June 2015 by The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

â&#x201E;˘ $2.95

June 2015 thepositivecommunity.com

CELEBRATING

The Business Issue CELEBRATING BLACK MUSIC

YEARS!

Special Section Hooray for the Graduates

McDonalds Gospelfest Ouida Harding: Music & Worship The Prime of Stephen Fuller Positive Music Matters

Frank Savage Navigating the Waves of Business and Life

SUMMER IS HEATING UP!

DIANA ROSS • 9/16 ON SALE 6/26

with special guest Monty Alexander

Keith Sweat Brian McKnight

The Jackson The Commodores

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Mystic India

Friday, July 31 at 8pm

Saturday, August 29 at 8pm

Friday, September 4 at 8pm

Friday, September 11 at 8pm

Friday, September 18 at 8pm

Almost Famous World Tour Mariza

The Price Is Right Live!

Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City

Saturday, September 19 at 8pm Sunday, October 25 at 7pm Sunday, September 20 at 8pm

Friday, April 17 at 8pm

FREE Concerts Thursday nights July 9 - August 27

Beres Hammond

Russell Peters

The World Tour

Featuring George Clinton, The Family Stone, Slick Rick and more!

For tickets and a full schedule visit njpac.org or call 1.888.GO.NJPAC • Groups: 973.297.5804 NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • One Center Street, Newark, NJ World Music Series sponsored by American Express

PositiveCommunity_june_july_7x9.5.indd 1

#NJPAC

6/17/15 10:37 AM

United Federation

teachers

Making a Difference United Federation of Teachers • A Union of Professionals 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Officers: Michael Mulgrew President • Emil Pietromonaco Secretary Mel Aaronson Treasurer • LeRoy Barr Assistant Secretary Thomas Brown Assistant Treasurer Vice Presidents: Karen Alford • Carmen Alvarez • Evelyn DeJesus Anne Goldman • Janella Hinds • Richard Mantell • Sterling Roberson

JUNE 2015

Cover Photo: Kimberly Holcombe

CONTENTS

SECTIONS HEALTH ..................................16 MONEY ..................................22 EDUCATION ............................38 CULTURE ................................53

Features

Mavins Group’s Move for Hunger ....................16 Religious Leaders Unite for Saint Michael’s ....20 Helping Millennials Succeed ...........................22 General Baptist Convention Celebrates! .........26 PUSHing Technology for Success ........................30 Wells Fargo Teaches Financial Empowerment ..32 Building Wealth While Serving God ..................36 Hooray for the Graduates! ..............................38 Grandville Academy Encourages Youth ............47 Uncommon Schools .......................................48 Chad Foundation Awards Scholarships ............49

ON THE COVER:

Peace Officers Graduate .................................51

FRANK SAVAGE AT THE HELM

She Wins Scholarship Awards .........................52

also inside

Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Art of Lawrence and Basquiat Displayed .............53 Celebrating Rev. Lester Taylor’s Anniversary .....55 Music Ministry in the Key of Christ ..................58 Graca Machel Visits Harlem ............................60 McDonald’s GospelFest Does It Again! ............62 Brooklyn Sunday School Teachers Luncheon ...64 Daulton Anderson is Truly STELLAR ..................65

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Prime of Stephen Fuller ............................67

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Paradise Baptist Church Leaders Celebrated ..69

Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 4

The Positive Community June 2015

Mother’s Day Brunch at 2 Fish & Five Loaves ..72 NCC Hosts Symposium on Race Relations ......73 United Way Night of Miracles ..........................75 Paterson’s Bethel AME Marks 150th Anniversary ...78 thepositivecommunity.com

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“It works for helping us strengthen our marketing.” —James and Deundra Hundon, Universal Martial Arts Academy

Every day, small business owners across the country work hard to make their entrepreneurial visions a reality. For the Hundons and Universal Martial Arts Academy*, that meant making sure their marketing plan worked as hard as they did. Helping business owners like the Hundons is why we created Wells Fargo Works. It’s our commitment to small businesses everywhere. By delivering a wide range of products, resources, and guidance, we help businesses take the next step toward their goals. Welcome to Wells Fargo Works. Let’s make it work for you.

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R C

GREAT

OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.00 each (one-third of the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com

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

Ebenezer B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, M.Div.

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

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Pastor

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

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

St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

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

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President

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

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

Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor

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

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

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

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

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

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

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

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

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

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

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

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

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

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

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

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

Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

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

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

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

Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor

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

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

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

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham

Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

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

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

Greater Faith Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Larry L. Marcus

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

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

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

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

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

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

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

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

Lagree Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Wayland Williams, Jr., Pastor

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

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

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor

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., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Brown Executive Realty LLC, Morristown, NJ City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Marion P. Thomas Charter School Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Muslim American Chamber of Commerce NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Nubian Conservatory of Music Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. WKMB-1070AM

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

West 135th Street from Lenox Avenue (6th Avenue) to Frederick Douglass, Jr. Boulevard (8th Avenue) Harlem, New York

The 17 Annual Harlem Book Fair th

Barnes & Noble

Tuesday, July 14th - Sunday, July 19th, 2015 Visit www.harlembookfair.com for complete program schedule.

Upper West Side Author Events July 14th - July 17th, 2015

Friday, July 17, 2015

QBR Phillis Wheatley Book Awards

Give A Book in Your Name

The QBR Wheatley Book Awards recognizes the best African American books and writers in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Children's books. The Wheatley Legacy Award is given to deserving authors whose body of work “transcends time, race and culture”. This year’s recipients are poet, writer, activist Nikki Giovanni and award-winning children’s book illustrator Jerry Pinkney. The Wheatley Book Awards will take place on the campus of Columbia University on Friday, July 17th from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be secured by visiting Eventbrite.com.

Give A Book in Your Name delivers a free book to a child in your name at the 2015 Harlem Book Fair on July 18, 2015 in New York City. Our goal is 5,000 donated books. www.gofundme.com/11ncco

Harlem Book Fair

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Sunday, July 19, 2015 Author Brunch

Hosted by the Hotel Beacon, a leading New York City boutique hotel, the Wheatley Book Award Author Brunch is the exclusive and highly-anticipated closing event of the Harlem Book Fair. Featuring free books, gift bags, keynote authors, winning Wheatley Book Award nominees, specially-invited authors and a sumptuous brunch, the HBF Author Brunch is an ideal way to end your 'literary heaven' weekend. The HBF Author Brunch will be another great event. Don't miss out. Reserve now at Eventbrite.com.

Our Sponsors & Supporters

For more information contact: Pittershawn Palmer ppalmer@qbr.com 914.231.6778

The Harlem Book Fair is an all-day indoor and outdoor festival. The outdoor festival takes place on West 135th Street from Lenox Avenue (6th Avenue) to Frederick Douglass, Jr. Boulevard (8th Avenue) in Harlem, New York. The HBF will host five indoor venues, the Schomburg Center’s Hughes Auditorium, where our Author Talks are broadcast on C-Span’s BookTV; the Countee Cullen library, which hosts author discussions, and author and publishing-related workshops and seminars; the luminous gallery space of Harlem Hospital, which hosts Authors Readings and discussions; our single author readings, presented at the Barnes & Noble Reading Stations; and the outdoor HBF Author MainStage, which features Spoken Word poets, dance, music and other performances.

jazz ın the garden @ 50

2015

opening night Friday, June 19, 6:30 – 9 PM

DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM

Looking Back, Reaching Forward with Dee Dee Bridgewater Winner of three Grammys and a Tony Award, Dee Dee Bridgewater is widely recognized as one of the greatest female jazz vocalists working today. Featured with her will be trumpeter Theo Croker, grandson of the legendary Doc Cheatham. Tickets: $25 members; $35 non-members Call 973.596.6613 or purchase tickets online at newarkmuseum.org. Opening performance by NJPAC’s Wells Fargo Jazz For Teens

summer concert series

Thursdays, July 2 – August 6, 12:15 – 1:45 PM FR E E FO R M E M B E R S | N O N - M E M B E R S $ 3 ( rain or shine )

July 2

July 9

July 16

July 23

July 30

August 6

Gary Bartz Quartet

Akiko

David Gibson Quintet

Cocomama

Jose James

Eric Reed

All female Latin Jazz group

Vocalist

Pianist

Organist

Alto saxophonist

Trombonist

jam session and panel discussion Friday, August 14, 6 – 8:30 PM Barbara Kukla, Vincent Pelote and Guy Sterling, will discuss 50 years of jazz in Newark, followed by a “Jam Session” by vocalist Cynthia Holiday.

Official Airline

Co-hosted by the Newark Museum Business & Community Council

Media Partner

newarkmuseum.org 49 washington street, newark, nj 973.596.6550 711 tty On-site parking available for a fee.

ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Positive Music Matters®

The Day the Music Died: WBLS Retires Sunday Classics after 30 Years How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? (Psalms 137:4) une is African American Music Appreciation Month, more popularly known as Black Music Month. And it is good that we pause to honor and celebrate the musical talents and gifts of the people. For me, it’s a special time, for years I looked forward to the Sunday Classics on 107.5 WBLS with their Black Music Month artist tributes and extraordinary music mixes that celebrate our great music legacy! I’m sad today, because the sounds of Sunday Classics are gone; fading from our collective memory. In late April, the show’s co- hosts “Debi B.” (Jackson), widow of the late Hal Jackson and Clay Berry did their final show. I still don’t know exactly what happened, I just know that one of our community’s great music culture institutions is no more.

#1 on Sundays I well remember the genesis of Sunday Classics. I was a young account executive at WBLS/WLIB. Legendary broadcaster, Hal Jackson, co-founder and group chairman of Inner City Broadcasting Corporation (ICBC), the original owners of the radio stations, desired to return to the airwaves with his own show. The year was 1984. Program Director, Frankie Crocker, allotted a Sunday morning, 8am–10am time slot on WBLS. I secured the show’s first advertiser, charter sponsor, Dick Gidron Cadillac of the Bronx. And, the rest is history! Hal Jackson’s Sunday Classics went on to dominate New York radio ratings, consistently ranking #1 on Sundays for more than 30 years—radio’s longest running weekly music show! At its height, the show was on the air from 8am to 5pm. Everybody, of all communities, loved Hal Jackson and the Sunday Classics! The secret was that Hal was really a curator of Black Music—Soul Music—Jazz,

10 The The Positive Positive Community Community June June2015 2015 40

R&B, Gospel, Blues, Reggae and even Hip Hop. Before and after each song, while Miles Davis’s Someday My Prince Will Come played gently in the background, he talked about the artist, the year the song was recorded and what was going on in the world at that time. A Trailblazer He would share personal memories about countless music legends, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis, Jr. Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Dionne Warwick Bob Marley, LL Cool J, etc.; how he led 13 year old, “Little” Stevie Wonder on to the Apollo Theater stage and introduced him to the world; he spoke about his friendship with James Brown, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Mick Jagger, Berry Gordy and others. In 1968, Aretha Franklin, wrote, recorded and dedicated “The House that Jack Built,” a loving tribute to Hal On February 24, 2012, TPC and Pastor Johnnie Ray Youngblood hosted a Black History Month Dance Party—In Classic Black at the Spann-Washington Fellowship Hall at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, Brooklyn. The event was a fundraiser for Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International and the Youth Development Foundation to provide college scholarships to young women majoring in the performing arts. This was Hal Jackson's last public appearance. To thunderous applause, Hal expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who came out saying, "It is so important that we never forget what it took to get us here . . . teach the children. I just really enjoyed watching the people have a wonderful time! I thank God for all of you!" Pictured Above: Debi and Hal Jackson arrive. thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

for his service to the community, especially the young people. His book, The House that Jack Built: My Life as a Trailblazer in Broadcasting and Entertainment is a must read for young people and adults, alike. He had a deep, abiding love for his people and respect for the dignity of our music. Boasting a 75 year career, Hal Jackson was a living repository for the very best of black life, music and culture in 20th century America! In the end, the loss of WBLS and WLIB to new ownership in 2012 just broke Hal Jackson’s heart! At 97, with declining health, some say Hal lost the will to live. According to those close to him, he stopped eating. Hal Jackson passed away on May 23, 2012. At his wake, I watched former colleagues who were still employed at the radio stations quickly pay their respects before heading back to the former midtown offices of ICBC’s WBLS/WLIB. They were given 24 hours to pack up for the move to join their new sister station WQHT 97.1, “Hot 97” in lower Manhattan. Since then, Sunday Classics had been reduced to a mere, two hour broadcast. And now, today, it’s gone. Indeed, our African American history, culture, values, ideals and traditions are most accessible through positive, life affirming music and song. As a people, we pay a heavy price for forgetting our blessings—tragic loss of cultural memory and ethnic identity. Positive Music Challenge The best of our music and our culture; our children and their progress is all we have. This is about divine inheritance—our claim on the American Dream; future prosperity—our collective health and happiness! I understand and respect the business of radio, but most of all, have a profound admiration for the struggles and sacrifices of our torch bearing forefathers and the dignity of

our music. If we choose not to preserve, protect and promote our creative best, then who—pray—tell—will? Our foremost great and present hope can only come from within: individual and collective faith; an awareness and knowledge of our collective experience in this land— our history; and a real appreciation for love, wisdom and ideals as reflected through great music, positive music— our collective soul! Positive Music Matters, always and forever more! Say it aloud: Positive Music Matters; share these words with a friend or loved one: Positive Music Matters! Join The Positive Community, as we collect and archive our very best in music and song. Take the Positive Music Challenge, today! Just name 5 or 10 songs that promote positive, lifeaffirming, community-building themes inspiring cultural pride, unity, peace and goodwill that you believe deserves an entry into The Great African American Cultural Time Capsule. Maybe you heard these songs on Sunday Classics, in church, school, at a social or family gathering. Positive Music Matters—the hits, the classics—yesterday and today for tomorrow! It’s a fun activity—everybody can play and everybody will win” Go to: www.thepositivecommunity.com to learn more!

Sample Archive List 10 Songs Heard on Sunday Classics

1. The House that Jack Built—Aretha Franklin 2. Wake Up Everybody— Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes 3. These Three Words—Stevie Wonder 4. Jamm’n—Bob Marley 5. We Are One—Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly 6. The Greatest Love of All—Whitney Houston 7. Heal the World—Michael Jackson 8. Put Your Hands Together—The O’Jays 9. Optimistic—Sounds of Blackness In Classic Black: L-R Adrian Council, Debi Jackson, “Doctor” Bob Lee, WBLS; Stacie N.G. Grant, event planner; Rev. Johnnie Ray Youngblood, pastor. Seated: Line Dance Master Kenny J, 91 year old Doris Bell co-owner Frank R. Bell Funeral Home and Hal Jackson. thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

10. Try Jah Love—Third World

June2015 2015 The The Positive Positive Community Community 41 11 June

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REV. DEFOREST SOARIES GUEST EDITORIAL

Reverend DeForest “Buster” Soaries is Pastor of First Baptist Church, Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ.

