Fall 2020: 13th Annual Newark Issue

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Fall 2020 thepositivecommunity.com

NEWARK’S ASCENSION

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13TH ANNUAL NEWARK ISSUE

The Rise of a Great American City

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CONTENTS

SECTIONS HEALTH ...................................12

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MONEY...................................23 EDUCATION.............................46 CULTURE ................................51

Features Black Women and Breast Cancer ............................. 14 Manhattan Drive-In Movies ..................................... 18 Faith & Friendship Help Newark .............................. 20 Moving Forward with Blueprint Capital ..................... 23 Movers and Shakers ................................................ 25 AACCNJ Supports BLM ............................................. 26 Newark Beth Israel Expansion ................................. 29 Newark Regional Business Partnership .................... 30

ON THE COVER: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka is committed to the health and safety of Newark residents

&also inside Publisher’s Desk .................................. 8

Leadership in A Time of Crisis .................................. 32 Newark Creates Police Reform Model ...................... 35 Celebrating Women: Mildred Crump ........................ 37 Invest Newark Builds Hope & Community ................ 40 Newark’s Water Story ............................................... 42 Marcia Wilson Brown Makes Newark Her Own ......... 46 A Beacon of Hope ................................................... 50 Newark Arts Strive to Thrive ..................................... 51 She Wins, Inc. Embraces Service & Sisterhood ......... 53 Voter Registration & An Insightful Play ..................... 54 Happy Birthday, Rev. Al Sharpton! ........................... 55

The Way Ahead .................................. 60 Faith-Based Leaders Unite to Serve Newark ............. 57 The Last Word .................................... 62 NJBIC Virtual Conference ......................................... 61 4

The Positive Community Fall 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Today, we’re doing more than ever to champion the aspirations of Newark families. Through partnerships across the city, we’re creating avenues for new ideas and technologies to emerge. For businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to thrive. And to help individuals achieve the promise of prosperity for generations to come.

We began with a sense of purpose that lives on today in our commitment to Newark and communities around the world.

Prudential is proud to support The Positive Community.

© 2020. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

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Programs_PositiveCom_7x4.75.indd The Positive Community Fall22 2020 Programs_PositiveCom_7x4.75.indd

Windmills of Change Windmills of Change Harvesting a Bright Future for Harvesting aIndividuals.

Bright Future for1908 Christ-Powered Est. Christ-Powered Individuals. Est. 1908

11/5/20 10:38 AM www.thepositivecommunity.com 11/5/20 10:38 AM

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor

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

Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor

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

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

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

Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor

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

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

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

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor

First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor

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

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor

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

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor

Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor

First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor

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

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

New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor

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

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

Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor

First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

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

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

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor

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

Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

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

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President

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

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

New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Cahoon

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor

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

Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors

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

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor

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

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

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

Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

We’ve Come this Far by Faith:

God Bless the Children

W

elcome to The Positive Community’s (TPC) 13th Annual Newark Issue! We are proud to share with you the story of Newark’s Ascension: The Rise of a Great American City under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka. The idea of an annual Newark edition was inspired by two of the city’s iconic leaders in business and community service: The late Al Koeppe, president of Newark Alliance (of corporations, businesses, and public and private institutions) and the late Gus Heninnberg activist, labor organizer and former host of NBC-TV’s popular weekly talk show Positively Black.

In October 2007, construction of the Prudential Arena was completed. With all the press surrounding the arena’s grand opening, they realized a need to directly address and interpret just what this all means to the Black community of Newark and the region. They connected with Jean Wells and me, and the rest is history!

Al and Gus instinctively understood and valued the role of black-owned media, an American institution, to speak to the people and tell the story. TPC remains ever committed to the ideals of these visionary Torchbearers.

Celebrating American Freedom

As new social and political realities arise resulting from the election of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, how is TPC to interpret the true meaning of all this to our community of readers? 1), African Americans voted overwhelmingly for these candidates; as US citizens we have the inalienable right to exercise our franchise. 2), a Black woman will ascend to the second highest office in America, the most powerful nation on earth. This is a great cultural achievement, a historic victory for the people, a blessing!

And now let us turn our thoughts to the future— about potentials and possibilities. As a unique people with a peculiar history in this land, what now must we do to insure lasting progress on the cultural and economic fronts? How do we measure real success in our American freedom journey; and on whose terms? Answer: Through the progress of our children and an unwavering commitment to advance the integrity and dignity of our culture, values and traditions—our collective soul!

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

Featured Video Presentation

The Great Watch Night Initiative

“God Bless the Children” is the theme for TPC’s Second Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Celebration.

This virtual event will take place online January 1, 2021, 2pm–6pm. On that day we will honor three individuals and three organizations that positively impact the lives of young people. We join together to remember our people’s sacrifices and enormous contributions to America and world popular culture!

Many churches will host virtual Watch Night services on December 31, New Year’s Eve. In the Black Church the Watch Night tradition dates back to 1862. On the next day, January 1st, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln’s executive order, the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect ending slavery for over 4.5 million of our people in the Confederate states during the Civil War, a war that cost over 600,000 American lives!

Together, let us end 2020 and begin the New Year, 2021 affirming the truth, beauty and goodness of who we really are: liberated sons and daughters of the Most High; mighty descendants of The Great Emancipation—1863!

TPC appeals to all of our Roll Call member congregations to invite clergy leaders, denominations, associations, conferences, districts, jurisdictions and conventions to include a five minute video presentation into their Watch Night worship service—We’ve Come this Far by Faith; The African American Cultural Narrative.

Visit our website thepositivecommunity.com or PositiveMusicHub.com to download the free video link and poster. In the spirit of positive community change; for the love of our children, our families; in loving, unselfish service to our neighbors—the beloved community—and for the glory of God. Let us do this—together! www.thepositivecommunity.com

GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN The Positive Community Presents The Second Annual Great American

Emancipation Day Awards Celebration A VIRTUAL EVENT

New Year’s Day | Friday, January 1, 2021 | 2pm–5:00pm Honoring

Hosted By

The DFree Foundation Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce/ HARLEM WEEK AMB. SUZAN JOHNSON COOK

3rd US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, The Obama Administration; Founder & CEO, Global Black Womens Chamber of Commerce

HON. JEANNINE FRISBY LARUE Activist and Educator

BISHOP WILLIAM T. CAHOON

REV. DR. W. FRANKLYN RICHARDSON

Jurisdictional Prelate for Senior Pastor Grace Bapthe New Garden State tist Church, Mt. Vernon, Jurisdiction; Church of God NY Chairman of the Board In Christ (COGIC), State of National Action Network; NJ; Pastor New Reid Temple, National Black Council E. Orange, NJ and House of of Churches; and Virginia Prayer, Plainfield, NJ Union University

Black McDonald’s Owner Operators Association of NY and NJ

Go to: thepositivecommunity.com or PositiveMusicHub.com to register.

Happy Holidays From our Essex County Family to Yours!

Dear Friend,

Because of the Coronavirus, 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. And as we approach Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, we are experiencing a second surge of the virus. Now is not the time to let our guard down. Just as we did in the spring and summer, we must continue to do all we can to stop the virus’ spread.

Wear a face mask – it’s not just for your protection, but for those around you as well Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between you and another person Get tested – visit

www.EssexCOVID.org or call 973-877-8456 to make an appointment; testing is free for Essex County residents Wash your hands I wish everyone a happy and healthy fall and winter holiday season. Even though we have not been able to share time together as a community, we can overcome the pandemic. Together we will continue Putting Essex County First.

You can also visit our website at www.EssexCountyNJ.org to find information about various programs we have initiated or are working on to assist the community.

These include our: Weekly Emergency Food Distribution program – check the website weekly to find out where we will be every Thursday distributing 1,000 boxes of non-perishable food items Essex County Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program to help small businesses pay for back rent during the pandemic.

Coming Soon – a mortgage assistance program to help homeowners negatively affected by the pandemic.

Sincerely, Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive

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COVID-19: THE NEWARK RESPONSE the art + science of learning

n the hours after the federal government announced it was rerouting all flights from Wuhan, China to eleven American airports including Newark Liberty International, Mayor Ras J. Baraka called an emergency meeting of his senior staff.

It was February 2, just weeks after the COVID-19 outbreak showed the world how dangerous and communicable the disease could be and just days after the first case in the United States was diagnosed 3,000 miles away in Washington State.

“I had to develop a plan,” said Dr. Mark Wade, the City’s director of Health and Community Wellness. “Resolute, Mayor Baraka declared, ‘We have to do it. We can’t depend on anybody else.’ Right from the start, he got us working collaboratively to develop best practices to keep our residents safe, and how to maintain those practices with vigilance and sacrifice.”

Mayor Baraka’s employed many strategies to combat COVID-19, all either unique or groundbreaking for American cities, and all saved untold lives. “Everything the Mayor did was designed to protect Newark citizens in every way possible,” Wade said. “Foremost, was to protect their immediate health, but there were also steps to sustain that health as we fought, and continue to fight, through this pandemic.”

Health consists of not only physical health, but mental and emotional health and stress reduction in trying to allay the fears and uncertainties of the residents as they wor-

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

ry about food shortages, layoffs, and money to pay rent or mortgages. The early days of the pandemic brought confusion and for some, panic.

Working with every department, Mayor Baraka put health and safety protocols in place, readying the City for swift and proactive response as the disease began its insidious march through New Jersey. On March 14, Newark recorded its first case of COVID-19. The very next day, an executive order placed a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures and extended deadlines for tax payments, water, and sewer bills.

Just two days later, Mayor Baraka ordered non-essential businesses closed by 8 p.m. and sit-down service in restaurants ended. Take-out/delivery services could continue.

Knowing the elderly were particularly vulnerable, City senior and recreation centers closed and visitors were banned from entering senior residential buildings. To further help reduce transmission, the Mayor banned gatherings of 50 people or more, including church services and cultural events, a controversial move at the time but one that proved prudent.

By the week’s end, the pandemic continued to spread and take lives. Newark ordered schools closed, a City-wide 8 p.m. curfew went into effect, public gatherings were prohibited, and all non-essential businesses were ordered to close. On March 18, Mayor Baraka began a daily Facebook Live coronavirus briefing, which he maintained for at least five days per week over the next six months. Thou-

www.thepositivecommunity.com

On March 14, Newark recorded its first case of COVID-19.

The very next day, an executive order placed a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures and extended deadlines for tax payments, water, and sewer bills. sands of residents watched the programs, anxious to get the latest COVID updates; the briefings continue now three times a week.

“This showed his commitment to keeping the residents directly informed and allowing them to be in constant, virtual contact with him,” said Sondra D. Roberts, the City’s communication director and architect of the Facebook briefings. “The Mayor fielded questions, dispelled rumors, and bolstered morale during a difficult time. I think it showed how deeply and personally he cares about the health and well-being of Newark residents.”

On March 21, utilizing Public Safety technology and Health Department information to track victims of COVID-19, strict shelter-in-place rules for the three hardest hit areas of the City were instituted, then expanded city-wide four days later. Residents received warnings to stay inside except for essential needs or medical emergencies.

Long before the United States Congress could agree on the first stimulus package, Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced a much-needed series of financial interventions totaling $6 million to support residents and small businesses. Funding guidelines indicate $2 million in small business grants; $1 million to “Live Newark” for homeowners and prospective homebuyers; $1 million in rapid, short-term housing for the homeless and other most vulnerable residents; a fund for landlords and commercial building owners whose tenants can’t pay rent; a $750,000 arts initiative investment; and a $1 million investment in community-based non-profits that serve Newark residents.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Mayor orchestrated a four-city lockdown with bordering East Orange, Irvington, and Orange; called for a “Newark Day of Prayer and Fasting”; and instituted “Be Still Mondays” to give non-medical essential workers a break.

Meanwhile, under the guidance of his brother and Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka, Jr., other life-preserving measures were taking place. Meals by the hundreds of thousands delivered to the City’s most vulnerable residents allowed them to stay sheltered and not risk infection to shop for food. Between the City, the Board of Education, and private partners, over 2 million meals went out. The programs continue.

Approximately 1,800 of the City’s 2,000 homeless were given meals and 24-hour shelter to protect them from transmission and their infection rate of 2.3 percent was much lower than City and national averages. By the end of April, Newark began walk-up testing and contact tracing — the first city in the state to do so. “There is no way to estimate how many lives were saved by these measures,” said Dr. Wade

By June, with the worst of the infections and deaths behind it, the City began taking cautious steps toward re-opening with recommendations from the Newark Reopening and Recovery Strikeforce. In his September State of the City address, Mayor Baraka spoke of the City’s monumental response to COVID-19. “We have not only dramatically reduced the positivity rate of COVID-19 in our city, we have managed to flatten it altogether,” he said. “In fact, the reproductive rate in Newark is less than one percent, which is an indicator of how well you have controlled the spread.

This is the gold standard. This is Newark stronger, Newark leading,” he explained. “But I want us to be clear this virus is pernicious and stubborn. We are not in the clear yet. We have to maintain our fight, be vigilant and consistent, look out for our neighbors, and our children. Wear your mask.

Wash your hands continuously. Practice social distancing, get tested, and work to preserve our city and not put it in harm’s way.”

The Mayor’s words proved prophetic as COVID rates rose across the country, in New Jersey, and inched up in Newark as well. The City had re-opened, but the Mayor, true to form, immediately went into action. He reinstated a version of “Be Still Mondays” asking businesses to close at 7 p.m., and again went on the offensive during his Facebook live briefings reminding residents the pandemic was still lurking. Part of the new offensive, the “Newark vs.

COVID-19” campaign, provides for the distribution of thousands of masks, t-shirts, and flyers around the City to keep awareness raised.

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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What Black Women Need to Know About Breast Cancer

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or Black women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death, according the American Cancer Society.

While Black women and white women get breast cancer at about the same rate, Black women are 40% more likely to die from the disease, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.

“This is a mind-opening fact that shows disparities exist within breast health,” says Dr. Vivian Bea, section chief of breast surgical oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

Dr. Bea says many factors contribute to breast cancer disparities, ranging from social determinants to genetics and tumor biology. She spoke to us about what Black women should know about their breast cancer risk and breast health, and dispels myths about a breast cancer diagnosis.

