and older do not move beyond basic everyday activities, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite the many benefits of moderate physical activity, including decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and early death; about 31 million U.S. adults are inactive. Hispanics and African-Americans were more likely to be physically inactive (zero exercise) than whites according to CBS News.

Exercise is defined as activity requiring physical effort, carried out specifically to sustain or improve health and fitness.

As a pastor and spiritual leader, I have seen this “God power” work and bring transformation to the lives of good people bound by various forms of dysfunctional behavior.

This power that raised Christ from the dead and helped addicts and other dysfunctional people experience freedom from what held them in bondage is the same power that can help black and brown communities overcome the inability to sustain a consistent exercise program, eat healthier, and consume less food.

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

This spiritual power is found within the believer. That’s right; it’s specific to the Christian. To access this power, you must accept Christ as Savior and submit yourself wholeheartedly to serving Him and becoming a disciple. There is no way around it. Resurrection power is set and precise to the Christian.

Secondly, prayer and meditation help bond and build the relationship with God through Christ. Prayer helps the individual develop a Christ consciousness, thus, helping him/ her become aware of the God-given power working on the inside. As my auntie often said, “How can you use what you don’t know you have?” Amen.

And finally, you must believe. Believe what? Believe the same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power working on the inside of you to help you overcome dysfunction. Yes, even the dysfunctional behavior of overeating, lack of exercise, and unhealthy food choices.

There is place for faith to support physical fitness and health. The bible teaches us that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit or as I like to say, “The body is the house of God.” If we don’t take care of it where are we going to live?

Remember when you listened to the man or woman of God preach about this power that raised Jesus from the dead? It is the same power!

I facilitate and teach a free workshop and seminar titled “The Truth about Weight Loss.” In this seminar, I teach the concept of getting healthier and fit from within. If you would like to learn more about this transformative seminar or how I might share with your church or organization, call my assistant Karen Beasley at (732) 912-4435 or send email to pastor@itiswellchurch.com Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, Live Well.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.

April April 2018 2018 The The Positive Positive Community Community

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A

D

M

V

ayra Rodriguez, 38 years-old, Union Township, N J, has been living and thriving with her long-term durable heart pump for the past ten years.

In 2007, she had just given birth to her son Gabriel when she began to experience symptoms of heart failure. Mayra remembers feeling shortness of breath and gaining at least 15 pounds.

At first she thought it was normal post-pregnancy fatigue but then she became too weak to carry her son to his crib and her elbows and knees were so bloated it was painful to bend them.

This was not her first bout with illness, two years earlier Mayra had battled non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

She was treated with chemotherapy and radiation and would later develop cardiomyopathy, a disease of the

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heart muscle. A few months after receiving news of her heart condition Mayra learned she was expecting her first child.

Now, after giving birth to her son, Mayra was diagnosed with heart failure, hospitalized and prescribed several medications to relieve her fluid retention but nothing worked; she was transferred to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

The Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, discovered that Mayra’s heart was barely moving and her kidneys and liver were also deteriorating.

On May 4, 2008 Mayra almost went into cardiac arrest and was placed on an emergency life support device called ECMO (extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation) to keep her alive until the surgical team

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could implant temporary emergency mechanical heart pumps, which would take over the work of her failed heart.

In the next two weeks, Mayra’s liver and kidney function returned to normal but her heart function remained poor; it was clear that she was totally dependent on mechanical support to keep her alive.

On May 19, she returned to the operating room to have her emergency mechanical pumps replaced by a long-term durable heart pump (HeartMate II).

The operation went well and 10 years later Mayra and her family are hiking together, walking 5Ks and she even goes to the gym three times a week. Mayra says she feels great and is looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays with her friends, family and her HeartMate II. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Women’s Health Day Women Empowering Women to Better Health

Saturday, May 5 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Panel begins at 10 a.m.)

Newark Airport Marriott • 1 Hotel Road, Newark Newark Beth Israel Medical Center invites you to join us for Women’s Health Day, a very special program focused on empowering women, promoting healthy lifestyles and inspiring wellness: Panel discussion with renowned physicians discussing what total wellness means for women today.

• Free health screenings • Raffles and door prizes

Special Guest:

Carissa Lawson

News 12 NJ Morning News Anchor

• Complimentary breakfast and lunch • Special gifts for all attendees • Vendors

Complimentary parking.

To register call 973-926-4255 or go to: www.rwjbh.org/nbiwhday Generously supported by The Jane D’Onofrio Family Foundation

*Must be 21 or older and registration is required.

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Why I Teach: Teachers Write About What Inspires Them A Matter of Faith

By Cheryl A. Saunders

Now also/When I am old/And grayheaded/O God,Forsake me not;/Until I have showed thy strength/Unto this generation,/ And thy power to every one/That is to come.—Psalm 71:18 his bible verse mirrors my attitude toward the field of teaching. I find inspiration in encouraging the children entrusted to me during the course of a public school day to recognize their talents and passions.

I consider myself fortunate to have chosen a profession that allows me to do this, and I am honored and grateful for the God-given gift of recogniz-

T

ing the extraordinary talents of my students. Even if I did not work for the New York City Board of Education, I still would have the desire to inspire and teach.

Students in my classroom immediately know the reason they are in school: to not only reach their potential, but also discover their passion at this point in their lives. They are made aware of the hard work involved in reaching their goals or dreams. From the very first day in my class—and even when they graduate to the next level—I am happy in the knowledge that my students take an important part of me with them, an inner strength that gives them purpose for the rest of their lives.

Essentially, I do believe there is nothing worse than wasted talent. I impress upon all young people I encounter to continuously pursue their passions, and surely tangible rewards will follow.

It’s About Making a Difference

I

was brought to the profession of teaching in an urban school system after being in a car crash the summer of 2006 before my senior year in college, in which my brother perished. Hearing my brother’s students speak at his funeral inspired me to change course and apply to teach in the NYC public schools. Although, I only planned to teach for two years, I’m now in my tenth year. I feel privileged to serve as a teacher in the New York City Public schools today.

I continue to teach because each year I have been inspired by my students. I’m inspired by their talents and the hope they carry. Watching students grasp difficult concepts, helping them learn from their mistakes, and mento-

By Marquis Harrison

ring them, has made me a better person each day of life.

I have gone from teaching some students in 7th grade to attending their graduations at the most prestigious schools in the nation, West Point, University of Rochester, and Binghamton University, just to name a few. What keeps me teaching is knowing that I have had a hand in my students’ success.

Things don’t always turn out the way we want them to, but having my students come back to thank me and or share their experiences with my current students is more than enough reward. Lastly I choose to teach because I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have been educated and mentored by teachers growing up. If I can give someone the same attention, care, mentorship, and life lessons I received through my teachers, then my experience as a teacher will not have been in vain.

Courtesy of: United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

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Why I Teach: Teachers Write Why Education?

E

By Darlene Post

ducation, undeniably, is one of the most valued and important pillars of any society. It equips people with a foundation of skills and knowledge to realize their fullest potential and achieve better prospects for themselves, their families, and the community at large.

I have always had an affinity for and love of all things related to learning. Yes, I proudly state that I enjoyed school as a younger person. I even taught my stuffed animals, writing copious lessons on a chalkboard I was gifted by my grandparents. As an adult, I continue to take classes and avail myself of opportunities that allow me to think, create, discover, and wonder.

My career journey did not take me to the classroom as a teacher but, I did end up in education as a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker. School Social work is the embodiment of unique characteristics;

it is the convergence of all issues (social, economic, environmental and political) affecting humankind at the school house door. The work is humbling and inspiring, challenging yet rewarding; it can feel like a seemingly insurmountable fight, at times, against all that is morally wrong and unfair. So, why education?

The student facing housing and food insecurity who is quick to smile and laugh and share with peers, teaches us lessons about resilience. The English language learner teaches us lessons about building capacity in language development and mastery. The student with learning challenges who requires additional support, teaches us about identifying learning styles, developing strategies and skills for success, and building confidence. Colleagues give selflessly of their time and resources to assist students and their families.

Education is transformative for the mind, heart, and soul. It is a revolutionary and liberating practice. As George Washington Carver once stated, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” The freedom to self-determine, to think and act independently, and objectively, raise awareness and empower others.

Why I Became a Teacher

I

was born and raised in the South Ward of the City of Newark. I went to Maple Avenue School from the second to the fifth grade. I reached the fifth grade not knowing how to read very well. My mother met with my fifth grade literacy teacher during a parent/teacher conference but the teacher did not even know my name.

My mother decided to pull me out of that particular grammar school because she could not let me stay in a learning environment where I was invisible.

Being an invisible student was my number one motivator for becoming a teacher. No child should be made to feel invisible in an educational system that is supposed to value each and every child and allow them to shine.

I became a kindergarten teacher to help students become strong readers early in their academic careers, since I remember how much I struggled to become a better reader. Reading allows a child to soar through the universe and paves the way for future success. Few things are more rewarding than being an eyewitness when a child first learns

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The Positive Community April 2018

By Asia J. Norton

how to read and develops a love for books.

Later I became a teacher in Newark because I want the children in Newark (my hometown) to receive the type of education that will allow them to pursue whatever career they desire. Once I was a young, struggling reader who needed help and support, and now I am able to recognize these unique needs and provide that support to new generation of young readers. For me, this is very rewarding.

I believe education is one of the “secret sauces” in life that allows children to achieve, reach their potential, and accomplish their goals. I am a native of the great city of Newark, but for all our cities to excel we must provide our children with great schools, caring and skilled teachers, and positive community nurturing.

These are the things that motivate and inspire me to teach.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

about What Inspires Them A Shoutout to Teachers who Teach in the Hood

A

common myth is that test scores of scholars in the hood are low, so teachers must not be teaching.

The reality is that teachers who teach in areas with entrenched poverty are some of the most dedicated people you will meet. We are at our schools at least forty five minutes before school starts and at least an hour after school ends. We are at our schools grading papers, communicating with families, thinking about engaging ways to teach our students, teaching after school programs, coaching athletics, and planning how to best reach our students’ academically, socially, and emotionally. So while the outcome may not be reflected on a standardized test, the outcome is shown when you meet students who come from impoverished areas who are smart, articulate, and

Why I Teach

I

engaging human beings. We produce those outcomes because our schools are safe havens where scholars are nurtured, loved, and given high expectations.

