Fitness Doctor

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

The Same Power Health Beyond Coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a pastor and spiritual leader, I have seen this “God power” work and bring transformation to the lives of good people bound by various forms of dysfunctional behavior. This power that raised Christ from the dead and helped addicts and other dysfunctional people experience freedom from what held them in bondage is the same power that can help black and brown communities overcome the inability to sustain a consistent exercise program, eat healthier, and consume less food.

This spiritual power is found within the believer. That’s H umanity as a whole has been watching in horror as humankind was engulfed by the novel coronavirus. It was truly a worldwide pandemic, right; it’s specific to the Christian. To access this power, you must accept Christ as Savior and submit yourself wholeheartedly to serving Him and becoming a disciple. There is no way around it. Resurrection power is set and precise to the something I never thought I’d experience during my Christian. lifetime. Thankfully, it now looks like we have come to Secondly, prayer and meditation help bond and build the the other side as the world is slowly opening again. For relationship with God through Christ. Prayer helps the indithis I am grateful. vidual develop a Christ consciousness, thus, helping him/

Our only protections during the worst of the pandemic her become aware of the God-given power working on the were isolation and wearing protective equipment. Although inside. As my auntie often said, “How can you use what you many first treated this as optional, wearing masks and social don’t know you have?” Amen. distancing quickly became more than a suggestion. It And finally, you must believe. Believe what? Believe the became law. This was a huge lesson for many as they put same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same their personal preferences aside and embraced this new way power working on the inside of you to help you overcome of being to stay healthy. dysfunction. Yes, even the dysfunctional behavior of overeat-

Let’s equate this to our health — spirit, mind, and ing, lack of exercise, and unhealthy food choices. body. As the Fitness Doctor and the spiritual leader of There is place for faith to support physical fitness and a thriving faith community, I believe exercising fifteen health. The bible teaches us that the body is the temple of minutes per day (at minimum) is essential. Yes, every the Holy Spirit or as I like to say, “The body is the house of day! It provides many benefits like weight loss, emo- God.” If we don’t take care of it where are we going to live? tional stability, increased energy, and the reduction of Remember when you listened to the man or woman of chronic disease. Coupled with spiritual exercise and/or God preach about this power that raised Jesus from the practices such as prayer and meditation, you now have dead? It is the same power! a plan for success. I facilitate and teach a free workshop and seminar titled “The Truth about Weight Loss.” In this seminar, I teach

Do yourself a favor and follow these Fitness Doctor tips for better health: the concept of getting healthier and fit from within. If you would like to learn more about this transformative seminar or how I might share with your church or organization, call • Get your physician’s approval before starting an exercise plan. my assistant Karen Beasley at (732) 912-4435 or send email to pastor@itiswellchurch.com

• Slowly incorporate regular physical activity into your schedule; take a fifteen-minute walk, exercise with hand weights, or use a fitness app for inspiration. • Schedule it! Be consistent, build healthy habits, and increase them. It’s all about growth. • Invest in a certified personal trainer to safely evaluate you and develop a plan for your success.

Hand in hand with exercise is dietary intake. Salty snacks and sweet desserts may taste good, but the result of indulging can be obesity and chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. If you eat poorly, you will not lose weight — no matter how much you exercise!

Follow these Fitness Doctor tips for an improved physical condition: • Make healthy choices, one meal at a time. • Build your self-control. Nothing tastes as good as being healthy! • Avoid unsustainable fad diets and instead, consistently eat well. The results will show. • Stop eating late meals. • Select colorful vegetables and lean proteins for meals. • Avoid simple carbs. • Explore the produce section and try something new!

Consistent physical activity and a healthy, clean diet can improve your life dramatically, no matter your age or current condition. Making these changes can lessen or eliminate the effects of chronic disease, which is my greatest desire for you. You must live well; it is more than a suggestion!

Live Well and prosper!

Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, Live Well. Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.

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

changing your dietary regimen.

First Lady Biden and Dr. Fauci First Lady Biden and Dr. Fauci Visit Abyssinian Baptist Church Visit Abyssinian Baptist Church

Dr. Jill Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Linda Thompson, Debra Fraser Dr. Jill Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Linda Thompson, and Debra Fraser Howze and Abyssinian Youth getting COVID-19 Vaccine. Howze watch Abyssinian Youth getting COVID-19 Vaccine.

U.S. First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III and FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden; Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III; Abyssinian First Lady, Mrs. Patricia Butts, Dr. Anthony Fauci Abyssinian First Lady Mrs. Patricia Butts; and Dr. Anthony Fauci Dr. Jill Biden, Shavette Thompson and Dr. Anthony Fauci AP Photo/Craig Ruttle Dr. Jill Biden, Shavette Thompson, and Dr. Anthony Fauci AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

Harlem resident, 92 years-old Annette Gausney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Harlem resident, 92 year-old Annette Gausney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Sis. Linda Thompson, Dr. Jill Biden, Debra Fraser Howze Sis. Linda Thompson, Dr. Jill Biden, and Debra Fraser Howze

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, and White House Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, paid an historic visit to The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York to tour the church’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Along the tour, Dr. Biden and Dr. Fauci reaffirmed Reverend Calvin Butts’ persistent appeal to the church and community that “it’s safe and smart to get vaccinated at The Abyssinian Baptist Church!”