The Black Church: Dead, Alive or in a Coma? here seems to be growing interest in the answer to the question of whether or not black churches are as influential as they once were. I was actually surprised by the attendance at a seminar that addressed this subject at an Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, where a large audience listened to four ministers offer their perspectives on the role and viability of the black church movement today. Of course, the historic election of the first African American president generally slants the conversation in a political direction. That black churches have been actively involved in voter registration, voter education, and voter turnout is a fact of history. But at a time when so many churches have become less interested in voting and more interested in personal prosperity, it is reasonable to wonder whether or not our churches will be as politically engaged in future years as they were in 2008 and 2012. Equally important, however, is how churches perform their spiritual mission so that there is a significant impact on matters that affect their members and communities generally. Electing people to office is not the only way to express or pursue goals for a community. And many people are wondering if black churches still possess the will and the capacity to make meaningful contributions to the overall quality of life of the nation and the world. It is clear that black churches still have the potential to be very powerful. This is true for the following reasons:

• African Americans have the highest rate of weekly church attendance of any group in America. This means that it is still possible to reach most black people through churches on Sunday morning. • Black churches handle more money than any other institution in the black community. • Black churches own more real estate than any other sector of black organizations.

thepositivecommunity.com

• Black churches employ more people than any other category of black business. • Black churches were founded in response to social injustice, giving it an historical legacy that is unique in Christendom. • Black churches have a spiritual mission that offers hope to those whose conditions would otherwise cause them to give up in the face of challenges. If one considers the powerful combination of these elements, one must agree that the 80,000–100,000 black churches in America have tremendous potential for great impact. This potential lies virtually dormant as it relates to actually doing something to solve some very serious problems in black communities. The churches seem to do fairly well when there is an explicit display of racial hatred or racial injustice. Churches flex their muscles and demonstrate with power. But consider this: there are 500,000 children in foster care in America. Most of these children are African American and Hispanic. There is no coordinated effort among black churches to address the need for more foster parents and adoptions of black children. If just ten percent of the black churches made a concerted effort to recruit, train, and support families that foster and adopt children, the black churches could end foster care as we know it. This same formula applies to so many of the issues that affect the black community. According to the University of Texas, 58% of the 2.6 million African Americans that live in Texas spend $57 dollars a month on lottery tickets. One has to wonder if black churches in Texas could influence black people to do something more productive than purchasing $1.1 billion worth of lottery tickets with little chance to win. If black churches really do have power, we have to do more than protest and encourage people to vote for candidates every few years. Our churches must coordinate efforts and really solve some problems. That is when the church will prove that it really has power.

June 2015 The Positive Community

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

LISTEN TO THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY HOUR ON WKMB 1070 AM HARVEST RADIO, MONDAYS, 1:30–2:30 P.M. WITH HOST THERESA NANCE.

Introducing . . . Rev. Randall M. Lassiter A Renaissance Man Returns to Pastor in Paterson une has been designated Black Music Month and Rev. Randall Moses Lassiter's arrival as senior pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in the city of Paterson has been music to the ears of many. Pastor Lassiter is a native son of Paterson and is the former executive assistant to Dr. Steve Rose, president of Passaic County Community College. He also sings quite well, thank you, as does his son, Niger, who was a short-list competitor in the McDonald's Gospelfest more than once. A renaissance man, he endears himself to people of every hue enabling him to weave in and out of various and sundry circles both in the secular and non-secular communities. He and his wife, the Rev. Krystal Faye Lassiter, are the parents of two sons and thoroughly entrenched in the goings-on in the Silk City. Three years ago, Rev. Lassiter made a transition to Calvary after having founded and served for 12 years as pastor of the Greater Faith Church of the Abundance, also in Paterson. When Pastor Lassiter went to Calvary, he was simply returning to a place where he received his initial spiritual training under the tutelage of the Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe. Known for his business acumen, the pastor also flirted with politics for a short time, having served as a coun-

“Today,” he said. “I want to pastor and be at rest. I want to minister to God's people and leave other worthy projects in someone else's hands.” 14 The Positive Community

June 2015

cilman in the city of Prospect Park. He has served as a former college basketball coach at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and William Paterson University as well. Today, he currently is enrolled in the doctoral program at the United Theological Seminary in Ohio. Pastor Lassiter loves to tell an audience that if you're the smartest person in the room, you need to find some new friends. And, new friends are what he's making as the relatively new pastor at this progressive church that has seen countless people of renown as guest speakers/preachers, i.e., the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the late Mary McLeod Bethune, Rev. Al Sharpton, and a gaggle of other prominent folks who add or enhance the atmosphere of this church with a long-time reputation for being progressive and on the cutting edge of social justice issues. A sports enthusiast, he has penned a book titled You Are Not Your Circumstances, and both he and his wife are in the process of writing a new book, Divorce Is Not An Option. A lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Mu Lambda Chapter, he adheres to the community service objective of the fraternity and mentors youngsters as founder of the B-Men Mentoring Program, one of the first male support programs for elementary school-aged boys in Northern, New Jersey, and has been featured in well-known print publications: The Record, The Herald News, The Star Ledger, and USA Today. The youthful-looking pastor says today he just wants to pastor. Period! At his former church he said his hands were on a variety of projects which eventually took a toll on him. “Today,” he said. “I want to pastor and be at rest. I want to minister to God's people and leave other worthy projects in someone else's hands.” I guess, as they say, he has come to understand in which lane he belongs. We wish Pastor and Lady Krystal Lassiter and the Calvary Baptist Church congregants the best. Always. thepositivecommunity.com

A future he can grow into

source: 2014 KIPP New Jersey Annual Report

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L–R: Juliana S, Sabrina F, Kaiah M, Kimberle L, Courtney M, Gina M, Jacob

Move for Hunger The Mavins Group Kicks Off Food Drive In Honor of Mother's DAY

he Mavins Group, a move management and real estate sales company, launched a weeklong Move For Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9 at the Brookdale Shoprite in Bloomfield, NJ. The drive, a partnership with The National Association of Senior Move Managers and Move for Hunger, raised funds and food for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. During the drive, the public was encouraged to support those in need and donate non-perishable food items in honor of their mothers. "In the United States more than 50 million Americans struggle to find their next meal. Twenty percent of those in need are children. These numbers are unacceptable,”

The Positive Community June 2015

said Susan Devaney, Founder and CEO of The Mavins Group. “I encourage participants to celebrate the giving spirit of the special women in their lives and contribute on their behalf. Proceeds will go to families that the Community Food Bank of New Jersey supports.” Middle school students from Montclair’s Lacordaire Academy and youth from St. Paul Baptist Church collected over 520 pounds of donated items and $250 to support the food drive during the kick-off activities at the Brookdale Shoprite. They distributed over 400 flyers and spoke with shoppers about the need to help feed the 1 in 5 hungry children in New Jersey. To donate food and or money visit: www.themavinsgroup.com/food-drive. —JNW thepositivecommunity.com

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June 2015 The Positive Community

Black Cardiologists Join Million Hearts Initiative New Affordable Care Act Payment Model Seeks to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease

eart attacks and strokes are a leading cause of death and disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year – accounting for one in every four deaths and costing an estimated $315.4 billion annually. The Million Hearts® Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Reduction model proposes an innovative way of lowering those risks. Currently, providers are paid to meet specific blood pressure, cholesterol or other targets for their patients as a group. In a new approach, the Million Hearts® model will use a data-driven, widely accepted predictive modelling approach to generate personalized risk scores and modification plans for patients. “The Million Hearts initiative is a part of our efforts to promote better care and smarter practices in our health care system,” said Health and Human Service Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “It recognizes that giving doctors more one-on-one time with their patients to pre-

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vent illness leads to better outcomes, and that greater access to health information helps empower patients to be active participants in their care.” The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) will work to develop Million Hearts strategies to reduce heart disease and stroke disparities, partner with the faith-based community on Million Hearts, and conduct outreach and education to ethnically diverse populations promoting the importance of the ABC and healthy lifestyles. ABC is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting applications for the Million Hearts® CVD Risk Reduction model. Health care providers who participate in the model will work with Medicare beneficiaries to determine their individual risk for a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years (for example, 25 percent). Then, providers will work with patients to identify the best approach to reduce their individual risk —for example, stopping smoking, reducing blood pressure, or taking cholesterollowering drugs or aspirin—and show them the benefits of each approach. Each patient will get a personalized risk modification plan that will target their specific risk factors. Providers will be paid for reducing the absolute risk for heart disease or stroke among their high-risk patients. The Million Hearts® CVD Risk Reduction model will operate for five years and aims to enroll over 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries and 720 diverse practices, varying in size and patient case mix; and including providers in general/ family practice, general internal medicine, geriatric medicine, multi-specialty care, or cardiovascular care. Million Hearts® is a broad national initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. Million Hearts® brings together communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and private-sector partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke. For additional information about Million Hearts® CVD Risk Reduction model, including the request for applications, visit the CMS Innovation Center website at http://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/ CMSLeadership/Office_CMMI.html. For more information about Million Hearts, visit http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html. To learn more about the Association of Black Cardiologists go to http://www.abcardio.org thepositivecommunity.com

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael is the spiritual director and founder of It Is Well Wellness and Worship Center in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a spiritual leader and the owner of The Fitness Doctor; a fitness and wellness consulting company. He writes a monthly column for The Positive Community Magazine and is the author of 50 Tips for a Better You! To grow spiritually and improve physically, or have Pastor Carmichael present his wellness seminar to your church or group you can email Kahlil at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746.

Fitness for my Fathers love celebrating Father’s Day, not only because my children make me such wonderful cards and bestow gifts of love and honor upon me, but also because I love honoring the men who have fathered me in some capacity. I think of my pastor, Dr. Arlee Griffin, Jr.; good friends and mentors such as The Reverend Rudolph Gibbs; my stepfather, Berdell Jackson; and of course my dad, John Carmichael. All of these men have played a vital part in my life in some capacity and I give them honor on this Father’s Day. As these men mature and head into the “fourth quarter” of their lives, I find myself not only receiving advice and wisdom from these great men, but I am imparting and sharing wisdom in the areas of faith and fitness. As irony would have it, the trainee has become the trainer, exhorting and encouraging these men to eat healthy, exercise consistently, and live well. This is an important message because men, especially men of color (and women over 50) are not taking proper care of their temples—their bodies. Most seniors (people over 65 years of age) are not aware of their ability to participate in an exercise program that embodies all three components of fitness: cardio vascular endurance, strength training, and flexibility instruction. Web MD states: Exercise in older adults is very important for balance, heart health, muscle strength, blood circulation, and more. Exercise may be something fun, like playing golf or tennis, or something very simple such as taking the stairs or parking farther away from the grocery store so you take more steps. Tai chi and yoga are great exercises for those wishing to increase their balance and muscle tone. Water exercises are gentle on the joints but great for your heart and lungs. This is great advice, but I would add the need and benefit of resistance training with weights. Many seniors are under the impression that they cannot and should not lift weights. Some seniors erroneously believe they are not able to build strength or muscle after a certain age. This is not true. Just as in the spiritual realm wisdom is the principle thing; strength is the principle thing in the realm of physical fitness and health. Physical and spiritual strength enable us to live an active life much longer. Strength training (also called resistance training) can help you stay as independent as you like.

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When we build strength through resistance training we can walk farther, run faster, carry our grandchildren, start a new career, or work on a forgotten dream. Here are some tips from our friends at WebMD for resistance training with weights: • Start with two-pound hand weights. Even food cans or filled water bottles will work. Try doing exercises like getting up and down from a chair while holding the weights, giving your muscles and bones something to work against builds their strength. • Do eight to ten different exercises at least two days a week. Work up to doing each exercise ten to fifteen times in a row. Use slightly heavier weights as you get stronger. • Give your muscles two days between sessions to rest. Try aerobic or flexibility exercises on the other days. • Work your arms, chest, back, stomach, and legs. You can talk to a personal trainer or physical therapist to learn some moves. Both my father and stepfather are members of It Is Well Living Church and I have the privilege of helping them and other great fathers live well through physical fitness and exercise. Two scriptures I reference today are: Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he or she should go and when they are old he or she will not turn from it”; and 1 Timothy 5:8 (NRSV), “And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” On this Father’s Day I want to thank God for allowing me to give the gift of fitness to those who have fathered me. Happy Father’s Day! #itiswell. If you’re interested in a free consultation or more information on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. June 2015 The Positive Community

Newark City Council Member Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins speaks at the press conference

Religious Leaders Unite to Support Saint Michael’s Medical Center

n May 11, 2015, the first day of National Hospital Week, more than a dozen local religious leaders united at Saint Michael’s Medical Center to demonstrate their support to keep Saint Michael’s Medical Center open as a full service acute-care inpatient facility. Speakers included Reverend Ronald Slaughter, senior pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark; Newark’s Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins; and David A. Ricci, president and CEO, Saint Michael’s Medical Center. Continued on page 80

Newark Can’t Afford Another Hospital Closure If implemented, recommendations in a state-commissioned report would force Saint Michael’s Medical Center to close.

What does this mean for you and your family? NO Healthcare Choice LIMITED Access to High-Quality Healthcare HIGHER Healthcare Costs YOu DEsERvE bETTER Saint Michael’s has a committed partner in Prime Healthcare, who is ready to invest in Saint Michael’s, and in Newark.

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The Positive Community June 2015

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Well-wishers for Dionne Polite

Photos: Wali Amin Mohammad

any came out to wish Dionne Polite well in her new venture as she makes the transition to lead AARP’s Florida’s office. Dionne was the associate state director for AARP, New York. Her work and sincere efforts touched many lives.

L–R: Gerri Warren Merrick, Dionne Polite, and Dr. Leon Merrick, DDS.

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Email: clarenceba@gmail.com Website: www.barryaustinlaw.com June 2015 The Positive Community

Money

BY BRANDON McCOLLOUGH

BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK

HELPING MILLENNIALS SUCCEED

f We Don’t Find It, We Will Create It…” That’s the modus operandi of young millennials of this era, and the tagline of the Millennial Jobs Summit — a new event for young professionals that took place in Washington, DC on May 2, 2015. Hosted by GenerationNext, the summit was created to provide millennials with career opportunities and for those looking to start their own businesses—entrepreneurial resources. “We are starting to see the beginning of a very enterprising renaissance. There has been a surge of young people that have not found the dream job they’ve sought after, so they are creating their own,” says Brandon McCollough, founder and CEO of GenerationNext. “But it’s not just millennials. What we are seeing is an innovative mindset from multiple generations that is really changing the landscape of how we see the 21st century workforce. People are getting more savvy in their job search, and they are finding one, or creating one, and sometimes both.” The Millennial Jobs Summit featured a job fair, a startup/small business expo, as well as a series of infor-

The Positive Community June 2015

mation panels on career development, women in tech, and entrepreneurial development. Gabrielle Jackson of the Millennial Solution gave the keynote address, speaking to an audience of job seekers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and recruiters about how millennials are redefining the workplace on their terms and shattering some of the myths employers used to hold about them. Also unveiled at the event was Generation-Next's new initiative "30 Day Startup" which seeks to help individuals who have a business idea, but might not have the guidance and resources to get started. The program offers office space, business consulting and legal services, technical training, and other tools that budding entrepreneurs might find critical and creates constructs to help them go from idea to product launch in 30 days. Participating companies in the summit included Comcast, Cove, Bloomberg LP, General Assembly and many others. For more information about Generation-Next or their events please visit www.gennextmovement.org thepositivecommunity.com

EDGAR RAMSEY President & CEO, Sweet Potato Pie, Inc.

dgar Ramsey is President and CEO of Sweet Potato Pie, Inc., a wholesale bakery that specializes in classic Southern desserts, with sweet potato pie as its signature product and major sales driver. Prior to starting Sweet Potato Pie Inc., Ramsey was a sales representative at Xerox Corporation, where he eventually climbed the ranks to Sales Manager. After two failed attempts in the restaurant business during his time at Xerox, Ramsey noticed a growing demand for made-from-scratch, single servings of sweet potato pie. That “aha moment” propelled Ramsey to start Sweet Potato Pie, Inc. out of his home kitchen. The business quickly took off, moving from the kitchen, to the garage, to the basement, until Ramsey opened a storefront factory in Paterson, New Jersey. Since its inception in 1983, Sweet Potato Pie Inc. has grown considerably and shows no signs of slowing down. The company’s retail distribution network currently serves New Jersey, greater New York, Pennsylvania, New England, Delaware, Washington D.C. and Maryland.