1. Know The Facts Researchers are working to better understand why there’s such a big disparity in breast cancer outcomes between Black and white women. Access to care is an issue, but other factors include genetics and tumor biology, says Dr. Bea. Research indicates that genetics may play a part in this higher risk disparity. Black women are more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer, a rarer but more aggressive form that does not respond to hormonal treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, triple-negative breast cancer is about twice as common in Black women as white women in the U.S. 2. Get Screened Early detection is the best protection. “Even though Black women are more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer, if we catch these women at the earliest stage of that breast cancer, there is a better chance for survival,” says Dr. Bea. “Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age with the more aggressive tumor subtype, so I recommend going annually starting at the age of 40.”

3. Don’t Believe Myths There is understandably a lot of fear around a breast cancer diagnosis, but it is important to be aware of the many advances made in care. For example, Dr. Bea says some patients have

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

Dr. Vivian J. Bea

expressed concern that if they receive a diagnosis of cancer and have surgery, the surgery could cause the cancer to spread. “This is false,” she says.

Women may believe that surgeons will have to remove their breasts, which is also not true. “We can offer modern approaches to breast surgery, such as lumpectomy or breastconserving surgery, which only removes a portion of the breast,” says Dr. Bea. “Those myths may be widening the gap of women not getting their mammograms right now. But it’s important to remember early detection saves lives.”

4. Know Your Breasts Dr. Bea encourages women to do a breast self-exam every month. “If there is an abnormality, you’d be the first to detect it,” she says. Signs to look for include nipple discharge, a palpable mass (a lump), or any skin changes. Clinical breast exams are important at least yearly with a licensed practitioner.

Dr. Bea hopes that by building trust with her patients and prioritizing education, outreach, and early diagnosis, she can address disparities in the community and save lives. “I have a voice and it’s my duty to use it and be at the forefront of this conversation.”

Equally important is a diverse care team. “NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital has a multidisciplinary team of Black women who treat breast cancer, which is rare,” says Dr. Bea. “If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to receive high-quality care, which we offer here with a diverse multidisciplinary department.”

Vivian J. Bea, M.D., is on Twitter at @IamDrVivian. To make an appointment with Dr. Bea, please call 718-780-3022. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Masks and social distancing are working!

WHAT’S NEXT

IN THE COVID-19 FIGHT? NOW, WE ALL NEED TO GET TESTED OFTEN, even with no symptoms, to keep reducing the spread.

TO FIND FREE, EASY AND SAFE TESTING NEAR YOU: VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDTEST OR CALL 212-COVID-19

Robotic tools, wielded by an experienced team, powers

Innovative Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center magnify the view up to 10 times when needed, to better see intricate blood vessels and nerves.

In addition to the experienced surgeons, NBI has a dedicated staff just for robotic surgeries, including registered nurses with special training in the procedures and three robotic surgical systems.

“We have a long history of using these robots,” Dr. Kopelan says. “It’s part of our belief here that minimally invasive surgery should be the standard of care whenever possible, because it’s safer for most patients.”

We have taken all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our patients and our facilities. To learn more about robotic surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, call 888-724-7123 or visit rwjbh.org/newarkbeth More than a decade of dedicated work with robotic tools for surgery is paying off for patients, according to Adam M. Kopelan, MD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI).

“Since the mid-2000s, we’ve been using robot-assisted tools for more and more complicated surgeries,” Dr. Kopelan says. “During that time, we’ve become very familiar with how to maximize the advances of each new piece of equipment.”

NBI surgical teams can offer patients robot-assisted surgery for urologic and gynecologic procedures, as well as for elective surgery for the gallbladder, colon, stomach and esophagus and more complex surgical procedures for pancreatic cancer.

WHY A ROBOT? The advances in robot-assisted surgery tools, like the da Vinci Xi Surgical System used at NBI, have many advantages. “Robot-assisted tools allow us to perform increasingly complicated surgeries using minimally invasive techniques,” says Dr. Kopelan. Tiny tools allow trained surgeons to perform operations without the large incisions required by traditional surgery. And that brings patients many benefits: less pain; faster recovery; shorter hospital stays; less risk for infection after surgery; and less blood loss, so less need for blood transfusions.

During the operation, the surgeon uses robotic arms that are precisely guided by highly advanced computer software, yet the surgeon has 100 percent control of these computer-guided tools. These systems also give the surgical team a clearer view inside the body. The miniature 3D cameras provide live, highly detailed video images during surgery. The team can

Bold Plans and Big Ideas Our $100 million renovation project will change the face of the medical center and the Lyons Avenue landscape.

The highlight of the project will be the medical center’s new main lobby, an expanded Emergency Department, new advanced heart failure treatment and transplant facilities, continued remodeling of the maternity unit and renovated intensive care units. Learn more at rwjbh.org/NBIExpansion

Your family has no history of breast cancer.

You still need a mammogram.

It’s curious how healthy habits can become go-to excuses. But don’t excuse yourself from getting a mammogram. At RWJBarnabas Health, we offer the latest in comprehensive breast health services including mammograms, 3D mammograms, genetic testing, breast surgery and more — like peace of mind. And with breast health centers conveniently located throughout New Jersey, finding us is simple, too.

Making excuses is easy. Making an appointment is easier. Schedule your visit to the The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at rwjbh.org/ mammo or call 973-926-7466.

Let’s beat breast cancer together.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe.

So if you’ve put off cancer care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

Photos: Bruce Moore and Seitu Oronde

View of East River from upper parking deck

L–R: Moikgantsi Kgama, Gregory Kgari KgamaGates, and Gregory Gates

L–R: ImageNation Executive Producer Gregory Gates; Concert Promoter Sparkie Martin; and TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.

Drive-In Movie Nights in Manhattan

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ostalgia is a powerful emotion and one in great demand these days. East Plaza and the 18th Annual ImageNation Outdoors Festival did their part to bring back a staple from the 1950s and 1960s —the drive-in movie.

With COVID-19 forcing people to practice social distancing and restricting attendees at movie theaters, ImageNation Cinema Foundation, the East River Plaza, and The Positive Community have come up with the perfect solution to host Manhattan’s only series of drive-in movie nights.

On Saturday, September 26th and October 3rd guests could sit back; relax; and enjoy classic, family-friendly films from the comfort of their own cars, while adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines. Fidelis Care sponsored Sonic the Hedgehog (for Kids’ Night Out) with TPC Radio/Positive Music Matters online dance jam, spun by Sundae Sermon’s DJ Stormin Norman, “We are very proud to join with locally-based ImageNation and provide a safe source of entertainment for the community during these very challenging times,” said David Blumenfeld,

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

vice president, Blumenfeld Development Group, developer of East River Plaza. “We are glad that Manhattan – and especially our neighbors in East Harlem – now have an option in the city instead of having to travel to other boroughs or out to Long Island, New Jersey, or upstate New York to join in the film fun.”

“This is our 18th year of outdoor screenings. However, due to COVID-19 we were almost forced to cancel,” said Moikgantsi Kgama, founder of ImageNation. “We are so happy that East River Plaza, HCCI, and The Positive Community joined our effort, and basically saved the festival! This event is a great example of community unity.”

All of the screenings were sold out. East River Plaza provided a “featured treat” from local businesses in family snack bags that were distributed to each group upon arrival.

Sponsors included The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment; East River Plaza; WarnerMedia; Black Public Media; Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI); Fidelis Care; The Positive Community; and Harlem News. —TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

TPC Sales Executive Marc Williams and his wife Kellee

Harlem-via-East London, DJ Stormin’ Norman

L–R: Manager of East River Plaza Mall Solange Cespedes with Adrian Council, Sr.

THIS YEAR’S

FLU VACCINE COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE YOU EVER GET

WITH COVID-19 STILL AROUND, IT’S ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES FROM GETTING THE FLU AND NEEDING MEDICAL CARE. GET VACCINATED TODAY! Flu vaccination is safe and quick and is covered by most insurance.

Flu vaccine is available at low cost or for free at many locations around the city.

For more information or to find a location to get your flu vaccine, visit nyc.gov/flu, call 311 or text "flu" to 877877. www.thepositivecommunity.com NYC_Flu_2020_COVID-19_PositiveComm_7x4.75_V1.indd 1

Health

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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9/29/20 7:15 AM

Faith and Friendship HOW TWO COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTNER FOR BETTER HEALTH

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ishop Ronald Jones is a longtime friend of the Newark, NJ community and is a frequent visitor of Aetna Better Health of New Jersey’s Healthcare Central store. Bishop Jones’ visits and appearances at our events might be paused due to COVID-19, but his community’s history and support are not.

When the lead-contaminated drinking water crisis gripped Newark, NJ, in the summer of 2019, Bishop Ronald Jones knew just who to call for support. A faith leader and advocate for low-income residents for over two decades, dozens of local politicians and community leaders readily answer his calls. But during this emergency, he reached out to Magdaliza “Lisa” Aviles, manager of Aetna’s Healthcare Central storefront. He asked if she could line up a truck to deliver cases of water to affected neighborhoods.

“She rolled up her sleeves, rented a truck, availed us of a driver, and brought it to three locations,” says Jones, fondly known as “the Bishop.” “She’s not only a friend; she’s also available when we need her. We need more Lisas.”

Since joining Aetna’s Healthcare Central last spring, Lisa’s mission has been to make the storefront more than just a place for people to learn about NJ FamilyCare bene-

fits available through an Aetna Better Health of New Jersey plan. With programs such as monthly food giveaways and diabetes education classes, she’s transforming the space into a hub for anyone interested in leading a healthier life, including many from the Bishop’s congregation.

Be in Health

There’s room for improvement when it comes to the health of Newark’s residents. Compared to the rest of the state, people in Newark experience significantly higher blood pressure rates, diabetes, and chronic heart disease. According to data from the U.S. Census, 23% of residents have no health insurance. They also have no primary care doctor and end up heading to the emergency room when they have a health issue, the Bishop says. “If something isn’t bothering them at the moment, if it’s not right at their door, they’re not going to plan ahead and apply for health insurance,” he explains. “And then, when they do get sick, that’s when they run to the emergency room (ER).”

Many of the people the Bishop works with, including those struggling with chronic illnesses or addiction, need a lifeline that goes beyond a trip the ER. One of the most 097-19-84

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

common complaints he hears is, “I’m tired. I need help, but I don’t have insurance.” “I mean, I hear this almost daily,” he says.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Bishop sees supporting his community’s health as part of his calling. “There’s a Bible verse that says, ‘Above all, I wish that you would prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers,’” he explains.

For years, Bishop Jones had difficulty finding a reliable resource to refer community members. Then in the spring of 2018, he met Lisa.

Making Inroads in the Community

From the moment the Bishop was introduced to Lisa at a community health fair, he was struck by her ease with people. He also quickly realized that they shared the same goal: to help residents access health care and resources to live healthy lives. He began to invite her along to block parties and monthly interfaith meetings, where she made connections with other members of the clergy.

In turn, those clergy invited her to speak about Aetna Better Health of New Jersey benefits at their houses of worship.

A newcomer to Newark, Lisa says her friendship with the Bishop has helped her make important inroads in the area.

“You’re just coming into a community without knowing anyone. They don’t know how to perceive you,” she explains.

“But because the Bishop accepts me, other people are interested in hearing what I have to say.”

Helping to improve a community’s health

Even with the Bishop’s support, becoming a trusted resource doesn’t happen overnight. To help nurture their

Magdaliza “Lisa” Aviles

Bishop Ronald Jones

relationship with the community, Lisa and her team regularly hold free health and wellness events at Healthcare Central, such as monthly food giveaways, healthy cooking demonstrations, and health education classes.

“It’s not just about the health insurance,” Lisa says of the events. “At the end of the day, we hope they become an Aetna member. Nevertheless, primarily, we want to make sure that they have health insurance and are aware of the different organizations offering it. We’re here for anyone interested in learning how to live a healthier life.”

Having a consistent presence in the neighborhood also helps. During the contaminated drinking water crisis, for example, Lisa made a point to attend community meetings.

That way, if someone came into the store asking questions, she’d be prepared to provide them with the right resources.

“It’s important to know the community that you’re in and what is affecting them, so you know what to focus on to help them,” she says.

The extra effort is worth it. Lisa and the Bishop have both seen firsthand how residents can benefit from access to health care. “You can feed people, and the next day they’re hungry again. But if you give them an opportunity to get health care, they can be well,” the Bishop explains. “And when people are well, they can work.”

“You know,” he continues, “I’m always looking for people like Lisa, and she just dropped in my life. I thank God for her.”

Lisa smiles. “He’s definitely been a blessing in my life,” she says.

HEALTHCARE CENTRAL— A NJ FAMILYCARE (MEDICAID) GUIDANCE CENTER 48A Jones St., Suite C-101, Newark, NJ 07103 1-959-299-3102 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. AetnaNewarkHealthCareCentral.com

097-19-84

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

21

Your Healthy Fall Checklist Soon the leaves will start to change colors, but that does not mean you should change your healthcare routine.

Now, more than ever, it is important that you and your family follow up with your doctors to help stay healthy.

Englewood Health reminds you to: � Select a primary care physician for yourself and your family members � Schedule your annual physical � Make sure you are up to date on any necessary vaccinations and get your flu shot � Speak with your physician about important screenings and preventive care services, including: • Colonoscopy

• Bone density testing

• Lung cancer screening

• Cardiology exam

• Mammogram • Pap smear and HPV screening

• Vascular screening for stroke and neurological conditions

• Prostate cancer screening

• Joint and spine check-up and care

• Hepatitis screening

• Pulmonary function testing

• Smoking cessation

• Vein screening

Need help finding a physician?

Call 833-234-2234 or visit englewoodhealth.org

Money

buiness, finance finance ++ work work buiness,

Blueprint Capital Advisors

Education

We’ve Come Come Too Too Far Far to to Turn Turn Back Back Now Now We’ve ByPeppur PeppurChambers Chambers By

the art art ++ science science of of learning learning the

JacobWalthour, Walthour,Jr. Jr.of of Jacob BlueprintCapital CapitalAdvisors Advisors Blueprint

T

AfricanAmericans Americansemerging emergingfrom from250 250years yearsof ofslavslavooAfrican ery,the theGreenwood Greenwoodsection sectionof ofTulsa, Tulsa,Oklahoma Oklahomawas wasaa ery, source of of great great pride. pride. In In the the early early 20th 20th century, century, TulTulsource sa’s“Black “BlackWall WallStreet,” Street,”asasGreenwood GreenwoodAvenue Avenuecame cameto tobe be sa’s known, represented represented Black Black people’s people’s true true potential potential in in the the known, UnitedStates.