Another common myth is that teachers in the hood are overpaid babysitters who don’t do much.

The reality is that teachers who have been in the profession five, ten, fifteen, twenty, or thirty years are still passionate about educating students. Teachers seek out technology to stimulate the minds of their students, conduct parental workshops, and at times use their own money to purchase items for students. Along with having bachelor’s degrees, there are teachers in the hood who have master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. Instead of going to work in a field that would provide a higher salary with no fulfillment, teachers are remaining in the education field because we are being paid to do what we love.

So the next time you see a teacher in the hood, support us, recognize us, and most importantly, work with us. Because we want the same thing you want, and that is for all students to excel!

By Petal Roberson

was watching the news with a friend and as we listened to the reports of teacher walkouts, student struggles, and inadequate funding, my friend turned to me and joked, “Get out while you can.” While I know she meant it in jest, I am sure it shocks many that I have stayed in education, especially considering the current climate. If I’m being honest, sometimes I also wonder how I have lasted fourteen years. Then I remember why I became a teacher in the first place.

I teach because there is no better feeling than when the bell rings and the students are so engaged in whatever we are doing that they don’t stand and pack up. I teach because of the student who told me he hated school and

www.thepositivecommunity.com

By Sundjata Sekou

wanted to drop out but he desired my help, anyway; and today I celebrated that student’s full scholarship to Seton Hall University. I teach so there is at least one person in my students’ lives guaranteed to greet them with a smile and a sincere desire to see them succeed. I teach because I believe that socio-economics should not serve to limit any child’s potential.

Civil Rights activist Dorothy Height said, “We have to improve life, not just for those who have the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system. But also, for and with those who often have so much to give but never get the opportunity.” Sadly, this is the plight of every educator. It is our job to ensure no child’s circumstances determine their future. In doing so, I have learned so much about myself as a teacher and an activist.

So, I turned to my friend and declared, “I teach because the students have given me so much and helped me to become a better person. The least I can do is reciprocate.”

April 2018 The Positive Community

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L–R: 2018 Urban Angel Honoree Mi Kyung Jasmine Je, NYTS President Dale T. Irvin, and 2018 Urban Angel Honoree Kimberly Davis

L–R: Dr. Courtney Wiley-Harris, Dr. Jan R. McCray, Ms. Kyung B. Yoon and Dr. Emma Jordan Simpson discuss the impact of NYTS on the NYC religious community and their lives.

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Rooted.

Innovative.

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

We are proudly grounded in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition of bold ideas that impact people’s lives for the good. We believe that when ancient wisdom is in lively engagement with contemporary challenges, great things are possible.

Meet your mentor. Our faculty—adventurous scholars and engaging teachers—are leaders in theology, biblical studies, liturgy and social ethics. They don’t settle for easy answers or empty pieties. Innovative and provocative, they challenge you and each other. Our alums say working with their faculty mentors was among the most valuable experiences of their Drew education.

Less sitting. More doing. We expect you to read, write and discuss things that matter— yet we firmly believe that real-world experiences—through which you apply, test, challenge and assess what you learn in the classroom—are essential to a modern theological education. You’ll do this through ministry placements, internships and cross-cultural courses around the world, in virtual classrooms, at a community garden, in a prison.

We prepare students for the real world IN the real world.

Authentic community. The circle is wide. The engagement is deep. Second career and twenty-somethings collaborate on projects. African American gospel music resounds from the chapel. Students practice sermons—in Korean and Spanish. Students, faculty and staff pray, eat, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle—together.

Ready to join our community? Please contact the Office of Theological Admissions at 973.408.3111, theoadm@drew.edu.

Drew University I Madison, NJ I drew.edu/positive

Theological School

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Interdisciplinary courses that demand out-of-the-box thinking.

Apprenticeship training that addresses real-world issues.

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Master of Arts (MA)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

n Study in one or more disciplines in religious studies n Tailored to student’s interests and goals

n Advanced interdisciplinary study and research in the academic theological disciplines n Equips university and college teachers, thought leaders and public intellectuals

Master of Sacred Theology (STM) n Advanced study to augment previous theological education n For deepening ministry or preparing for doctoral work

Drew University I Madison, NJ

Contact us today at 973.408.3111, gradm@drew.edu or visit us at drew.edu/positive17

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Christian Education at Nyack College Uniting Knowledge, Faith, and Wisdom

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” ~Isaac Asimov

T

he mission of a Christian college must be multi-faceted.

We at Nyack know that we must provide our students with an exceptional education in their preferred fields of study. This is a challenge in and of itself, as no academic discipline is completely static. As discoveries are made, technologies develop, paradigms shift, and new fields of study emerge, all educational institutions must adapt or become irrelevant.

However, we cannot stop at academics.

Christian colleges like Nyack are called upon to do more than develop our students’ intellect. We must also help to close the gaps between knowledge and wisdom. In an educational environment that goes deeper than secular morality, we must help our students develop the character and integrity they will need to be faithful servants of Christ wherever they end up after college. And this is the central mission of Nyack’s educational program.

It is imperative for Christian colleges to pair our students’ academic development with the development of their character, faith, and values. Each new graduating class will face unique tests and challenges. The skills needed to enter the workforce are ever changing and so, Nyack’s academic programs have adapted to remain relevant.

However, Nyack also wants to see our world influenced by biblical values such as justice, mercy, generosity, and

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reconciliation, and therefore we must make sure our students are growing spiritually as well as intellectually.

It is not enough for a Christian college to teach philosophy, ethics, and theology. We do our students a disservice if we never go beyond the boundaries of theory. We must also offer genuine examples of how to be a follower of Christ in any professional environment. So Nyack requires community service, internship and fieldwork experiences through which our students can secure the foundation of their faith by putting theory in practice and building relationships with those whom our students will serve.

Nyack College graduates, and indeed, graduates of all Christian colleges should be more than spectators or consumers in this world; they should be living examples of Judeo-Christian values even as society redefines its morality according to the prevailing trends.

Our degree programs must go beyond cognitive learning and ensure that our students have developed the character necessary to live a values-oriented life regardless of the challenges those values face. This happens best though meaningful relationships. Our students must engage with faculty, administrators, and each other in impactful ways that develop character. They need committed mentors; opportunities to collaborate with each other, faculty, and staff on research and community service projects; as well as worship with

faculty and staff in small groups; and they should work with faculty and job supervisors on meaningful internships.

As a Christian academic institution, Nyack wants to see our students successfully combine their talents, intellect, passions, and faith as they make strides towards the reality of justice and equality for all. And we, the administrators and faculty of a Christian college, must provide the internships, mentors, and opportunities for community service, research, and worship that will create a traditional as well as a transformative experiential learning environment. This will allow our students to unite knowledge and wisdom—to have the skills and education to succeed anywhere plus the faith and character to serve God’s kingdom.

As society questions the value of a private education and the relevance of Christian colleges, we must continue to champion what makes Nyack an exceptional educational environment. Our traditional focus on values such as justice and reconciliation, our small faculty-student ratios, and our ability to adapt our curricula to meet the changing conditions of the world mean that we are uniquely positioned to help students develop in their faith and use their education for God. Dr. David Turk Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs B.A. Nyack College; M.A., Ph.D. New York University www.thepositivecommunity.com

PREPARE TO LEARN • PREPARE TO TEACH • PREPARE TO SERVE

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Public Lecture Series Explores Spirituality

H

ow can we think of ourselves as spiritual beings in the midst of so many differences and categorizations involving race, class, position, income, education, occupation, and wealth? Vigorous discourse on the issues of our times can help determine what role the church, faith, and spiritual values can play in today’s democracy.

On February 8, 2018 The Positive Community and The Newark School of Theology launched a public lecture series in effort to foment conservation about these issues.

Our inaugural speaker, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, delivered a dynamic and thought-provoking lecture on Newark, Spirituality, and the Future. View the speech online at thepositivecommunity.com Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., pastor of Newark’s Metropolitan Baptist Church, spoke on April 12th (Wealth, Spirituality, and the Economics of Culture)and Michellene Davis, Esq. EVP of Barnabas Health will speak on May 12th about Health, Spirituality, and Social Impact. The lectures are free and open to the public.

Special thanks to our community partners Verizon, RWJ Barnabas Health, Newark Clergy Alliance, and Ray Catena.

Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D. founder and president Newark School of Theology addresses question to Mayor

Mayor Ras Baraka delivers a powerful message Photos by Karen Waters and Vincent Bryant

L–R: Deacon Roderick Ingalls, Iman Aqeel Mateen, Det. Mike Noel, Rev. Bryant R. Ali, Elder Paul D. Trautman, Min. Valerie Seymour, Rev. Miguel Hernandez, Min. Abdul Hagg Muhammad and Rev. Evan L. Spagner; Front row: Rev. Dr. M. William Howard; Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Rev. R. Douglas Bendel, Phd.; Rev. Louise Roundtree, and Rev. Nicholas Johnson

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The Positive Community April 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

or private administration n resources and urban planning

ng educational opportunities sy adults:

s conveniently scheduled on Saturdays and evenings A a certificate after completing the first-year curriculum perience can count for academic credits s current social issues dwork or an internship in a community or governmental agency ute teach after completing 60 credits ce within your present career

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challenges you to see society in an unbiased way and how we can help administer a better future D forV everyone.

E RThe Saint T O Peter’s University Public Policy Program has taught me to think and act like a leader.”

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Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program – Karen Fuentes ’14

ams are organized to allow all students, no matter what their higher educational backfround may be, udy and advance up to a graduate degree. Start with an Associate’s Degree and continue through to ’s Program with fellow students and a team of advisors dedicated to your success. ate Degree in Public Policy or’s Degree in Urban Studies of Public Administration

CT US TODAY!

1) 761-6470 • saintpeters.edu/public-policy

T

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 has designed a specific program that is tailored for individuals who have careers or want to enter into these sectors. The Public Policy program is an innovative program for para-professional, entry-level government or social service workers who are also active in community, civic and volunteer organizations.

Saint Peter’s examines life experiences in the communities in which the students live and work and the public policies that have shaped them.