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With his sights set on expanding Sweet Potato Pie, Inc. nationwide, Ramsey recently graduated from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses to develop new ways to help his business grow. Aside from his business pursuits in private enterprise, Ramsey devotes his time and energy to various cultural and civic activities within the Paterson, New Jersey community. Previously, he served as Commissioner on the Paterson UEZ Board, the Executive Board of the Mid-Manhattan Branch of The NAACP, a five-year tenure on the Board of The Logan Family Life Center, and two terms as President of The Englewood Social Club. In addition, Ramsey has lectured at several local schools and city events and has donated Sweet Potato Pie, Inc. products to numerous fund raising campaigns, senior citizen support programs, and public school functions. This year, Ramsey received the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders Proclamation for improving the quality of life its business community. In 1994, Ramsey and Sweet Potato Pie, Inc. were featured in the monu-

mental research study, “Working In Paterson: Occupational Heritage in an Urban Setting” conducted by the American Folklife Center, in support of the Urban History Iniative to “spur economic revitatlization” in Paterson, which is considered to be the “cradle of the Industrial Revolution in America.” The collection is preserved at the Library of Congress. Ramsey holds a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, an MBA for Executives from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

June 2015 The Positive Community

Do Your Homework Before You Go TO GET THE BEST DEAL DURING SUMMER AUTO SALES

ith Memorial Day in our “rearview mirrors”, and summer vacation right around the corner, car dealerships have already begun their annual summer car sales. From tent events to sizzling weekends of low prices on new and used cars, car dealers and their advertising make it sound very simple to get a great deal on a car. But, buyer beware! It might sound simple, but you must do your homework before you start shopping if you want to get the best deal for your wallet and budget. "The most important part of buying a car is the analysis and research you do before you go shopping," said Ahmed Campbell, Vice President of Loan Operations for Municipal Credit Union, the $2.2 billion, 375,000-member credit union serving a wide range of members including New York City, state and federal workers. "If you don't do your homework first and visit a dealer uninformed, chances are you are going to end up with a car - and financing - that you will regret. So do your homework before you hit the sales."

The Positive Community June 2015

First, you should determine what type of car is right for you and your family. For example, will a compact fit your needs or will you need the extra space provided by a minivan or SUV? How much driving will you do and will the car's fuel economy be an important buying criteria? Will this be a commuter car or will you be using this car for more extensive travel? Next, you have to determine how much you can afford to pay each month for the car payment, as well as the cost of secondary car ownership costs, such as insurance, gas, and general maintenance. "You need to calculate how much your monthly car payment will be and if it will fit comfortably into your monthly budget," Campbell advised. "Don't let the dealer lure you into buying more car than you can afford or convince you that they offer the only, and best, financing options available to you.” In fact, sometimes dealerships don't always offer the best financing rates, so don’t feel obligated to finance your car purchase at

the dealership. You can often get better rates elsewhere with a pre-approval, and through online tools such as the MCU Car Buying Service, powered by TrueCar. Online car buying tools, like MCU’s Car Buying Service, have built-in auto loan calculators to help you determine what your payment will be before you buy the car. So, by visiting www. nymcu.org, you can determine what a car will cost you and then decide if you can afford it. One more thing to keep in mind -- loan rates for new cars and used cars are subject to change depending on your credit. Make sure you know your credit score before shopping for your new or used car; the higher your credit score, the lower your loan rate will be. Once you've done your homework and are armed with this information, you're ready to hit those summer car sales and avoid falling prey to a sales pitch that can cost you too much. thepositivecommunity.com

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Kim Guadano, Lt. Governor of NJ

Brian Hughes, Mercer County Chief Executive Ribbon Cutting, L–R: Hon. Samuel Frisby, freeholder; Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson; Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Jr.; Dr. Jerry Young; Hon. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Lt. Governor Kim Guadano; Mrs. and Rev. Guy Campbell; and Rev. H. Grady James, III.

General Baptist Convention Of New Jersey, Inc.

Hon. Mildred C. Crump, president, Newark Municipal Council

Celebrating the Historic Headquarters Dedication Official Convention Headquarters, Trenton, NJ

ev. Dr. Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., was among those from far and near who came to Trenton, New Jersey on May 30, 2015 to witness the dedication

The Positive Community June 2015

of the General Baptist Convention headquarters at 479 West State Street. Rev. Young delivered an inspirational keynote sermon, and congratulated GBCNJ leaders and members on the historic achievement.

In his remarks, State President Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. declared, “This building, purchased in 2012, the statewide headquarters of the GBCNJ, that we are dedicating on this day, represents a new beginning and vision for the people!” The building, financed by the United Bank of Philadelphia, will serve as a focal point for a revival of economic development, financial literacy, cultural literacy—music lessons, etiquette classes, a home for scouting, and health advocacy for its membership and community. Here, we will train for jobs and the development of entrepreneurial and marketing skills. We will collaborate with other forward thinking individuals, organizations and community-building institutions “Upon this rock, on this day, the renewal, resurrection and renaissance of a great people will be built,” proclaimed Rev. Campbell. “It is a spiritual and cultural home for the people of God,” he concluded. thepositivecommunity.com

Honoring the flag

STANDING, L–R: Rev. Guy Campbell, Rev. David Jefferson, Sr., and Dr. Jerry Young, SEATED: First Ladies Campbell and Young

L–R: Hon. Mildred Crump, Hon. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Lt. Governor of NJ, Kim Guadano

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Rev. Lester W. Taylor, Jr.; Rev. Guy Campbell; Hon. Bonnie Watson Coleman; Rev. Darrell L. Armstrong; and Hon. Samuel Frisby

L–R: Rev. David Jefferson, Sr., Sr. pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Newark, NJ and Evelyn F. Smalls, president/CEO, United Bank of Philadelphia thepositivecommunity.com

Adrian Council, Sr., publisher, The Positive Community

Host Pastor Rev. Daryl Armstrong, Shiloh B.C. Trenton

L–R: Rev. John Gamble, Smyrna Missionary L–R: Rev. George Blackwell, III Baptist Church, Newark, NJ and Rev. Jeffrey and Moderator Rev. Ralph Branch Bryan, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Newark, NJ June 2015 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community June 2015

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One Hundred Thirty-Four Entrepreneurs Graduate From the Community Business Academy RISING TIDE CAPITAL HOSTS ITS FIRST-EVER CBA GRADUATION IN NEWARK

ising Tide Capital graduated 134 small business owners from their nationally recognized Community Business Academy during a ceremony held at NJIT. In RTC’s ten year history, this was the first-ever graduation ceremony held in Newark, New Jersey—representing the organization’s growing presence supporting entrepreneurs in New Jersey’s largest city. “With Newark’s unemployment rate being 10.2 percent compared to 5.9 percent for the state of New Jersey, it is important that we offer people the opportunity to carve out a job for themselves. By holding our graduation in Newark it shows the city and its residents that RTC is here to do our part in reducing this unfortunate trend,” said

Keith Dent, senior manager for regional programs. He added, “The 50 Newark graduates of the Spring 2015 class are prepared to make a difference in their community by building their businesses, creating jobs and keeping dollars circulating in the local economy." These new entrepreneurs joined an alumni network of 1,114 CBA graduates across Northern New Jersey. Among the graduating class was Newark entrepreneur Viola Thomas, who teaches computer literacy to African-American single mothers. Thomas spent several years working at a fast food chain before deciding to take charge of her destiny. “Technology has become increasingly important in all industries and my

customers need this service to help them compete in the job market. Taking the CBA taught me the importance of recognizing my target market, keeping business and personal expenses separate and the value of marketing to attract customers,” Thomas explained. The CBA, offered in locations throughout Hudson and Essex Counties, teaches entrepreneurs business fundamentals including budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping and financing. Each CBA student receives a full-tuition waiver—covered by Rising Tide Capital’s funding partners—and continued business support through the Business Acceleration Services Program. For more information about our business support services please visit www.RisingTideCapital.org.

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Pre-registration is required, call Milly at 201-432-4316 x 121 or e-mail Milaury@RisingTideCapital.org Rising Tide Capital is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist struggling entrepreneurs and communities to build strong businesses that transform lives, strengthen families and create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.

334 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305 | www.RisingTideCapital.org | 201-432-4316 | Info@RisingTideCapital.org thepositivecommunity.com

June 2015 The Positive Community

PUSHing Technology To Achieve Economic Success Rutgers-Newark Hosts Summit Dr. Nancy Cantor, chancellor, Rutgers-Newark

L–R: Dr. Nancy Cantor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Hon. Mildred Crump, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Dr. Roland Anglin, and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard

ver 300 corporate executives, small business owners, entrepreneurs, academics, and community and faith leaders attended the Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project & City of Newark Economic Summit on Tuesday, June 2, at the Paul Robeson Campus Center of Rutgers University-Newark, in downtown Newark. Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Civil Rights icon and Rainbow PUSH Coalition President and Founder Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr.; Municipal Council President Mildred Crump; and Rainbow Push Wall Street Project Executive Director Chee Chee Williams hosted the summit. Themed “PUSHing Technology to Achieve Economic Success,” the summit addressed how minority-owned businesses can succeed in a 21st century economy, with specialized sessions on the importance of technology; innovations in urban economic development; addressing disparities for minority-owned businesses; programs to help minority-owned businesses succeed; and innovative efforts to re-skill workers. The event also featured a youth seminar for high school and college students.

L–R: Entrepreneur Janus Holder and John Harmon, African American Chamber of Commerce

The Positive Community June 2015

Mayor Baraka

Rutgers University Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cantor delivered welcome greetings. Mayor Baraka also served as a member of a panel of mayors moderated by Council President Crump. Other panelists were Hillsdale Mayor Angela R. Garretson, Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, and Logan Township Mayor Frank Minor. Speakers included State Senator Ronald L. Rice and Power Patterns of Innovation CEO Sarah Miller Caldicott, who is also the great-grandniece of legendary inventor Thomas Alva Edison. She discussed her great-uncle’s collaboration process as a means to re-skill workers for the digital age, leverage social networks, and propel innovation. Rev. Jackson hosted an informative fireside chat with Audible CEO Donald Katz. —JNW

Teri Coxam, SBA Rutgers Ubuntu cap

L–R: Rev. Jackson and Tanya Mitchell, Newark Alliance thepositivecommunity.com

Entrepernuer and business consultant, Randall Pinkett Mayor Baraka with Press Secretary Marjorie Harris

Don Viapree, Cablevision Dr. M William Howard, pastor Bethany BC, Newark

L–R: Dr. Gayle Gibson, president Essex County College; Marcia Brown, Esq., vice chancellor, Rutgers Newark

Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: Rev. Louise Rountree, Amiri Baraka, Jr., chief of staff, Baraka Administration; Hon. Mildred Crump

Student Blogger L–R: Tai Cooper, senior policy advisor, Newark; Adrian Council; Felipe Luciano, director of Communications, Newark

Fireside chat: Rev. Jesse Jackson and Donald Katz, CEO Audible Inc. thepositivecommunity.com

Rutgers Ubuntu cap

L–R: Jill Johnson, business consultant, IFEL; Baye Adofo-Wilson, director, Economic Development and Housing, Newark; and NJ State Senator Ron Rice, Sr.

L–R: Rev. Dr. David Jefferson with Donald Katz June 2015 The Positive Community

Wells Fargo Volunteers Teach Financial Empowerment

ecently, over forty-nine Wells Fargo volunteers taught 690 students in twenty-nine classes from kindergarten to seventh grade about the importance of financial planning and various career paths during Junior Achievement Day at the Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark. Led by Junior Achievement of New Jersey (JA-NJ), the volunteer-delivered program fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial

literacy skills, and uses experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. Through interactive sessions, volunteers spent the day in a classroom teaching, reading, and empowering students to own their economic success. According to JA-NJ’s Education and Training Specialist Christy Tighe, in their feedback, teachers and students raved about the invaluable lessons they learned in the classroom settings. —JNW

Teacher Feedback:

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The Positive Community June 2015

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$1.5 Million for Newark Fund for Newark’s Future Supports Summer Youth Employment Program

n May 11, 2015, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, and the City of Newark accepted a symbolic $1.5 million check from the Foundation for Newark's Future President and CEO Kimberly Baxter McLain, in the First Floor Rotunda at City Hall, at 920 Broad Street. The money will be used to fund Mayor Baraka's 2015 Summer Youth Employment Program, which will work to provide summer jobs and internships for 2,300 Newark youth in the private and public sectors, working in corporate, business, government, education, and non-profit sites throughout the City. The funding comes from the foundation created with the $100 million gift given to Newark by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. “We are grateful to the Foundation for Newark's Future for this generous donation to our Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides our young residents with opportunities to learn about careers and the workplace, gain valuable skills, and contribute to transforming both themselves and Newark into people

and a City we can all believe in,” Mayor Baraka said. “What they learn today will enable them to become our leaders tomorrow.” “Our goal at FNF is to invest in programs that will have a lasting impact on the community and create sustainable outcomes for Newark's children,” said Ms. McLain. “There is a natural correlation between education and employment, and we know that summer youth employment is a powerful and research-based policy solution to put our students on the path to success. We are excited to partner with the Mayor's office on this initiative.” Also speaking at the event was New Jersey Medical School Dean Dr. Robert L. Johnson, who is a board member of FNF.