States.

United Greenwood Avenue Avenue was was home home to to Black-owned Black-owned restaurestauGreenwood rants,grocery grocerystores, stores,hotels, hotels,clothing clothingstores, stores,movie movietheaters, theaters, rants, barbershopsand andsalons, salons,aalibrary, library,pool poolhall, hall,and andnightclubs. nightclubs. barbershops Its Black Black doctors, doctors, lawyers, lawyers, dentists, dentists, newspapers, newspapers, schools, schools, Its banks,and andhospitals hospitalsserved servedthe theprosperous prosperousenclave. enclave. banks, In1921, 1921,white whiterioters riotersset setthe the35 35square squareblocks blockscomprising comprising In Greenwood ablaze ablaze and and rampaged rampaged through through the the streets streets for for Greenwood two days. days. Hundreds Hundreds of of people people died died and and over over 10,000 10,000 Black Black two peoplewere wereleft lefthomeless. homeless.Greenwood’s Greenwood’sresidents residentsand andbusibusipeople nesses never never recovered. recovered. The The burning burning of of that that flourishing flourishing nesses

Black neighborhood neighborhood isis the the single, single, worst worst incident incident of of racial racial Black violencein inAmerican Americanhistory. history. violence Thereisisno noangry, angry,racially raciallyresentful resentfulmob. mob.Still, Still,denizens denizens There of New New York York City’s City’s Wall Wall Street Street are are feeling feeling the the heat heat from from aa of firestormset setoff offby byprofessionals professionalswho whohave havebrought broughtto tolight light firestorm the systemic systemic discrimination discrimination and and racism racism continuing continuing to to perperthe meateAmerica’s America’sfinancial financialservices servicesindustry. industry. meate JacobWalthour, Walthour,Jr. Jr.and andCarrie CarriePickett Pickettare areco-founders co-foundersof of Jacob Newark-basedBlueprint BlueprintCapital CapitalAdvisors, Advisors,an anasset assetmanager manager Newark-based with aa portfolio portfolio of of over over $1 $1 billion billion in in assets. assets. They They recently recently with filedaalawsuit lawsuitin infederal federalcourt courtin inNew NewJersey, Jersey,which whichdetails details filed howthe theNew NewJersey JerseyPublic PublicPension PensionFund Fundand andasset assetmanagmanaghow er BlackRock BlackRock stole stole their their intellectual intellectual property property and and later later acacer knowledgedracism racismwas wasatatthe theheart heartof oftheir theiractions. actions. knowledged In matters matters of of right right and and wrong, wrong, justice justice has has aa claim. claim. And And In Blueprint’sco-founders co-foundersintend intendto tohave havethe theinjustice injusticethey theysufsufBlueprint’s feredaddressed. addressed.They Theyseek seekfundamental fundamentalchange changein inhow howWall Wall fered Streettreats treatsBlack Blackpeople, people,and andfirms firmsstarted startedby byBlacks.

Blacks.More More Street specifically,they theymean meanto tosee seethe thebarriers barriersthat thatprevent preventBlackBlackspecifically, ownedfirms firmsfrom fromaccessing accessingcapital capitaland andwealth wealthremoved. removed. owned As the the nation nation mourns mourns and and marches marches for for social social justice, justice, As Jacob Walthour, Walthour, Jr. Jr. and and Carrie Carrie Pickett Pickett fight fight for for economic economic Jacob justice. Equipped Equipped with with full full knowledge knowledge and and appreciation appreciation of of justice. theirforebear’s forebear’sbitter bitterand andsweet sweethistories, histories,they theystand standup upto to their today’sWall WallStreet Streetto toexpose exposethe theplayers playersand andpractices practicesthat that today’s havecommitted committedone oneof ofthe themost mostblatant blatantand anddiscriminatory discriminatory have actsever everseen seenon onthat thaticonic iconicstreet. street.In Inthe thewords wordsof ofatatleast least acts oneNew NewJersey Jerseyelected electedofficial, official,the thetreatment treatmentBlueprint Blueprintrereone ceived amounts amounts to to “a “a modern-day modern-day economic economic lynching lynching that that ceived hasleft leftaastain stainin inthe theeye eyeof ofthe theState Stateof ofNew NewJersey.”

Jersey.” has The successful successful financiers financiers trace trace their their entrepreneurial entrepreneurial The rootsback backto tosuccessful successfulfamily-owned family-ownedbusinesses, businesses,not notunlike unlike roots thosethat thatlined linedthe theiconic iconicGreenwood GreenwoodAvenue Avenuein inTulsa.

Tulsa.One One those mightsay saytheir theirdrive drivefor forsuccess successisisin intheir theirblood. blood. might Walthourcomes comesfrom fromhumble humblebeginnings. beginnings.Raised Raisedin intiny tiny Walthour Hudson,New NewYork Yorkabout about35 35miles milessouth southof ofAlbany, Albany,he heisisthe the Hudson, sonof ofaawelder welderand andaalaundress, laundress,neither neitherof ofwhom whomfinished finished son highschool. school.“My “Myparents parentswere wereaareal, real,live, live,American Americansuccess success high story.IIhad hadno noexcuse,” excuse,”he heshared. shared.“They “Theystarted startedwith withnothnothstory. ingbut butteamwork teamworkand andhard hardwork. work.Their Theirrestaurant restaurantopened opened ing cont’d on on next next page page cont’d

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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BLUEPRINT cont’d from previous page

when Walthour was 13 years old and thrived for thirty-five years—the longest-standing Black-owned business in the city, and possibly all of upstate New York. “My parents gave me a strong sense of how powerful a Black business could be.” They were his blueprint.

Pickett came from similar roots. Her grandfather owned a restaurant and one of the first African American-owned Chevrolet dealerships in Oakland, California. “Oakland in the 1950s and early 60s, like Greenwood, was an insular and thriving Black community,” Pickett explained. Black folks did for themselves and, Pickett says, were raised with a “sense of doing for yourself.” With a Ph. D. in Cellular Biology from UCLA, her father led research in new drug discovery, forging into the unknown and finding success in undiscovered realms. Pickett’s exposure to his work gave her an early window into risk-taking. “My father was one of few Black men in his field. His success was inspirational and a driver behind my willingness to pursue a career in a field where not many people look like me,” she revealed.

Pickett and Walthour first joined forces in 2012 when they joined Cowen & Company to pursue a passion for investing in women and minority firms. They needed resources. Cowen & Company, a storied investment banking boutique, was the answer. Walthour explained, “We knew we would need deep resources to build our plan. The credibility of having a white partner in the investment industry can make a big difference in accessing capital. We jokingly call it the ‘Good Housekeeping seal of approval.’”

After over a year at Cowen, the two decided to go out on their own. “We wanted to be in the front seat of the car. We both wanted to drive and be responsible for getting to our destination,” Walthour explained.

Pickett and Walthour built a name in the industry, a factor crucial to raising a significant amount of capital when New Jersey failed to deliver on their promise. Walthour admits, “We had the who’s who of successful asset managers agreeing to back us. Black Wall Street supported us.” Regarding their angel investors, Walthour said, “Having these individuals express confidence in us was a big motivator. We now had other people’s money and the responsibility to get them their return.”

Raising $350 million for their first fund, Blueprint crossed the billion-dollar assets mark much faster than other minority firms leading to a nomination for Alternative Firm of the Year by HFM Investhedge. Placing in the top echelon of the Black-owned investment manager universe, they accomplished a fantastic feat, even surpassing expectations of what white-owned asset managers could do. They had identified a market niche and prepared for success. Not until being in business a full year did the company go to investors.

Blueprint was ready for prime time.

Based on meticulous research, the firm developed a program capable of saving public pension funds millions of dollars based primarily on fees management. They named this structural alternative FAIR. Their lawsuit claims the co-con-

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

spirators, New Jersey and BlackRock, stole the program and even used the Blueprint program’s name. The State of New Jersey, BlackRock Alternative Advisors, and Cliffwater LLC are formidable opponents. The stage is set for a classic David and Goliath battle in the legal amphitheater.

Filed in federal court in New Jersey on June 22, 2020, the complaint depicts a narrative in which Blueprint turned over its confidential information and trade secrets to the State of New Jersey’s Division of Investment and expected to receive funding of $500 million. However, the agency gave the information to BlackRock, but told Blueprint because the committee “is not a fan of investing in minority-owned firms,” the proposal was never presented. Later, Blueprint learned that in order to be approved, staff would have to “cleanse their materials of any mention of their Black-owned status.”

When Blueprint complained and asserted their rights, the agency issued threats and retaliated against them, delaying the processing of their contracts and refusing to communicate or meet with the firm to discuss investment ideas.

Multiple news sources have reported the defendants’ claim that Blueprint has no evidence of wrongdoing. Walthour strongly disagrees. In a letter to investors and industry relationships he states, “Despite the defendants’ claims of no merit, I am confident; and the evidence is just part of the reason.” The letter quotes an email from a former BlackRock employee to a BlackRock senior executive, obtained

by Blueprint. “These back room deals negatively impacting African Americans happen all the time,” read the email. “I experienced the brunt of them many times but did not complain just to keep the peace in a racially lopsided environment. The truth will prevail.”

Pickett noted: “Many people see African Americans on Wall Street and covet the access, wealth, and opportunity they think we have. What is less understood is this industry has not made the progress necessary to truly afford Black people limitless opportunity. We do not want opportunity for a few; we want it for all.“ Blueprint believes its litigation is already having an impact. According to Walthour, Blueprint delivered a demand letter to BlackRock alleging discrimination and told the firm it was filing a complaint on June 22. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink announced on the very same day that the Black workforce at the firm will grow by 30% in four years. Walthour further states, “BlackRock is looking to win the hearts and minds Blacks because of the climate around Black Lives Matter. If he really cared, he would take care of those Blacks he already employs.”

Jacob Walthour says BlackRock has not gone far enough, and regarding Blueprint, the duo concurs they have gone too far to turn back. “This is a landmark case,” stated Carrie Picket. “It is much bigger than Blueprint. We must forge on.”

Surely in their struggle, others will find hope, inspiration, and the will to push forward. www.thepositivecommunity.com

PSEG Foundation Calvin Ledford, Jr. Named President

C

alvin R. Ledford, Jr. has been named president of the PSEG Foundation and director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In his new role, Ledford will have oversight of the philanthropic areas of corporate citizenship: volunteerism, corporate giving, and the foundation’s programs operations. He was formerly director of External Affairs Ledford will help guide the PSEG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PSEG, prioritizing investments in the environment, safety, emergency preparedness and disaster relief, STEM education and workforce development, diversity & inclusion, and the communities served by PSEG. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, PSEG and the PSEG Foundation have supported the efforts of the healthcare community and organizations that support

vulnerable groups, donating thousands of masks and gloves early in the pandemic, supporting local food banks and community organizations, and committing $2.5 million to support medical, social, and economic needs of New Jersey communities, including a $1 million grant to NJ Pandemic Relief Fund.

In June, PSEG and the PSEG Foundation announced the launch of the new Powering Equity and Social Justice initiative, which includes a $1 million commitment to support organizations that address racial injustice, inequality, and human rights in communities of color.

“By providing support for organizations that seek to foster justice and social equity, and those that enhance health and educational outcomes, we hope to lead change and make a purposeful difference in the communities we serve,"

Ledford said. “We’re proud of our long history as corporate citizens of New Jersey and the City of Newark, where PSEG has kept its headquarters since the company was founded in 1903.”

Ledford serves as the Chairman of the Newark Regional Business Partnership and Board member of the Foundation of University Hospital, Education Foundation of the League of Municipalities, and Leadership Newark. He is a graduate of Leadership Newark and Lead New Jersey.

Prudential Financial, Inc. Susan Somersille Johnson Named Chief Marketing Officer

S

usan Somersille Johnson is chief marketing officer for Prudential Financial, Inc. In this role, she is responsible for leading the company’s global marketing and brand strategy to help drive profitable growth for Prudential. Johnson will leverage her background in technology to spearhead new marketing innovation and bridge traditional marketing with emerging digital tools and analytics.

Previously, Johnson was corporate executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Truist Financial, the bank holding company formed in 2019 following www.thepositivecommunity.com

the merger of SunTrust Bank and BB&T. While at Truist, Johnson led the postmerger enterprise rebranding for the new organization, which had over $504 billion in assets. She also championed the launch of onUp, a cultural movement empowering financial confidence for over 6.1 million participants across America.

Johnson began her career as an engineer at Apple before taking on a series of high-profile global marketing leadership roles at organizations including NCR Corporation and Nokia. While at Nokia, she developed and deployed targeted initiatives that drove customer demand, setting record levels of performance for Nokia channel partners around the world. She served as vice president of Global Marketing at NCR Corporation, overseeing the company’s worldwide marketing, com-

munications, and business intelligence programs to drive increased awareness and consideration of NCR products and services across 180 countries.

Johnson serves on the board of directors of Constellation Brands. Passionate about philanthropy and volunteerism, she also is a board member of United Way U.S.A., HOPE Global Forums, and CHRIS 180. She was named “Marketer of the Year” by Target Marketing (2018), among the “50 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise (2016 and 2017), and “Top Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine (2016).

She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering sciences from Harvard University and an MBA in finance from The Wharton School.

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

25

NJ Attorney General Gurbir Singh Grewal

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

PSE&G Senior Vice President-Corporate Citizenship Rick Thigpen

AACCNJ Chief Executive Officer John Harmon, Sr.

Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, senior pastor, Saint James AME Church, Newark, NJ AACCNJ VP Member Relations Mary Griffin

Black Lives Matter

L–R: Rev. Steffie Bartley, senior pastor, New Hope Memorial Bapist Church, Elizabeth, NJ

For New Jersey Black-Owned Businesses

T

he African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) received approval from the City of Trenton, to construct a “Black Lives Matter” mural in front of their headquarters at 379 West State Street, Trenton, NJ, on Saturday, September 26.