The Abyssinian Baptist Church began offering COVID-19 Testing in June 2020 at the height of the virus spread in New York State.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, and White House Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony FauIn October 2020, Dr. Butts and the Abyssinian Health Ministry linked with the Choose Healthy Life Initiative to provide critical, life-saving ci paid an historic visit to The Abyssinian Bap- resources in hard to reach communities that tist Church in the City of New York to tour the have been disproportionately impacted by the church’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Along Corona virus pandemic. In collaboration with the tour, Dr. Biden and Dr. Fauci reaffirmed the Choose Healthy Life network of partner Reverend Calvin Butts’ persistent appeal to churches, The Abyssinian Baptist Church the church and community that “it’s safe and continues to broadcast the importance of smart to get vaccinated at The Abyssinian Bap- regular testing for the COVID-19 virus. tist Church!” Since its January 18, 2021 launch as a

The Abyssinian Baptist Church began COVID-19 vaccination site, The Abyssinian offering COVID-19 testing in June 2020 at the Baptist Church has delivered over 11,000 doses height of the virus spread in New York State. of the two-part Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.

In October 2020, Dr. Butts and the Abyssinian Health Ministry linked with the Choose Healthy Life Initiative to provide critical, life-saving resources in hard-to-reach communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In collaboration with the Choose Healthy Life network of partner churches, The Abyssinian Baptist Church continues to broadcast the importance of regular testing for the COVID-19 virus.

Since its January 18, 2021 launch as a COVID-19 vaccination site, The Abyssinian Baptist Church has delivered over 11,000 doses of the two-part Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Jill Biden, Rev. Jacques DeGraff and Dr. Anthony Fauci Dr. Jill Biden, Rev. Jacques DeGraff, and Dr. Anthony Fauci

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

A heart failure specialist’s message for the community

Interventional cardiologist Matthew Montgomery, DO, MBA, MPH, from the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI) combines his training in heart failure and interventional cardiology to treat advanced cardiac disease.

Q: What do you want people to know about taking care of their heart?

A: The most important thing is for people to pay attention to their body. If you were fine walking out to the mailbox six months ago, and now when you do it you’re winded, you may have a heart issue or even heart failure that needs to be evaluated. Many people assume heart symptoms are just signs of getting old, or say “well, maybe I’m just not feeling well today,” so they don’t follow up. However, it is extremely important to pay attention Matthew Montgomery, to these things, DO, MBA, MPH especially if you have risk factors or family history of heart disease.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about the team at Newark Beth Israel?

In treating advanced heart failure, we talk to patients to find out about their lives, not just their medical histories. It’s a team effort here, and we all work with the common goal of helping to improve our patient’s cardiac conditions, which can often require addressing various other factors, such as financial or social support, to name a few. Everyone should have a primary care doctor and should follow up with them on a regular basis. You may be referred to a cardiologist or to our clinic for advanced heart failure. We will do everything we can to help you get better.

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

To connect with a top cardiovascular specialist at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, call 888-724-7123 or visit

rwjbh.org/NBIHeartTransplant DON’T IGNORE THESE SYMPTOMS

The following signs may indicate heart failure or another health condition. Contact your primary care provider to have them checked out. • Shortness of breath, either at exertion or when you’re lying down • Fatigue and weakness • Swelling in legs, ankles and feet • Persistent coughing or wheezing • Lack of appetite or nausea • Confusion or impaired thinking • Heart palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or dizziness

Three New York PresbyterianBrooklyn Methodist Hospital Doctors to host Webinar

Dr. Onyinye Balogun is an assistant professor of Radiation Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine specializing in the treatment of breast and gynecologic malignancies. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Balogun initiated her residency training at the University of Chicago and completed her final year at New York University.

She has conducted and published breast cancer research in novel therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer and brain metastases. She is also engaged in gynecologic cancer research as well as global health activities with a focus on improving the delivery of radiation therapy in low and middle income countries. She was recently appointed as a Cancer and Ethnicity Scholar at the New York Genome Center where she oversees the Polyethnic 1000 project, an initiative to study the genome's contribution to cancer disparities. A fter receiving her BS in Biology at the University of North Texas, Evelyn Taiwo obtained her MD at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Following her residency at Boston University Medical Center, she completed a three-year fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

In 2019, Dr Taiwo joined the staff at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital as attending physician, and assistant professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Prior to her current position, she served as assistant professor of Medicine at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn from July 2011-2019, and as attending physician and Hematology-Oncology at Kings County Hospital. While at Kings County Hospital, Dr. Taiwo served as director of the Breast Cancer Clinic overseeing research activities, clinical care delivery, and education.

As a researcher, Dr Taiwo has contributed to several studies on cancer presentation in urban and minority patient populations.

Vivian J. Bea, MD is an assistant professor of Surgery at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY and section chief of Breast Surgical Oncology at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn NY. Dr. Bea received her master’s degree in biology from Drexel University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her training in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is a breast cancer disparities researcher, educator, and community outreach leader. As a leader in the community, Dr. Bea has focused on bridging the gap between multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment and community barriers. Most recently, Dr. Bea was awarded the prestigious American Medical Association’s National Minority Quality Forums Braintrust, “Top 40 under 40 in Minority Health” for her dedication to community outreach and research. Her clinical and research interests include management of the axilla, inflammatory breast cancer management in underserved populations, as well as identifying and eliminating breast cancer diagnosis and treatment disparities.

Offers Tips on How to Recognize and Prevent Strokes "Be FAST"

to Spot the Signs of Stroke

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a stroke goes untreated. In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is sharing information on stroke risk and prevention.