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June 2015 The Positive Community

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June 2015 The Positive Community

“ Do not allow the success of acquiring financial wealth ruin your relationship with God

”

BY REV. DR. CHARLES BUTLER

Wealth Building

n the Gospel according to St. Matthew 16:26, Jesus asked this question, “What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world but to lose his soul? What would a man give in exchange for his soul?” Today, this question again must be put forth to members of our community. In our society, the quest to obtain the American dream has become the driving motivational force. People are pushing themselves harder and harder to obtain material possessions that they assume will bring joy, satisfaction, and contentment in their lives. This driving ambition is generally taught within the family structure. Children are instructed at an early age what it will take to be successful in life. Go to school. Earn good grades. Get a good job so you can earn lots of money. After all, this is the American way. But is acquiring financial wealth really the true measure of success? In reality, there is nothing wrong with financial success, especially if you have a firm spiritual foundation. With a firm spiritual foundation, you will realize that your success, however great or small, came from God and you will be able to keep your priorities in order. God has blessed you with the talents, skills and abilities to become successful. Oh yes, you still had to put in the hard work, but do not believe for a minute that you achieved success on your own. Whatever you have accomplished in life is a result of God’s blessing. This is the reality that is often forgotten. What is more fascinating is just how little attention is devoted to developing a personal relationship with the Son of God! Jesus is oftentimes taken for granted. He is only called on in times of trouble. The quest for spiritual prosperity and security is generally not sought after

The Positive Community June 2015

by most people with the same zeal as their pursuit for financial wealth. Today, that same hunger and thirst for the Word of God is not missing. Most people are now too busy chasing the almighty dollar to give adequate time to God. Jesus said, “You can’t serve two masters, for you will love the one and despise the other, you cannot serve God and mammon,” Matthew 6:24. Those who have achieved a level of financial success should be willing to use a portion of that wealth to be a blessing for others. The early church understood this concept and shared all of their possessions with those who were less fortunate, Acts 4:32-34. They gave out of their abundance and no one went without. The Church was a true community of believers. Have we abandoned this basic spiritual principle? Matthew 6:19-20 gives us an indication of what God desires of us, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you.” So the first step to spiritual wealth building is simple: Do not allow the success of acquiring financial wealth ruin your relationship with God. Keep your priorities in their proper order. Serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, strength and might. Make Jesus Christ the center of your life. thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Patricia A. Morris Assistant Financial Secretary

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The United Missionary Baptist Association St Matthew Baptist Church Third Session Will Convene 43 Reverend Dr. JohnQuarter J. Sass Place, NY, NY Reverend Lisa D. Jenkins, Tuesday, July 28Host– Pastor Friday, July 31 2015 ALL ARE WELCOME! The Quarterly Session Concert Will Be Sunday, July 26, 2015 Rev. Dr. easurer ief of Staff Rev.Rev. Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 6PM Dr.Rev. Torrence Robinson Sunday, July 26,Held 2015 atat6PM 6PM Rev. Dr.Torrence TorrenceRobinson Robinson Jeffrey Sunday, July 26, 2015 atthe 6PM Dr. Crenshaw Torrence Robinson at Program Chair Program Chair Chair Special Assistant to theProgram Moderator Program Chair ALL ARE WELCOME! ALL ARE WELCOME! Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 6PM v. Dr. Torrence Robinson ALL ARE WELCOME! ALL ARE WELCOME! ev. John Davis Rev. Rev.Jeffrey JeffreyCrenshaw Crenshaw UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt. Zion Baptist Church  171 West 140 Street  New York, New York 10030 ogram ChairRev. Jeffrey Rev. Crenshaw Jeffrey Crenshaw St Matthew Baptist Church Special Assistant Special Assistant to the Moderator sistant Treasurer Special Assistanttotothe theModerator Moderator ALL ARE WELCOME! Special Assistant to the Moderator Office: 212-283-0788  Fax: 212-283-9069 v. Jeffrey Crenshaw 43 Reverend Dr. John J. Sass Place, NY, NY ecialDr. Assistant Moderator Sr. ev. SeantoP.theGardner, uditor Reverend Lisa D. Jenkins, Host Pastor ev. Kevin Quarles The Quarterly Session Concert Will Be Held hief of Staff Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 6PM ev. Dr. Torrence Robinson ogram Chair ALL ARE WELCOME! th

ev. Jeffrey Crenshaw ecial Assistant to the Moderator

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UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt. Zion Baptist Church  171 West 140th Street  New York, New York 10030 Office: 212-283-0788  Fax: 212-283-9069 th th  New York, New York 10030 140 UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt. Zion Church  171West 171Church West Street 140 Street  140 New UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt.Baptist Zion Baptist Church th York, New York 10030 UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt. Zion Baptist 171 Fax: 212-283-9069 Office:Office: 212-283-0788  171West West 140thStreet StreetNew NewYork, York,New NewYork York 10030 10030 UMBA HEADQUARTERS: New Mt. Zion Baptist Church 212-283-0788  Fax: 212-283-9069 Office: Fax: 212-283-9069 212-283-9069 Office: 212-283-0788 212-283-0788  Fax:

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June 2015 The Positive Community

Education

TEACHING,

Rutgers Grads

� a r o o �

LEARNING,

MAKING

DIFFERENCE

! s e t a u d Gra for the

Chancellor Nancy Cantor & Provost Todd Clear bestow honorary doctorate on Earl Lewis

Proud and prepared Rutgers grads outside the Prudential Center

Rutgers Ubuntu cap

Rutgers Grad Father and Son

The Positive Community June 2015

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Saint Peters University

Neyea Peterson from Winston Salem, NC, who is a CAS/SBA graduate. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Chemistry. L–R: Adan Farrah, Monroe Twp NJ, MBA in Management; Jane Chege, Linden NJ, MBA in Risk Management; and Alan Lawrence, Newark NJ, MBA in Management Information Systems

� a r o o �

s! e t a u d a Gr for the

With rose, Erhuvwu Patience Agbeyegbe, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alex George, graduating from Montclair HS, is attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick and will be studying Jazz Performance

Madison McCain, Madison Ave Baptist Academy, Paterson NJ thepositivecommunity.com

Michael Andrew ZelnoNash graduated from Harriton High School, Bryn Mawr, PA. Michael will attend West Chester University, West Chester, PA and will be studying criminology and music.

was born in Harlem NY to my late mother Rodina Green. We were both members of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, where the Reverend Lisa D. Jenkins presides. I graduated from University of Rochester with majors in Psychology and Makia Green Theater. In addition to being a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Scholar, I was also awarded multiple scholarships for my community advocacy work. After college I will be doing a year of service in Washington DC public schools as a CityYear Corps Member. In my senior year of college, I lost my mother to Stage 4 Lung Cancer. It was her generosity and dedication that has inspired me to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work after my year of service. June 2015 The Positive Community

New BrunswickTheological Seminary

ew BrunswickTheological Seminary held their 2015 Commencement on May 23 at the Kirkpatrick Chapel. Rev. Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, president, Payne Theological Seminary was the commencement speaker

Michele Bazin, received her D.Min.

Group photo of Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) class, taught by Dr. Warren L. Dennis (center), who will retire as of the end of this fiscal year. Jacqueline & Raphael Almeida. They are husband and wife. She received her M.A. and he received his M.Div.

FREDRIKA COUNCIL

redrika (Kika) Meri Council graduated from Pace University in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology, a minor in Psychology and a certificate of Honor in the study of Spanish

� a r o �o

! s e t a u Grad e for th

The Positive Community June 2015

TERYON LOWERY

eryon Lowery is a graduating senior at the Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey He is enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes, is the president of the minority mentorship program, and president of the youth board of the More Than Me organization. Lowery is on the varsity track team and he studied Jeet Kune Do, a form of martial arts. Teryon is a member of the Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey where he serves faithfully and is a Junior Deacon. Teryon was awarded Smyrna’s Striving Youth Award The 17-year-old has traveled to Monrovia to teach poetry to girls and interviewed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie about human trafficking to complete a yearlong social justice project. He is a senior leader of the Social Justice Committee at his high school, and has participated in service projects for Adopt-a-Grandparent, Neighborhood House, and Big Brothers. Lowery is an alumnus of the NJ SEEDS program. Lowery will attend Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. At home, he has two brothers who have been diagnosed with autism, Tyler, 7, and Isaiah, 5, whom he cares for and inspires. thepositivecommunity.com

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THE SAVAGE WAY AT WORK

AT PLAY

FRANK SAVAGE SAYS “BE THE HELMSMAN OF YOUR OWN DESTINY”

BY GLENDA CODOGAN

ressed in khaki shorts and a polo shirt on the cover of his new book The Savage Way—Successfully Navigating the Waves of Business and Life (and on The Positive Community). Frank Savage, a global businessman, venture capitalist and Fortune 500 asset manager, is pictured holding the captain’s rudder while the boat sits on choppy waters. “I know that people would expect that in the memoirs of an international businessman, he would be pictured sitting at a sprawling desk

dressed in a business suit with white shirt and red or pink tie,” he told me. That cover photo is “unusual but purposeful,” he explained. “I wanted to show that you don’t have to be tied to an image. But also, I wanted people, before they even opened the book, to know that I am different.”

42 The Positive Community

June 2015

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Savage is not just “different” he is an incredible man. Defying the odds against birth in the rough and tumble tobacco fields of North Carolina and growing up in segregated Washington, DC, Savage distinguished himself in a career in international banking, corporate finance, and global investment management. He is highly accomplished as a global Wall Street financier and CEO of Savage Holdings. Carrying the blessings and the burdens of being many “firsts,” Savage is celebrated as one of the first African Americans to cross color lines and find success in the world of high finance and one of the first persons of color in the world of ocean sailboat racing. In both worlds he is the best in class. With the influence and guidance of strong female role models in his family and compassionate teachers throughout his school life, Savage developed his aptitude for business and has served in distinguished positions such as: chairman emeritus of Alliance Capital Management International, a division of Alliance Capital Management, a $700 billion asset management subsidiary of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company; and a former chairman of the Trustee Board of Howard University. He serves on the boards of several corporations including Bloomberg LP and the New York Academy of Medicine. “I am so fortunate to have had a wonderful mother, grandmother, and aunts who all believed in and inspired me,” he reflected, adding, “They set in place a standard of conduct and relationships with people, which put me on a path and has served me in good stead to this day.” Most significant of

these women was his mother, Grace Savage, a phenomenal woman and hairdresser who reinvented herself as Madame La Savage. It is said that as La Savage, she “dared any breeze to undo a hairdo only she alone could do.” In a chapter dedicated to his mother, Savage wrote of her teachings: I learned to love the pursuit of excellence for the very sake of it. I found a thrill in learning not just for a grade or a teacher’s approval but for the sheer pleasure of replacing ignorance with knowledge. As I have gotten older I have come to realize that I am a true reflection of my mother. …she defined success for me. For her success was not about one’s material possessions. It was also about one’s ability to succeed against all odds by believing in self, exhibiting integrity and working hard and smart. La Savage gave me the benefits of these lessons as surely as she gave me life back in 1938. Savage also credits the segregated school system in Washington, DC and his teachers, whom he describes as “some of the best intellectual African American minds in the country. Even though they had no way of knowing what the future held, they cared deeply for us as students. They prepared us so that we would be equipped for whatever type of world would ultimately evolve. I was prepared for life and all that has come my way.” In his book, Savage lists the four components to winning in business, sailing, and life as: self-confidence, preparation, leadership, and handling pressure. But above all else, he said, are self-esteem and self-pride. “A lack of self-esteem is keeping a lot of black men from achieving success,” he explained. “Since I was 10, my mother would tell me: ‘Junior, you can be anything you want to be; there is nothing that you can’t do.’ Throughout my life, I have had incredible successes and extreme challenges and failures. But I have always been able to rise out of every situation because deep inside of me I had the confidence that springs forth a truth that I can overcome anything as long as I have health.” continued on next page

Savage and Michael Bloomberg during The Savage Way book launch party.

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June 2015 The Positive Community

FRANK SAVAGE continued from previous page

Like his life, The Savage Way is an inspirational story that hits the mark in allowing “Grace Savage’s boy” to fulfill his destiny, which he believes is to show others the path to theirs. And so he encourages readers with these words, which capture the essence of The Savage Way: These pages are not so much a story of one man’s life, but a chart, a compendium of my successes, and yes failures too, to assist you, any reader in navigating your own course and fulfillment. That means even the darkest of days and through the most treacherous seas, whether you have the wind at your back and your destination in sight. In either case, we must always be the helmsmen of our own destiny.

The next generation of Savage success. Frank Savage with his children L–R: Frankie, Mark, Brett, proud dad Frank (in the middle), Grace, Antoine and Eric

It is this belief that drove Savage to follow his passion and take up sailboat racing late in his life. Like many of his other ventures, he has excelled to the top of the game and is a world-class competitive yachtsman. “There were no black people in the sport and people reacted to my decision as though I was crazy. But while my friends were playing golf I took to the open seas and what a wonderful adventure it has been! With his sailboat, Lolita (named after his wife), Savage has won the prestigious Lord Nelson Trophy as the overall winner in the Antigua Race Week Regatta. “In a very real way, my passion for sailing is the personification of my philosophy for life,” he wrote. At 76, Savage believes he still has work to do, especially in emerging nations. “I never tire of hopping a flight to advise and assist true nation builders in creating economic opportunities,” he wrote. “This is still particularly so when my work and passion carries me to my dear Africa, be it advising, helping to raise capital for a food project in one West African nation, or the redevelopment of a shipping port in another.” And according to him he gets the same rush from being on the ocean that he does while navigating the world of global banker. “When racing on the ocean you are up against the most powerful force in the world, which is nature. There are 17-20 people on board and you are responsible for their lives,” he explained. “This gives me an extra heartbeat—a kind of adrenaline rush. But I have the same reaction and thrill when I have to go to Japan or Germany to negotiate a new business venture and I am leading the team.”

44 The Positive Community

June 2015

FRANK SAVAGE AT HEAF

L-R: Sentara Phillips, Miriam Gebretensae, Tia Thompson (slightly front), Marquis Taylor, Frank Savage, Bobbi Battle, Tarianne Cambronne, Genesis Diaz, Aliyah Williams, Kyla Leary, Yusuf Ismail, Errol Franklin.

avage is a supporter and donor to HEAF (Harlem Education Activities Fund) an after school program in Harlem that changes the lives of underserved young people from middle school to college and beyond. Through a youth development approach that includes rigorous year-round academic enrichment, social and cultural exposure and constant individual attention, 100 percent of the high school students who go through the HEAF program go on to college. HEAF will kick-off the quarterly Frank Savage Speakers Series this fall featuring men and women like Mr. Savage who can help the students on their journey to success.

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New York Theological Seminary

ew York Theological Seminary 115th Annual Commencement – May 16, 2015

� a r o o �

Rev. Dr. Peter J. Paris, recipient of the 2015 Sower Award, delivering the Commencement Address.

! s e t a u d Gra for the

Jonnel Green (left) receiving the Bible Award for Second Testament from NYTS President Rev. Dr. Dale T. Irvin

� a r o o �

Brooklyn College

! s e t a u d Gra for the

Gisely Colón-López

isely Colón-López '15 has the honor of being our 2015 salutatorian. Colón-López, who holds a cumulative 4.00 GPA and has been on the Dean's List every semester. At the commencement excercises on May 28th she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship for students who show academic promise and the New York League of Puerto Rican Women's College Award for academic excellence and service to the community, which she received at an onfield ceremony at Yankee Stadium before a home game. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she also worked as a campus college assistant during her tenure as a student at Brooklyn College.

The Positive Community June 2015

Joshua V. Kurian

oshua V. Kurian '15 holds the distinction of being the Brooklyn College 2015 valedictorian. Kurian, who receivied a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, is a student in the Coordinated B.A.-M.D. Program, holds a cumulative 4.00 GPA, and has made the Dean's List during his entire time at Brooklyn College. He is the recipient of the Christoph M. Kimmich Award for Academic Excellence. In addition to his scholarly achievements, he has secured a great deal of work experience as a tutor at the SEEK Learning and Study Center, as well as tutoring students privately in the sciences. Kurian's dream to become a physician will be realized once he completes his studies at the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, which he will attend this fall.

thepositivecommunity.com

Grandville Academy: Inspiring, Encouraging Youth Seacoast Affiliate Holds Scholarship Luncheon L–R: Sis. Cynthia Smith, Granville Academy President Rev. Alexander Brown, and First Lady Magnolia Brown

L–R: Min. Karen Paden escorts guest speaker Rev. William Granville, Jr.

everend William Granville Jr. founded Granville Academy in 1983 in Trenton, NJ to inspire, encourage, and educate young people about the possibilities that life holds for them. According to Rev. Granville, the academy is a “testament to how one concerned individual can impact the lives of others by simply offering guidance and support, a practice that became instilled within me, and continues to guide in life.” One person helped him turn his life away from gang activity, so that he went on to graduate cum laude from Delaware State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, became a successful corporate executive and subsequently earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.