As the vanguard for the more than 80,000 Black-owned businesses across the state of New Jersey, AACCNJ President/ CEO John Harmon thought it important to join the support for the Black Lives Matter movement happening nationwide.

The mural in front of their headquarters

demonstrates AACCNJ’s validation of the merits and messaging of the effort.

Harmon was named to a national steering committee as part of an initiative of the United States Chamber of Commerce. “I plan to share my insights, perspectives, and the painful stories that I have witnessed from individuals and businesses in their quest to obtain their equitable stake of all the good our country has to offer,” he said. “The United States Chamber of Commerce has access to the appropriate constituencies to have this conversation and I plan to take

L–R: AACCNJ President/CEO John Harmon; Pastor Ronald Slaughter, St. James AME Church, Newark; Pastor Steffie Bartley, New Hope B.C., Elizabeth; N.J. Chamber President/CEO Tom Bracken; NJBIA President/CEO Michele Sierkerka; and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora

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full advantage of this opportunity to make a difference."

As a member of Governor Murphy’s Recovery Council and the Main Street Committee, the AACCNJ will have the opportunity to shape policy as it relates to a reopening and long-term recovery strategy for the state. Harmon, also a board member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifying their joint efforts to address the effects of systemic racism on the economic well-being of African Americans in the State of New Jersey. —TPC Staff

Rev. Derrick Green, senior advisor to NJ Governor Phil Murphy

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Allow yourself to...

...DREAM BIG. New neighbors build communities, and NJHMFA’s $10,000 Down Payment Assistance Program can help.

Qualified homebuyers can take advantage of NJHMFA’s First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program coupled with the $10,000 Down Payment Assistance Program to make their home ownership dream a reality.

The $10,000 loan is interest free, requires no payments and is forgivable after five years.

Whether New Jersey residents need a mortgage, down payment assistance or housing counseling, NJHMFA can help. Our staff of housing professionals and approved lending partners are dedicated to pairing home buyers with the programs and resources to help them reach their goal of making a home their own.

Learn more at TheRoadHomeNJ.com.

njhousing.gov NJHMFA is a self-sufficient agency of state government dedicated to offering New Jersey residents affordable and accessible housing.

Marc E. Berson, chair of the RWJBarnabas Health Corporate Board

Photos: Ramond Hagans

RWJ Barnabas President and Chief Executive Officer Barry H. Ostrowsky

Newark Beth Israel Expansion

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ewark Beth Israel Medical Center recently hosted a groundbreaking for its $100M renovation project, , the largest expansion of the hospital since 1967.

The project includes expanded adult and pediatric emergency departments, new hybrid operating rooms, a dedicated center for all cardiac services, and a newly renovated maternity unit. A key component of the project is the hospital’s new main lobby, an estimated 17,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed space, that moves the hospital’s front entrance back to its original location on Lyons Avenue.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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BY CHIP HALLOCK, CEO NRBP

Newark Regional Business Partnership

N

ewark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a broad-based membership organization representing businesses, large and small, with a presence or business interest in Newark. Its 400 members represent a wide range of industries and serve a diverse range of communities.

Many of NRBP’s best attributes have been on display despite the myriad challenges faced by Greater Newark during 2020. Long recognized for connecting, informing, and advocating for its members while supporting Newark’s revitalization, NRBP has been impressed by the resilience of the region’s stakeholders and is pleased to provide valuable support and information.

In the early stages of the pandemic, many employers—confounded by information—struggled to find the best news and resources about coronavirus-related matters. NRBP maintained an online COVID-19 resource guide and provided connections to resources and fellow members who assisted with urgent needs such as PPE. The Partnership also confirmed with reliable government contacts which essential businesses were allowed to operate and under what circumstances. Never was “networking” more critical.

The need for connections to people and information continued as government assistance, and guidance became available for businesses. In response, NRBP members provided pro bono legal and accounting insight to small and non-profit firms on matters such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Members also pivoted their businesses to meet the demand for different products. NRBP increased its communications to ensure members were aware of the resources available to them.

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

Online programming replaced NRBP’s well-regarded in-person events. Webinars addressed the challenges of remote work and considerations for employee and customer safety as some businesses began to return to the workplace. Members and stakeholders stayed connected and sought introductions through continuous NRBP staff outreach and creative virtual networking experiences. Virtual programming was made available to all, without regard to membership.

As a member of several state and national coalitions, NRBP remained an advocate with government officials for emergency financial support to retain employees, safe and reasonable business operation guidelines, and funding for the transportation sector, including the essential operation of mass transit.

It became apparent that communities of color were disproportionately impacted by both the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus, with Blacks and Latinos dying at 3.2 times the rate of whites (age-adjusted rate per APM Research Labs 10.15.20).

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka used the power of his position to enact appropriate health and safety measures, demand economic assistance from all levels of government, and partner with private sector businesses and agencies to help Newark families through the crisis.

Simultaneously, across the U.S., there were more killings of Blacks at the hands of law enforcement—tragedies that resulted in widespread civil unrest and calls for change. In Newark, Mayor Baraka’s leadership, combined with a proud and dedicated citizenry, ensured peaceful protests while redirecting a significant part of the City’s public safety budget to anti-violence measures. www.thepositivecommunity.com

These factors reaffirmed the importance of NRBP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative, now in its third year.

Through a range of programming, NRBP members have become more aware of systemic racism, implicit biases, and policies and laws that have created and widened the opportunity gap for underrepresented groups. The Partnership has continued this work through a compelling mini-series of webcasts.

These programs are openly addressing significant issues – transforming education, ensuring access to quality healthcare, reimagining law enforcement, and mending community-police relations. The sessions spread awareness of actions taken

by Newark’s stakeholders to encourage more hiring of Newark residents, increase procurement from local businesses, and expand opportunities to live in improving neighborhoods.

NRBP encourages all members to learn from others the various ways they can positively impact the Newark community and adopt those practices at their scale.

That’s what NRBP had in mind five years ago when it brought the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program to Newark. The six-month-long afterschool program involves about 20 Newark middle and high school students who are taught business basics and how to prepare a business plan around their idea with mentors' help.

The students present to an investors panel that provides money for them to actually start their businesses. This year’s graduating class of enterprises includes children’s bilingual books, e-marketing consulting, organic hair products, and

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Long recognized for connecting, informing, and advocating for its members while supporting Newark’s revitalization, NRBP has been impressed by the resilience of the region’s stakeholders and is pleased to provide valuable support and information athletic apparel. YEA! is designed to excite students about business ownership, create value in their community, and build generational wealth.

NRBP has never been more proud to engage with and recognize the collective impact of its wide range of members and Newark stakeholders. The Newark community is, indeed, moving forward.

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AN EXAMINATION OF LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF CRISIS City of Newark, Policy and Communications HOW TWO COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTNER FOR BETTER HEALTH

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eadership is bold and daring in the face of uncertainty. It is decisive and calls for action, despite the unknown path ahead.

It relies on principle and values and stands fast in the face of unpopularity or controversy. Mostly, it is grounded in the concept that those who have put their trust in the leader must be served first and foremost. Tried and tested, Ras J. Baraka, mayor of Newark, exemplifies that principle.

Historically, it’s in Newark’s DNA to overcome challenges. Look back to the 1967 Rebellion when rumors sur faced that 4th Precinct police had beaten cab driver John Smith, resulting in days of violence that left hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and 26 people dead. Newark is still on a long journey to recover physically and emotionally, but times and leadership have changed. The precinct that sparked the Newark Rebellion will soon house the City’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, funded by a five percent portion of the Newark Police Department budget, thanks to a law recently signed

by Mayor Baraka. The once ignominious building will be a place where residents can visit to heal

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from their own trauma, where the coordination for all organizations contributing to the alternative violence reduction initiatives will take place, and will be the home to a new museum full of the city’s rich history.

Since Mayor Baraka took office in 2014, the reduction in crime is undeniable. In 2019, statistics show crime reduction in every category and the lowest murder rate since 1961. Department heads throughout the administration work on progressive initiatives and reaching data-driven results.

Baraka handpicked an administration of experts who can execute to help implement his mission and vision.

The Mayor’s Newark Forward values denote the specific goals he seeks to achieve for the City working collectively with the people: an empowered, safer, more equitable, more collaborative and more educated city. These values undergird every initiative, policy, and program. They represent the pillars of light and hope on which residents, non-profits, corporations, and institutions can focus to move Newark Forward.

In 2019, the city faced what many deemed a “water crisis.” News stories led viewers to believe www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark had become “the next Flint.” What the media should have known was what Newark residents already knew: the City of Newark has historically been committed to delivering the purest water possible. Mayor Baraka’s swift actions and bold steps to replace every lead service line with no cost to residents made Newark a model city for how to deal with lead issues. Mayor Baraka’s achievement not only helped Newark residents, but sent a clear message to State and Federal officials that investment in infrastructure leads to the protection of residents’ health.

Fast forward to what can only be defined as the time the earth stood still while the world sheltered in place. The intersection of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the murder of George Floyd were our humanity’s defining moments of 2020— both of which led to a presidential election that would define the future of this country and this city.

Rather than stand back, the Mayor leaned into this as only a true leader could. His administration has met twice a day since March to report and strategize on how to respond to the pandemic.

In the midst of facing every mayor’s toughest challenge, Mayor Baraka wrote a poignant piece 1967 Newark Riots

titled “Why We Cannot Go Back to Normal” If you have not read it, you should. The Mayor’s take on the juxtaposition of the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism shows how he clearly sees the future of his city and his commitment to residents’ futures. “At this time, America is fighting two pandemics; one we have been fighting for a few months and the other we have been enduring for over 400 years. We have shown the world the ugliness of two Americas the same way Bull Connor showed the viciousness of Jim Crow; and when we get past the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to have the courage and fortitude to deal with the one that plagued us long before the first case we saw in Newark on March 14th.”

It is no surprise he found innovative approaches and funds at every level of government to fill in gaps for those experiencing economic insecurity.

On Facebook Live, Mayor Baraka updated Newark residents daily with New Jersey residents and folks out of state tuned in to hear what was really happening. The disproportionate impact of the virus on Black and Brown lives led to a response to the pandemic that can only be described as crisis leadership.

Newark was the first city in the country to offer walk-up testing. It may have been the only city to feed and provide 24-hour shelter to the homeless to cut down transmission between homeless citizens and the general population. Baraka described his own shelter-in-place rules and enforcement as draconian, but created food procont’d on next page

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Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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EXAMINATION page EXAMINATIONOF OFLEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP cont’d cont’d from from previous previous page

TAKEAAKNEE: KNEE:Mayor MayorBaraka Barakatakes takes knee knee TAKE withEssex EssexCounty Countypolice policechiefs chiefsin infront front with Newark’s5th 5thPrecinct Precinctcondemning condemning the the ofofNewark’s murderofofGeorge GeorgeFloyd Floydon onJune June1, 1,2020 2020 murder

gramsthat, that, with with Newark Newark Public Public Schools, Schools, served served grams more than three million meals to date so people more than three million meals to date so people couldstay stayindoors. indoors. could The food programalong alongwith with cur curfews; fews; closures; closures; The food program “mask-up” campaigns; quarantine arrangements; “mask-up” campaigns; quarantine arrangements; strict sanitization of senior buildings; and $6 milstrict sanitization of senior buildings; and $6 million in programs for homeowners, renters, small lion in programs for homeowners, renters, small businesses, landlords, and the arts; saved untold businesses, landlords, and the arts; saved untold lives and alleviated the fear for Newark residents. lives and alleviated the fear for Newark residents.

He recently created a $100 million economic jusHe recently created a $100 million economic justice fund to help Black and Latinx business owntice fund to help Black and Latinx business owners, most of whom would not be able to recover ers, most of whom would not be able to recover from the pandemic. In addition, the City did not from the pandemic.

In addition, the Citythe did not furlough staff and Moody’s maintained City’s furlough staff and Moody’s maintained the City’s positive outlook. The City recently refinanced its positive outlook.

The City bonds recently $100 million obligation andrefinanced managed its to $100 million obligation bonds and managed to save $14 million over a two-year period, which save a two-year period, which will $14 help million a faster over recovery and keep the delivery will help a faster recovery and keep the delivery of services to residents. of services residents.

Excitingtoplans are afoot for a walkway simiExciting plans afoot walkway similar to the famousare New Yorkfor Citya Highline, conlar to the famous New York City Highline, connecting the Prudential Center, Newark’s restaunecting theIronbound Prudentialsection, Center,and Newark’s restaurant-rich Penn Station. rant-rich Ironbound section, and Penn Station.

Funding includes a 100-bed shelter and 100 units Funding includes a 100-bed shelter and 100 units of permanent housing for the homeless.

It is yet ofanother permanent housing for the homeless. is yet example of how Mayor BarakaIt makes another of grows how Mayor Baraka no makes sure thatexample as the city and develops, one sure that as the city grows and develops, no one is left behind. is left behind.

With the addition of nearly 2,000 market-rate and apartments downtown, the Mayor Withluxury the addition of nearly 2,000 market-rate demanded percent be set aside the for affordand luxury 20 apartments downtown, Mayor able housing.

Instead of residents being demanded 20 percent bepoorer set aside for affordpushed out, they wereof invited in residents and as a result, able housing.

Instead poorer being pushed out, they were invited in and as a result,

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

several several tenants tenants from from the the recently recently razed razed James James Baxter Terrace Housing Project are Baxter Terrace Housing Project are now now living living at at One One Theater Theater Square, Square, aa brand brand new, new, luxury luxury high-rise high-rise across across from from the the New New Jersey JerseyPer Performing forming Arts Center.

Arts Center.

In addition, under the Mayor’s plan for equiIn addition, under the Mayor’s plan for equitable growth, the City recently put $5.2 million table growth, the City recently put $5.2 million toward considerable new development in the outtoward considerable new development in the outlying wards ranging from major developments to lying wards ranging from major developments to encouragement of women and minority builders encouragement of women and minority builders to rehab city-owned homes or build affordable to rehab city-owned homes or build affordable housing on vacant lots. housing on vacant lots.

Reverend Jesse Jackson famously stated, “LeadReverend Jessethe Jackson ership must meet moralfamously challengestated, of the “Leadday.” ership must meet the moral challenge theupon day.”