“It takes less than a minute for a stroke to change a person’s life forever, but taking the time to make a few simple lifestyle adjustments and finding out how to recognize a stroke as soon as it happens can save thousands of lives.” says Dr. Ji Chong, director of the Stroke program at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Dr. Chong encourages the community to use the acronym BE FAST as an easy way to learn how to recognize a stroke and act quickly to minimize its long-term damaging effects.

Dr. Chong outlines the risk factors that can be controlled including treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiac arrhythmias and diabetes. She shares the following five stroke prevention tips:

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital treats one of the highest volumes of stroke and cerebrovascular disease patients in the world and the highest in New York City. The hospital is certified by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke certification a hospital can receive.

For more information on how stroke affects the body and brain and more details to prevent stroke, please visit: https://www.nyp.org/neuro/stroke

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S. Each year, nearly 40,000 NewYork-Presbyterian professionals deliver exceptional care for more than 4 million patient visits.

For more information, visit: www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

REDUCE SALT INTAKE. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke. Cutting back on salt is one of the most significant steps to maintaining or lowering blood pressure to a healthy level of 130/80 or below. Try flavoring your food with a variety of spices that may be healthier than salt. EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET. Maintaining a healthy balance between your good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) is the best way to prevent high cholesterol, heart disease and the increased risk of stroke. Cholesterol levels should remain at 200 mg/dl or below. Stop smoking. Smoking is bad not only for your lungs, but for your brain as well. A smoker is at twice the risk of having a stroke because smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up the clogging of arteries. EXERCISE. Exercise benefits everyone, so we should all aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days to improve our overall health. If you are obese or overweight, your risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes increases and so does your risk for stroke. LIMIT ALCOHOL: Heavy alcohol use -- more than one to two drinks a day -- increases your blood pressure and your risk of ischemic attack and hemorrhagic stroke. Certain populations are at a higher risk of having a stroke even after making the proper lifestyle changes. These include adults 55 years of age or older, African-Americans and Hispanics, those with a family history of stroke, and people who have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke). In addition, women are more likely to die from a stroke than men, although attacks are more common in men.

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

The Economic Lens of Black Music and Culture in Newark

By Della M. Walker, Jr., Director, Newark 2020 Newark Alliance

Newark Symphony Hall 1982, Count Basie and Della M. Walker, Jr.

Black music is the heartbeat of American society. Distinctive rhythms, harmonies, and blues notes connect us to our African roots and ground the Black experience in America. The City of Newark has a rich history of music and music spaces that provided opportunities for Blacks to gather and express their happiness, sorrow, triumph, and rebellion. Built in 1925, Newark’s Symphony Hall is “New Jersey’s oldest and largest showcase for the arts, education, and entertainment programming.” Newark is also home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Prudential Center, and the Grammy Museum.

Black musicians have served as activists and our muse. Through their music, they tell our story authentically and unapologetically. Moreover, Black music is intertwined throughout all cultural and economic aspects of the city: visual arts, government, tourism, commerce, spirituality, education, and recreation.

A vibrant music economy creates value for cities by fueling tourism, economic growth, nightlife, job creation, development, and artistic growth. In addition, cities with a thriving music economy are well-suited for corporate attraction, resident retainment, and business development, strengthening the brand and desirability of Newark. The music economy also reaches across several industries, including construction, entertainment, film, technology, manufacturing, retailing, consumer services, and the public sector.

The City of Newark and the Cultural Affairs division have taken significant steps to create a vibrant music and arts ecosystem, including establishing the Newark Artist Accelerator, curating music programming and education throughout the city, and implementing creative placemaking strategies, ensuring that artists and musicians have access to ample spaces and places to create and showcase their talent. The city has also partnered with local and regional developers on building housing for musicians and artists and actively supports the revitalization of Newark’s Symphony Hall. With an “arts mayor” in Mayor Ras J. Baraka, it’s no wonder the City of Newark is intentional about collaborating with local performing artists and arts institutions to foster artistic and audience development while engaging the support of the music community at large.

At Newark Alliance, we are most proud to be at the table and help integrate the “Hire, Buy, Live Local” economic development strategy into the local music and arts economy. As The City of Newark rebounds from the pandemic, it is vitally important that we support the rebirth of our music and arts community through training and hiring local talent, ticket purchases, donations, support of local music festivals, and fostering diverse music spaces. Music has the power to uplift, unify, connect, calm, and move us into action. We must show up for Black music the way Black music has shown up for us.

LIVE. LABOR. LEISURE.

The NDD strives to create a community-centered environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic, and multidimensional selves to work.

Since 1998, the NDD has been dedicated to revitalizing Downtown Newark by improving the economic viability of the central business district.

60 PARK PLACE, NEWARK, NJ DOWNTOWNNEWARK.COM 973.622.2002

@downtownnewark @newarkdowntowndistrict @newarkdowntowndistrict

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Black Music in Newark: Past, Present, and Future

By Wayne Winborne Executive Director, Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers University–Newark

Newark has one of the richest and deepest traditions of Black music anywhere in the world. The interplay between music and commerce has played a role in its growth from a Puritan theocratic colony founded in 1666 to its current status as a burgeoning region of social, cultural, and economic development. While Newark’s history is variegated with contributions from diverse communities, African Americans are a significant factor in the fabric of life here. Indeed, the history and growth of the Newark’s Black community and its music not only parallels, but is inextricably linked to the city’s development.

Newark had humble beginnings with four settlers building houses at what is now the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street, also known as the Four Corners, but in the early 1800s leather factories and breweries drove exponential growth. People flocked to Newark in search of economic opportunities and by 1922, Newark had 63 live theaters, 46 movie theaters, and an active nightlife. Its Four Corners was estimated to be the busiest intersection in the United States. Its population would continue this growth reaching a peak number of almost 450,000 just after World War Two.