Saint Peter’s offers an associate's degree in Public Policy, a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administration.

In 2013 the University introduced the master’s program in Public Administration. The program provides an excellent next step for graduates of the Public Policy / Urban Studies program or for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are considering continuing their education. The program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills required of successful public servants, non-profit workers and private sector employees working towards the public good.

The Public Policy program has flexible schedule of Saturday and evening classes which is geared toward busy, working and mature adults.

Experiential Learning is the approach to education in the Public Policy classroom; this means the class focuses around the personal experience of the students and the faculty. By using this approach, the classroom becomes a dynamic learning environment for everyone to continuously learn from each other.

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The Positive Community April 2018

Graduates from the public policy program will be prepared for a career in a wide variety of fields within federal, local, state and non-profit agencies including research analysis, program development and planning, human services, business, education and social science research. Coursework can also be combined with internship and research opportunities.

Saint Peter’s University offers a host of advantages to potential students of the program given the University’s commitment to issues of social justice and a clear mission to

serve communities. Additionally, the University’s close proximity to the United Nations and the maintenance of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status, provides students with a unique “laboratory” experience in the work and practices of an international organization.

In March of this year, Saint Peter’s University was ranked number one in the nation of the 2018 American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation (student populations up to 5,000). 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, N.J. 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

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, 4/29

saintpeters.edu/ openhouse

Earn a Degree in

Public Policy A degree in Public Policy/Urban Studies can help prepare you for a career in: • • • • •

Community affairs Local, state, or federal government Political office Public or private administration Human resources and urban planning

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Classes conveniently scheduled on Saturdays and evenings Obtain a certificate after completing the first-year curriculum Life experience can count for academic credits Discuss current social issues Do fieldwork or an internship in a community or governmental agency Substitute teach after completing 60 credits Advance within your present career

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“The Public Policy Program challenges you to see society in an unbiased way and how we can help administer a better future for everyone. The Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program has taught me to think and act like a leader.”

– Karen Fuentes ’14

Pathways to advanced degrees: Our programs are organized to allow all students, no matter what their higher educational backfround may be, to begin study and advance up to a graduate degree. Start with an Associate’s Degree and continue through to the Master’s Program with fellow students and a team of advisors dedicated to your success.

• Associate Degree in Public Policy • Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies • Master of Public Administration

CONTACT US TODAY! Phone: (201) 761-6470 • saintpeters.edu/public-policy

T

he Parkland school massacre in February raised the national consciousness on gun violence. But gun violence is not new for so many teenagers who live in our urban centers.

In Brooklyn, in 2016, a group of students at Uncommon Collegiate Charter High School were feeling the pangs of trauma.

On TV, story after story of unarmed black men killed by police was deeply unsettling.

And the violence and danger wasn’t so far away. Something had to be done.

“The kids said, we want a space, on campus, to raise awareness around issues of race and equity in a traumasensitive way, to build community, and to celebrate success ,’” said Denarius Frazier, a math teacher at Uncommon Collegiate who helped the students bring their vision to life. “They decided on a name and mission, brainstormed session topics, practiced facilitation, and solicited their peers’ input to build a student-friendly culture. They became known as the Black Youth Initiative (BYI), a student-led project dedicated to social justice and student activism.”

Four seniors - Daniella Omeruo, Derrell Griffin Jr., Oluwasegun Owoyele, and Diandre Alexander - at the school took the lead, and the school’s administration rallied to support them. Soon, the group recruited other students and wrote a school song to start each session. At their school, 99% of the students are black or Latino and 72% qualify for free or reduced priced lunch.

Uncommon Collegiate is part of Uncommon Schools, a network of 52 high-performing public charter schools in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, serving over 18,000 students. Its mission is to prepare students to get to and through college. Nearly 80% of Uncommon students have either graduated from college or are on track to do so.

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The Positive Community April 2018

By comparison, fewer than 60% of students from the nation’s highest-income quartile get a college degree.

The Black Youth Initiative at Uncommon Collegiate has now been leading discussions at the high school for the past two years, creating safe places for students to share, to organize, and to collectively identify actions to change their communities’ realities.

After requesting to lead one of the school’s community meetings, a weekly all school assembly, the principal was so impressed by the group’s leadership skills that she requested the group continue to lead each community meeting throughout the school year.

The Black Youth Initiative has now led community meetings on topics in including hip hop and music, police brutality, gun violence, immigration, black hair, mass incarceration, black identity in TV & film, and gender norms -- which are essential for emerging student activists to have the opportunity to discuss.

“They built a culture that allows students to share their thinking in an open and safe environment and allows them to see that the issues that affect them so profoundly also affect their peers in a similar way,” said Frazier, their advisor.

Uncommon Collegiate Black Youth Initiative’s original founders have gone on to college at: Dartmouth, SUNY Potsdam, University of Rochester and the New School. And new leaders have taken over as the group’s influence continues to spread. Its current leader, senior Folusho Olawole, was admitted early decision to Franklin & Marshall and is currently being considered for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

“We were all so angry about the social

injustice happening, and police brutality and gun violence,” said Olawole. At community meetings “we’d put up statistics of black men in regards to police brutality. To see it on paper and to see how this has influenced our lives, it was so monumental.”

Olawole was instrumental in planning Uncommon Collegiate’s recent walkout as part of the national student walkout on March 14, 2018.

But on that day, another gun tragedy hit closer to home. Upon returning from the walkout, the Uncommon Collegiate students found out that one of their own, 11th grader Loyed Drain, was found killed along with three other family members, including a baby, from gunshot wounds in his home in Brownsville that very morning.

The next day, students gathered in the auditorium to remember Loyed, and to vow to make change. The students’ principal, Ashley Anderson Martin opened the session with words about hope from Barack Obama: “Destiny will not be written for us but by us.” Then she turned it over to her 300 students.

They took turns voicing their pain, their outrage, their resolve to carry on and change the world. When Principal Martin took the microphone back from the students an hour later, she summed it up: “We heard from you that we have to keep hope and optimism alive. We heard silence is violence. We can’t be passive. We can't let this fade, we either need to reach out to those in power or become those in power to make a difference in our country.”

Given the activism that has already started at Uncommon Collegiate, there’s no doubt these Brooklyn students will make that difference. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Uncommon Schools manages 52 outstanding public schools which are closing the achievement gap and preparing students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college. Our schools are changing history for the 18,000 students we serve, and we are honored to be a part of our communities.

“For a child to already say that ‘college is where I am going to be’ - I’m very happy for that.”

– Brooklyn Elementary School Parent

Over 18,000 families have chosen Uncommon Schools to Change History for their students.

Learn more at UncommonSchools.org

CONNECT TO SUCCESS

A Top National University - U.S. News & World Report ■ Top producer of minority degrees For more information, visit

■ Thousands of highly paid internship and co-op opportunities

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UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, NEWARK, NJ 07102-1982

NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

CITY TECH 42

The Positive Community April 2018

718.260.5500 WWW.CITYTECH.CUNY.EDU/SUMMER

300 Jay Street Downtown Brooklyn facebook.com/citytech • @citytechnews

www.citytech.cuny.edu

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Neil deGrasse Tyson in teaching mode at a reception for HEAF supporters

Neil deGrasse Tyson A Life Written in the Stars

By R.L Witter

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community April 2018 The Positive Community

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e’s brilliant, irreverent, brave, charming, and funny. And he’s handsome to boot . . . probably not what you might expect in an astrophysicist. He’s Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium and host of National Geographic’s Cosmos and Star Talk, among many other things.

How does a young boy from the Bronx who dreams of playing for the Yankees end up

one of the most celebrated scientific personalities of our time? You might say it was written in the stars. From the age of eight, Tyson knew space would be an important part of his life. “My exposure to the universe was early enough to outweigh any other interest,” he explained. “Pretty much my whole life, as far as thinking about my future, was occupied by science . . . The universe was the object of my affection.” It’s definitely been a lifelong attraction and the love seems to be mutual.

What he most likely didn’t know, was that he’d become internationally known for his personality and humor as much as for his scientific theories. Tyson was on the panel that determined Pluto should be classified as a dwarf planet, and has admitted to receiving hate mail because of it.

In a 2017 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tyson said of the demotion, “Pluto had it coming!” before explaining how Pluto’s orbit justifies the decision. The fact that a cosmologist and astrophysicist is a regular guest on late-night talk shows speaks to his broad appeal.

Tyson chuckles as he describes when he first began to be recognized around the streets of Manhattan, most often by a particular segment of the New York City population.

“There’s the meter maid, the cop, the construction worker, the garbage collector. I realized there’s a population out there of people we don’t traditionally associate with learn-

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ing, yet are immensely curious.” he explained. “They never went to college for whatever reason, but they go home after work and turn on National Geographic, PBS, or the Discovery Channel and continue their learning. I call them the ‘blue collar intellectuals.’ For the longest time, they were the people who most often stopped me on the street.” Tyson’s awareness of this specific demographic is part of why he makes an effort to work across many platforms. In addition to writing books and giving lectures, he appears on television in everything from sitcoms to talk shows, to scientific shows; and in movies and documentaries, as well as podcasts. He advocates for people to satisfy their curiosity however they can, whether it be in a library, on Netflix, or YouTube. He encourages us to find education wherever we can.

“We view education as a satchel of facts to be recited back on an exam, not as a way of understanding the world, not as a way of interpreting information, how to turn data into information and information into knowledge, and knowledge into wisdom,” Tyson explained. “That pathway is not nurtured in school. School does not promote curiosity…

There’s a system that makes learning a chore. If curiosity is stimulated instead, then school would be food for that curiosity. And when school is over you’d be sad because no longer would you be fed. And when you graduate, you would at least be honed, you would have the power and knowledge to feed that curiosity through adulthood, so that the end of school is the beginning of your learning, not the end. And that’s the moment you have ossified in everything you know and everything you think.”