The conscience and soul of our people of rest The conscience and soul of our people rest upon our 2020 moral challenge and the decisions we our 2020 moral theinjustice, decisions we make.

While the challenge pandemic, and social and make.

While the pandemic, social injustice, and our collective future have yet to be defined, we our be collective future yet towill be continue defined, to we can sure Mayor Rashave J. Baraka can be sure Mayor Ras J. Baraka will continue bring his constituents through tough times. Love,to bring his constituents times.

Love, compassion, and pridethrough in the tough City have driven compassion, and pride in the City have driven him to lead this city into a new era of growth and him to leadThe thisaccomplishments city into a new era and prosperity. in of thegrowth challengprosperity.

The accomplishments in the challenging year of 2020 are proof and 2021 shows even ing yearpromise. of 2020As are proofduring and 2021 shows even greater spoken the October 7, greater promise. spoken during 2020 State of the As City address “It isthe my October responsi-7, 2020 State thethose City address “Itbefore, is my responsibility to notofjust who came but for bility to who not just those after who me. came before, butrefor millions will come Newark must millions whoand willbycome after of me.

Newark must remain strong the grace God get stronger.

We, this time, day, will continue to lead maininstrong and on by this the grace of God get stronger. the now, andon many after we are to gone!

We, way in this time, this years day, will continue lead God blessnow, this and statemany and God city the way yearsbless afterthe we great are gone! of Newark!”

God bless this state and God bless the great city of Newark!” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Change

Newark’s approach to police reform aNd commuNity BuildiNg might Be the model for america City of Newark Communications

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n the exact spot where the rebellion of 1967 began more than half a century ago, Mayor Ras J. Baraka gave a name and a home to the work his administration has done in police reform and crime reduction. As he stood with Police Director Anthony Ambrose and Newark Corporation Counsel Kenyatta Stewart on that day in June, he signed into law a new ordinance creating the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, which will be housed in the former 4th Precinct (now the 1st), where cab driver John Smith was beaten by police 53 summers ago, sparking four days of the kind of conflicts that played out again in American cities this year. The creation of this office is just another example of the reforms and improve-

ments in the Newark police and the violence suppression efforts of the community.

“This is a historic moment in the City of Newark,” the Mayor said. “Other cities have created these types of offices as ‘policy,’ but we have made it a law. I’m not going to be Mayor forever; people change and policies change, but it’s much harder to change a law.”

The new office will be funded by five percent of the Public Safety budget, as the Mayor acted while most people simply discussed “defunding the police” after the murder of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed.

The precinct building will be turned into a museum chronicling local activism in Newark and positive police cont’d on next page

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Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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POLICE REFORM cont’d from previous page

changes, a trauma center for victim recovery and healing, workforce development, and headquarters for the Anti-Violence Initiative—all hallmarks of Mayor Baraka’s passion for equal justice, which began long before he took office.

“This is nothing new for us,” said Mayor Baraka, a founding member of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition more than a decade ago. “When I was a South Ward Councilman, we demanded violence be looked at as a public health crisis.” The Mayor is also on the forefront of pushing for a Civilian Complaint Review Board that can subpoena police records and force officers involved in abuse complaints to testify. After winning in an appellate court earlier this year, the City was dealt a setback by the New Jersey Supreme Court, but the Mayor vows, “We will fight, and we will win.”

The City is planning appeals and is also behind state legislation that includes the abolition of qualified immunity for police. “We need Civilian Complaint Review Board legislation as well as police and fire residency requirements to ensure that those that police communities reflect the citizens they were sworn to protect.”

The Mayor’s innovations toward police reform and violence reduction began as soon as he took office as he organized “street team” activists to intervene in growing neighborhood tensions in the small sectors of the City where most of the violence occurs.

The results have been stunning. During his State of the City address last month, Mayor Baraka laid out the statistics. “In a four-year period from 2015 to 2019, we witnessed a 31 percent decrease in overall crime,” he said.

“We entered office with 112 homicides and ended 2019 with 51. This is the lowest murder rate since 1961.” This was accomplished by a community approach to public safety, the Mayor said, citing “the unfettered and growing relationship with community-based organizations, alternative police strategies, and building community empathy and trust. Newark Community Street Team, Newark Street Academy, Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, Equal Justice USA, West Ward Victims Outreach, and all the organizations affiliated with Brick City Peace Collective.”

Director Ambrose and now-retired Chief Darnell Henry also advocate the 200-year-old philosophy of Sir Robert Peel that the “police are the community and the community are the police” and public safety is a cooperative effort, not the sole responsibility of an invading force.

“When people have a friend or relative on the force, it humanizes the police,” Director Ambrose said. “Same with the community engagements.”

In that respect, the Newark police demographics today better reflect the community, with Black and Hispanic officers making up nearly 80 percent of the force, and the Newark Police hold close to 10,000 non-enforcement community engagements a year. These include holiday parties for kids, school visits, town hall meetings,

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meet-and-greets on the beat, a Citizen Clergy Academy, and a Hope One van offering helpful information for the homeless and drug addicted—all supported by the police budget.

During his State of the City address, Mayor Baraka also said Newark police had “become a part of an overall community-based strategy to reduce violence and crime and not the answer itself,” and because of these efforts there have been dramatic decreases in complaints and abuse cases.

“In 2010, the City had 857 citizen complaints, now we are at 271. Excessive force complaints dropped from 88 to 16. The cost of lawsuits dropped from over $1.3 million in 2010 to $51,000 in 2019 and since June 2019, the Newark Police Division had more than 2,000 business checks, 2,000 citizen contacts that did not involve a police action, 200 youth engagements that did not involve a police action, and attended more than 200 community meetings.

The City frequently has community police roundtables and trauma circles and established new policies and training even before the mass protests began on use of force, de-escalation, implicit bias, and LGBTQ sensitivity.”

Director Ambrose said, “I think we are becoming a model police department. The City is becoming a model for the rest of the nation, and if they pay attention to what we’re doing here, they can solve a lot of their problems.”

Two long-time activists agreed. “We will never again see a war on the people by police,” said historian Junius Williams. “We now have a combined operation between police and community to prevent crime.” Larry Hamm, who had protested police brutality for four decades, called Newark a model for “diverting police militarization funds to community solutions.”

In addition to greater community engagement, the police have undergone department-wide “search, seizure, and arrest” training to ensure Civil Rights; de-escalation training; bias perception training; and every patrol officer is equipped with a body-worn camera. In areas of accountability and transparency, the police document all stops, searches, and uses of excessive force — including the race of the subject — which are published on the Newark Public Safety webpage.

With the addition of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, the City is also looking to help repair the trauma of all negative police encounters and violence. “This will be a place of healing,” said Lakeesha Eure, who serves as the director of the new office. “It will be a place of recovery for those touched by violence, and a place where we will develop a workforce of those who do the healing and those who prevent violence. It will be symbolic of the progress we’ve made as a peaceful community and the positive advances made by our police division to suppress crime by being engaged with the community, not alienated from it.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Honorable

Mildred Crump A Woman of Grace, Courage, and Resolve to Ser ve

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his year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the landmark ratification and adoption of the 19th Amendment, which solidified a promise into the U.S. Constitution that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

The amendment was a pivotal triumph for voting rights and progress.

Conversely, the women’s suffrage movement that forced its enactment simultaneously created pressure on the demand for suffrage for Black people, which challenged the amendment’s effect and impact. While it secured the vote for middle-class white women, the amendment left Black women out in the cold—still banned from the polls through voter suppression tactics, blatant racial discrimination, and acts of terror. One hundred years later, the fight for voters’ rights continues.

Newark Municipal Council President Mildred Crump planned to commemorate the historic amendment with a se-

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ries of events highlighting the women’s movement and honoring those contributing to the collective milestones of democracy and equal rights of our time. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic caused their postponement. However, the Council President is assuredly continuing the fight for all with even more persistence.

During this pivotal time for social justice, Council President Crump, with fervor and amazing energy, continues to remove barriers, protect Newark residents, and work as an agent for change. Council President Crump’s contribution to local government and policy throughout New Jersey is well known.

She is the embodiment of excellence and a role model for women looking to be change-makers in their communities.

She is a mentor to countless public servants throughout New Jersey who look up to, trust, admire, and follow her.

Her election as Newark’s first African American female Municipal Council member on July 1, 1994 fortified her contribution to the women’s rights movement, bringing a much-needed perspective to that governing body.

A consummate and consistent advocate for women, children, senior citizens, the disabled, working families, and those in need, Mildred Crump was the perfect woman for the job. On July 1, 2006, she created history once again when Newark residents elected her Newark Municipal Council’s first female president.

A resident of Newark, Crump is active with numerous organizations. She is a past president and member of the Board of Trustees for Integrity House, Inc.; vice-chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Bridge to Recovery; member of the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club of Newark; past president of the Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity, Newark; and subscribing Golden Heritage Life Member of the Newark Branch NAACP. She was a founding member of the New Jersey Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.; the National Political Congress for Black Women of Newark; and the Global Women’s Leadership Collaborative of New Jersey proudly cites her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Council President Crump is also founder of the Newark Women’s Conference, Inc., an organization that promotes the empowerment of women in Newark and vicinity. The two-day

Her election as Newark’s first African American female Municipal Council member on July 1, 1994 fortified her contribution to the women’s rights movement, bringing a much-needed perspective to that governing body. cont’d on next page Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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HON. MILDRED CRUMP cont’d from previous page

conference has attracted more than 6,000 participating women of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds.

The host of Straight Talk with Mildred Crump on NWK TV, she and her guests discuss issues of relevance affecting the quality of life. A sought-after motivational speaker in schools, churches, and public service organizations, she has presented workshops on the empowerment of women in Beijing, China; Ghana, West Africa; and throughout the United States.

Crump is not ashamed to declare, “I love God,” and is an active member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, where serves with the Senior Missionary Society, Altar Guild, AIDS Ministry, and Welcome Committee. She is also an active member of the World Gospel Musical Association, a combined choir under the direction of Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr. She is the recipient of countless awards and achievements and listed in International Who’s Who of Women of Prominence, Who’s Who of University Women, and other prestigious publications.

Her commitment to public service is unmatched. Always having a kind or encouraging word and being a change agent whose leadership encourages women to vote, run for office, and use their voices for change in their communities, Newark Council President Crump is a force to reckon with. Thank you, Mildred Crump for all you do.

Crump is not ashamed to declare, “I love God,” and is an active member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, where serves with the Senior Missionary Society, Altar Guild, AIDS Ministry, and Welcome Committee.

FOSTERING INNOVATION AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY

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ast March, elected officials celebrated Audible’s “Lunch Out Wednesday” program, which subsidizes employees to lunch out at local restaurants. When Covid-19 struck, the program evolved into Newark Working Kitchens, which activates local restau- L–R: Aisha Glover, VP, Urban Innovation at Audible; Newark rants to cook meals for residents in need. Au- Council Member Anibal Ramos, Jr., Mayor Ras J. Baraka, dible recently announced the hire of Aisha Audible founder and Executive Chairman Don Katz, and Audible Customer Care Relationship Manager Parris Brown.

Glover, who will serve as Vice President, Urban Innovation and will help lead community programming at the new Audible Global Center for Urban Development. The Center is embedded within Audible and will be devoted to expanding community and economic initiatives like Newark Working Kitchens. Prior to her new position at Audible, Glover was CEO of the Newark Alliance.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

24-Newark Council Ad - Positive Community 2019.qxp_Layout 1 10/25/19 1:27 PM Page 1

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Congratulations and Best Wishes to THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY For Your Annual City of Newark Special Issue THANK YOU FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS COMMITMENT TO NEWARK N. J.

Mildred C. Crump

President and Council Member-At- Large

Augusto Amador

Council Member East Ward

LaMonica R. McIver Central Ward

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Council Member-At- Large

Eddie Osborne

Council Member-At- Large

John Sharpe James

Council Member South Ward

Luis A. Quintana

Council Member-At-Large

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Council Member West Ward

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Council Member North Ward

L–R: Marshall Rountree, Rev. Louise Rountree and Invest Newark President and Chief Executive Officer Bernel Hall

L–R: Keith Hamilton, Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd, Jay Lee, and Councilman John Sharpe James

Invest Newark

Bringing New Hope, Vitality and Stabilization to Clinton Hill

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nvest Newark’s mission statement declares the company is not a typical development agency, they are a world-class economic development organization that consistently works to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs, and create wealth for the citizens of Newark. They continually uphold that mission. One recent example is the meeting they held—an in-person, social distancing meeting to reignite excitement for a project, inspire ideas from the community, update the creative community on the status and mission of the building and the opportunities.

The $9.3 million project at 505 Clinton Avenue is a 27-unit, artist live-work housing development expected to be complet-

ed by January 2021. 505 Clinton will provide an opportunity for Newark residents to experience culture and art within the building. Among the amenities are a ground-floor cafe, performance space/gallery, communal workshops, 10 leasable office/ workspaces, and two secure parking lots.

The redevelopment will bring new hope, vitality, and stabilization to the Clinton Hill community, offering opportunities for individuals and the community to grow and reach desired interest and outcomes in art, cultural, and community health and wellness helping the Clinton Hill community of Newark emerge... “like a Phoenix out of the ashes to stir the wind for change...”

—Source: Invest Newark Website Photos: Raymond Hagans

L–R: Senior Vice President Real Estate Development Invest Newark Roger Johnson and Arts and Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Newark Fayemi Shakur

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Passionate Professionals | Environmental Excellence | Sustainable Communities

“Solving Your Most Challenging Environmental Concerns “ Newark: 211 Warren Street, Suite 209, Newark, NJ 07103 Corporate: 2517 Highway 35, Suite P202, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Corporate: (732) 276-2420 Fax: (732) 276-9401 Newark: (973) 494-0133 Website: www.lcg-online.com

The Water Story How Newark’s Action Became a Model for the Nation

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n eerie quiet settled over Newark following the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders issued by Mayor Ras J. Baraka.

But the staccato pummeling of jackhammers and the diesel engine roar of backhoes became welcome sounds in some sections of the City. Even the pandemic did not stop the Mayor from delivering on a promise he made the previous summer. Newark would be first among major cities in America to replace all of its lead service lines.