During this same period, just a half century away from having been enslaved, striving African Americans left the south for jobs, opportunities, and escape from crushing oppression and discrimination. They migrated to cities like Newark and brought their cultural selves with them, adapting and incorporating everything they saw, heard, and experienced to reflect their new lives and possibilities, especially new urban harmonies, and rhythms. This is a profoundly important moment of cultural practice and adaptation, reflective of a people’s need to retain core components of their collective identity and their simultaneous grasp and mastery of the situation confronting them in a strange and new place. In this moment, African Americans would completely alter the artistic and cultural landscape of every city they inhabited, especially Newark where the major presence of breweries (27 before Prohibition) contributed to the number of bars (over 1,000 in the 1930s) and related spaces that provided employment opportunities for musicians. Additionally, rent parties featuring local and emerging talent thrived while larger venues such as the Mosque (now Symphony Hall), Skateland, and the Adams Theater presented stars like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington.

Further, the Black Church was equally if not more important to the music African Americans would create, nurture, and continually alter over the course of the 20th century. Gospel music in its various forms and iterations, southern blues, early jazz, ragtime, brass bands, dancehall, and vaudevillian popular music would all percolate in Black Newark consciousness. Thus, Black music in Newark would continue to evolve just as the city itself. These African-based music forms within the context of an American experience would emerge as jazz, rhythm and blues, early rock and roll, soul, funk, hip hop, and more.

Today, the music continues to reflect and refract the experiences of the people, especially the youth. Jersey club, hip hop, progressive jazz, Latin jazz, alternative rock, and all their hybrids can be heard in bars, cafes, restaurants, performance spaces, and outdoor venues around the city. Economic opportunities in the tech sector as well as new housing development are boosted and supported by a cross section of entrepreneurs, artists, students, professionals, new and longtime residents, and neighbors from surrounding communities. These opportunities exist side by side with challenges like those faced by African Americans over the last century. This potent mix of old and new, hope and despair, and secular and spiritual are essential to understanding and appreciating the music of and by Black people in the city of Newark. These contrasting factors will continually fuel the evolution of this great music, by a great people, in a great city.

The Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage throughout our historic Parks System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr Essex County Executive

ESSEX COUNTY BROOKDALE PARK

All performances begin at 7:30pm

STONEFLOWER SOUL: A SANTANA TRIBUTE Thursday, August 12 EAGLEMANIA Friday, August 13 SOUL CRUISERS: A MOTOWN TRIBUTE Thursday, August 19 NEW POWER SOUL: CLASSIC ROCK Friday, August 20 A NIGHT OF DOO-WOP WITH THE CAPRIS Friday, August 27

FIREWORKS SPECTACULARS

All performances begin at 7:30pm

SMOOTH Wednesday, June 30 Weequahic Park, Newark THE INFERNOS Thursday, July 1 Brookdale Park, Bloomfield NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Thursday, August 26 Branch Brook Park, Newark

LIVE FREE LIVE FREE CONCERTS CONCERTS 2021 2021

ESSEX COUNTY PARKS SUMMER MUSIC

FREE FAMILY FUN

HOSTED BY:

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive the Board of County Commissioners, and the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Wayne L. Richardson, President

Carlos M. Pomares, Vice President Tyshammie L. Cooper Brendan W. Gill Romaine Graham Rufus I. Johnson Leonard M. Luciano Robert Mercado Patricia Sebold

LIVE AT YOUR LOCAL ESSEX COUNTY PARK

All performances begin at 7pm

JERSEY SOUND

Monday, August 9 Yanticaw Park, Nutley

SYMPHONICS

Tuesday, August 10 Verona Park, Verona

BRADFORD HAYES

Monday, August 16 Veterans Memorial Park, Newark

DAVID CEDENO ORCHESTRA

Tuesday, August 17 Riverbank Park, Newark

GORDON JAMES

Wednesday, August 18 Watsessing Park, Bloomfield/East Orange

LAYONNE HOLMES

Monday, August 23 Ivy Hill, Newark

RICHARD REITER

Tuesday, August 24 Vailsburg Park, Newark

LATIN SPLENDOR

Wednesday, August 25 Riverfront Park, Newark

JUKE BOX LEGENDS

Monday, August 30 Cedar Grove Park, Cedar Grove

THE CAMEOS

Tuesday, August 31 Grover Cleveland Park, Caldwell

NANNY ASSIS, BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE

Wednesday, September 1 Independence Park, Newark

BEGINNINGS: A CHICAGO TRIBUTE

Thursday, September 2 Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange

FESTIVALS

HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND A SPLASH OF CARIBBEAN Saturday, September 11 11am – 8pm Weequahic Park, Newark

These events are co-sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Concert schedule is subject to change. Please check essexcountyparks.org for updates and cancellations.

OUR SPONSORS:OUR SPONSORS:OUR SPONSORS:OUR SPONSORS:

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Newark Arts Scene

Black Music, Art, and Artistic Expression Move the City Forward

By Devonne Campbell

Newark Arts, internationally-recognized for its award-winning annual Newark Arts Festival, is an organization at the origin and forefront of art culture in New Jersey’s “hustle headquarters.” It has been championing, amplifying, and cultivating the cultural necessity of artistic expression since 1981.