While many children are counted among his fans and social media followers, Tyson’s career has been decidedly

The Positive Community April 2018

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The Positive Community April 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

aimed at educating adults rather than children. “I have not written a children’s book, I don’t give talks at elementary schools or even middle schools. Any precocious kid can follow everything I’m doing. Kids are not my target because adults outnumber kids about 5 to 1. Adults are in charge; adults wield resources; adults are heads of industries and politics. Adults run the world, and there is nothing more dangerous than a scientifically illiterate adult who has power over other people. Power of scientific methods and tools, but they don’t understand what they are. That’s just simply dangerous.” He continued, “So if you nurture a scientifically literate adult population, then scientifically literate children follow immediately. And they’ll know exactly what to do with school curricula, they’ll know exactly what sort of teachers to hire, they’ll know exactly what kinds of programs to put into place. This notion of ‘How do we get the children interested in science,’ we could do that. I’ll go into the eighth grade and get them all excited, but then we’ve got to wait around for 30 years until they’re old enough to be in Congress? I’m not that patient,” he remarked. “So this is a wholly unorthodox educational posture that I have taken professionally. People say ‘children are the future.’

No, adults are the future because they are creating—or not creating—programs that influence the future. And kids are born curious; you don’t have to teach curiosity to children, but they lose it in adulthood.”

Tyson’s passion for learning fuels his involvement at Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), where education is stressed as a lifelong endeavor and he is a board member.

“HEAF has decided to do something uncommon, to not just be an afterschool program for twelfth grade to help you get into college,” he explained. I dubbed it a “tween to twilight years” program since it begins in middle school and continues through college and beyond. He laughed and continued, “They recognize that success has to become a way of life and a state of mind, and it’s not just something you learn in one moment and apply in the next one; it’s how you conduct your life. So HEAF has thought about ways to serve all of those aspects of what it is to become a functioning, intelligent, curious, and successful human being. So, I, by some measures as a successful person who has pursued the interests that I’ve had through all of those grades HEAF serves, I become a useful access point for what was I thinking when I was in eighth grade and I share that with the teachers, with the programs they’re conceiving, and the like.”

I asked how a black kid from the Bronx who attended public schools ended up at Harvard and went on to have such an interesting and storied career without a program

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: HEAF Board Member Brett McCollough, of Bloomberg; Jean Nash Wells; Neil deGrasse Tyson; Ruth Rothblatt, president/CEO of HEAF; and Felicia McCollough

like HEAF. Without hesitation he credited his parents saying they, “. . . monitored us closely for where we expressed interest, then nurtured it.” Tyson feels strongly about the importance of children being allowed to pursue their own interests. “There are too many households where the father’s an engineer so he wants his kids to be engineers, and the people I’ve encountered who are happiest in life are the ones whose careers emanated from deep interests that manifested within them and were not the proxy for somebody else’s goals.”

When asked if he had any advice for science buffs who might like to follow in his footsteps, Tyson replied, “Some people realize they can’t be an Einstein so they don’t want to be a scientist anymore. Then, there are people who just enjoy science… That was me. I enjoyed thinking about science, embracing the methods and tools of science, and how science—particularly physics—empowers you to see the world differently from others.”

While science and his wife, Alice, are the loves of his life, Tyson seems to have had a few interesting affairs along the way. He was captain of his high school wrestling team and wrestled and rowed crew in college. He also danced in three different dance troupes, performing Afro-Caribbean and Latin ballroom moves among others. He’s an avid lover of classical music, particularly Beethoven; as well as classic rock. What might people find surprising about him? Tyson revealed his love of Broadway musicals, citing Jesus Christ Superstar, Kinky Boots, and My Fair Lady among his favorites.

I asked if his intellect is ever a burden in dealing with the rest of us who aren’t physicists. He chuckled and remarked in parting, “There’s an Indian proverb: ‘He who knows not and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not and knows he knows not, is hungry; feed him. He who knows and knows not he knows is asleep; awaken him. He who knows and knows he knows is wise; follow him.” Neil deGrasse Tyson is leading and we’re following him on Twitter and everywhere else.

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HEAF invites you to the Apollo Theater to cheer on 250 students announcing aloud their college selections for our 6th Annual celebration of College Decision Day on May 10th. Students will take the stage and announce their college selections to a cheering audience ďŹ lled with peers, families, colleges, and supporters.

HEAF's PRIVATE CELEBRATION BENEFIT at Red Rooster Featuring a fabulous menu as well as cocktails curated by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, raes, Wine Pull, and DJ entertainment.

Happy Birthday to the Newark Charter School Fund. Making a wish for greater access to high-quality schools for Newark’s 55,000 students. L–R: NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason, Shaylah Counts, Verndrey Elliot, and former NCSF CEO Mashea Aston.

NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason speaking to nearly 200 attendees who gathered for NCSF’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Newark Museum.

Keynote Speaker Kinyette Henderson, Interim Newark Public Schools Superintendent Robert Gregory, NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason, and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.

NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason Michele and State Senator Teresa Ruiz

Newark Charter School Fund Celebrates 10 Years

BY MICHELE MASON

With Pledge to Act Bolder for the Future of Newark Families

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hey say when the stars and planets line up just right in the night sky, it’s one of those rare celestial events that stops you in your tracks as you take in the majesty of the heavens at work.

I experienced one of those majestic moments last month when I looked out into a room filled with educators, students, philanthropists, local leaders and friends at the Newark Museum who came together to mark Newark Charter School Fund’s (NCSF) first decade of service. And what an occasion it was. The “Back to the Future!” themed event celebrated an accomplishment-filled past and challenged the charter school commu-

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nity to dream bigger and act bolder for the future of Newark’s students and families.

There were speeches from Mayor Ras Baraka, State Sen. Teresa Ruiz and other distinguished speakers who reflected on the state of educational reform in Newark and the role NSCF has been playing since it was created to address the serious demand for high-quality school options.

Mayor Baraka set the tone for the night when he said, “Focusing on young people is always the best option.” State Senator Ruiz echoed those sentiments: “It’s not about the adults in the room, it’s about that one child; that one student. It’s about where they are today and where we

can take them in the future.”

Then there was our keynote speaker, Kinyette Henderson, who shared her inspiring experience from a charter school student to teacher.

“Attending a charter school wasn’t just a daily obligation for me. It was four years full of valuable moments.

Valuable opportunities. Valuable individuals and valuable lessons.”

Kinyette is right. That’s why for the past 10 years NSCF has made it a priority to improve collaboration between charter and Newark Public Schools because I know that working together is the only way we can ensure all students in our city received “valuable opportunities” and “lessons” at a great school where they live. www.thepositivecommunity.com

NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason and Interim Newark Public Schools Superintendent Robert Gregory Newark poses with charter school leaders in front of the signed Compact agreement at NCSF’s 10th anniversary celebration. The Compact Agreement is a pledge to uphold the highest principles of transparency and public accountability, serving an unmet need in Newark, striving for educational excellence, and fulfilling their missions to educate all students in the most equitable manner possible.

Members of She Wins strike a pose. The organization empowers the next generation of young women leaders from the city of Newark.

When our city was selected as one of the first urban charter school funds, it was largely due to the promise of quality charter school operators and a guaranteed commitment from the city. A decade later, the tremendous potential of Newark is on display not only in education but in the economy and community as well.

Still, these last 10 years have taught me that none of our accomplishments would be possible if we don’t continue to use our voice and our vote to keep our city’s educational goals on track. This is especially true now that we have transitioned back to local control of our schools. That’s why during this elecwww.thepositivecommunity.com

NCSF Executive Director Michele Mason poses with the student performers from the Philip's Academy CHAMPS New Jersey Symphony Orchestra ensemble.

tion season we must actively participate in Newark’s future by electing school board members and a mayor who will vigorously fight for the education needs of the 55,000 students in our great city.

Through 10 years of hard work and collaboration, the Newark Charter School Fund has produced many advances for our children. From universal enrollment to school co-location, to best-practice sharing, and ultimately, to higher academic achievement across the city in both charter and district schools. We no longer need to gaze up to the night sky to see the majesty of the heavens at work because it’s happening all around us. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring.

Michele Mason is the executive director of the Newark Charter School Fund (NCSF). Established in 2008, the NCSF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the quality, growth, and sustainability of the charter sector in order to provide all of Newark’s students with access to great schools in collaboration with district efforts to improve the quality of Newark public education. http://ncsfund.org/ See more photos and videos from Newark Charter School Fund’s 10th anniversary celebration at www.ncsfund.org or on social media using hashtag #NCSF10.

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ince the founding of New Brunswick Theolog ical Seminary in 1784, NBTS has operated under a broad umbrella of academic learning, creative programming, innovative planning, collaborative partnerships, administrative policies and practices, and other endeavors. We are excited about our new leadership and new direction. Our new President, Rev. Micah L. McCreary, Ph.D., will be Installed as our 12th President on May

18, 2018 and our 232nd Commencement will occur on May 19th, 2018.

Recently, President McCreary discussed how his personal faith and journey as a minister and Christian leader has been greatly influenced by several scholars and practitioners.

One particular influence is Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney, who will preach the NBTS May 19th Commencement.

Another great influence on President McCreary is Dr. Erich Fromm.

Fromm understood the issues of

anxiety and fear in relation to power and losing one’s core self. Fromm helped McCreary develop a theology and philosophy of human nature that incorporates the human struggle between good and evil as an issue of human phenomena that is unsolvable and irreconcilable without God. President McCreary invites you to stop by NBTS and talk more about these and other theological, sociological, communal, and spiritual issues.

Degree Programs: Master of Arts Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry

Certificate Programs in Lay Ministry: Theological Studies, Gospel Music, Expository Preaching, Women’s Studies

God calls the church of Jesus Christ to discipleship: to proclaim the Gospel, to provide ministries of compassion, and to pursue justice and peace.

The Seminary’s mission is to prepare men and women for educated and faithful discipleship and leadership in the church – both in congregations and in specialized ministries serving church and society.

New Jersey Campus: 35 Seminary Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 732.247.5241 New York Campus: St. John Hall Room B36, 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica, NY 11439 • 718.990.6000

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www.nbts.edu

• fb.me/1784nbts • @nbts1784 www.thepositivecommunity.com

See SeeWhere WhereAAWorld-Class World-ClassEducation EducationTakes TakesYou You

VISIT VISIT KEAN KEAN OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE UNDERGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Financing FinancingYour YourKean KeanDegree Degree Information InformationSessions Sessions Held Heldmonthly. monthly.

Kean KeanInformation InformationSessions Sessions and andTours Tours Offered Offeredthroughout throughoutthe theweek weekand and on onSaturdays.