Newark would be the first to accomplish this at no cost to residents in capital outlay, tax increases, or water rate hikes — no small task, as evidenced by the number of American cities, towns, and rural hamlets with similar situations. Elevated lead levels in drinking water due to lead service lines connecting individual houses to water mains buried deep under the streets are a national problem.

Except for a few municipalities, expensive infrastructure replacement has been a “can kicked down the road.”

“Almost as soon as we discovered the problem, the Mayor wanted to get it done,” said Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem. He led the replacement

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program and $120 million in other infrastructure improvements: massive filtration systems, environmental technologies at treatment plants, and shoring up the water mains delivering water throughout the City. “All through the pandemic, we have never stopped working,” Adeem offered.

Of all the events in 2020 for which Newark made positive news, perhaps none was as publicly dramatic as the water turnaround. Just 14 months ago, as Mayor Baraka handed out bottled water to concerned residents, some members of the press unfairly labeled the City as “another Flint.” Even early critics now cite Newark as a model city for lead abatement, and the press gushes about Newark’s rapid water improvements.

Newark’s water story is a clear example of the Mayor’s Newark Forward values. His vision of a healthier and safer city through effective and efficient planning, with failure not being an option, is within view.

Replacement of 15,500 lead service lines in Newark is complete. By the time this magazine is published, that number will be nearer to 16,000 as crews replace 75 to 100 lines a day. The Mayor’s commitment to rid the City www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem

of one of America’s most pressing health concerns moves ahead at breakneck speed.

The project’s acceleration came just over a year ago when Mayor Baraka and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo struck a deal for the County to float a $120 million bond. The Mayor planned to repay the bond with $155 million owed the City by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Another critical piece was Mayor Baraka’s introduction of a city ordinance that would allow the City to replace private property lines without the owner’s consent.

This regulation would ensure the 74 percent of Newark residents who rent the same access to clean and safe drinking water as private homeowners.

“We knew trying to track down landlords would slow the progress immensely,” the Mayor recalled. “We had to get access when construction crews were on the street for the project to be done efficiently.” As a result, crews move forward in an organized fashion: Advance teams sign up residents and gain access, crews dig and replace the lines, another unit follows and repairs the street.

As an added benefit, Mayor Baraka’s edict directs contractors to train and hire Newark workers for the well-paying, union construction jobs. So far, 60 Newark residents are now working on the crews.

Meanwhile, as workers replaced lines, new treatments in the impacted water system tested below or near acceptable levels. 40,000 free water filters the City handed out to residents, complete with education on their correct usage, proved 99 percent when directions were followed.

This moved Erik Olson of the National Resources Defense Council to tell a Star-Ledger reporter, “…by completing the work replacing all lead service lines, optimizing www.thepositivecommunity.com

Of all the events in 2020 for which Newark made positive news, perhaps none was as publicly dramatic as the water turnaround. Just 14 months ago, as Mayor Baraka handed out bottled water to concerned residents, some members of the press unfairly labeled the City as “another Flint.” the water treatment, and ensuring filters are being used properly, Newark may emerge as a role model for other communities struggling with lead in drinking water. We are also hopeful this effort could help pave the way for a statewide plan to help communities across New Jersey replace their lead service lines.”

Mayor Baraka had already lobbied for solutions to this national infrastructure problem. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Representative Frank Pallone pushed federal bills to free up $100 million in clean water funds.

President Trump signed the bill last October. Around the same time, Governor Phil Murphy proposed a $500 million comprehensive program to replace lead lines throughout the state and step-up lead paint abatement and education.

Ironically, Newark may not get much, if any, of the funding. The Mayor will have solved Newark’s lead problem before money becomes available. But that, of course, is the price of visionary leadership.

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• Help families make well-planned preparations in their time of need.

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LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION (LISC) NEWARK IS ONE OF OVER 35 LOCAL OFFICES OF THE NATION’S LARGEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATION. AS AN INTERMEDIARY, LISC WORKS ALONGSIDE RESIDENTS AND PARTNERS, TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES OF OPPORTUNITY ACROSS AMERICA –GREAT PLACES TO LIVE, WORK, VISIT, DO BUSINESS AND RAISE FAMILIES. LISC HELPS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS (CDC) AS THEY STRIVE TO CREATE HEALTHIER AND SAFER COMMUNITIES. INTENTIONAL DISINVESTMENT AND SYSTEMATIC BARRIERS HAVE CREATED INEQUITABLE FUTURES FOR OUR NEIGHBORS. FOR OVER 30 YEARS, LISC NEWARK HAS WORKED WITH PARTNERS TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES: •

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Fall 2020 The Positive Community

45

buiness, finance + work

Education the art + science of learning

Marcia Wilson BroWn Brings Doo-Wop, Black poWer, anD social Justice to neWark

By R.L. Witter

M

arcia Wilson Brown is vice chancellor for External Relations and Governmental Affairs, a position in which she forges and maintains relationships on behalf of Rutgers University– Newark with public officials, governmental agencies, and civic groups. “I don’t find myself that interesting,” she chuckled at the onset of our interview. Her quiet demeanor and daily devotionals belie the heart of a rebel and an activist beating in her breast. Before her days in Newark she had a whole, other life—one that informs her commitment to community and education to this day.

The story of Marcia Wilson Brown began in Inkster, Michigan. Both Brown and the town share the same claim to fame: it was the home of the popular Motown group The Marvelettes. “They used to practice in my house,” she said unaffectedly. “Gladys (Horton of The Marvelettes) and my brother went to school together and my brother was in a doo-wop group. Everyone was into doowop.” Another famous face around Inkster was Malcolm X. Malcolm lived there with his brother and worked at a Ford plant in Wayne. He even mentioned the town in a speech just days before his assassination.

Having worked in and around the Sharpe James and Cory Booker administrations, Brown is now working with the current, Baraka administration.

“There has never been a better time for Newark to fulfill its potential than now, and I believe that’s primarily because of the Ras Baraka administration,” 46

The Positive Community Fall 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Brown is impressed by Mayor Ras Baraka and his ideas for Newark’s future. “He’s not just a personality.

He is coming up with ideas and programs that ensure people take ownership of the vision and are invested in its success.

TRULY INSPIRING: Marcia Brown came from a small town to become the first person from her family to go to college.

Conor Risi

After leaving Inkster to obtain her college degree, Brown and her husband moved to Wyoming and Chicago before heading east. When asked how she met her husband her reply began, “When I was a bodyguard for Angela Davis…” Yes, THAT Angela Davis. Brown was active in “The Movement,” particularly with the Black Panthers, where she gained a reputation as a radical. There was also a stint at a Wyoming radio station where Brown discussed the cattle report with her co-star, “Rodeo Round-Up Dan.” Yet she doesn’t think of herself as interesting, huh?

Brown and her family settled in Newark in1975, where she raised her only child, a lovely daughter. As a member of An Organization for American Revolution, she traveled the country extensively working with diverse groups of people. She’s been at Rutgers-Newark for over twenty years. “I’ve met so many people across different spectrums and one of the hallmarks of my life is whether it’s been the political arena, elected politics, community activism, organizing on the ground, the corporate arena, or my work at HUD, I have been given a well-rounded, cross-sector background,” she reflected.

After earning her juris doctorate, Brown clerked for New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Wilentz, and has continued to advocate for social justice, equal rights, and civil rights. For years, she taught a seminar on social justice and health disparities, which gives her a certain insight and perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The actual institutions can acknowledge that disparities exist, but they don’t know how to heal it because they are so invested in the systemic authoritarianism. And the people who might know better can’t change things for themselves because they see themselves as victims,” she said. “This pandemic has exhausted the continuation of the old paradigms. No one can function the way they did before and this is why we’re seeing so much tension and disintegration. We haven’t let go of the old way of doing things so we can embrace the new.” She continued, “Now that 70 percent of the people come into emergency rooms with no jobs, they have no insurance. So we have to think about how we change the construct to deal with it. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Either we’re going to service people the way they are, in the space where they’re living, or we’re going to continue doing what we’re doing… It’s a strategy that requires a lot of thought.”

Another area Brown says needs adjustment is education. “We don’t educate our students. We give them knowledge, tell them to memorize it, and then regurgitate it back,” she explained. “I always say we’ve gone from the age of so-called reason—the pre-eminence of science and technology and enlightenment, to the age of ignorance. At a time when we have more technology than ever before, all of the practical problems like safe and affordable housing, poverty, and climate change, there’s a plethora of ways in which the world can become a better place, but you can’t change people’s minds and you certainly can’t change their hearts.” Never one to give up, Brown writes and shares daily devotionals in an effort to keep the faith.

Having worked in and around the Sharpe James and Cory Booker administrations, Brown is now working with the current, Baraka administration. “There has never been a better time for Newark to fulfill its potential than now, and I believe that’s primarily because of the Ras Baraka administration,” she remarked. “He is a visionary. I think Ras coming at this time when the struggle for democracy has become even more tense due to the pandemic and the realization we are rapidly becoming a country of the rich and the poor—you need someone to come in and say, ‘This is what we have been doing and experiencing, but now we’re on a new trajectory; we’re going to look forward.’” Brown quoted Mayor Baraka’s saying, “forward ever, backward never!” and added, “He wants to get people grounded in what could be.”

Brown is impressed by Mayor Ras Baraka and his ideas for Newark’s future. “He’s not just a personality. He is coming up with ideas and programs that ensure people take ownership of the vision and are invested in its success. From day one, his vision has been ‘we/us’ and said ‘I am not the one who is going to make this happen alone.

All of us have a part in making it happen.’”

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

47

L–R: Tasleemah Al-Qadir; Nayeli Carreto; Stephanie Ferron-Riley; Mobolaji Adigun-Koonce; Joyce Williams; Perla Guzman; Jocsan Roca; Christopher Veerapen and Darren Washington.

Berkeley College Foundation Awards Scholarships During Virtual Celebration

T

he Berkeley College Foundation honored nine scholarship recipients and an outstanding alumnus during its annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner, held virtually on October 29, 2020.

Dipexa Gandhi, Executive Director, opened the program by highlighting the many ways the Foundation helps students overcome challenges during their college careers, including through scholarships; by providing a food pantry at the Newark campus; and by subsidizing the cost of transportation with MTA MetroCards in New York City.

“I want students to look back at their college time and find themselves growing into the professionals they’ve always dreamed of becoming,” Gandhi said. “Our students are supported in unique and significant ways. I hope we can continue making these challenges less of an obstacle.”

Scholarship recipients included: Mobolaji Adigun-Koonce of Irvington, NJ Tasleemah Al-Qadir of Newark, NJ Nayeli Carreto of Union City, NJ Stephanie Ferron-Riley of East Orange, NJ Perla Guzman of Paterson, NJ Jocsan Roca of Somerset, NJ Christopher Veerapen of Brooklyn, NY Darren Washington of Newark, NJ Joyce Williams of Bloomfield, NJ Michael J. Smith, President of Berkeley College, thanked the Foundation for removing barriers that could prevent students from reaching the graduation stage. He noted that one in three college students in the United States is living below or near the poverty line.

“By providing scholarships, the Berkeley College Foundation is removing those hurdles, and making college attainment achievable,” Smith said.

The Foundation also honored Jason Cutinella, Founder and CEO of Nella Media Group (now NMG Network) with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Cutinella graduated from Berkeley College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He now lives in Hawaii, where he leads several entrepreneurship initiatives and gives back to the community.

The mission of the Berkeley College Foundation is to provide support and resources to students pursuing quality experiences in higher education. Based in New Jersey, the charitable organization received 501(c) 3 status in 2015. The website address is berkeleycollegefoundation.org

For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Berkeley College among the Best Colleges in the nation for: Online Bachelor Degree Programs Online Bachelor Degree Programs for Veterans

Be confident

48

The Positive Community Fall 2020

Learn more about how our programs, faculty, and support stand out at BerkeleyCollege.edu/Positive or call 800-446-5400 ext. MPF

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ASAS-Online Virtual Enrichment The mission of After-School All-Stars New Jersey (ASAS NJ) is to provide free, comprehensive enrichment programs that keep students safe and help them succeed in school and life.

ASAS NJ is the local chapter of the ASAS National network - the largest middle-school afterschool provider - serving 90,000 students across 19 cities nationwide. Founded in 2014, ASAS NJ has since grown to serve over 1,000 students across six schools throughout Newark and Linden New Jersey.

ASAS NJ's comprehensive VIRTUAL enrichment for students incudes All-Star Cooking, All-Star Fitness, Beats & Rhymes (music composition), Creative Hands (entrepreneurship), Cosmic Beauty (cosmetology), Say-it-with-yourHands (sign-language), Stitch-to-Fashion (sewing), VirtuARTS (3-D/graphic art), Weird Science (STEM), and Tutoring in ELA, Math and Science.

ASAS-Online virtual enrichment runs Monday Friday 3:30pm-6:30pm and is open to all NJ residents free of charge. Participants receive equipment and supplies for each class enrolled.

Residents outside of NJ only need to cover cost of shipping for program supplies. Seats are currently open for the 2020-2021 school year.

Enroll Today.

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To Donate: Text NJKIDS to 41444

Register Today: https://bit.ly/35Z4SNU

O

A Beacon of Hope

n July 1, 2020, Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education returned local control of its schools to Newark and designated the district as high-performing. This historic day was 25 years in the making. And there would be more history made on that day; Superintendent Roger León launched the nation’s first-ever, ten-year, strategic plan that would set the course for the state’s largest school system on a new trajectory.

During the past two years, the district undertook an intense and aggressive transition plan, committed to restoring Newark’s public schools. Student achievement has increased, and attendance has been at an all-time high. Despite a structural deficit that forced superintendents to do more with much less, a global pandemic and civil unrest in the pursuit of justice would not delay the work we see today.