“With a Black and Latino population of more than 70%, Newark has a long and rich arts history. It boasts decades of creativity, producing artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Whitney Houston, Willie Cole, Chakaia Booker, Queen Latifah, and Amiri Baraka,” says Newark Arts Director of Marketing & Artistic Initiatives Lauren M. Craig, Esq.

Beyond its signature of industry and economy, beauty and innovation, Newark has been at the center of many art movements and home to some of the most important Black activists and culture creators.

The late Gerry Gant was a prolific visual artist, poet, performance artist and educator. Born in Newark Gant worked on murals across every ward in the city. Commissioned to create a number of public sculptures, 13 of them reside in Nat Turner Park.

Linda Street of Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate, Gant’s lifelong friend whom he entrusted to handle his life’s work and legacy manages his estate. This summer, via a newly developed app, visitors can take a virtual tour of the permanent installation of Gant’s iconic sculptures. Nat Turner Park is where the iconic “The Bluesman” piece resides. Ralph Andre of Mean Genius is creator of the app; director Kay the Creator under the creative oversight of Street’s Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate will provide the photographs.

“That was one of the first public art projects we worked on together. That work was installed in Nat Turner Park in 2009.” Street explained. “It’s such perfect timing because the narrative of this work, which is installed at each of the park’s five entrances, speaks to Nat Turner, slavery, and the origins of music as it relates to the African-American influence.”

Violinist Bri Blvck

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Linda Street Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate Newark artist Gerry Gant poses with his sculpture Bluesman.

In September, Street will curate a solo exhibition of Gant’s work at Paul Robeson Gallery at Express Newark. “We’re really excited about a couple of the installations in the exhibition that have a very clear focus on music,” said Street. “That was a recurring narrative throughout most of Gerry’s work—whether it’s sculpture, painting, or graffiti art—there was a musical theme.” Following that, Gant’s work will be included in a group show focusing on street art at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ. Afterward, the collection will be stored in the old Star Ledger building near the Lincoln Park neighborhood. “In recent decades, community arts organizations have suffered,” said Craig. “Many residents seek arts access in their neighborhoods. In-community, smaller-budget, women-led, Black and Brown-led arts organizations and programs often lack resources—a key reason Newark Arts provides mini grants through its ArtStart program to such organizations.” Newark Arts continuously uses their platforms to emphasize the value and importance of making space for art, funding arts education, and supporting artist entrepreneurship as a means of elevating the city.

In 40 years of advocacy and empowerment of the arts, Newark Arts has done more than simply provide performance platforms for its homegrown artists. “In terms of historically Black enclaves and spaces, we seek to promote their history in not only the context of the city, but their importance to the arts nationally,” said Craig.

The organization collaborates with the City of Newark in various ways to restore and revitalize historic areas of Newark by way of arts and culture to “make the area vibrant again.” Newark Arts, Newark Symphony Hall, and the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District have partnered to form the “Lincoln Park Alliance,” an initiative with the focus of reactivating and restoring the health of one of New Jersey’s only historically Black cultural districts. While making space for all kinds of history to take place, Newark Arts commits to honoring the legacy of their residents’ culture—past, present and future.

Further emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and community engagement through art and their mission to “power the arts to transform lives,” Newark Arts’ Arts Ed Newark brings arts education to Newark communities for children pre-K-12 and “provides professional development for artist educators in trauma-informed care, a growing area of practice for Newark youth.”

Newark Arts wholeheartedly understands the importance of investing in its communities of color, creating opportunity for its patrons and residents, and a hub of innovation and minority leadership by which everyone can be inspired. If you’re looking for a space to explore and celebrate the creative life of our beautiful city, look no further than Newark Arts.

Newark has been at the center of many art movements and home to some of the most important Black Activists and culture creators: Amiri Baraka and the Black Power Movement, playwright Richard Wesley, the iconic Whitney Houston, and Hip-Hop’s Queen of Community Queen Latifah. In the visual arts medium, Newark’s history of Black Music is palpable in the works of Akintola Hanif (Hycide), fayemi shakur (Womb of Violent), the legendary Gladys Barker Guarer, Adrienne Wheeler, The Land Collective, Malcolm Rolling, RED, the late “Mural King” Rodney M. Gilbert, and the late visual artist, poet, performance artist and educator Jerry Gant.

Devonne Campbell (Sophia’s Daughter) is a Haitian-American writer, performance artist, organizer, and flower child based in Newark, NJ. She has a mission to enlighten, inform, empower, and reconnect humanity to its humanity. You can find her work @Itssophiasdaughter on IG.

Airing 24/7

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

NJPAC Ushers In A New Era of Arts, Entertainment, and World-Class Live/Play Community Building By Daniela Palacio

Former Governor Thomas H. Kean envisioned in 1997 a world-class performing arts center in the State of New Jersey. As the largest city in the state with a rich, diverse music and art history only 20 miles from New York City, Newark was the right home for Jersey’s crown jewel. It has been 25 years since the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) opened its doors at 1 Center Street. The institution has built a stellar reputation for presenting some of the greatest “must-see” artists, musicians, and performers globally, including those in the local Newark music community. The arts center has already made an indelible mark in Newark music history. NJPAC has hosted luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, The Roots, Hezekiah Walker, Christian McBride, Johnny Mathis, and many more. In addition, the venue’s annual James Moody Jazz Festival celebrates the music genre with roots firmly grounded in the Black/African American experience.

NJPAC has also played host to a highly popular annual Kwaanza Festival. “It’s almost every kind of art you can think of. We have our finger in it.” said NJPAC Senior Advisor for Community Engagement Donna Walker-Kuhne. She continued, “And we’re always focused locally first; then as we expand, we look at the county, we look at multiple counties, to see how else can we build this up.”