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Sunday, Sunday,May May66

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GRADUATE GRADUATE

Saturday, Saturday,June June22

On OnFridays, Fridays,high highschool schoolseniors seniorscan can fast-track fast-trackthe theapplication applicationprocess processand and receive receivea asame-day same-dayadmission admissiondecision. decision.

For Formore moreinformation informationorortotoregister, register,contact: contact:

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kean.edu/admissions/visit-kean kean.edu/admissions/visit-kean April 2018 The Positive Community

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Where Education and Inspiration Meet Every college and university has a niche which differentiates it from the other 4000 accredited institutions in the USA. Pillar College of Newark became a college in 2002 when it was chartered by New Jersey to be a “two-year religious college.”

Since then, Pillar has experienced much growth and recognition as a fully accredited four-year college with creative programs and a vigorous master degree. Its distinctive niche is its Christian worldview, which is foundational to its mission.

The mission statement of the college is: Pillar College educates, inspires and equips students for excellent scholarship, service and leadership. Rooted in and committed to Christian faith and love, Pillar College fosters intellectual, spiritual and social development among its diverse student population at various instructional sites. Unpacking that statement will reveal how education and inspiration can meet.

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he job of Christ-centered education is to educate, inspire and equip students. What does it mean to educate a student? Simply put, it means to teach knowledge. And, of course, there are thousands of fields of knowledge to learn, and just about as many ways to teach. In a Christ-centered college, such as Pillar, we believe that God is the source of all truth, so we can teach every subject with God in view.

Christ-centered education seeks not only to educate, but also to inspire students. You know the difference between good teachers and great teachers? Good teachers excel at teaching the topic of their expertise – their subject; great teachers teach not only their subject, but they excel in inspiring their students. They want their students to be so pumped up about what they are learning that they can’t wait to get more. To inspire is to put spirit into it. In high school, I hated English – that is, until I had Mrs. Gotwalt for English literature. From then on, English became a joy. She inspired me.

Knowledge is useless unless it lives. Just knowing a lot of facts can be like being a computer. So, how many gigabytes do you have? Data storage capacity is not enough for a human being. That’s why we seek not only to educate and inspire students, but also to equip them. The job of teachers, according to the Bible (Ephesians 4) is to equip people for lives of service. Christ-centered education not only gives the information, but how to use it for God’s glory.

Part of the mission of Pillar College is to educate students for excellent scholarship.

Some years ago, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind was published, and Mark Noll began by saying that the scandal is that there is not much of an evangelical mind. In prior centuries evangelicals led the way in intellectual inquiry. Not so much today. That’s why at Pillar scholarship is a high value, modeled and encouraged by administration and faculty.

One of Pillar’s bylines is “Pursue Your Purpose.” In almost every case, we find

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that the purpose of our students is service to God and others. We really don’t have to motivate them to serve; we merely sharpen their tools. Although the “Millennials” and upcoming “Z” or “iGen” pursue their education through different delivery systems than many of us older people did, they are not just socially connected, they are also socially conscious, and motivated to serve.

Besides scholarship and service, leadership training is another important goal of inspirational education. Of course, the model Jesus taught was to lead as a servant. But not all servants become leaders. Those who grow deep in God’s Word and mature in their faith can become leaders regardless of their personality or gifts. Leadership is not about titles or rank; it is seeing the goal and helping others to get there. Godly leader lead with a “towel and basin,” as Jesus modeled.

When the leaders of Pillar College were hammering out our new mission statement in 2010, we said we were rooted in Christian faith. But in today’s world, many people see Christianity as an intolerant, unloving religion.

Some who bear the name of Christ can be that way, but our faculty thought it was important to add the words “and love.” We all need to be rooted in Christian faith and love – as individuals, churches and colleges.

Fostering intellectual development is a key goal of any college. For generations our society has forced an artificial divorce between faith and reason. We hear ideas like we must believe our heart not our head. Because many people buy into that thinking, they live in quiet doubt about the legitimacy of their faith. While faith is not based on reason alone, it is not irrational. In fact, faith is eminently reasonable. The truth is every worldview is based on a faith assumption, even atheism.

I remember as a young man reading a book on the Holy Spirit by Watchman Nee, and I learned that spiritual development is the most important pursuit of all believers. I was heavily into athletics and had a very rig-

David E. Schroeder, Ed.D. President, Pillar College

orous routine of calisthenics, or “cals,” as we called it. But what impressed me was how much more important it is to develop my spiritual muscles. That’s part of our mission at Pillar – to foster spiritual development.

Humans are social beings, and that aspect of our make-up was designed by God for our growth. The Bible places a high value on fellowship and relationships. Just look up the many “one another” passages and you’ll see what I mean. Positive and godly relationships do not come easily to us because of our self-centered nature, so fostering social development is also an important part of inspirational higher education.

God must love variety because he created so much diversity in the world. Colors, sounds, textures, elements, smells, shapes, tastes, animals, plants, minerals way too many for our minds to grasp. And personalities, looks, IQs, abilities, talents as well as ethnic, racial and cultural identities! And scripture says “God so loved the world….”

And we celebrate that; part of our mission is to serve a diverse population, and at Pillar College, the so-called minorities are the majority, not just in the student body, but also among faculty and staff.

Jesus said not to hide our light under a bushel basket. So, a college that believes its mission and message are God-ordained needs to reach the most people possible.

How can we best do that? By being a missional college and taking our programs to the people, rather than forcing them to come to us. So, Pillar now teaches at various instructional sites, including Newark, Somerset, Paterson, and Irvington. We have also held classes in Rahway, Red Bank, Lincoln Garden, with more sites to come. Plans are underway for South Orange, Perth Amboy, Palisades Park, and Plainfield.

So, these are the ways we seek to bring education and inspiration together. Pillar College seeks to be a pillar in our various communities in New Jersey, and we invite all who agree with this mission to join us. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Taking Critical Steps at Newark’s West Side High School

BY CHANEL DONALDSON Photo by Shelley Kusnetz

Establishing a College-Going Culture

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ewark is on the rise in more ways than one.

Most people know about recent investments to re-energize the economy – like the Hahne’s Building which houses a new Whole Foods. But there is also a movement across the city to invest in residents, ensuring that Newarkers have every chance to take advantage of new opportunities.

Leading the charge for a more educated workforce is the Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC).

Housed at the Cornwall Center at Rutgers University-Newark, NCLC is a

partnership of stakeholders moving the city toward higher educational attainment. Central to this goal is developing a college-going culture in all K-12 schools, so that every student has the same opportunity, information, and access to pursue a post-high school degree or credential.

NCLC focuses much of its effort to build a college-going culture at schools like West Side High School, which is considered a comprehensive or neighborhood high school.

Unlike magnet schools that have historically served more academically proficient students, compre-

hensives have often struggled to serve some of Newark’s neediest students. Despite its challenges, all of West Side’s faculty and staff are committed to improving student outcomes and establishing a climate of achievement.

As NCLC continues to grow, the goal is that the type of work happening at West Side will extend to every school in the city, ultimately sustaining a city wide college-going culture. While economic re-investment is important, bolstering the capacity of all youth to succeed is crucial for Newark’s future.

Through partnership with Principal Larry Ramkissoon, guidance counselors, the MCJ Amelior Foundation, and arts partners, NCLC’s efforts at West Side help support areas fundamental to a college-going school culture: Days: Hosted for the first time in January 2018, dedicated time during three consecutive school • Application days allowed seniors to submit college applications, write personal statements, and submit the FAFSA (Free

Application for Federal Student Aid) with one-on-one guidance from local college admissions representatives and volunteers.

Prep Course: Building on an existing partnership between Newark Public Schools and The College Board • SAT to provide a free in-school SAT exam to all juniors on April 10, 2018, NCLC is preparing a group of 50 students

at West Side High School for this opportunity. The intensive 8-week long program takes place on Saturdays in the school building, and instruction is provided free of charge by The Princeton Review.

Justice Residency: Research shows that participation in the arts is linked to higher academic • Poetic achievement. An NJPAC artist helps students use poetry to explore current events, personal development,

educational access, and other issues in the community. Students engaged in the Residency also participate in NCLC Saturday programming through Pathways to Achievement and Success, which integrates arts education with college preparation.

For more information about NCLC, visit www.nclc2025.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Hats on Parade for Hope Paterson Team Hope Hosts Annual Award Brunch

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aster had not arrived yet, and spring had barely sprung, but bonnets of all shapes and sizes were on parade at the 9th Annual Hats 4 Hope Community Service Awards brunch on Sunday, March 25.

The yearly event is the work of the not-for-profit Paterson Team Hope, founded by Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly in 2009 to focus on improving the lives of all residents of New Jersey.

Hosted by Yvonne Harvey-Williams at the New La Neve’s Banquet Hall, one very special friend of The Positive Community, Shivaun Gaines, received a much deserved honor. She was attired for the occasion in a

L–R: Dr. Latoya Gaines (no relation), who recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale Medical School and Shivaun Gaines

specially designed suit by Tracy Reed and coordinating chapeau by Harlem’s Evette Petty. Young ladies from the Bella Chanel Girl’s Empowerment Group had a wonderful time as special guests of Ms. Gaines and wore lovely dresses she supplied.

Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: Honoree Winston Solomon, a junior at Montclair State University with Shivaun Gaines and Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly

Shivaun with her special guests from the Bella Chanel Girl’s Empowerment Group. Advisor Kim Cotrell is above far right

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

BECOME A PART OF THE VILLAGE!

OPENINGS in PreK through 10th grade for the 2018-2019 school year MPTCS PAC ELEMENTARY ACADEMY (Performing Arts & Culinary)

MPTCS STEAM ELEMENTARY ACADEMY (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math)

*OPENING FALL 2018*

MPTCS SELECT ELEMENTARY ACADEMY

MPTCS PRESCHOOL ACADEMY

(All Boys & All Girls Classes) OPENING FALL 2018

MPTCS HIGH SCHOOL OF CULINARY & PERFORMING ARTS

One Hundred Black Men 38th Annual Benefit Theme; The New Harlem Renaissance: Awakening a Generation of Leaders

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special tribute to the “Gang of Four” Hon. David N. Dinkins, Hon. Percy E. Sutton, Hon. Basil A. Paterson, Hon. Charles B. Rangel was held on February 22, 2018 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York, NY

SOMI COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

APR 26–28, 8PM

Honorees: John Banks, president of the Real Estate Board of New York; Meredith Marshall and Geoff Flournoy, co-founder and managing partner of BRP Companies; John Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group; Hon. Carl E. Heastie, speaker of New York State Assembly; Valerie Rainford, head of Advancing Black Leaders and managing director of JP Morgan Chase; Rodney Capel, VP of State and Government Affairs, Charter Communications.