In only the first 100 days, so much has already been accomplished: The district received over $20 million in grants Developed new curricula in all content areas Implemented the Amistad Curriculum Hosted several virtual job fairs Participated in the Wallace Foundation Principal’s Pipeline Hosted District-wide Staff Convocation for 6,300 employees Hosted High School Student Convocation for over 10,000 students Hosted Student Convocation for over 2,500 eighth grade students Launched online enrollment portal that streamlined the registration process or students and families Digitized student health records in an effort to become 100% paperless Received generous donations from partners and constituents Successfully on-boarded more than 425 instructional staff virtually Hosted virtual college fairs for high school seniors to ivy league, HBCUs, and public/private universities Received a state-of-the-art science lab Installed the first mini-soccer pitch at a high school Installed the first wind/solar LED street light in Newark Participated in virtual town halls for families and community Served over 2 million meals Hosted virtual back-to-school night meetings in every school across the entire city of Newark

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Superintendent Roger León speaks at the announcement

With only the first quarter of the first year of the strategic plan completed, the district has opened three new schools (one elementary and two high schools and will announce the opening of three more new schools (one in the Central, North, and West Wards) for next school year.

We look forward to more greatness in the coming weeks, months, and years.

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

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Culture

music, art + literature music, art + literature

Newark’s Newark’s Vibrant Vibrant Arts Arts and and Culture Culture Thrives Amid Health Thrives Amid Challenging Challenging Times Times BY fayemi shakur,ideas City of Newark, Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs for wellness BY fayemi shakur,ideas City of Newark, Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs for wellness

N

Money

ewark is a city that prides itself on its resilewark a citythethat prides itself on protests, its resilience. isFrom pandemic to the ience.

From the pandemic to the protests, local artists and cultural organizations joined local artistsaand cultural organizations joined to provide sense of hope and creativity like to provide a sense of hope and creativity like a guiding light.

Local artists, residents, stubuiness, finance + work a guiding light.

Local artists, residents, stufinance +Graphic work Design dents, and faculty buiness, from Rutgers-Newark’s dents, and faculty from Rutgers-Newark’s Graphic Design Program helped paint Black Lives Matter-inspired ground Program helped Lives Matter-inspired ground murals. The city’spaint local Black arts agency and nonprofit, Newark murals.

The city’s local arts agency and nonprofit, Newark Arts, worked in tandem with the Division of Arts and CulturArts, worked in tandem with the Division of Artsand andresourcCultural Affairs to provide much-needed information al Affairs to provide much-needed information and resources to the sector while advocating for the Arts across the state. es to City the sector while responded advocating for the Arts across theneeds state.

The of Newark to individual artists’ The City of Newark responded to individual artists’ needs theartsart + science ofThe learning and small to midsize groups by creating Creative theartsart + science ofThe learning and small to midsize groups by grants creating Creative Catalyst Fund, providing $750,000 in to 120 awardees, Catalyst Fund, providing $750,000 in grants to 120 awardees, and continued working with local muralists to beautify and and continued working with local muralists beautify and energize Newark’s neighborhoods and publictospaces. energize Newark’s neighborhoods and public spaces.

“At every turn, the Mayor is touting the importance of “At every turn, theart—in Mayor how is touting the importance art—especially public we re-imagine Newark of as art—especially public art—in how we re-imagine as a city for all people,” said Newark Arts ExecutiveNewark Director aJeremy city for all people,” said Newark Arts Executive Director Johnson. “The pandemic, despite the real financial Jeremy Johnson. pandemic, despite opportunities the real financial and public health“The issues, has also created for and public health issues, has also created opportunities for artists to grow in and beyond Newark.” artists to grow in and beyond Newark.”

In addition to an annual allocation of funding for indiIn artists addition an groups, annual at allocation individual andtoarts the Stateofoffunding the City for address, vidual artists and arts groups, at the State of the City address, the Mayor announced the city would commission a statue of the Mayor announced the citytowould commission a statueCoof abolitionist Harriet Tubman replace the Christopher abolitionist Harriet Tubman to replace the Christopher Columbus statue recently removed from Washington Park. Addilumbus removed from Washington Park.

Additionally,statue he saidrecently the park would be renamed Tubman Square. tionally, he said the park would be renamed Tubman Square.

The City’s arts initiatives are informed by Newark CreCity’s arts initiatives are informed

by Arts Newark Creates,The a collaborative plan organized

by Newark in 2018. ates, a collaborative plan organized by Newark Arts in 2018.

The 18-month-long planning process included community The 18-month-long process community members, nonprofit,planning for-profit, and included governmental stakemembers, nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental holders. The culminating report and collaborative stakeplan holders.

The social, culminating report growth and collaborative support civic, and economic via its goal toplan adsupport social,foundation and economic itsand goalculture to advance ancivic, equitable for a growth thrivingvia arts vance equitable forprogression a thriving arts and culture sector.an It is a markedfoundation time of both and challenge sector.

It is a marked time of both progression and challenge for Newark, a “City of the Arts.” for Newark, a “City of the Arts.”is undoubtedly the most dif“While the current climate “While the current climate undoubtedly difficult in decades, ultimately weisknow a strong the arts most commuficult in decades, ultimately we know a strong arts community will be a way to come together again after this period of nity will be a way to come again after this period of isolation and stress,” said together Linda Harrison, Newark Museum isolation and stress,” said Linda Harrison, Newark Museum of Art CEO/president. Harrison decided to close the Museof CEO/president.

Harrison close the virtual MuseumArt until 2021 but embarked on adecided series oftoexpanded um until 2021 but embarked on a series of expanded virtual programming, #NMOAatHome—discussions, virtual gallery programming, #NMOAatHome—discussions, virtual gallery

Education

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Mayor Baraka, collaborators, and students at the Black Mayor Baraka, collaborators, and students at the Black Lives Matter Mural on Halsey Street Lives Matter Mural on Halsey Street Photo: Armando Diaz Photo: Armando Diaz

tours, workshops, social events, and virtual creative play actours, workshops, events,Looking and virtual creative play the activities for a broadsocial audience. ahead to 2021, tivities for a broad audience.

Looking ahead to 2021, the Museum will welcome the New Jersey Arts Annual and host Museum willcelebration welcome the NewGarden Jersey State’s Arts Annual host an exciting of the robustand creative an exciting celebration of the Garden State’s robust creative community. “Every day, I am reminded of the essential role community. day, economic I am reminded of and the essential rolea the arts play“Every in fueling growth in creating the arts play in fueling economic growth and in creating deep sense of place in every corner of the country,” Harrisona deep sense of place in everywecorner of the country,” Harrison said. “As culture workers, are also providing a degree of said.

“As culture workers, we are also providing a degree of emotional support and simple joy during these trying times.” emotional support and simple joy during these trying times.”

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center also pivoted to The programming New Jersey Performing Arts Center also to virtual and was among the first to pivoted announce virtual programming and was among the first to announce the venue would remain closed until 2021. “We were obligatthe venue would remain closedundergo until 2021.

“We werepay obligated to restructure our budget, significant cuts, ed to restructure our budget, undergo significant pay cuts, furloughs, and staff layoffs, but we are confident we will be furloughs, and staff layoffs, but we are confident we will be here when the pandemic passes,” said NJPAC CEO John here when the pandemic passes,” said NJPAC CEO John Schreiber. “We’re trying to stay present, useful, and creative.

Schreiber. tryingintotraditional stay present, useful, and enhance creative.

Though we“We’re can’t work ways, we can Though we can’t work in traditional ways, we can enhance our digital content and create life-affirming programming our digital content and create life-affirming programming for our audiences.” forNJPAC our audiences.” ramped up its online presence with a slew of NJPAC rampedranging up its from online presence a slew of panel discussions social justicewith to artist entrepanel discussions ranging from social justice to artist entrepreneurs, through their Community Engagement programpreneurs, through their Community Engagement ming series.

In partnership with PSEG, NJPAC alsoprogramoffers its ming series.

In partnership with PSEG, also offers its True Diversity Film Series, which pairsNJPAC thought-provoking True Diversity Film talkbacks Series, which pairs thought-provoking films with post-film and much more. Every week films with post-film talkbacks and muchcont’d more.onEvery next week page

cont’d on next page Fall 2020 The Positive Community 51

NEWARK’S ARTS AND CULTURE cont’d from previous page

Guests enjoying Akwaaba Gallery’s outdoor art lounge at dusk

a wide range of virtual programming is provided on their website and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, Newark Symphony Hall was approved for a $750,000 grant from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund to renovate and restore the 95-year-old landmark venue. Executive Director Taneshia Nash Laird created a committee of Black-led, millennial-aged professionals—an essential step toward ensuring the organization’s longevity and sustainability. The seven members of the committee; who hail from notable companies including

Goldman Sachs, Facebook, and AllianceBernstein, among others; will be asked to help the venue achieve fundraising milestones—including the first phase of a $40 million renovation slated for 2021. Laird said the committee’s formation comes as the venue shifts to a framework centered around the creation of opportunities for local performing artists and creators of color.

Akwaaba Gallery owner Laura Palmer agrees that supporting local artists and arts and culture is where the joy is.

Located in Newark’s West Ward, Palmer opted to reopen, limiting in-person gatherings to a reduced capacity during COVID-19 and developing virtual exhibitions as well. Investing in renovations of the property to create an outdoor lounge area helped, too. “People are purchasing art despite what’s happening, and artists are excited about showing their work. People were really grateful we were open. They felt trapped like there was nothing to do,” Palmer said. “Art is extremely important. You really can’t do this without the support of the community. At a time when everything seems to be going wrong, experiencing art brings a sense of normalcy to everything that’s happening.”

As Mayor Ras J. Baraka has assured, “Newark is a ‘City of the Arts,’ where access to spoken-word events, musical and dance performances, film, art exhibits, theater offerings, museums, and libraries add exponentially to our economic health. We will continue elevating art and creativity for our beloved city.”

Wear The Positive Community Close to Your Heart Visit our Website and click on the T-Shirt banner to purchase your T-Shirt .com

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

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A’Dorian A’Dorian Murray-Thomas

Murray-Thomas

SHE WINS EMBRACES SISTERHOOD AND SERVICE

SHE WINS EMBRACES SERVICE Dorian Murray-Thomas; theSISTERHOOD founder in Newark byAND giving out free books and reading to Newark

A’

By Fern Gillespie

and CEO of SHE Wins, Inc.; turned her pre-school and elementary school students. SHE Wins scholchildhood grief into grit and changed ars spoke before Newark’s City Hall to advocate for youth anthe lives of hundreds of Newark’s mid- ti-smoking policies, the impact of violence in their communiBy Fern dle and high school girls. When Mur-Gillespie ty, and how youth-based service in the community could help ray-Thomas was seven years old, her find solutions to community issues. father was murdered by gunfire after leaving his Newark Each year, SHE Wins scholars give back 500 hours in comconvenience store. The sudden loss of her loving father was munity service. Milestones reached in 2020 include SHE Wins’ Dorian Murray-Thomas; the founder in Newark by giving out free books and reading to Newark traumatizing, and her mother Dana Murray, a social worker, first graduating class, 100 percent of eligible students voting andlife CEO of SHE Wins, Inc.; for turned and elementary schoolbeing students.

SHEbyWins scholwas determined to make as normal as possible her. her It inpre-school the 2020 election, and graduates accepted George became a family project to keep Murray-Thomas proactive in Washington University, Boston Kean College, childhood grief into grit and changed ars spoke before Newark’s City College, Hall to advocate for youthSt.anschool and the community.

Mary’s College, and several other institutions. The SHE Wins the lives ofentered hundreds of Newark’s mid- alumni ti-smoking policies,tothepayimpact of violence their communiBy the time Murray-Thomas Swarthmore College will continue it forward as peerin mentors. in Pennsylvania, she dle was and on ahigh mission to make an impact people listen to service other young At SHE Wins, school girls. When Mur- ty,“Young and how youth-based in thepeople. community could help through social service and social justice. “I have this incred- we strongly believe that young people are not the probray-Thomas was seven years old, her find solutions to community issues. ible support system from my mother, my family, and from lem; they are the solution. They are the answer,” said Murfather was murdered by gunfire after “The leavingquestion his Newark Each year,“We SHE Wins scholars givetoback 500their hourspower, in commy community,” said Murray-Thomas. was ray-Thomas. want young women know how do I re-create this system of support?

To help me see my their brilliance, and that they have the responsibility to pay it convenience store. The sudden loss of her loving father was munity service. Milestones reached in 2020 include SHE Wins’ own power and my own worth?” The school combined ac- forward and to make their world a little more just.” traumatizing, and her mother Dana a socialthe worker, first graduating class, 100 made percent of eligible students voting ademics with community service andMurray, gave students opMurray-Thomas recently history at 23 years old when portunity to apply grants, endowments youngest everbeing elected to the Board of was determined to for make life asfellowships, normal as and possible for her. It she in became the 2020the election, andwoman graduates accepted

by George related to social action.

Education in New Jersey’s largest school district. She has been became a family project keep Murray-Thomas proactive in recognized Washington Boston White College, Kean College,of St. In 2014, during her tosophomore year, Murray-Thomas as aUniversity, President Obama House Champion earned a $10,000 grant to launch her nonprofit SHE Wins. Change, Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the school and the community.

Mary’s College, and several other institutions.

TheYear,” SHEone Wins “I wanted to create a system of supports and resources for of The Root’s Young Futurists, was featured in ESSENCE magBy the time Murray-Thomas entered Swarthmore College alumni will continue to pay it forward as peer mentors. young women and girls in the city of Newark,” she explained. azine’s “Black Girl Magic” docuseries, has been featured in in started Pennsylvania, she who was on mission to make an impact “YoungCommunity people listen other people.

AtCommuSHE Wins, “I to see girls lostatheir parents and siblings to The Positive andto won the young magazine’s 2016 homicide like I service did. Also, girls “I that were in Education. through social andthere socialwere justice. have thisaffected incred- nity we Choice stronglyAward believe that youngPreviously, people she are served not theat the probby other forms of trauma or wanted a safe space to be a girl.” Newark Opportunity Youth Network where she connected ibleToday, support my mother, my family, andin from lem; theyand areunder-credited the solution. They thestudents answer,”tosaid MurSHEsystem Wins from has served more than 500 girls the over-aged high are school altergreater Newark area. in 7th and grade and educational and helped Newark my community,” saidBeginning Murray-Thomas.

“The8thquestion was native ray-Thomas.

“We options want young womenmanage to know their Pubpower, continuing through high school, the city’s schools, organi- lic School’s restorative justice program. A’Dorian was chosen how do I re-create this system of support? To help me see my their brilliance, and that they have the responsibility to pay it zations, educators, social workers, guidance counselors, and by Mayor Ras Baraka to introduce him for his virtual 2020 own the power and Office my ownareworth?”