More recently, NJPAC has launched multiple initiatives to support communities of color. To further ensure cultural diversity and community dialogue, NJPAC has continued working with its corporate partner PSEG on its film/forum initiative, PSEG True Diversity Film Series, a unique virtual forum focusing on social justice issues. Access is available to the public online to over 500 of the venue’s virtual events. On May 10, a virtual program with panelists Lucia Liu, Jamie Lew, and Yolanda Skeete addressed recent violence toward Asian Americans and detailed how anyone could be an ally.

In keeping with its community and arts education mission, NJPAC celebrated Juneteenth by hosting a standing-in-solidarity panel, It’s About Reparations. Panelists explored racial inequities and provided sustainable actions for the public.

This summer there are a variety of arts courses for children to choose from such as Hip Hop Arts and Culture or Musical Theater. The City Verses virtual summer camp is a free program specifically for teen artists interested in the jazz and poetry. Participants will engage in projects and build strong connections with their peers and instructors virtually.

“The original idea of NJPAC was to build a kind of a great performing arts center that was not only in Newark, but was of Newark,” explained NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. One example is the Jersey Fresh virtual series featuring Newark artists and others from throughout the Garden State. Hosted by NJPAC staffer and Newarker Kitab Rollins, the Thursday night performances burst with exciting and unforgettable moments.

“It’s not just promoting those artists and giving them a performance opportunity. It’s making sure we distribute content,” said NJPAC Executive Vice President and Executive Producer David Rodriguez. We distribute them around the country to dozens of other performing arts institutions. We create content for other people. The issue isn’t just creating a gig for young artists. It’s creating a career for young artists.” Pivoting to virtual programs allowed NJPAC’s Women in Jazz program to expand its reach. “When we did our Women in Jazz program, we increased the numbers of people participating by over ten times,” explained Rodriguez. “But the interesting thing is Women in Jazz was first run by Geri Allen, and now our developing campus is named after her since her passing.” He continued, “The program, which instructs young women in the art and musicianship of jazz, is now led by MacArthur Genius Award winner, violinist Regina Carter. Women from seven countries and young people are tuning into Women in Jazz. Going virtual has a multiplying effect.”

The popular, summertime, outdoor, live music series, Sounds of the City commences live in-person again, after being virtual during last year’s global lockdown. The 2021 lineup includes hip hop icon Rakim, R&B diva and soulstress Syleena Johnson, gospel powerhouse Le’Andria Johnson, and the Grammy Award-winning reggae band Third World. NJPAC will implement additional safety protocols to ensure the safety of attendees. Daniela Palacios is a resident reporter with the Newark News and Story Collaborative. Daniela also founded Para KIDS! @parakidsbooks, a bilingual children’s book company determined to help children become or remain bilingual.

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Grammy Museum Experience

A Musical Rock of Gibraltar in Newark By Sana Atiya

Nestled in the footprint of the Prudential Center arena (“The Rock”) in Newark, NJ—a short walk from Newark Penn Station, the historic Ironbound District, and downtown’s restaurant district—is the Grammy Museum Experience. Opened in 2017, Prudential Center and sports entertainment company HBSE specifically brought the museum to Newark “as a way of really meeting the community with music,” says Mark Conklin, Director of Artist Relations and Programming. Besides, New Jersey is one of the top three states with the most Grammy-award winning artists.

In a formerly underutilized, street level space in the bowels of the Prudential Center, the 8,200 square-foot space helped revitalize the Mulberry Commons corridor (known as Newark’s Chinatown in the early 20th century), and connects the restaurants and shops at Broad and Market to Mulberry Commons park. The corridor is poised to see a significant uptick in foot traffic. A planned pedestrian skyway will connect Newark Penn Station to the Ironbound section of the city, making the Grammy Museum Experience a landmark welcoming center for music fans from around the world.

“The museum really celebrates music in all its forms and, of course, highlights the Grammys,” says Conklin. “Our

The Fisk Jubilee Singers museum was designed to celebrate New Jersey as a whole and the contributions of artists that come from New Jersey and, of course, our area, Newark, when you talk about Sarah Vaughan and Wayne Shorter. The history is rich.” One of the most popular and intentional exhibitions is New Jersey Legends, featuring iconic artists from the Garden State such as Naughty By Nature, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Frank Valli, and Newark’s own icon, “The Voice,” Whitney Houston. The focus of the exhibit is to highlight all the great music that comes from this state.

With music education at its core, the Grammy Museum Experience offers a wealth of public programming. Viewers can stream visuals of industry professionals and musicians from the comfort of their homes. “Music is the kind of a great language everybody identifies with, and it’s a way to bridge the gap. Everything we do, we’re focused on highlighting our local heroes, but also the people of the future or the next generation of Grammy Award winners,” Conklin went on to say. Standing programming includes Black History Month; Women’s History Month; a new Mini-Masterclass web series; Behind the Songs, a series of conversations between Mark Conklin and notable recording artists, songwriters, and producers; and their new podcast Musically Speaking.

The museum began rolling out several online programs for Black Music Appreciation month the week of June 18th, just in time for Juneteenth. “Our first interview was with the Fisk Jubilee singers, one of the world’s most renowned choirs who introduced the Negro spiritual to the world. They recently won the Grammy for the Best Roots Gospel Album at the 63rd Grammys.” A performance by the choir and an interview with the choir’s director, Dr. Paul Kwame, will air this month on the museum’s website. Other programming includes a program with four-time Grammy award-winning artist and probably the world’s greatest music ambassador, Angélique Kidjo; releasing audio from the last in-person pre-COVID performance, An Evening with Naughty by Nature; and the museum will end its week with audio from An Evening with Gloria Gaynor, the Newark-born Grammy-award winner.