L–R: Neko Scarano, award recipient; Seacoast Moderator Rev. Bernard D. Oates; and Rev. Alexander Brown, pastor St. Paul's Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ.

In the ensuing years, Granville Academy has spun-off affiliates in six states, all with the goal of training inner city youth for global citizenship and to ready them for successes that extend far beyond daily challenges of life in their neighborhoods. One such affiliate is Seacoast Granville Academy, operated by the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association in southern New Jersey since 2012. Rev. Alexander Brown, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Red Bank, is the president. On May 23, 2015, the Granville Seacoast Academy held their first annual scholarship luncheon. Granville Seacoast Academy is accepting applications for the 20152016 school year. The deadline is August 15; interested parties may contact Rev. Brown at mogalbr@aol.com —JNW Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Michael Gray, Neko Scarano, Aaron Beverett, Denee’ Hunter, Jayda Henry, Arianna Scarano, Skylar Rucker, Kianna Dean, Destiny Rucker, Joseph Bright, Mason Gray, and Myles Gray thepositivecommunity.com

June 2015 The Positive Community

By Nicole Harris

hey showed up in school buses. They showed up in cars. They showed up with signs that read “Hands Off Our Future.” This month, over a hundred charter school parents assembled for one of New Jersey’s largest charter school demonstrations ever organized. The reason: an Assembly bill that would stop the growth of high-performing charter schools for three years. Such a moratorium would affect thousands and thousands of New Jersey students who are currently getting a high quality education in a public charter school. Tish Johnson’s son is one of those students. He’s a third grader at North Star Academy Charter School in Newark, and he may get kicked out after 4th grade if this bill becomes law. Ms. Johnson thought that her son was going to be at North Star through 12th grade. Now she’s not sure what she will do—and that’s just not fair. The bill was introduced by Assemblywoman Mila Jasey of Maplewood, N.J. Though her district has no charter schools, Ms. Jasey said she introduced the bill to start a conversation about charter schools. But parents say any conversation should not come at the expense of the schools many thousands of students attend every day.

The Positive Community June 2015

“We understand and we know that education is freedom,” said Rashon Hasan, current Newark school advisory board member, outside of her office during the demonstration. “In one breath we say that we want our children to have freedom, yet we have bills like A4351, which does nothing more than put shackles around the bodies and the minds and the souls of our children. And we cannot accept that.” Parents and community leaders vowed to keep demonstrating until the bill is pulled. “Our parents demand that Assemblywoman Mila Jasey stop playing politics with our kids,” said LaVar Young, Newark City Director for NJ BAEO (Black Alliance for Educational Options). “Enough is enough,” he said. “The schools that Assemblywoman Jasey is targeting are working for thousands of Newark kids, sending Black and Latino children from lowincome and working class families to college at astounding rates. How dare she use politics to get in the way of our children’s future?” Most of the parents were from Newark, where charter schools serve 13,000 students in 20 public charter schools. Charter schools in Newark are some of the highest performing schools in the nation, according to a

2012 study by Stanford's Center for Research on Education Outcomes. In Newark, charter schools were the top seven most popular schools selected by parents who enrolled through the district's universal enrollment system. “You don’t even live in my neighborhood, you don’t deal with what I deal with, but you want to tell me where I can send my child to school,” said Charles Love, another North Star parent, outside of the Assemblywoman’s office. In New Jersey, over 37,000 students attend public charter schools. Throughout the state, tens of thousands of students sit on charter school wait lists, hoping for just the expansion that this bill would deny. In response to the legislation’s introduction, parents and concerned citizens from across the state have sent 25,000 letters and emails to Assembly Education Committee members, including Assemblywoman Jasey, with their concerns over the moratorium bill. In May, the Newark City Council voted with a remarkable 7 to 2 majority for a resolution that opposed Assemblywoman Jasey’s bill, underscoring the wide support charters in Newark, in particular, have among elected officials there. thepositivecommunity.com

Chad Foundation Gives Forty Thousand in Scholarships and Awards Distinguished Educator and Corporate Citizen Named L–R: William Parrish, Chad Foundation Trustee; Kim Weeks Johnson, Chad Foundation Treasurer; Vaughn McKoy, 2015 Corporate Citizen Honoree; Joyce Eldridge-Howard, Chad Foundation Trustee and Scholarship Co-Chair; William D. Payne, Chad Foundation Vice-Chair; and Reginald Lewis, Chad Foundation Executive Director

L–R: Taj Atkinson, Cierra Watts, Reginald Lewis, Chad Foundation Executive Director Yennifer Hurtado, and Derrick Nelson

ewark -- On May 27, 2015, the Chad School Foundation hosted its third Annual Scholars Awards Reception at Maize Restaurant, where it recognized four academically-gifted young people, honored one of Newark’s most successful educators, and named the Foundation’s first Corporate Citizen honoree. The 2015 Chad Scholars were each awarded a four-year, $10,000 scholarship: • Taj Atkinson, a senior at Central High School will attend Rowan University. • Yenniffer Hurtado, a senior at American History High School, will attend Rider University. • Derrick Nelson, a senior at Malcom X Shabazz High School, will attend Montclair State University. • Cierra Watts, a senior at University High School will attend Montclair State University. thepositivecommunity.com

Chad also presented its third Distinguished Educator Award, bestowing this year’s honor on retired Principal of the now defunct Chad Science Academy, Mr. Reuben F. Dash. Mr. Vaughn L. McKoy, managing director and vice president – Legal, PSEG, received the Foundation’s first Corporate Citizen Award. 2011 Chad Scholar, Marqui Salley was also honored as the first graduate of the Chad Scholars Program. Marqui recently earned a B.A. degree in Economics from Syracuse University. Established in 1991 to initially fundraise for the former Chad Schools (closed in 2005), the Chad School Foundation now serves an education foundation focused on policy and advocacy efforts to strengthen public schools, as well as expanding college access to economically-disadvantaged students. One hundred and ten people were on hand for the event. “We’re pleased that so many came out on a rainy night to help us celebrate academic excellence in the city,” stated Reginald Lewis, Chad’s Executive Director. June 2015 The Positive Community

Essex County College

L–R: Essex County College President Gale E. Gibson, Valedictorian Ernest Dimbo, Salutatorian Emmanuel Arhewoh, and Acting Vice President/Chief Academic Officer Dr. S. Aisha Steplight Johnson.

� a r o o � The four Student Assistant Marshals lead the procession. L–R: Jessica Bennett, Aliyah Bennett, Franco Crincoli, and Yana Svyatskaya.

! s e t a u Grad for the

Keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. M. William Howard Jr., (center) receives his honorary degree from Essex County College Board of Trustees Chair Calvin W. Souder and President Dr. Gale E. Gibson.

City College of New York

he 169th Commencement of The City College of New York. Friday, May 29, 2015 9:00 AM on the South Campus Great Lawn

Violeta Contreras Ramirez, from New Rochelle, NY is the class of 1015 Valedictorian. He has earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. His career goal is in the field of Neurology.

The Positive Community June 2015

Amber Jackson is from Kansas City, KS. She earned a Master of Professional Studies in Branding and Integrated Communications and plans to work in Advertising. Ms. Jackson was the recipient of a LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship.

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Peace Officer Graduation

n Friday, May 1, the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) officials gathered to welcome the newest graduating class of Peace Officers to DHS. Peace Officer Shamara Bailey, a Brooklyn native, was among them. Bailey grew up in Bushwick. During her childhood, she witnessed people in her community experiencing significant personal struggles as they contended with drugs and street violence. Bailey saw many neighborhood families entering the shelter system. “I did not want to become another statistic,” she said. “I vowed to be different.” This is why she decided to come work for DHS. Held at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the graduation ceremony was the culmination of six weeks of intensive training for the officers, who will now report to posts at shelters throughout the City. The twenty-two distinguished officers, in their dress blues, marched proudly into the commencement as their family and friends looked on. The officers, like Bailey, come from diverse backgrounds and hail from each of the five boroughs. The officers, however, share an overwhelming desire to assist DHS clients, adults, and families who reside in temporary, emergency shelter. "In your new position at DHS, you will be doing important work," said DHS Commissioner Gilbert Taylor. "Your charge is to maintain a safe environment for everyone in our shelters, including clients, staff, and each other. You must remain open-minded and fair in the way that you serve." “I wanted to join the DHS Police to help those in need of assistance, to make their futures brighter,” Bailey remarked. Through her training, Bailey learned that becoming a DHS Peace Officer takes “a detailed thepositivecommunity.com

understanding of the duties and responsibilities, dedication, and teamwork.” The experience was “motivating, physically challenging, and very informative.” Following congratulatory remarks from Commissioner Taylor, NYPD Lieutenant Daniel Albano, the guest speaker, addressed the graduates. Deputy Chief Hodge swore the officers in and, along with Captain David Eddie, conferred their Peace Officer certificates. Peace Officers have promoted security within DHS facilities since 1993. Living by the motto "police with compassion," they must pledge to maintain the public peace, value human life, respect each individual and render services with courtesy, pride, and civility, while displaying the highest standard of integrity. Following the ceremony, the graduates enjoyed refreshments with their family and friends. Bailey reflected on her defining encounters with the homeless of her youth and their experiences in the shelter system. “[DHS] provided a secure environment, which allowed them to obtain the assistance they needed,” she said. “They were able to grow.” In her role as a DHS Peace Officer, Bailey will do her part to help create a similar supportive environment for current DHS families and individuals. John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a certified Police Training Academy for the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and provides training for all newly-hired and active members of NYPD. They also offer professional development training to criminal justice professionals to meet any emerging issues, new approaches to policing, and career advancement opportunities, using innovative curricula based on the needs of specific agencies to support their goals and objectives. June 2015 The Positive Community

She Wins Hosts Scholarship Awards

L–R: A'Dorian Murray Thomas, founder and CEO of She Wins Institute with Newark City Councilman (West Ward) Joseph A. McCallum L–R, STANDING: Dana M. Murray; Genia Phillips, Esq.; Mashea Ashton Austin; Jean Nash Wells; Barbara Kukla; Wilhemia Holder; and Chris T. Pernell, MD SEATED: Hon. Tiffany Williams, Jennifer Jones Austin, A'Dorian Murray-Thomas, and Tia R. Morris

’Dorian Thomas Murray, an amazing young woman born and bred in Newark, is the founder and CEO of She Wins Institute. She is a senior at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania where she studies Political Science and Educational Studies. An active member of the Swarthmore community, she is s Lang Opportunity Scholar, Career Peer Advisor, leader in the Swarthmore Christian Fellowship, and defensive player for Varsity Women's Lacrosse. Murray-Thomas was honored at The Positive Community Awards and Gala in November, 2014 at NJPAC as the winner of the Positive Choice Award for Education. She is, indeed, a remarkable young woman. She Wins Institute hosts a 10-week summer program for Newark girls who have lost a parent or sibling to homi-

cide. Participants are empowered to use their experience as a catalyst for personal, intellectual and civic development. Fusing therapeutic, self-empowerment, and social justice models, SHE Wins Institute aims to help students acquire a lifelong civic-minded framework that develops their intellectual, personal, and civic selves. The outcome will be a cohort of youth empowered to be agents of positive change throughout their communities. For its first scholarship awards gala, on Friday, May 15th at The Robert Treat Hotel, Newark She Wins honored Genia Phillips, Esq.; Mashea Ashton Austin; Jean Nash Wells; Barbara Kukla; Wilhemia Holder; Hon. Tiffany Williams; Tia R. Morris; and Dr. Chris T. Pennell as Women of Character, Courage & Commitment. Jennifer Jones Austin was the keynote speaker. —JNW Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Blessing Ajayi, violin; Menen Gowdie, violin; Kyla Thomas, viola; and Precious Kehinde, cello played Beethoven’s Lullaby and Pachelbel’s Cannon in D.

The Positive Community June 2015

Keynote Speaker Jennifer Jones Austin (right) and her mother, Natalie Jones thepositivecommunity.com

Culture M U S I C ,

A R T

L I T E R AT U R E

The Art Revolutionists: Lawrence and Basquiat BY RON SCOTT

he artist Jacob Lawrence's One-Way Ticket: Migration Series and Other Visions of the Great Movement North, is now on exhibit through September 7, 2015 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. The MoMA show reunites all 60 panels of Lawrence’s migration series for the first time in 20 years, and connects the dots of black culture by including other accounts of the movement. The exhibition also offers a series of public events, new commissions, film screenings, and music performances. Lawrence (1917-2000) completed his series of 60 small tempera paintings with his own captions in 1941 at the age of 23. His Migration reflects his artistic responsibility as a social activist. During the early 20th century, black men were more than just social activists by the mere fact of being black in America. Lawrence was an art warrior. The paintings form a colorful epic of African Americans migrating from the rural south to the urban north. The work depicts a major black experience with moving scenes of family intimacy, tenderness, and scenes of terror and violence. The captions added another reality to his bold colorful paintings. For example, "Among the social conditions that existed, which was partly the cause of the migration was the injustice done to the Negroes in the courts." And, “Another cause was lynching. It was found that where there had been a lynching, the people who were reluctant to leave left immediately after this." While lynchings are non-existent today, killings of young black men like Trayvon Martin (Florida), Eric Gardner (New York), and Michael Brown (Ferguson, MO) continue and the offenders are not convicted. Now, it's time to stand together. That is what the great migration was all about— moving to a better place and making life better. Their newspapers, like the African drum, were the primary means of communication for black people in the

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Panel from Lawrence’s Migration series, depicting the great Negro migration from the South to the North, following WWI.

1940s. Lawrence's black man reading a newspaper bears the caption "The Negro press was also influential in urging people to leave the south." The exhibition includes video and audio recordings of Billie Holiday singing "Strange Fruit," classical singer Marion Anderson singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC (1939), Duke Ellington, and Paul Robeson. There is a gallery devoted to the writings of Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and Claude McKay. The final selection includes visual and textual sources that reported and gave image to the actual migration. You will find works by photographers Dorothea Lange, Marvin and Morgan Smith, and Gordon Parks, Jr.; sociological studies by Carter G. Woodson; political cartoons; and paintings by Romare Bearden, Charles Alston, and Hale Woodruff. The Great Migration offered new cultural expressions across the urban areas in the Northeast and Midwest United States. The Migration played a role in Harlem's gaining the reputation as the black cultural capital of the world. Lawrence's peers and others gave black folks a new voice in America that produced new forms of music, political concepts, and images. MoMA is open Saturday-Friday. Visit the website at moma.org. June 2015 The Positive Community

Langston Hughes

One-Way Ticket I pick up my life And take it with me And I put it down in Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, Scranton, Any place that is North and East— And not Dixie. I pick up my life And take it on the train To Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Seattle, Oakland, Salt Lake, Any place that is North and West— And not South. I am fed up With Jim Crow laws, People who are cruel And afraid, Who lynch and run, Who are scared of me And me of them.

ike Lawrence, Jean-Michel Basquiat(12/22/608/12/88) was entrenched in the recognition of black people. His new show at the Brooklyn Museum features eight notebooks he wrote between 1980 and 1987 dismantled into 160 pages, along with 30 related paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works on view, now through August 23, 2015. The pages contain poetry fragments, wordplay, personal observations, and sketches of early renderings of iconic imagery—tepees, crowns (a favorite), skeleton-like figures, and grimacing faces that also appear in his largescale works. His strokes were filled with the blues but raced like fast driven notes from Charlie Parker's saxophone. His jazz paintings swing on Ornithology, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. Basquiat was an art warrior, but such intense artistic commentary on politics and racism colorfully shouting on each canvas made him a straight-up activist like Malcolm X. Like the renowned radio DJ—the late "Chief Rocker” Frankie Crocker—Basquiat will never be duplicated. His paintings serve as a social commentary of his life and the intrusions and illusions of America. The Brooklyn Museum is located at 200 Eastern Parkway. Visit the website at brooklynmuseum.org.