The school combined ac- State forward andCityto address make their world a little of the in September, is amore 2016just.” graduate of even Mayor’s involved.

Swarthmore College, and holds a B.A. in Political Science For two years, SHE Wins scholars have partnered with the ademics with community service and gave students the opMurray-Thomas recently made history at 23 years oldand when United Nations Girl Up Foundation to travel to the Annual Educational Studies. portunity to apply for grants, fellowships, D.C. and endowments she thesuccess youngest woman ever elected to the Board of “I became believe in stories, sisterhood, self- actualization, Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington, to advocate service,”insaid “Givendistrict. the tools for legislation that improves the outcomes of girls worldwide. and related to social action.

Education NewMurray-Thomas.

Jersey’s largest school Sheand has rebeen As volunteers for Newark’s Celebrity Reading Program, SHE sources, young people will actually save themselves. Our motto In scholars 2014, during her sophomore year, Murray-Thomas as“She a President White House her Champion SHE Wins is: needed Obama a hero, so she became own.” of Wins have helped promote early-childhood literacy atrecognized

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earned a $10,000 grant to launch her nonprofit SHE Wins. Change, Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year,” one Fall 2020 The Positive Community 53 “I wanted to create a system of supports and resources for of The Root’s Young Futurists, was featured in ESSENCE magyoung women and girls in the city of Newark,” she explained. azine’s “Black Girl Magic” docuseries, has been featured in

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Voter Registration in the Park L–R: Sharon Morris, Apollo Theater Tour Guide Billy Mitchell, Historian Voza Rivers, and H.A.D.L. E.Y. Players Artistic Director Roger Paris

Impact Members: L–R: Denaysha Macklin, Nia-Selassie Clarke, Kacey Thomas, and Impact Artistic Director Carlton Taylor

L-R: Shawn Wilson, Impact Programming Director Jordan Isler, Michael Reed, Delroy Branch, and Suahd Iddrissu

Impact Repertory Theater Performs Insightful Play

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he Oscar and Grammy nominated Impact Repertory Theater headlined a voter registration drive in St. Nicholas Park, contributing an excerpt from the play, Casting the Vote: A Call to A Count, originally performed by Impact off Broadway at La Mama Theater last winter. The play

retells the story of the fight for Black voting rights and the current struggles leading into Black Lives Matter efforts.

Casting the vote: A Call to A Count is a dramatic musical created by director Charlotte Brathwaite, a Creative Capital awardee, in collaboration with Emmywinning journalist June Cross. A call to action, “Casting the Vote” looks at the current election year and the history of voter suppression and manipulation in the United States.

Inspiration Motivation Preparation Activism Commitment Teamwork— IMPACT— promotes the positive development of young people ages 10 to 19 providing an encouraging, nurturing, and challenging learning environment for its students. IMPACT uses the performing arts and the dynamics of leadership training to inspire and empower youth with the arts and education playing a pivotal role in providing opportunities and transitions for the leaders of tomorrow.

—TPC Staff Photos: Seitu Oronde

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

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Newark’s Superpower: City-Wide Faith-Based Leaders Unite to Serve Newark Families

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

L

ong before COVID-19 impacted the City of Newark, clergy from various religious and cultural beliefs joined forces to uplift families, support individuals, and improve neighborhoods. Together, they are the Newark Interfaith Alliance.

“Our mission is to organize, mobilize, and unite faith-based leaders and individuals regardless of their religious background,”’ said Rev.Louise Scott-Rountree, manager of the Mayor’s Office of Clergy Affairs and chair of the Newark Interfaith Alliance.

In July 2014, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka established the Mayor’s Office of Clergy Affairs/Newark Interfaith Alliance. With Rountree at the helm, members gravitated toward the grassroots mission because they recognized the collective power and strength that existed, in part, because of their differences.

You could call them advocates for humanity, servant leaders, or citizens following the commandments of their faith. They engage in a wide range of activities including pastoral care, bereavement support, hospital visits, educational information and scholarship distribution, access to

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resources that address housing needs, and food insecurity.

Alliance members host events and show up to support people facing challenges around the clock.

Ask Newark resident Gevone Johnson, whose 29 yearold daughter was shot. At 1:00 AM, Rountree and alliance members arrived at University Hospital. “She made it her business to find me,” said Johnson. “When I saw her, it lifted me up. She always looks out for people.” Johnson remembers seeing members of the alliance servicing the community in the past. “Anybody who has a situation, they are always coming to the somebody’s rescue. You don’t find too many people reaching out.”

Rountree said, “It’s important to address families on either side of a tragedy. I go to families for the Mayor and sit with them, no matter what their kid did.” This is part of her role in the Mayor’s Office of Clergy Affairs. “They still have grandmas and mamas who need to hear, ‘I’m here for you.’”

At not quite 5-feet tall Rountree, known to sport six-inch heels, has a giant presence in her hometown. She is also known for her high energy and determination to help make life better for residents. “Faith plays a big part,” said Rountree, a reverend at Good Neighbor Baptist Church in Newark. “They say, ‘faith without works is dead,’ so many of us are doing the work because we have the faith. We know it is impossible to please God without faith. Our aim is to please God.” She often says, “My religion is personal, but my mission is humanity.”

With more than 500 members in the alliance, she is not alone. In spite of the pandemic, the Interfaith Alliance pressed on with their mission. Clergy walked the streets, distributed masks, and urged local residents to stay home as coronavirus cases soared. Their seventh annual

At not quite 5-feet tall Rountree, known to sport six-inch heels, has a giant presence in her hometown. She is also known for her high energy and determination to help make life better for residents. cont’d on next page Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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NEWARK’S SUPERPOWER cont’d from previous page

prayer breakfast was held virtually with alliance members using the occasion to pray for families, business owners, elected officials, the state of the country, and the world. They also decided to increase the cadence of their prayer calls and they have been praying on a conference call every night since March. During the Thanksgiving holiday, those in need will not be forgotten. This year, the alliance has made arrangements for a Thanksgiving meal to be picked up from Applebee’s restaurant on Springfield Avenue.

When a New Jersey bill was passed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by granting early release to inmates, a pastor in the group organized a campaign to collect donated toiletries, clothes, and shoes for women who were being released. According to Pamela Jones, senior pastor at Liberating Word Ministries in the North Ward, there’s no way the alliance would have the wide-spread impact it does if it wasn’t for Rountree. She leads and forges special bonds among the members. “That’s what makes Rev. Rountree so outstanding,’’ said Jones, who facilitates a program for incarcerated women and the effort to create “care packages” for women who are being released. “She knows how to achieve a goal. “She’s such a pace setter.”

And, she is a spiritual force who has the ability to unite rabbis, imams, pastors, bishops, and ministers in Newark, which has an estimated population of 300,000 residents.

Rountree has the caring spirit of her mother, the late Louise Scott-Rountree, a trailblazing entrepreneur who is believed to be Newark’s first Black, female millionaire. Her spirituality was influenced by her Baptist minister father, the Rev. Dr. Malachi D. Rountree. Her mother made sure members of the Nation of Islam had a place to meet in the late 1950s and early 1960s when some people thought Muslims were too radical. “The best way to serve God is to be of service to the people,’’ said Aqeel Mateen, president and imam at United Muslim, Inc., in Newark. Like her parents, Mateen said, “Rev. Rountree is loved by the Muslims.’’

Having grown up in Krueger-Scott Mansion, a grandiose Central Ward home her mother purchased in the 1950s, she learned valuable life and leadership lessons from her parents. This is the place where, as a child, her love for Newark began. Rountree said, “When you’re born somewhere and it has been good to you, you have no choice but to want to love it. I love Newark.”

thepositivecommunity.com Come to the Website. Featuring TPC Radio.

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic

T

he coronavirus continues to impact huge numbers of people around the world. Thankfully, large numbers of uninfected people wisely wear face masks and practice social distancing in order to protect themselves from becoming infected.

Because of the pandemic, New York State presently prohibits large gatherings of people within houses of worship and other places that usually host worship services and related events. In “normal” times, typical churches, synagogues, and mosques host worship services and other gatherings from once a week to several times a week.

I suspect most of you reading this already know that.

I hope we, as Christians, diligently strive to safely and legally resume and enhance congregational gatherings to worship God. Governments’ objective in currently prohibiting large gatherings, including worship services, is to limit spread of the coronavirus. That is a good objective.

Prior to resuming large worship services and gatherings, leaders and members of church congregations should, with professional medical help, strive to routinely and effectively disinfect their houses of worship. Additionally, they should strive to effectively identify, isolate, and facilitate healing of congregation members and other church attendees who are or become infected by the virus. And all who attend church services should wear face masks, which can protect us from breathing in airborne coronavirus germs exhaled by those infected.

Is all of this possible? All good things are possible through God. Proverbs 3:5-6 states: “Trust in the Lord with thyne heart; and lean not to thyne own understanding…In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” So, we should pray to God for protection, and trust His ability and willingness to direct and enable us people of faith to avoid unnecessary exposure to coronavirus, and to direct infected believers to sources of healing and survival. Simultaneously, we should not test God by risking unnecessary exposure of ourselves to the coronavirus or other infectious germs and illnesses.

“Do not put the LORD your God to the test…” — Deuteronomy 6:16 Let’s be more God-centered than coronavirus-centered, but let’s wisely acknowledge the extremely danger-

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ous pandemic exists. And, accordingly, let’s protect ourselves and others from the pandemic. Let’s purposely stay at home as much as pragmatically possible. And when we do leave our homes, let’s consistently wear face-masks and “social distance” as much as possible.

You may be tired of reading and hearing about the coronavirus crisis. But fatigue does not make it go away.

So, for now, let’s continue pray, and follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines. And let’s seek medical help if and when needed in order to protect or heal ourselves, our families, or others from the corona virus.

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

—Matthew 25:40 New International Version www.thepositivecommunity.com

2020 New Jersey Black Issues Virtual Conference NJBIC State Chair Reva Foster delivers Opening message at 2020 NJBIC Virtual Conference

Bloomfield College President Dr. Marchetta Evans, keynote speaker keynote address

Featured Speaker New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy NJBIC Virtual Conference Headquarters Staff: L–R: NJBIC State Chair Reva Foster; Program Chair George Gore; Corresponding Secretary Brenda Lee; (Front) Conference Director Clyde Allen, Allen and Partners

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway addressed the conference

Responding to the New ABNORMAL:

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Overcoming the Impact of COVID-19 0n Black Families

he 38th New Jersey Black Issues Conference (NJBIC), October 1-2, 2020 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ featured thought leaders who discussed critical issues on the Impact of COVID-19 on Black families in the state. Among the issues covered at the informative plenary sessions, forums, and webinars were education, economic parity, health and the environment, and criminal justice reform.

Early Childhood Education During COVID: L–R: (TOP) Brenda Lee, Seminar Host, Sean Spiller, NJEA L–R: (BOTTOM) Heather Wilson, Urban League Essex County, Samantha; Lott-Velez, Newark Board of Education

Building Wealth in AA Communities: (TOP) L–R: Herbert Glen, We Care Partners; Gregory Glen (BOTTOM) L–R: Jimmy Joseph, and George Guy www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2020 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2020

Vol. 20 No. 6

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR

Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie Derrel Jazz Johnson g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance

Photographers

Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr.

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC

Production Assistant April Davis

The Positive Community Corp.

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

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

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The Positive Community Fall 2020

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

BLOWING IN THE WIND

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s the weather turns colder and the crisp wind nips at my nose, I can recall thousands of summer breezes from my youth. The 30-minute ferry ride to Fire Island just off of Long Island, NY seemed like an eternity, but once there, it would be months of sand castles, wagon rides, bicycle races with my brothers, and days spent with my cousin, J.J.; and his parents: Uncle Johnny and Aunt Ann. Our parents would relax on the deck reminiscing about their heyday before we came along and cramped their style. Eventually, we’d be excused to enjoy our summertime adventures. There were tiny crabs to be found beneath the sand, waves to be jumped, dollars to be made pulling tourists’ luggage with our wagons so brownies from Rachel’s Bakery could be shared. From shortly after breakfast until sundown, we didn’t have a care in the world beyond avoiding the poison ivy at the end of the pavement.

Darkness now looms over my memories. After more than 50 years of homeownership and presumed fellowship, Uncle Johnny and Aunt Ann were recently greeted by racist graffiti at their Fire Island home. A profane word and a racial slur were written in front of their house. More than likely, the act was committed not by a day-tripper, but someone there regularly enough to know a Black family lives there. The act was captured by a neighbor’s security camera, but the perpetrators have yet to be identified from the images. Weeks later, the Black Lives Matter flag they hung in defiance was desecrated.

My heart hurts. The sweetness of Aunt Ann’s voice and Uncle Johnny’s booming laugh are the definition of

joyful noise. Who could take issue with their presence? Who could they have offended or angered with their generosity, grace, and benevolence?

They’ve spent their lives in education and civil rights, and they give some of the best advice and hugs I have ever received. What’s worse, their oldest grandson was with them when they discovered the vile brickbat. How will that color his youthful memories of their summer haven?

For the first time in more than 50 years, the electricity has been left on at the summer house. It powers a security system that records video 24-hours each day. Some have taken the attitude “these things happen.”

I can’t minimize this situation—not only because it happened to my aunt and uncle, but because it is yet another reminder that there’s always a shelf life on the peace, happiness, and prosperity of Black people in America. We can only enjoy things for so long before racism rears its ugly head and reminds us not to get too comfortable.

As I pray for my family members and reminisce on those lovely summer breezes, I also pray for winds of change to blow through the hearts and minds of the people of Fire Island and across the world. I pray that wind blows the hatred, evil, and intolerance away so that peace and love can prosper. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Working Kitchens enlists local restaurants to deliver nutritious meals to residents in need — sustaining and strengthening the neighborhood anchors that will power the city’s comeback.

As the public-health and economic crises continue, independent restaurants risk becoming empty storefronts, and food distribution sites witness an unprecedented demand, Newark Working Kitchens needs your support now more than ever.

www.newarkworkingkitchens.com Thank you to our founding supporters.

Proven.

Smart.

Trusted.

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