BLACK, BROWN & BEIGE & THE BEST OF BASIE Featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis This program is presented as part of the Ertegun Jazz Concert Series

ROSE THEATER

MAY 2, 7PM; MAY 3, 7PM & 9PM

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: THE ENCHANTING LENA HORNE

L–R: Hon. Tanya Kennedy; Hon. David Dinkins; Jackie Adams, president/CEO of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E.; and Michael J. Garner, president, OHBM

With Michael Feinstein, the Tedd Firth Big Band, and guest vocalists Christina Ebersole, Nnenna Freelon, and Alexis Morrast THE APPEL ROOM

L–R: Londel Davis, Jr.; Hon. Inez Dickens; guest; and Donel Davis

MAY 18–19, 7PM & 9:30PM

MIRIAM MAKEBA & NINA SIMONE: SINGING PROTEST & MEMORY WITH SOMI Vocalists Somi and Laura Mvula explore the music and activism of Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone THE APPEL ROOM

MAY 18–19, 8PM

L–R: George Hulse, VP Healthfirst; Juan Williams; Fox News commentator; and TPC Publisher, Adrian Council, Sr. L–R: Cheryl Saunders; Kevin Parker, NYS Senator; Arva Rice, NYUL; Marion Scott, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital; and George Hulse Photos: Bruce Moore

CELEBRATING ORNETTE COLEMAN Featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and music director Ted Nash ROSE THEATER

Frederick P. Rose Hall • Broadway at 60th St. Centercharge: 212-721-6500 • JAZZ.ORG/HARLEM

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(Standing): L-R; Hon. Charles B. Rangel, Michael Garner, Rev. Jacques DeGraff; (Seated): L-R; Former NYS Governor David Patterson, Hon. David Dinkins, Hon. Leticia James, and Hon. Scott M. Stringer www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s Happening at MONDAY, APRIL 2 Documentary: Between Fences 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM Wood Auditorium, Avery Hall, Morningside campus This documentary follows African asylum-seekers in a detention facility in the Negev desert in Israel. Screening followed by Q&A with Director Avi Mograbi.

Guided Historical Tour 1:00 PM TO 1:45 PM 213 Low Library, Morningside campus Learn more about the history, architecture, and sculpture of Columbia and Morningside Heights. To make a reservation for a group of 10 or more, call 212-854-4900. Visit visit.columbia.edu for more info.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Interactive Workshop Push Play 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM 509 Knox Hall, 606 W. 122nd St., Morningside campus Oral historians and artists Nicki Pombier Berger and Liza Zapol draw on a sense of play to examine how and what we remember. For more info, call 212-851-4395 or email aas39@ columbia.edu.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Startup Columbia Entrepreneurship Festival 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway, Morningside campus A day filled with provocative discussions on Blockchain, the NewSpace Startups, Data Ethics, and Women Inventors. More than 20 Columbiafounded food startups will serve lunch in Low Library Rotunda. Visit startupcolumbia.org for more info.

BioBus 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM College Walk, Morningside Campus Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute has partnered with BioBus, a scientific lab-on-wheels that visits schools and community centers in upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Biobus is an immersive laboratory where scientists join students and the general public for hands-on scientific exploration. For more info, call 212-851-7418 or email universityprograms@columbia.edu.

Columbia in April

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Signal to Noise: An Interdisciplinary Exchange of Science and Art 8:00 PM TO 10:00 PM 301 Pupin Hall, Morningside campus A talk by a Columbia astronomer, the presentation of sound and video art pieces, and the distribution of a zine followed by stargazing in the observatory. For more info, call 212-854-7288 or email wallach@columbia.edu.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Softball vs. Harvard 12:30 PM Robert K. Kraft Field, Baker Athletic Complex, 533 W. 218 St. For more info, call 212-854-2535 or visit gocolumbialions.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 9 How Should We Respond to Hate Speech?

6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM 103 Jerome Greene Hall, 435 W. 116th St., Morningside campus In her new book Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship, Nadine Strossen argues that expanding free speech, is the solution for changing the hearts and minds of those who espouse hateful ideologies. She dispels many of the myths about “hate speech” with a powerful argument on behalf of free expression. Registration required at https://goo.gl/bs6sg2.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10 DuBois’s Marxist Experiment 6:00 PM 754 Schermerhorn Extension, Morningside campus Columbia’s Institute for Research in African-American Studies continues its celebration of W.E.B. DuBois’s birthday with this talk. Speaker: Nikhil Singh, professor of social and cultural analysis and history at New York University.

Jennifer Finney Boylan and Mary Gordon 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM Sulzberger Parlor, 3rd Floor, Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Authors Jennifer Finney Boylan (Barnard’s inaugural Anna Quindlen Writer-in-Residence) and Mary Gordon read selections from their work. For more info, email english@barnard.edu.

events.columbia.edu ·

For disability services, call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Hip-Hop Education: Propelling and Preserving the Movement 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM Faculty House, 64 Morningside Dr., Morningside campus As hip-hop approaches its 45th anniversary, Columbia Community Scholars explore the role of hip-hop education and its pedagogical value.

Martha Diaz, Regan Sommer McCoy, and Peter Noel explore how hip-hop education is evolving. For more info, call 212-854-2365 or email gc2212@ columbia.edu.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Simplicity Parenting: Raise Happier, Calmer, More Secure Kids 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM. Sulzberger Parlor, 3rd Floor, Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Kim John Payne, author of the bestselling Simplicity Parenting, invites us to consider the ramifications of overwhelming children with pressure to do too many things. Payne discusses the vital role that living a balanced, simple life brings to children and. For more info, email amb49@columbia.edu.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 Social Justice vs. the Market 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM East Gallery, Buell Hall, Morningside campus In 1944, the International Labour Organization laid out a full-fledged social bill of rights in the spirit of FDR’s State of the Union address. The welfarist spirit was at its apex. Legal scholar Alain Supiot argues that the concept of social justice laid out in that declaration remains an important baseline given the elevation of markets over social justice. For more info, call 212-854-4482 or email adk2138@ columbia.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Baseball vs. UPenn: Double Header 11:30 AM AND 2:30 PM Robertson Field at Satow Stadium, Baker Athletic Complex, 533 W. 218th St. For more info, call 212-854-2535 or visit gocolumbialions.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 The Columbia and Barnard 1968 Protests 10:00 AM TO 6:00 PM 523 Butler Library, Morningside campus This documentary presents a visual history of the 1968 Columbia student protests, pieced together from interviews, archival footage, and an archive of 35,000 photos. Directed

by Paul Cronin. For more info, visit atimetostir.com, call 212-854-9616, or email tsj2001@columbia.edu.

MONDAY, APRIL 30 Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the City 6:15 PM Second Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Richard Sennett traces the anguished relation between how cities are built and how people live in them, lamenting the “closed city”—segregated, regimented, and controlled—and arguing for the “open city,” where citizens hash out differences and planners experiment with urban forms. For more info, visit heymancenter.org.

Lifelong Learners and Course Auditing Columbia provides scholarships for 50 residents of Manhattanville Houses, Grant Houses, and the local community who are 65 years of age and older to audit up to two courses per year. Administered through the School of Professional Studies, the Lifelong Learners program is designed for individuals committed to the principles of lifelong education. The University also funds up to 50 courses per year for 25 residents of Manhattanville and Grant Houses and 25 residents of the local community. This program provides adults not currently enrolled in college with the opportunity to attend up to two lectures drawn from the arts and sciences. Since there is limited space available to auditors, seats are taken on a first-come, first-served basis once registration is open. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as courses are posted (one month prior to the start of classes). For more info, call 212-854-9666 or visit sps.columbia.edu/auditing.

Columbia University in the city of new york

Culture

music, art + literature

Lindsey Charles Anderson Jr.'s blessing took place during the Women's Day service.

Faith of Our Mothers Women's Day Chair Deaconess Adrienne McWilliams; Deaconess Avis P. Yeiser, co-chair; Cicely Tyson; Patricia J. Butts, co-chair; and Abyssinian Baptist First Lady Patricia Butts

The 9am service speaker, Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, PH.D., has enjoyed careers in the arts, the academy, and pulpit.

She was a concert dancer, a former assistant minister at Abyssinian, and today she is a published author and assistant professor at Yale University Divinity School.

The 11:30 service speaker, Ms. Cicely Tyson, actress, advocate, philanthropist, and humanitarian, is renowned for her portrayals of strong female characters on stage, screen, and television.

Among her many recognitions are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center honoree, three Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and numerous honorary doctorates and awards from civil rights organizations

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Women's Day at Abyssinian B.C in Harlem

W

omen's Day at Abyssinian batist Church in Harlem is a joyous celebration with guest speakers, vibrant fellowship, and the gathering of friends from far and near. It is a day to celebrate their accomplishments, gifts, and hopes and to spotlight those whom Maya Angelou coined the “phenomenal woman.”

The first celebration was the result of the groundbreaking vision of Nannie Helen Burroughs, who held the position of corresponding secretary of the Women’s Convention Auxiliary to the National Baptist Convention from 1900 to1909. In an era when women enjoyed few paths for advancement in society or in the church, Nannie Helen Burroughs dedicated her life to promoting women's opportunities. Because of her determination, the first Women's Day took place in Nashville on the last Sunday in July 1907. Many denominations across the US continue the tradition.

Abyssinian observed its first Women's Day on March 22, 1953 with Uvee R. Mdondana-Arbouin, the first national national president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Women’s Auxiliary, as guest speaker.