Most exciting is the debut of the museum’s third mural as a part of a five-part mural series, in partnership with Pruden-

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Newark: Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey By Pastor Michael Carr

Without a vision the people will perish. Without hope, there can be no faith. To that end and from the days of old, gospel music has been the source of our strength and inspiration. Throughout history, during the most tumultuous of times, hymns like “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Wade in the Water,” “Steal Away,” and others have ordered our steps and proclaimed our courage, perseverance, and fortitude. Gospel music serves as a window, not only into our souls, but into the future of what is yet to come. God, in his infinite wisdom, sought to inspire and place the vision in the heart of Newark’s very own living Legend, Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr., to carry the torch of the “Father of Gospel Music,” the late Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, musician and composer. Through Lewis’ efforts, June is now Gospel Music Month and recognized throughout the state of New Jersey, paying homage to the greatest gospel singers, composers Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr. and musicians.

The genesis of Newark as the Gospel Music Capital began in 1982 during the reign of one Newark’s greatest mayors, the Honorable Kenneth A. Gibson. Gospel music was celebrated from June 14 thru June 21. In 1983, a resolution in the state government proposed to make the celebration statewide for the entire month of June. Governor Thomas Kean began the process and under the new leadership of Governor Jim McGreevey, Gospel Music Month became an official celebration statewide in New Jersey. Guided by Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr., gospel music continues to thrive and Newark remains the Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey!

Music is a universal language. Gospel music stirs, invigorates, lifts, inspires, and connects with the inner spirits of humanity. Every genre of American music so appreciated and loved throughout the world has its roots in gospel music.

Those who know Dr. Lewis know he leads every conversation with his favorite word, “victory,” reminding us that victory is ours. Befitting the founding father of Gospel Music Month, it is also fitting that we sing, “In The Name of Jesus We Have the Victory!”

On any given day, at any given time, you will hear the sounds of gospel music throughout the city. From Mahalia Jackson, Inez Andrews, Rev. James Cleveland, Pastor Darryl Coley, Edwin Hawkins, Rev. Dr. Shirley Caesar, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and so many more— we say, “Thank you” to Dr. Albert Lewis Jr. for his vision and selfless service in keeping us singing gospel music.

Dr. Lewis says, “Our purpose is to preserve the tradition of gospel music, teaching and instructing generations now and to come.” Let us celebrate Gospel Music Month in the Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey, Newark, and beyond.

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Proposed New Symphony Hall Artist Rendering

Photo: newarksymphonyhall.org

Newark Symphony Hall: The Soul of Newark

By Brit Harley

THE TEMPLE

Built by Shriners International in 1925 for $2 million as the Salaam Temple (later known as the Mosque Theatre), Symphony Hall is more than just an ornate physical structure—it truly has a soul. Music icons Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and others have performed there. After the Shriners, Symphony Hall changed ownership. According to Preservation New Jersey, the Hall suffered financial troubles after the Great Depression and was sold at a sheriff’s sale in 1933 to Prudential Life Insurance Co. However, by 1938 Symphony Hall experienced a 20-year run of great success and critical acclaim.

In July 1964, the municipal council voted to allocate $340,000 to acquire and rehabilitate the venue and a leasing agreement was made between the City of Newark and Symphony Hall. The nonprofit organization included “many of the city’s leaders in the industry, business, finance, and the professions” according to the 1964 New York Times article “Newark Pledges $340,000 To Arts; Mosque Theater Would Be Transformed Into Center.” Fifty-one years after its opening day, on a cold Friday in January 1976, an official press release came from the Newark Public Information Office entitled “City to Seek Ways to Repair and Reopen Symphony Hall.” The auditorium was being closed due to electrical system defects. Despite these challenges, Newark Business Administrator William H. Walls predicted “it will come back bigger and better,” and it did! Newark Symphony Hall was added to The National Registry of Historic Places in 1977.

“Black music is American music,” says current president & CEO Taneisha Nash Laird. “And so, it resonates well beyond us. And I think Symphony Hall is symbolic of that.”

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

NEWARK SYMPHONY HALL

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Countless legends and cultural icons have graced the venue, including Sarah Vaughn, Amiri Baraka, The Temptations, Patti Labelle, and Alvin Ailey, to name a few. “The very first Black performer to perform at Symphony Hall was Marian Anderson in 1940. So when you think of Symphony Hall and Black music, it’s not just R&B; it’s opera and classical. It’s Rock with Jimi Hendrix,” said Nash Laird. “One of the most iconic images of Aretha Franklin is at Newark Symphony Hall, sitting at the dressing room mirror. Jimi Hendrix performed at the Hall on April 5, 1968, the day after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Newark Symphony Hall’s true legacy has always been about centering the community. The venue played an essential role in the 1970 election of Newark’s first African-American mayor, Kenneth Gibson. “When the late great Amiri Baraka was campaigning for Ken Gibson, had all these people come to Newark Symphony Hall. He had Isaac Hayes, Harry Belafonte, and Dustin Hoffman,” Nash Laird explained. “Newark Symphony Hall was central in the election of our first African-American mayor of a northeastern city. That’s what I think about—the music, of course, but I think about all the things the music helped advance in terms of humanity.” If you rode past this incredible place over the last two decades or so, it would have been easy to miss the legacy that lives within the walls of Symphony Hall. Despite the challenges of the 20th century, the vision pressed on.