I pick up my life And take it away On a one-way ticket— Gone up North, Gone out West, Gone!

Basquiat Exhibit

54 The Positive Community

Basquiat Notebook

June 2015

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Anniversary Celebration Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Celebrates 22 Years

First Lady Min. Gayle and Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Photos: Karen Waters

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

t was a glorious celebration of fellowship and praise for the blessing bestowed upon Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr., and the congregation of Community Baptist Church of Englewood. The occasion was the twentysecond pastoral anniversary of Pastor Lester Taylor. Among those guests who joined the celebration were Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III; Rev. Dr. Jerry Young, president, National Baptist Convention, USA and senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, MS; and Reverend George W. Maize, IV, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AAC

Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Jerry Young, president NBCUSA

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: Rev. Lester Taylor with First Lady Gayle; First Lady Helen and Rev. Jerry Young

Forest Tory and Deacon Richard Stanard thepositivecommunity.com

June 2015 The Positive Community

THE SONG THE WORLD KNOWS.

THE STORY IT DOESN’T. THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

THIS SUMMER!

PHOTOS: JOAN MARCUS

BROADWAY PREVIEWS START JUNE 25

FOR TICKETS VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM Learn more at AmazingGraceMusical.com Nederlander Theatre 208 W. 41st St., btwn 7th & 8th Aves.

The Positive Community June 2015

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BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Marvin Sapp Proclaims on his 10th solo recording You Shall Live Grace & Peace elcome to June! There are plenty reasons to give God praise! Well first off, you’re alive—how about that?! Let’s see, it’s Black Music Month, fathers are recognized for the great men they are, the weather is warm and pleasant, there are weddings, graduations, promotions, birthdays, anniversaries and the list can go on, but being alive to celebrate one another in the spirit of God and His goodness is enough for me! No matter what you might be going through, you have to be like David and encourage yourself—“Speak over yourself,” as Donald Lawrence & Tri-City would say! Stop focusing on what’s not and speak on what can and who can, because you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you (Now that’s Bible—Philippians 4:13 to be exact!)! I’m not going to preach, but I do have a witness. He is an author, a dynamic pastor of the Lighthouse LFC Church in Grand Rapids, MI who can certainly preach, teach, and be a psalmist who can accompany himself if needed; I speak of the Grammy®-nominated, 22-time Stellar Award®-winning recording artist (not to mention the albums he did with Commissioned) who is back with his 10th solo recording, “The Worshipper,” Dr. Marvin Sapp! His 11-track project, You Shall Live is a personal assignment. Yes, the widowed father of three is determined not to stop, not to let go, and not to ever lose his praise! Thank God Marvin was gracious enough to give it to us. The album’s first single “Yes You Can” features production from Aaron Lindsey and is quickly making its way to the top of the gospel charts, while radio is reminding you that Marvin is definitely back.

Sapp’s deliverance is wholeheartedly recognized through each song, one has to believe that this 10th one is personal, a no holds-barred testimony, if you will. thepositivecommunity.com

It’s amazing what the Believer will do when adversity tries to overtake you. There is a sense of defeat waiting for you to confess it, but Marvin took every assignment that was destined to defeat him and promoted the One who proclaims the victory and causes us to be triumphant through it all. You know, that’s our Savior Jesus Christ! Boldly, Marvin musically inspires us with hymns of praise and promise like “The Old Rugged Cross,” tributes of conquest like “Praise Your Way Through,” along with his signature sound that both ministers to the inner man and glorifies God. Sapp’s deliverance is wholeheartedly recognized through each song, one has to believe that this 10th one is personal, a no holds-barred testimony, if you will. “I was in a very transparent space when I recorded this album,” he recounts. “I wanted to deliver something that was going to encourage those who are in the valleys of their lives, to let them know I get it. I know what it feels like to have your heart ripped out of your chest. But, I also needed them to know that no matter the heartbreak, God’s got us and even the most painful experience can be overcome.” Comebacks are never easy, but they are possible. I can imagine the pain of losing a spouse is devastating, however, when family is counting on you, when destiny is provoking you, when giving up is NEVER an option, faith prevails! Here in this month of June with all that is to be celebrated, we thank Marvin Sapp for reminding us what David said to himself: “I shall live and not die and declare the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:17) Yup, once again, the good old Bible! This music is a must have and makes a thoughtful gift to anyone who has recently suffered loss or needs a reminder of the God we serve. Thank you, Rev. Dr. Marvin Sapp, for speaking out and over us in song, letting us know that God will get all His glory no matter what we face. Dedicated to my father, Ervin C. Baldwin, and my uncle, Daniel Baldwin, both widowed with three children yet willing to LIVE! June 2015 The Positive Community

BY QUINITA EDMONIA GOOD

In the Key of Christ: A New Era in Music Ministry

ake-up everybody; it’s a brand new day for music ministry. Gone are the days when there were no theological requirements for music ministers. Now is the time to look at music in the church in terms of worship, thanks to Dr. Ouida W. Harding and her work to establish the position of Minister of Music for Worship. “My Doctorate in Worship Studies mandated that I find a problem within the context of my community that I believed I could fix,” explained Dr. Harding. And so, she did. It was a spiritual experience in the way she began. She remembers that when the idea of ordaining Ministers of Music came to her in 2012, she called long-time family friend—aka “Dean of Preachers,” the then 93-year-old, (now deceased) Dr. Gardner C. Taylor to get some clarity and advice. Dr. Taylor was sleeping when she called and wasn’t to be disturbed. However, he called her back when he awoke and even though he hadn’t yet heard her question advised that, “It’s a good idea, but only if you can figure out the difference.” What is this difference, you ask? Well, there are ordained music ministers and there are those who self-proclaim their ministry or are simply adopted as such by the congregation. According to Harding, there is a problem when music ministers are not trained and do not have a sound theological understanding and doctrine and cannot work cohesively with their pastors. In her dissertation, entitled “A Pilot Project in Developing Standards for Key Music Leadership Position in the Black Baptist Churches of New York City,” she writes of the problem that has been occurring in recent years. i.e., music ministry has taken a turn toward being responsible for rousing up the congregation and less toward understanding and facili-

The Positive Community June 2015

tating worship. Now, Dr. Harding’s fix—an educational training program designed for worship from the AfricanAmerican perspective—has come to fruition. Created for persons already in music leadership, students had to meet certain criteria before entering this part of the program: positive character, being responsible, gifted with an ability to teach, service-oriented, possessing reasonable theological perspectives, culturally empowered, and a desire to work in this divine calling, among others. To obtain the Minister of Music for Worship accreditation, students studied in the areas of biblical, cultural, liturgical, theological, musicological, technical and practical studies. Last month, seven students finished the program. Six have been ordained and one will be ordained through his own denomination. As graduates of this ecumenical program, these seven will be the new teachers for the 2016 class and beyond. Future students will earn a certificate and present their accomplishments to their own denominations. A great supporter of Dr. Harding’s work is the Reverend Dr. Leander W. Hardaway, a social justice minister and the founder and director of the Urban Church Community Development Project in Bronx, NY. He sat on the program’s Examining Council, which included other clergy of various denominations. Dr. Hardaway believes that Harding’s work is part of a process for the African-American church. “In the 1600s, we saw God as a Sustainer; in the 1800s, we saw God as a Liberator; in the 1960s, God was our Equalizer; in the 1990s, God was our Empowerer; and now, we see God as all things to us,” said. “This gets reflected in worship.” Yes, it does reflect in worship and eventually reaches the Continued on page 79 thepositivecommunity.com

Graca Machel In Harlem

Machel with Harry Belafonte

Machel with Mayor Dinkins

Nelson Mandela’s Widow Graca Machel Discusses South African Women and Children

uring Graca Machel’s first visit to New York since the death of her husband Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former first lady publicly spoke out on the adversities facing the women and children of her South African homeland. At a special May 15 taping for BET at My Image Studios (MIST Harlem), BET journalist Michaela Angela Davis led a discussion with Machel and panelists Danny Glover, actor and human rights activist; Jo Menell, Oscar-nominated filmmaker; and Donna Katzin, founding executive director of Shared Interest, focusing on “Women and Youth: Driving Development in Southern Africa.” Born in rural Mozambique, at age six Machel was sent to school. Later, she studied at the University of Lisbon and became a schoolteacher and activist in her homeland. By age 28, she was Minister of Education for Mozambique. “Education makes the difference between extreme poverty and opening up new opportunities,” said Machel. Still, she is tackling issues from child marriages to women entrepreneurs. “Millions of girls have not been able to realize their dreams fully,” she explained. “Girls forced into marriage at age 8, 9 , 10 — I’m fighting to overcome child marriage.”

The Positive Community June 2015

BY FERN GILLESPIE

Machel is the widow of both former South African president Mandela and Mozambican president Samora Machel, who died in a plane crash in 1986. When she married Mandela in 1998, Machel became the only woman to have been first lady of two countries. An internationally renowned advocate for women's and children's rights, in 1997, she was made a British dame for her humanitarian work. Today, her own foundation, The Graca Machel Trust, works to eliminate gender inequality, uphold the rights of children, and empower women and their communities in Southern Africa and beyond. “Many African nations have more women in government than the U.S,” observed Machel. Shared Interest is a New York–based economic development nonprofit with 2.2 million beneficiaries who are entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. “Women and youth in Southern Africa are beginning to transform their communities, countries and region,” said Donna Katzin, executive director, who organized the event. “From small businesses and farms to townships and cities – they are quietly making news and making history.” Currently, South Africa is experiencing xenophobia. There have been violent attacks by South Africans to Continued on page 79 thepositivecommunity.com

Publication: THE PSOITIVE COMMUNITY Insertion Date: JUNE 20, 2015 Size: 3.4" x 9.5" 4C MAG

Met Fridays New York’s Night Out

CRANACH’S SAINT MAURICE FRIDAY, JULY 10, 6 PM

“IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND” -OPRAH

Art historians Lisa Farrington and Maryan Ainsworth discuss Saint Maurice, the first black African saint, and Cranach’s fascinating painting on view. Free with admission. Seating is first come, first served. #MetFridays metmuseum.org

The event is organized by the Museum’s Multicultural Audience Development Initiative. The exhibition Cranach’s Saint Maurice is made possible by Northern Trust. Lucas Cranach the Elder and Workshop, Saint Maurice (detail), ca. 1520–25, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Eva F. Kollsman, 2005. Photo of Lisa Farrington (top): John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY.

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June 2015 The Positive Community MET-0245-MADI_PositiveCommunity_3.5x9.5_June20_v4.indd 1

6/12/15 5:33 PM

McDonald's Gospelfest

he power and praise of Gospel music returned to the Tri-State area on Saturday, May 9, 2015 when the 2015 McDonald’s® Gospelfest® “When the Choir Meets the Quartet” made its eighth annual appearance at Prudential Center. Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning producer A. Curtis Farrow, McDonald’s Gospelfest is a talent competition that features rising stars of all colors, ages, cultures, and faiths. Performers competed in a variety of categories including Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Dance, Step, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Poets, and Gospel Rappers. The competitors shared the stage with the top choirs and quartets in the nation including Bishop Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Ricky Dillard & New G, Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Mississippi Mass Choir, The Thompson Community Reunion Choir, Greater Allen AME Cathedral Mass Choir, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites and, back by popular demand, The Clark Sisters. —AAC Mississippi Mass Choir

Cissy Houston

L–R: Radio personality Liz Black and A. Curtis Farrow, Gospelfest executive producer

Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake

L–R: Min. Louise Rountree, Ronald McDonald and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Photos: Vincent Bryant, Karen Waters, Brian Branch Price & Paka Khan

The Positive Community June 2015

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Vicki Winans

L–R: Pastor Mary & Bishop George Searight, Abundant Life Family Worship Church, New Brunswick, NJ

L–R: Dr. Gary Kirkwood of Harvest Radio; members of Five Blind Boys of Alabama; and Bro. J.C. Joseph

Singer Faith Evans L–R: TPC photographer Karen Waters with Mississippi Mass Choir's gospel great Mosie Burks and Gwendolyn McClendon, production coordinator

Rev. Lawrence and First Lady Cynthia Aker, Cornerstone B.C., Brooklyn NY

Min. Louise Rountree with Kathy Jordan

Prayin' at the Gospelfest

In Verizon's Suite

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Rev. Donald Malloy

June 2015 The Positive Community

L–R: Honoree Gennie Liggins, Sr., Berean B.C. with BSSU Board Member Janice Williams and Vernart A. Jenkins, Sunday school supt., Berean B.C. L–R: Rev. Leslie Smith-Wright, Honoree Deci Tyson-Johnson, and Bryan Kearse, Supt. Emmanuel B.C.

TEXT AND PHOTOS LEM PETERKIN

Brooklyn Sunday School Teachers’ Luncheon

L–R: Ayesha Mantey, Brown Memorial B.C.; Deacon Charles Dempster, supt. Brown Memorial B.C.

L–R: Honoree Vera Pugh, Cornerstone B.C.; Christine Webb, general superintendent, Cornerstone B.C.

he Brooklyn Sunday School Union (BSSU) held its 199th Sunday School Teachers and Workers Annual Luncheon on Saturday, April 25, 2015. "We are happy to continue the work that was started one hundred and ninety-nine years ago, uniting Sunday Schools of Brooklyn for the purpose of making better citizens,” declared President Bryan Kearse. This year’s seven honorees are: Trustee Gennie Liggins, Berean B.C.; Sis. Ayesha Mantey, Brown Memorial B.C.; Sis. Vera Pugh, Cornerstone B.C; Sis. Deci Tyson-Johnson, Emmanuel B.C.; Bro. Richard Simpson, Mt. Sinai B.C.; Sis. Earline Purvis, The Holy Trinity B.C; and Sis. Donna Durant-Fuller, Wayside B.C. Special Certificates of Merit and Stewardship were presented to each honoree from the offices of Borough President Eric Adams and the Hon. Latrice Walker, 55th Assembly District. Assemblywoman Walker did the honors from both offices. Program highlights included musical selections from the Davis Quartet, The Holy Trinity Baptist Church; Sis. Minnie Mobley, United Community B.C. and the Temple of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry of Emmanuel B.C. A revitalizing message of encouragement to the honorees was delivered by Pastor Lemuel Mobley of The Livingstone Baptist Church. Sis. Delores Amaker was chair of the luncheon, the theme of which was “The Teacher—Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sis. Valerie Edwards was the co-chair. The luncheon kicked-off events leading up to the Annual Anniversary Day Parade, held on June 4. Patricia Lett, Wayside Baptist Church was the Grand Marshal.

The Positive Community June 2015

L–R: Emma Bryant; Patricia Lett, Superintendant; Pastor Hamatheite; Honoree Donna Durant-Fuller, all of Wayside B.C.; and Jensy Harding, vice president BSSU.