Effie Bushell established Women's Day at Abyssinian, and chaired the first event. Sallie Baldwin was vice chair and Julia Jones, secretary. Hazel Scott Powell served as event honorary chair and Inez Powell, vice honorary chair. All praises to God for these wonderful pioneers who made the tradition of Women's Day possible! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Bob Gore

Guest pianist Kayla Waters

The Abyssinian Children’s Chorus

Fisk University President Kevin Rome was among the visitors L–R: Julian Masai Miles and Dorian Mazique Miles, II presented their artwork to Ms. Tyson and Dr. Thurman.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

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Find Out Why Amazon Chose Newark, NJ...

As a Finalist

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The Positive Community April 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Artists Unite for Exhibit in Brooklyn Closing Reception at Dorsey Art Gallery The artists and family members of Eric; Jacqueline Yveline Girault and Jean Dominique Volcy Photos: Lem Peterkin

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he works of two talented Haitian artists were featured at the Dorsey Art Gallery in Brooklyn in an exhibit titled Retour Ă la Source, which translates in English to Return to the Source. After 25 years, Jean Dominique Volcy and Eric Girault reunited for the two man show.

The works in the show included a wide range of mediums including oil and acrylic on canvas.

At the closing reception on April 11, 2018 the two men expressed satisfaction at how the exhibit had been greeted by collectors, art patrons, and gallery neophytes. —JNW

Jean Dominique Volcy Art

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Eric Girault Art

April 2018 The Positive Community

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Photos: Lem Peterkin

Author and educator Herb Boyd signs his latest book, Black Detroit

Dr. Brenda M. Greene, founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature, director of the National Black Writers Conference, and chair of the English Department at Medgar Evers College receives a proclamation for NY State Senator Kevin Parker

ABOVE: Louise Meriwether, novelist, essayist, journalist and activist receives award from Dr. Greene and a proclamation from Rep. Evette Clarke presented by Clarence Reynolds, director of The Center for Black Literature for her lifetime of literary activism

Writers and Readers Discuss Life and Culture Gathering at the Waters: Healing, Legacy, and Activism in Black Literature

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rue to its mission, the Center for Black Literature (CBL) at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York delivered a National Black Writers Conference (NBWC) in March that enriched “the public’s knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of the value of black literature.”

Black writers from across the country and attendees from as far away as France and Germany participated in four days of panel discussions, talkshops, film screenings, book readings, book signings, and a tribute and awards ceremony that honored some of today’s most revered authors, scholars, cultural historians, and literary activists, namely: Colson Whitehead, Kwame Dawes, David Levering Lewis, Susan L. Taylor, Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due, and Eugene B. Redmond. Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams served as honorary chair. Medgar Evers College is named in honor of her late husband, the civil rights activist who was murdered by racists in 1963.

Even though the area experienced its fourth nor’easter in three weeks—which landed on the eve of the conference and forced several changes in the program schedule—attendees braved the inclement weather for this revered gathering.

For the first time, Medgar Evers College live-streamed

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and video archived the panel discussions and roundtable conversations. They are housed permanently on CBL’s website and social media platforms.

NBWC 2018 Vision The vision for the conference was designed around acknowledging CBL’s concern about the recent and ongoing issues of social inequality and injustices that challenge black people, as well as building on the legacy of healing through activism.

The timely theme centered on the ways in which black writers use their writing to explore and convey messages that heal and restore individuals and the collective community. The conference also examined the instrumental role black writers have played in building our cultural history; the imprint this has left in black literature; and how the literature of black writers has impacted present-day and future generations.

CBL has already begun plans for its biennial symposium in 2019 and for its remaining programs for the rest of this academic year and into the 2018-2019 school year. Those interested are encouraged to keep abreast of developments by going the email list housed at www. centerforblackliterature.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

beres hammond & friends Fri, Aug 10 @ 8PM Feel-good reggae and “lovers’ rock” with GRAMMY® nominee Beres Hammond (“One Love, One Life”) and his special guests.

Michael Jackson Jr. photo by: Andrew Eccles

alvin ailey american dance theater may 11–13

trevor noah Fri, Sep 7 @ 7PM Sat, Sep 8 @ 7PM Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Central’s Emmy-winning Daily Show, returns to NJPAC with an evening of hilarious stand-up.

majah hype Sun, May 13 @ 5:30PM & 7:30PM Fast-rising funnyman Majah Hype—widely regarded as the “King of Caribbean Comedy”— makes his NJPAC debut!

the illusionists Live from Broadway Sun, May 20 @ 3PM & 7PM This mind-blowing spectacle showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible Illusionists on Earth!

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PATRICIA BALDWIN

Life Has a Soundtrack Grace & Peace here’s much going on and plenty to talk about, but I just want to believe with all of my heart that spring is finally here and winter is really gone—or at least the temperature is going to be consistent in warming up.

We always heard as children that “April showers bring May flowers,” so we have to be prepared for some rainy days as well. Although it may be an uncomfortable season, this is when God does His best work. He reminds us that our challenges are His choices to prove just how God works. It’s amazing that no matter the timing of a tragedy, nothing is by mistake and it’s never a coincidence to our God. I mean we are talking about the only God who can make snow fall in spring and make rainbows in the sky when it rains. So remember, just as “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” regardless of the difficulties and rainy days you might face, don’t worry, He’s got you. Remind yourself of His word; you’ve got to believe we serve a great and mighty God. Lucinda Moore proclaims “He’s high and lifted up and His train fills the temple. He reigns upon the throne He’s God and God alone,” in one of her songs. The earth is His and the fullness thereof and every move He makes,

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Lucinda Morre

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April 2018

Greenleaf on OWN

has purpose and life. It’s amazing how He works and He does all things well. Can you say the same? Or do you find yourself complaining in hard times, wondering “Why me?” or When will it be my turn?”

Life’s issues have a way of birthing out of you who you are meant to be, and it’s the will of God to show you your best self. He’s so good, Our Father will give you proof along the way, or as the millennials say today, “receipts!”

God will give you a song to remind you where you were when He brought you through sickness; He will give you that song to remind you everything has turned out alright.

I just love the way He does things! For example, I’ll be researching some music or something on the internet and I’ll get a pop-up. But it’s not like an annoying advertisement pop-up, it’s more like a reminder. The soundtrack for Greenleaf, which is doing very well by the way, always seems to appear. And I wonder, “What is the meaning of this pop up? Is it trying to get my attention?

Is it trying to get me to listen to the whole thing? Or is it just trying to show me something?” It always shows up and makes me reflect on what I’ve been through. I think about all God has done for me and keeps doing, no matter how hard things might get. So it got me a little excited because while listening to the Greenleaf soundtrack, I realized each song represents a moment of from the series.

And that brings me to the question, what’s on your life’s soundtrack? www.thepositivecommunity.com

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg An Afro-Puerto Rican Celebrated During African American History Month

Sheriff Mildred A. Scott L–R: Mrs. Miriam Lopez with her daughter NJ State Assemblywoman and former PRAHD Executive Director Yvonne Lopez; Sheriff Mildred Scott; and Carole Dortch Wright, principal of Dortch Wright Enterprise Group

L–R: Verizon Communications VP Samuel Delgado, Marilyn Blackstone, and Dean Schomburg

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he renowned Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located in the New York Public Library’s 135th St. branch in Harlem, is named after Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican of African and German descent. The library has at its core Schomburg’s collection of over 10,000 books, manuscripts, prints, photos, letters, and any other evidence he could find documenting the African contribution to history.

Born and raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Schomburg was intensely involved in both the Puerto Rican and Cuban movements for independence from Spain during the 1890s before the Spanish American War. Stung by the remarks of a teacher in Puerto Rico who told him “Negroes have no history,” he dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong. Schomburg understood

knowledge of history was the route to racial dignity.

In his 1925 essay, The Negro Digs up His Past, he wrote: “History must restore what slavery took away, for it is the social damage of slavery that the present generations must repair and offset.”

In celebration of African American History Month, for the past five years, The Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD) presents the Arturo Alfonso Schomburg African American History Award to an individual who exemplifies excellence. This year’s awardee is Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott. Special guest Dean Schomburg, grandson of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, spoke at the February 23rd event, which was sponsored

by Jaffe Communications.

Photos: Karen Waters

Middlesex County Community Awareness Division and Sheriff Mildred Scott www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

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

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

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI).

SPIRITUAL WEALTH BUILDING COLUMN

Got Faith?

I

n n Matthew Matthew 14:15-18, 14:15-18, we we find find aa familiar familiar passage passage of of scripture that demonstrates the essentials of scripture that demonstrates the essentials of spiritual spiritual wealth wealth building. building. Jesus Jesus has has departed departed to to aa desolate desolate place.

The people from various towns and place. The people from various towns and villages villages folfollowed lowed Him. Him. Jesus Jesus moved moved with with compassion, compassion, taught taught them them about about the the kingdom kingdom of of God, God, and and healed healed the the sick sick among among them.

Compassion denotes a message of feeling them. Compassion denotes a message of feeling comcompelled pelled to to do do whatever whatever is is necessary, necessary, whatever whatever you you can can do, do, to to go go the the extra extra mile mile not not just just for for aa friend, friend, but but also also for for the the stranger stranger who who is is in in need. need. Jesus Jesus demonstrates demonstrates His His compascompassion throughout the gospels time after time. sion throughout the gospels time after time.

As As believers believers in in Christ, Christ, we we are are commanded commanded to to demondemonstrate this same spirit of compassion to each other. strate this same spirit of compassion to each other. Jesus Jesus states states in in John John 15:12-14, 15:12-14, “A “A new new commandment commandment II give give you you that that you you love love one one another another as as II have have loved loved you, you, greater greater love love has has no no man man than than this this that that you you lay lay down down your your life life for for his friends You are my friends if you do what things his friends You are my friends if you do what things II have have commanded commanded you you to to do.” do.”

The people stayed with The people stayed with Jesus Jesus all all day. day. The The disciples disciples sugsuggested that Jesus send them away so they can gested that Jesus send them away so they can find find food food and and lodging. lodging. The The disciples disciples were were saying; saying; these these people people are are not our responsibility.

We are not our brothers’ not our responsibility. We are not our brothers’ keepers. keepers.

We We cannot cannot afford afford to to undertake undertake the the financial financial burden burden associated with taking care of them.