Emannuel Baptist Church Temple of Praise Dance Ministry thepositivecommunity.com

Daulton Anderson Receives Stellar Award BY HELENE FOX

ospel Radio Announcer Daulton Anderson received the 2015 Stellar Reach Trailblazer Award during the 30th Annual Stellar Awards weekend in Las Vegas this past March. The award recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to enhance the visibility of gospel in the music industry. The Stellar Awards is the first gospel music awards show in the U.S., honoring gospel music artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the gospel music industry. The Stellar Awards ranks high in status as the only gospel music television awards program syndicated in over 140 markets nationwide. Chicago based production company Central City Productions Inc. (CCP) has produced the show since its inception in 1985. Anderson, who hails from London, England, is currently on air at WBAI 99.5FM NY "High Praize" Sunday 6am-8am and WHCR 90.3FM NY "Morning Praise" Sunday 8am-11am. April 2015 marks Daulton Anderson’s 20th year as an on air gospel announcer. He began thepositivecommunity.com

his career at WHCR, also known as Harlem Community Radio, (the City College of New York-owned station) in 1996. Ten years later, he was hired as a consultant for the Inner City Broadcasting Company (Now YFC Holdings) home to WBLS & WLIB radio stations. Working as a consultant in 2006 Daulton programmed and formatted, the all talk radio station 1190am WLIB to a 24/7 gospel radio station. “This is very exciting, and yet another blessing for me,” Anderson said upon receiving the award. “Effort and hard work will pay off in the end. If you keep working at what you love, you will be recognized.” Anderson has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in gospel music in his 20- year career, most notably as the 2005 Gospel Music Workshop of America/Gospel Announcer of the Year, 2008 Black Heritage Pioneer Radio, Keith (“Wonderboy”) Johnson Music Foundation, and recipient of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA)/Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG) Announcer of the Year for three consecutive years. June 2015 The Positive Community

GDH_2015.qxp_Layout 1 6/4/15 6:36 PM Page 1

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The Prime of Stephen Fuller

Lifelong vocalist hits his stride

ince releasing his first CD, Expressions of the Heart, last year, Stephen Fuller has maintained a performance schedule with dates filling fast at venues such as Trumpets in Montclair, St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly the Priory) in Newark, Hibiscus in Morristown, St. Luke’s in Metuchen and Le Parker Meridian in New York City. The beginning of 2015 found Fuller performing with the Betty Liste Trio at Hackensack’s Stony Hill Inn. In February he returned to St. Joseph’s with his quartet singing the songs of musical influences Bill Withers, Jon Lucien, and Lionel Richie. This month he will perform at a benefit for the Willie J. Brown Scholarship Fund of the Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship at the Robert Treat Hotel, and for the New Jersey Yacht Club. In mid-July, as the summer heats up, you’ll be able to hear his deep, rich, baritone at popular New York bistro Tomi Jazz. He will also continue development of “Listen and Learn”with author and lecturer Maryanne Mistretta. It’s a new project they plan to take to libraries and other education venues. The first in this series took place at the Bridgewater Library in May. Mistretta gave a lecture on the history of Motown. Fuller rounded out the presentation with music from that historic label. Future programs will focus on Nat “King” Cole and Frank Sinatra. His day job—singing at assisted living facilities and nursing homes—can have him working up to four days per week. Fulller says that the audiences are some of his thepositivecommunity.com

best, going from silent, solemn and near-unresponsive to singing and dancing with their canes and in their wheelchairs. “I didn’t know how much I was going to enjoy it,” he said. “It gives me a chance to do what I love to do, but it brings some joy to the people.” “I’ve been called a crooner,” Fuller said during one of his recent shows. Indeed, each note he sings is full and soft; understated, meaningful and very, very smooth. Music has been a constant with him throughout his life. Growing up in Newark, Stephen has known he wanted to sing since he was about 12 or 13 after teachers told him he had a nice voice. “I came home and announced that I was a good singer and that’s what I wanted to be.” He sang a bit in the choir of his family church, Israel Memorial AME Church, but began his journey into performing at elementary schools while attending Arts High School as part of the chorus. He also joined his first professional choir at the Munn Avenue Presbyterian Church. He learned even more about music and got paid. Now he could take private voice and piano lessons. During high school he was also a member of the All-State Chorus, the All North Jersey Choir, as well as the Westminster Choir College summer vocal camp. Stephen was one of the many kids who was helped to college through the efforts of the late Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., eventually landing at Colgate University and Continued on page 79 June 2015 The Positive Community

41 years of defining the independent film experience

06.24-07.29 2015

FREE ADMISSION

ADULT CINEMA (Wednesdays) June 24, 7 pm — Newark Museum

July 8, 7 pm — Newark Museum

Africa in Focus

Brothers Behind the Camera

Half of a Yellow Sun Speaker: Biyi Bandele

Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People

Speakers: Thomas Allen Harris & Deborah Willis

YOUTH CINEMA (Mondays & Wednesdays) Monday, July 6, 10:30 am The Newark Public Library

Monday, July 20, 10:30 am The Newark Public Library

Wednesday, July 8, 1 pm Newark Museum

Wednesday, July 22, 1 pm Newark Museum

Not So Fast, Songololo; Elizabeti’s Doll; Garrett’s Gift; Obara & The Merchants. Ages 4–12, 47 mins.

Ellington is Not a Street; The Frog Prince; Koi & the Kola Nuts. Ages 4–13, 78 mins.

Monday, July 13, 10:30 am The Newark Public Library

Monday, July 27, 10:30 am The Newark Public Library

Wednesday, July 15, 1 pm Newark Museum

Wednesday, July 29, 1 pm Newark Museum

Ages 4–12, 55 mins.

Happy to Be Nappy & Other Stories of Me; Truth Law Thrills a Nation. Rated G, 60 mins.

Burkina Faso: The Tyrant and the Child; Chato and the Party Animals; Cliques, Phonies & Other Baloney

Wednesday, August 5, 1 pm Newark Museum Robots. Rated G, 91 mins.

Opening Reception 5:30 pm: Opening Reception at the Newark Museum and viewing of Royals & Regalia: Inside the Palaces of Nigeria’s Monarchs Room Hajjaj: My Rock Stars. RSVP to 973.596.6550 or rsvp@newarkmuseum.org July 1, 7 pm — Newark Museum

Out of Darkness

Clipped Wings, They Do Fly Speaker: William Michael Barbee

5:30 pm: View Newark Museum’s current exhibitions.

Wednesday, August 12, 1 pm Newark Museum

July 15, 7 pm — Newark Museum

Kirikou and the Sorceress Rated G, 70 mins.

Sisters behind the camera Love Always, Eartha

Speaker: Dierdra McDowell

Kirikou and the Sorceress

July 22, 7 pm — Newark Museum

Screening Locations

Afro-Cuban Family Album Speakers: Yesenia Selier, Ben Jones & Gregory Bryant

• Newark Museum 973.596.6550 • New Jersey Institute of Technology 973.596.3000

July 29, 7 pm — New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark Black Film Festival made possible by

Roots of My Heart

• The Newark Public Library 973.733.7797

Woman of Words & Activism Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth Speakers: Pratibha Parmar & Shaheen Haq Visit newarkmuseum.org for flm details, speakers, hosts and venue updates. On-site Museum parking available for a fee.

Bishop Jethro and Dr.Kim Yancey James

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Photo: Karen Waters

ongratulations poured in to Bishop Jethro James and Dr. Kim Yancey James, from the State House to the church around the corner on the occasion of their 25th pastoral anniversary at Paradise Baptist Church in Newark. The couple was celebrated at a White & Silver Gala at the Galloping Hills Country Club in Kenilworth, NJ. There were messages of love and inspiration and thanks from their three children and two grandchildren. They also received messages from elected officials, pastors of different denominations, and from their congregation, all to honor the Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dedication, leadership and love. Dr. James, a native of Paterson, NJ is a bishop in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. He is president of the Newark/North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen, serves as a chaplain for the Newark Police and New Jersey State Police Departments, and was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to serve as a member of the Attorney Ethics Committee. He is a state certified social worker and chair of the appropriations of FEMA. He retired from PSE&G after 38 years of service, where he was an Urban Development executive. Rev. Dr. Kim Yancey James serves as executive minister at of Paradise B.C. She is a native of Hackensack, NJ, graduated from Howard University, studies at William Paterson University, and earned her Master of Divinity Degree from New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) and a Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary. She is the New Jersey State and Northeast regional director of Christian Education for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, and president/founder of Women of Divine Destiny, Inc. a not-for-profit corporation that address the needs of women in the church community. Dr. Kim Yancey is a social worker employed by the Passaic County Board of Social Services and an adjunct professor at NYTS. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;JNW

25th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration

June 2015 The Positive Community

MEADOWLANDS

June 19 - July 5

OVER 150 RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

Free Live Shows & Events Daily with admission:

Bargain Nights at the Fair: OPENING DOLLAR DAY: Friday, June 19 Pay ONLY $2 per person each for Fair Admission, rides, games and select food items. Parking is $2 per Vehicle.

› NEW! LIPIZZANER STALLIONS AND HORSES OF THE WORLD

KIDS GO FREE NIGHT: Wednesday, June 24, 6pm to 12am Any child 12 and younger gets into the Fair for free (Ride Hand Stamp only $20) Persons 13 & Older Gate Admission is $10; Hand Stamp for $20. PARKING IS FREE!

› NEW! NJ HALL OF FAME MOBILE MUSEUM

CHEAP, CHEAP NIGHT: Wednesday, July 1, 6pm to 12am Just $5 for admission and only $19 for an Unlimited Ride Hand Stamp. A Combo Ticket is $24. PARKING IS FREE!

› LIVE CONCERTS ON THE AMERICAN STAGE

› NEW! ALL-AMERICAN THRILL SHOW WITH AERIALISTS, ACROBATS, DAREDEVILS ON MOTORCYCLES AND MORE! › REKNOWNED HYPNOTIST STEVE BAYNER ON THE MAIN STAGE › RACING PIGS › FIREWORKS ON JULY 3 AND JULY 4 • June 19, 8pm & 10pm - 90’s R&B SENSATION RIFF from the movie Lean on Me.

PATRON APPRECIATION DAY: Sunday, July 5, 2pm to 12am A Pay-One-Price Combo Ticket is available for $27 per person. If you do not ride the rides, Gate Admission for Persons 13 & Older is $11; Gate Admission for Children 12 & Younger is $9.

Weekend Shuttle Buses**

E FR E

from/to Secaucus Junction and Fairgrounds Main Gate **There is NO additional cost to passengers with NJT train ticket to the Meadowlands. Bus runs every 30 minutes: Fridays: 6pm to 12am, Saturdays, Sundays, July 3 and 4: 4pm to 12am

SUR

• June 20, 8pm - TUSK (FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE) • June 23 - NASH FM NIGHT with Nashville recording artist LoCASH and guest opener RACHEL ALLYN. • June 26, 8pm - EAGLEMANIA (EAGLES TRIBUTE) • June 27, 7pm - Sirius XM Presents COUSIN BRUCIE’S PALISADES PARK REUNION 3. Live broadcast on Sirius XM • June 28, 8pm - ALMOST QUEEN (QUEEN TRIBUTE) • June 30 - HEFFRON DRIVE featuring KENDALL SCHMIDT OF BIG TIME RUSH and DUSTIN BELT with special guests JANET DEVLIN from THE X FACTOR UK, SIX STORIES TOLD and KRISTINA LaCHAGA • July 2, 8pm - CB RADIO

PARKING — Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: FREE | Thursday to Sunday: $5.00 | Opening Night: $2.00

Visit NJFAIR.COM for More Promotions & Information DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE AT Fair admission tickets includes ALL free entertainment mentioned above. An unlimited ride hand stamp is available every night except Opening Night, June 19. It does NOT include rides and some special atrractions like the Batcopter. © 2015 State Fair Meadowlands

Celebrating Harlem!

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June 2015 The Positive Community

Mother’s Day Brunch 2 Fish 5 Loaves

O Photos: Karen Waters

n Mother’s Day 2015, Clinton Banquets in Union NJ, was the place to be as hundreds came out to dine, dance and celebrate family. Two Fish and Five Loaves renowned owner/chef Min. Kevin Smallwood and his staff hosted their annual Mother’s Day Brunch featuring a spectacular soul food buffet. WBLS/WLIB radio personality Liz Black brought together the entertainment, featuring the Liz Black Unity Choir and special guest, recording artist, Bryan Andrew Wilson.

L–R: Karim Shakir, Owner/Chef Min. Kevin Smallwood, Rev. Damon Gilyard, Liz Black, and Eddie Love of WBLS

L–R: Adrian Council holding grandson Shane, Nile Clements, son Derek Smallwood, father Minister Kevin Smallwood, Marc Williams, and Stephen Council L–R: Mother and daughter; Kaylah and Lisa Nash of the Positive Community

The Positive Community June 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

Journalist Marlie Hall

L–R: Detective Rodney Blount, Carolyn Burton, RN; Adrian A. Council Sr. publisher TPC; Amaree Gardner and Mateo Gilsilvetti, North Plainfield High School Student Leaders; Atty. Erika Jungblut, Rev. Edwin D. Leahy, O.S.B., headmaster, St. Benedict’s Prep.; Alma Meza, Community Activist, Real Estate Associate. At the microphone: Stephanie DeGeneste

L–R: Atty. Erika Jungblut, Rev. Edwin D. Leahy

Moderator: Carlos Sanchez, Plainfield deputy city administrator for Economic Development

Nubian Culture Center Hosts Symposium on Race Relations

rescent Ave. Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, NJ was the venue for the May 16th symposium on race relations hosted by Nubian Culture Center (NCC), New Covenant Christian Association, Inc., and Unity Missionary Investor. NCC founder Dr. Henry Rawls spoke to the theme of the event: We Are the World...Unity in Race Relations. “While we think it's important to provide an awareness of some of the harsh realities of racial disparities,” he noted, “that's not our sole purpose, because we maintain that people can supersede negative circumstances by means of positive actions. Our organizations bring collaborative strength, expertise, and commitment to educate people and do something concrete to help ease racial tensions in communities.” He continued, “Together we are creating a conduit of reconciliation, restoration, and the resurgence of forward momentum in this most crucial area of American life. We were most happy to feature panelists that have trumped racial bias with successful strategies.” thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Clark Everson, Unity Investors, Inc., Stephanie DeGeneste, New Covenant Christian Association and Dr. Henry Rawls, director, Nubian Culture Center June 2015 The Positive Community

NEW HOURS OF OPERATION OPEN 7am to 7pm: Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat. & Sun. CLOSED: Mon. & Tues

The Positive Community June 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

United Way Night of Miracles L–R: George L. Xuereb, senior director Resource Development with Keith H. Green, president/CEO, UWEWH

he United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH) held their 17th “Night of Miracles” on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Nanina’s In The Park, Belleville NJ. Organized by the Women in Support of United Way of Essex and West Hudson, the event celebrated two Miracle Makers in our community. Chandri

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Keith H. Green; Chandri Barat, Education Honoree, Barat Foundation; Robyn M. Pitts, chair 2015 Night of Miracles Gala; and Rev. Alex Ellis, member UWEWH Board of Trustees

L–R: Neonatology Medical Director University Hospital and Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics Rutgers NJ Medical School and Health Honoree Dr. Onajovwe Fofah and wife, Carolyn.

L–R: Gwen Watford Miller and Charles Miller

Barat, executive director of the Barat Foundation was the Education honoree and Dr. Onajovwe Fofah, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Newborn Services at University Hospital and assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School was the Health honoree.

L–R: Michael Penso, Thomas Tobin, Mark Hartigan, Alexandra Garcia-Watts, Robyn M. Pitts, Keith H. Green, Bruce Morlino, Richard A. Beran and Vincent Alonge thepositivecommunity.com

June 2015 The Positive Community

The Positive Community June 2015

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Upcoming Special Issue!

July/August Harlem Summer Issue

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June 2015 The Positive Community

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson

L–R: Freeholder T.J. Best, Rev. Alan Boyer, First Lady Boyer and Hon. Ruby Cotton, Paterson City Council (4th Ward)

Bethel A.M.E. Church Of Paterson Commemorates 150th Anniversary L–R: Mayor Torres awards Bishop the key to the city

n Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the beautiful Riverside Manor in Paterson NJ, Bethel AME Church of Paterson held the final event of its nearly month-long 150th anniversary celebration. Keynote speaker, The Rt. Rev. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, of the AME Church, delivered a powerful and challenging message from the Book of Amos chapter 5:18-24, on the topic …”Praise is What We Do.” In the knowledge that Bethel A.M.E. Church’s 150th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to thank Almighty God for all His goodness and the provisions He has blessed the church with, mighty praise went up to the heavens from those gathered for the occasion. And indeed, there was much for which to be thankful. When Pastor Allan Boyer came to Bethel in 2005, he found 50 members there. Today, by the grace of God and a new vision, the congregation has quadrupled in number. Under his leadership, Bethel AME has become an anchor in the community organizing basketball tournaments during the summer, hosting gun buyback programs with the

The Positive Community June 2015

Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, running a food pantry and clothing outlets. Bethel partners with The Center of Grace to provide prison ministry and reentry for women returning to society. A community activist determined to make a difference, Pastor Boyer is also vice president of Paterson Pastor's Workshop, vice president of Cease Fire, member of the Paterson Alliance, Workforce Investment Board (Faith Based Committee)of Passaic County, and The Paterson Coalition Against Substance Abuse. In his remarks, Pastor Boyer said: “I thank Almighty God for allowing me to serve this great church and I firmly believe that I have inspired many to follow the path of faith, hope, and kindness.” Vowing to carry on the work he has begun, he continued, “My mission will always be to provide programs geared toward improving and aiding the parish which I serve. With the integration of the core values such as compassion and integrity, the ministry has given this community a moral compass upon which they can rely.” —JNW To God be the Glory. thepositivecommunity.com

GRACA MACHEL: Continued from page 60 Africans from other nations getting jobs in South Africa. “South Africans are very angry because of the past and economic conditions have not changed enough,” Machel pointed out. “South Africans had opportunities that other nations did not have, but have not gained enough opportunities.” In a poignant moment, Machel thanked the Harlem community for embracing Mandela. “I know when he passed on it was a personal loss for many of you,” she said. “His body couldn’t take it anymore. But his spirit was as strong as ever.” Machel drew an audience that included former Mayor David Dinkins and actor-activist Harry Belafonte, who like Danny Glover, were Mandela supporters from prison to presidency. The panel discussion was sponsored by BET, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Shared Interest and My Image Studios (MIST Harlem).Following the panel, a reception was hosted by Madiba Harlem, the South African restaurant. “We are honored to welcome Graça Machel to MIST Harlem to discuss the urgent issue of women and children in South Africa,” said Carlton Brown, owner and managing partner of MIST Harlem. “Our institution has a mission to be a space that gives voice to and explores the larger issues of culture, justice, equality, education and economic development of the African Diaspora. These are issues that affect us all with no regard to which continent we trace our histories.”

KEY OF CHRIST: Continued from page 58 next phase of indoctrination. Rev. Dr. Errol D. Gilliard, Sr., president of the Baltimore Ministers Conference, pastor of Greater Harvest Baptist Church there, and also a member of the Council, introduced Dr. Harding’s program to the Baltimore Conference by stating that, “…following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have commissioned Dr. Harding to help bring an end to an era of leadership, which has operated so long without specific direction.” He went on to say that, “Setting this standard supports the legacy of our heritage. “The vision of the Minister of Music for Worship must be the vision of the pastor, to present songs as an offering to God and that echo the gospel message that calls men and women to repent of their sins and turn to Christ as their Savior,” remarked Dr. Gilliard. “The 21st Century perspective will be of great assistance to unify the chief music leadership position in the most precious commodity of the Black Baptist Church, and even the Black Church-at-Large.” Vision is the mainstay here, and Dr. Harding is truly a visionary. “I always see potential,” declared Harding, who has received numerous letters and requests from pastors around the world who want this program/title for themselves as well. And God is well able. Quinita Edmonia Good is the owner and operator of The Online Writing Center LLC. She can be reached at qgood@ theonlinewritingcenter.com. thepositivecommunity.com

STEPHEN FULLER: Continued from page 79 becoming a member of the Colgate Thirteen, an all-male a cappella group with a long history and a rich tradition. The group performed in Chicago, Detroit, Lake Placid, NY and St. Croix. One of his most memorable experiences with “the 13” was an appearance at a country club in the ultra-posh enclave of Grosse Pointe, MI. The African Americans who worked in the kitchen stopped working and came out of the kitchen to hear him sing. There were even more exciting experiences — during his college years, he opened for Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers. After graduation, he worked at AT&T for over two decades, many of those years were in Kansas City. Along the way he earned a patent for a system used to communicate between telephone companies for billing and other information with Bell Labs. In this city noted for its jazz traditions, he formed his own band and sang the National Anthem for the then-NBA Kansas City Kings as well as performing before audiences in Israel, Costa Rica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. After raising two sons, taking a break from music and returning to New Jersey, Stephen began to concentrate on music again. He became active in the Jazz Vocal Collective headed by singer Carrie Jackson. Fellow vocalist Scot Albertson, with whom Fuller often works, admires what he describes as Fuller’s “big voice” and “sweet temperment.” “It certainly augments his performances so much that when he sings, the intangible becomes tangible and you can hear his thoughtfulness in his singing,” said Albertson, who is artistic director of concert series venue Project 142 where Fuller will be performing in the early Fall. His two oldest granddaughters, Chloe (7) and Nilaya (6), bitten by the performance bug, will make their debut there. “They’re little hams,” he laughs. For Expressions of the Heart, chose songs that have special meaning to him. In witnessing the development of the project his wife, Karen, said, “There’s a connected-ness in each song to the others; together they say things someone wants to say but sometimes can’t find the words. “I woke up one night and told him I thought the series of songs told a whole story representing different times in a relationship, like expressions of the heart. He turned to me and said, ‘Yeah, that’s gonna be the name.’ Karen, who met Stephen in the Israel Memorial choir, is rather musical herself; an ordained minister, she is also an Arts High grad where she and two others founded the school’s gospel chorus. With a burgeoning schedule of satisfying work, plans for another CD, and supporters like Karen and their growing family— they just welcomed their fifth grandchild— Stephen Fuller is loving this time in his life. “He’s sung all over the country,” Karen noted. “I really want to see him go abroad; I want to see him take it to the max. He can do it.” For more information on Stephen Fuller’s upcoming appearances, visit: www.fullersounds.com. June 2015 The Positive Community

SAINTS MICHAELS

Continued from page 20 “We’re here to fight for justice, we’re here to fight for you,” Rev. Slaughter told the hospital staff, physicians, and members of the community in attendance. “Ultimately this is about freedom of choice.” With the other present clergy members standing behind him, Rev. Slaughter stated, “We fully support Saint Michael’s and we’re going to do everything in our power so this state understands that we will not settle for the closing of Saint Michael’s.” Saint Michael’s signed an asset purchase agreement with Prime Healthcare in February of 2013—an acquisition which cannot be completed until the State’s Health Department and Attorney General approve the deal. Recently, Saint Michael’s has released a counter to a state-commissioned study dubbed the “Navigant Report,” which suggests turning Saint Michael’s into an outpatient center with emergency services, a move that would negate the sale to Prime and ultimately lead to the medical center’s closure. In his remarks, President Ricci acknowledged that while the medical center has countered the Navigant suggestions, he is not advocating for the closure of any facility in the greater Newark area, including Saint Michael’s. “We are not here to take down or speak ill of any of the other hospitals…the access that I think we need to provide and choice that we need to provide to this community will not be helped by any one of us

closing,” he said. “We all need to be part of the fabric of this community. We can’t tear apart a quilt because we want to fix a thread.” Councilwoman Chaneyfield Jenkins began her remarks by quoting the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.” She went on to stress the Newark Council’s support for the sale of the hospital to Prime in order to keep it open as an acute-care facility and the right for patients to have choice when selecting a healthcare provider. “This is an issue abut injustice in our inner city and the right for choice,” she said. “There is a change that is coming to healthcare but that change does not mean demolition of jobs, of access and it does not mean that we do not have a right to choose what hospital we want to go to. We need this hospital. There needs to be choice.” Thanking the dedicated Saint Michael’s staff for their steadfast commitment and compassionate care during an uncertain time, Ricci said, “What we need most of all is everything you’ve been giving every day because the ones that benefit from that are the patients that come here.” Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is currently a member of Trinity Health. Learn more at www.smmcnj.org.

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The Little Chapel with a Big Heart 80

The Positive Community June 2015

For many years Florence E. Browne has served many communities locally and abroad. Feel free to visit our Funeral Home located in the Village of Harlem, New York. Our Service Family would be more than happy to sit and answer your questions regarding funeral arrangements, cremations & pre-arrangements. In addition, we provide notary services as well as referrals for anyone desiring professional grief counseling.

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Christianity, Police Brutality, and the Black Community Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. —Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version)

here has been much news coverage lately concerning police brutality against African Americans in Baltimore, Cleveland, Ferguson, Staten Island, and other localities. It is beyond unfortunate that police officers paid to protect us sometimes murder us instead. Nonetheless, crimes committed by blacks still occur in black communities, and have at least as much ongoing negative impact on these communities as does police brutality. But the fact that some black community residents commit crimes in no way justifies police brutality. Sin is sin. So we of the Black Church should put as much effort into ending crimes committed by blacks as we put into ending police brutality. Crime in our neighborhoods is so common that mainstream news outlets seldom consider it newsworthy, unless it’s a slow news day, or the crime involves some sensational aspect, such as when a large group of teenage girls beating up a lone teenager gets posted on social media. “Ordinary” muggings, rapes, burglaries, and murders in the black community seldom receive much news coverage. I believe that if we of the black community “take the plank out of [our] own eye”—that is, stop hurting each other – we and others will more clearly see the excessive violence that some police officers commit against blacks. Jesus Christ is quoted in John 8:12 (New American Standard Bible): “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life.” He’s quoted again during the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5:14-16, NASB): “You are the light of the world;...Let your light shine before men in such a way they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” So Jesus’ Light shines through work that Christians do in His name. During the protests in Baltimore spawned by Freddie

81 The Positive Community

June 2015

Gray’s death while in police custody, the Church operated as a major part of the solution by participating in and organizing peaceful demonstrations. Such activity is consistent with the Church’s historic role. A prominent example of this is the central role of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) in the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movement. Yet, not every congregation can do such things. Various congregations and Christians, have various strengths and skills. So when police brutality occurs, congregations and individual Christians should organize, while other congregations and Christians should be supportive, either by showing up, giving verbal support, giving economic support, or by other means. Christ instructs us, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” (Luke 12:48, NASB). When police brutality occurs, chaos, destruction, and looting are neither the moral way nor the most effective way to bring about change. “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15, NASB). In our misguided enemies’ eyes, black crimes justify harsh police actions. They view much or most of the black population as being a community of “thugs.” Conversely, the progress that blacks have achieved in overcoming oppression in the United States during the past century has come mostly through Christ-centered non-violent activism. “Black lives matter” is a legitimate slogan in the battle against police brutality. It alludes to the fact that, historically in the Western Hemisphere, whites viewed blacks as chattel, with no more value than as a tool or machine for getting work done or providing pleasure. Some police organizers have responded with “Blue lives matter.” Let’s not freak out over that response. Both are correct. All human lives matter. God stated no exceptions in His command, “You shall not murder.”(Exodus 20:13, NASB). Similarly, when, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 (NASB), He spoke no exceptions for black civilians, white cops, or anybody else. So let’s serve the Prince of Peace, and encourage everyone else to also do so. thepositivecommunity.com

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com June 2015

™

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 15, No. 6

CAN A SISTER GET A LITTLE LOVE?

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter

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

Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Doris Young Boyer Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Brian Branch Price Karen Waters Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, june 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.

82 The Positive Community

The Last Word

June 2015

s people tilted their heads in disbelief and internet memes were created about Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who passed as black, one particular segment of the population seemed more upset than any other. Black women took to Twitter and Facebook to express not only disbelief, but outrage that this woman successfully posed as a black woman for years, and assumed positions of leadership in the black community as president of the local NAACP and a professor who taught Black Feminism and the Black Woman’s Struggle. As more details began to surface, it seemed that everything about Dolezal was fabricated from her birth in a teepee to having lived in South Africa, and even her African American-themed artwork was plagiarized. But people had sympathy for her. Internet comment sections were full of people saying, “But what harm did she do? She was working for the black community; she lived as a black woman so she gets a pass.” Dolezal began her media tour on the Today Show then sat down with Melissa Harris Perry later. Black women everywhere tuned in to see Perry tell her what we all were thinking—but she didn’t. She treated her with kid gloves and accepted vague, nonsensical replies. And then it started; the rumbles that black women are so angry, black women are jealous that Rachel Dolezal did a better of job of being a black woman than most actual black women did. And, her hair was on point. Really? I’d like to take a minute to clarify: For me it’s not anger; it’s hurt. As black women we’ve been trying to define our journey and struggle, find our place in the world and some little bit of respect, peace, and dignity in society for hundreds of years. Fighting to crack the code of how to be seen as equal and enough—or even be seen— has been our lifelong struggle, including the formative years we spent as children and teens. We have had to over-

Rachel Dolezal

come incredible odds and obstacles and endure strife, tragedy, and indignities that a white woman will never know. Dolezal touts that she has “gone there” as a black woman, “living in black—blackness.” I don’t know of any other kind of blackness, but I do know what it’s like to be a black girl in a white world. Dolezal didn’t grow up wishing for dolls, storybook characters, and t.v. heroines who looked like she did. She never had to explain the shade of her skin or the texture of her hair, or endure any of the myriad of silly, juvenile, and sometimes terribly mean taunts and slights of being too light or too dark, speaking too properly, or any of the other things black kids do in their immaturity and ignorance. She sat down in a first class seat, put her feet up, and sipped complimentary champagne as she coasted into black womanhood without a single piece of the baggage the rest of us struggle to carry. We chide and chastise black women for wearing Asian/Indian/blonde weave in an effort to meet the European standard of beauty. Michelle Obama is just one of so many who were teased as little girls for being studious because somehow, their brand of blackness wasn’t authentic enough. But it was too black for white society and none of those girls got to slip between blackness and whiteness at their whim or take off their blackness—ever. But somehow, this woman got a tan and a new hairdo and became my equal in the one thing they couldn’t take from me—my black womanhood. She wants to be black, identifies as black and thus should be welcomed into the auspices of the sisterhood—in a position of leadership no less? People are lining up to give this woman a pass and then moving to the next line to beat the black woman down. We have every right to be angry. But I’m not angry; I’m hurt. And I’m questioning the phrase “you only hurt the ones you love” because as black women, we get so little love. Yet we continue to love.

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