Many associated with taking care of them. Many of of us us are are like like these these disciples disciples wanting wanting to to send send the the people people away. away.

However, However, there there was was aa young young boy boy in in the the crowd crowd who who had had five small loaves of bread and two fish.

It is worth five small loaves of bread and two fish. It is worth noting noting that that he he could could have have just just sat sat down down and and eaten eaten his his lunch lunch in in peace, after all it was his lunch.

But he was willing peace, after all it was his lunch. But he was willing to to share share all all that that he he had had with with the the Lord.

Lord. Are Are you you willing willing to to share share what what God God has has blessed blessed you you with with to to benefit benefit His His kingkingdom? dom? When When the the disciples disciples informed informed Jesus Jesus that that they they had had the five loaves and the two fish, He instructed the five loaves and the two fish, He instructed them them to to bring bring them them to to Him Him and and to to have have the the people people sit sit down down on on the the grass. grass. Jesus Jesus took took the the five five loaves loaves and and the the two two fish fish and and looking to heaven, He blessed it and fed the multitude. looking to heaven, He blessed it and fed the multitude.

The The scripture scripture reports reports the the disciples disciples collected collected 12 12 baskets baskets after everyone had eaten their fill. after everyone had eaten their fill.

What What does does this this message message teach teach us us about about spiritual spiritual wealth building?

We need to have faith and wealth building? We need to have faith and confidence confidence in in Jesus.

Jesus. We We find find in in the the scriptures scriptures on on more more than than one one

thepositivecommunity.com 66 The Positive Community thepositivecommunity.com

that Jesus refers to His disciples as ye of little occasion occasion that Jesus refers to His disciples as ye of little of us still lack confidence in Jesus’ ability. We Many faith. faith. Many of us still lack confidence in Jesus’ ability. We to operate in our power, rather than trusttrying still are are still trying to operate in our power, rather than trustthe vast resources He has made accessing and God ing ing God and accessing the vast resources He has made said, “All the silver belongs to 2:8 Haggai us. to available available to us. Haggai 2:8 said, “All the silver belongs to to Him.” belongs gold the all and Him, Him, and all the gold belongs to Him.” on a thousand hills cattle “The states, 50:10 Psalms Psalms 50:10 states, “The cattle on a thousand hills Father who is rich aa heavenly have We Him.” to belong belong to Him.” We have heavenly Father who is rich continue to fail to we But needs. our about cares He and and He cares about our needs. But we continue to fail to “give us today pray will we although Him, on call call on Him, although we will pray “give us today He is the bread bread. daily our is Jesus bread.” daily our our daily bread.” Jesus is our daily bread. He is the bread life. of of life. be afraid to be bold; God did not give us a spirit Don’t Don’t be afraid to be bold; God did not give us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Stop tying but fear, of of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Stop tying we are holding Him back from pouring hands; God’s God’s hands; we are holding Him back from pouring on us that the windows of heaven cannot aa blessing out out blessing on us that the windows of heaven cannot contain. contain. at every situation and realize the opportunity, Look Look at every situation and realize the opportunity, and the possibilities. All things are possible potential, the the potential, and the possibilities. All things are possible we keep our hands in God’s hand, and when God, with with God, when we keep our hands in God’s hand, and on the cross. fixed firmly eyes our our eyes firmly fixed on the cross.

PU

April 2018

Summer 2017 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 49 Summer 2017 The Positive Community 49

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Camp Newark Museum

Community Connections 2018 Six individual sessions for ages 3-14

Week 1: Palettes & Palates | July 9-13 Week 2: Dig This | July 16-20 Week 3: Timeless Tales | July 23-27 Week 4: It’s a Look! | July 30-August 3 Week 5: Family Matters! | August 6-10 Week 6: Catch the Beat | August 13-17

Limited Space!

Register Online today! newarkmuseum.org/camp or call 973.596.6637

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A CELEBRATION OF BLACK CINEMA THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRÉ

FOLLOWING THE MOVIE…

Saturday, May 5, 8:00 pm, The Wellmont Theater André Leon Talley’s is a singular, uniquely American story in the big-money world of high fashion. This profoundly deep film tells the story of Talley’s childhood in the segregated Jim Crow South to his rise as a global tastemaker and one of the most iconic figures in the 20th Century.

Q&A with André Leon Talley, director Kate Novack, and producer Andrew Rossi

For tickets, go to MontclairFilm.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Back by popular demand, The MFF House Party is our annual celebration of African American filmmakers, featuring the sounds of Hip Hop and R&B from DJ Easy Mo Bee. This year’s theme is a salute to the career of fashion icon André Leon Talley, so be sure to dress your best and come hit the dance floor with us!

Cash Bar will feature specials from Ironbound Hard Cider, New Jersey Beer Co., and Opici Wines, Market Street Spirits, and the Wine Guys.

April 2018 The Positive Community

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Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Muslim American Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Honors Mayor Baraka

L–R: Mariam Sabir, owner of Haggar's Halal Kitchen, and Halim Quddus, president of MACC, present painting by 15-year-old artist Sunah Nash to Newark Mayor Ras J Baraka, as Chamber member Akbar Salaam of Unity Beef, Inc. looks on.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

April 2018 The Positive Community

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Prominent Memphis Pastor Retires; His Accomplishments Remain and Continue Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr.

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he Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr. retired from pastoring New Sardis Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, at the end of last year. But he continues other meaningful work, and his positive 25-year New Sardis pastoral legacy lingers strongly.

During his lifetime, this septuagenarian has worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the organization led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and at the center and forefront of much of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s.

Rev. Gray has also been active in Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity), the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), and the Urban League.

He was part of the team that worked to establish the National Civil Rights Museum located at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The Museum presently includes tributes to Dr. King, former President Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln, Rev. Benjamin Hooks, and others.

Pastors often have pastors. Rev. Gray told me that Rev. Hooks had been his pastor from 1956 until Rev. Hooks’ 2010 death. Rev. Hooks was a Baptist minister and practicing attorney who eventually became executive director of the NAACP and was appointed to the Federal Communi-

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cations Commission (FCC). Rev. Hooks encouraged Rev. Gray to “be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.”

Rev. Gray’s retirement can be seen as the end of an era for New Sardis Baptist Church. But fortunately, it appears that New Sardis’ good works continue, evidencing a strong legacy.

Regarding his recent retirement, Rev. Gray said, “One gets to that age.” When he turned 70, he “knew it was time.” He had completed 43 years in pastoral ministry capacities at various churches, including New Sardis, where he began working full time in 1992. Rev. Gray intimated that he did not want to stay on as pastor beyond his years of effectiveness, so he started “hinting” about retirement.

He said he has seen many churches, especially black churches, fall apart or become factionalized or divided when a pastor retired after many years of service. He added that many churches select pastors based more on their preaching ability than on their administrative ability. “Too many churches are not structured for autonomy.

Some pastors have total authority, but have fewer administrative and financial skills,” he said.

Thus, he asked God to guide him selecting a new leader for New Sardis.

Rev. Gray wanted to wait until his preferred young understudy finished his master’s degree. When that occurred, Rev. Gray “brought him on full time.”

In 2016, Rev. Gray approached New Sardis for support in moving toward retirement and replacement. He asked key members of the congregation to consider selecting Darell Harrington, who had preached and conducted workshops at New Sardis, to be the new pastor. Ultimately, 97% voted for Harrington.

Although Rev. Gray no longer pastors a church, he remains very active. He is involved in trying to preserve the Tri-State Defender, a black newspaper affiliated with the Chicago Defender. He is also on the board of directors of Tri-State Bank. Additionally, he advises churches regarding construction for growth, restructuring ministries, and other issues. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Last Word

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com April 2018

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BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 18, No. 3

WHERE SCIENCE AND FAITH MEET IN MY LIFE

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter

I

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April 2018 2018 April

’ve been hearing people question Mother Nature regarding the recent unseasonable weather. It was 60° in January and there was snow in April. Of course, most of us understand weather is scientific.

Temperatures are affected by high and low pressure systems, humidity produces precipitation, etc. We’re told tides are affected by the moon and solar flares can affect our radio and television reception, internet speed, etc.

There’s no denying science is real.

Over millennia scientists have proven and disproven theories, created a periodic table, observed cause and reaction, and myriad other scientific principles, rules, and methods. Science gave us photography and the ability to have images of people and days past.

Science explains the rules of gravity and aerodynamics, which allow us to travel great distances in shorter timeframes to visit loved ones or take a relaxing vacation. Science also allows me to bake fluffy, delicious biscuits and sweet, tender cakes that make my family and friends smile when we gather together to celebrate special occasions or run-of-the-mill Friday nights.

Science also provided the technology that saved my husband’s life and his leg a few years ago, despite being told death was the worst scenario and amputation was the best. It provided the technology that allows him to be my walking, talking, living miracle every single day. Yes, he is a medical miracle. After multiple surgeries and another scheduled, the doctors delayed that next surgery for nearly 36 hours to run additional tests, take more blood, and revisit their game plan. The miracle is that during that 36-hour delay, doctors were dumbfounded by the fact that they could no longer find the infection that had been threatening That Wonderful Husband’s (TWH) life. The miracle is

that the delay of surgery became a cancellation. The miracle is that TWH made a stunning, full recovery.

That recovery was most definitely made possible by the medical technology that healed his wound over several months. Science and technology provided the stem cells and skin grafts that repaired tissue and ligaments, then grew new skin to cover them. Science and technology have perfected the physical therapy that strengthened the muscles and allowed TWH to walk again.

But I cannot discount or negate the integral part faith and prayer played in his recovery. Faith was trusting in God and knowing he would bring us through whatever outcome we faced, together. Prayer was what brought a particular doctor, who is also a Christian, to lead the team that would perform surgeries and supervise the after care. The prayers of our families and friends are what bolstered us during the most trying time our marriage has faced thus far, and what keeps us going now.

While many argue that science debunks faith, I have personally seen them work together to bless our lives in ways we never imagined. Of course I believe in science, but I also believe in God and the power of faith and prayer. No, I’ve never seen God, nor any tangible scientific proof of His existence. But I didn’t see those stem cells, either. I do, however, see God’s work daily in our lives, in TWH’s smile, and in every step he takes, that science said he wouldn’t. I guess one could say I believe in the science of faith. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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