SANKOFA Exclusively led by men for more than 90 years, in 2018, Newark Performing Arts Corporation recruited social change agent and former executive director of the Arts Council of Princeton Taneshia Nash Laird to helm another turnaround a century in the making. Nash Laird is the first Black woman to lead one of Newark’s oldest, theater-sized performing arts spaces and the only Black woman leading a performance arts center in New Jersey. “Our mission is all about utilizing our historic venue for economic opportunity and development in Newark. I think that’s definitely a unique mission for a performing arts center. But also, wellness when you think about the arts.” She said.

Nash Laird’s background in the arts started at 13 when she toted her black and white marble composition notebook full of her rhymes everywhere. “So, I’m literally growing up hip hop, in the sense that I was the person who got my start in hip hop. And now I’m running a multimillion-dollar performing arts center.” Nash Laird’s first job was director of media relations at Planet Rock Music. While in college, she hosted a Time Warner cable show called New York Rap. It was there hip hop legend DJ Marley Marl brought hip hop icons Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly, Al’Terik “Mr. Funke” Warrick, and Anthony “Lord Jazz” Colston—Newark’s Lords of The Underground—on their first album’s promotional run. These humble and exciting beginnings were the primer for Nash Laird’s work today. In her first two years as CEO, she bolstered the venue’s programming, responded to community needs, and announced plans to restore the vintage concert hall in a $50 million renovation. The goal is to leverage the renovation for revitalization in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. The global lockdown presented unprecedented challenges, navigating grief and loss, even losing a staff member who served the organization for a decade. Like other performance spaces, Symphony Hall faced the huge financial challenge of the disappearance of revenue from event-rentals and ticket sales. In addressing the global economic downturn and advancing its capital campaign in October 2020, Newark Symphony Hall announced a Black-led investment committee whose role is to shape oversight policy and provide fund-management guidance.

While huddled in place during the lockdown, Symphony Hall incubated fresh new initiatives like #EmbraceNewark,

Taneshia Nash Laird, President & CEO, Newark Symphony Hall

newarksymphonyhall.org

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

an artist-activated initiative featuring photos, footage, and writings by ten local Black artists documenting their pandemic experiences. #EmbraceNewark is responsible for the 2020 creative project “Symphony of Survival.” Under the creative direction of Newark poet and author Jasmine Mans, the project archived mourning, protest, and survival to honor the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were both murdered by police. #EmbraceNewark also facilitates resources for food distribution, personal protective equipment, wellness checks, and online artistic programming designed to engage and inform. “Newark is predominantly Black and Brown. To be able to provide opportunities in this space, it feels amazing to center the cultural community of Newark in the work that I’m doing,” says Nash Laird. The historical and cultural impact of Newark Symphony Hall is reflected through new opportunities and projects. The Lab is a performing arts business incubator and career accelerator program that will support people in the community to build careers on and off the stage. This summer, registration will open to participate at no cost. Yendor Theatre Company, co-founded by Andrew Binger and the late Rodney Gilbert in Newark, New Jersey, is the first company-in-residence of The Lab initiative where they will be producing Black Terror by award-winning playwright and Newark-born screenwriter Richard Wesley. The play will be co-produced by WACO Theatre Center based in Los Angeles, co-founded by actor Richard Lawson and philanthropist Tina Knowles-Lawson. Andrew Binger, protégé of Rodney Gilbert, will be the artistic director of Black Terror. Binger was also a mentee of Laird through the Victoria Emerging Leaders Program at Rutgers Business School’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. “To be able to kind of put that together and to be that connector, I think that is the role I was meant to play. So, what I feel is pride,” said Nash Laird.

Another new initiative, “The Soul of Newark Symphony Hall,” is a production celebrating the Hall and Black Newark. Directed and curated by Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, the multimedia production will include narration, reenactments of oral histories, music, and cinematic and photographic montage. Per Nash Laird, “‘The Soul of Newark Symphony Hall’ explores the connections between the social, cultural, and political lives of Black Newark, with the transformational space at the hall.”

In April 2021, the Hall launched the interview series “Homegrown,” hosted by creative force Citi Medina. “Homegrown” celebrates and shares the stories of prominent artists and entertainers born and raised in Newark. The series includes Tony® Award-winning actress and longtime R&B recording artist Melba Moore, James Mtume & Tawatha Agee, Robert “Kool” Bell (Kool & the Gang), and next Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly from Lords of the Underground, a direct connection to Laird’s humble beginnings in music.

On Juneteenth, the organization partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for “Brotherhood Week: A Juneteenth Celebration,” which sought to revive the Black Experience through visual and performing arts. The program was streamed across Symphony Hall’s social media platforms and Newark public access TV. Legendary radio personality and co-founder of Black Music Month Dyana Williams was also honored in a special event in late June.

The restoration of Newark Symphony Hall has been decades in the making. The $50 million effort is a three-phase project expected to create 500 jobs and assist 50 local small businesses. The exterior

renovation will complete on the 100thyear celebration of the venue in 2025 with plans to reimagine the marquee that was there during the 1960s and 70s.

THE ROAD TO 100 YEARS The restoration of Newark Symphony Hall has been decades in the making. The $50 million effort is a threephase project expected to create 500 jobs and assist 50 local small businesses. The exterior renovation will complete on the 100th-year celebration of the venue in 2025 with plans to reimagine the marquee that was there during the 1960s and 70s.

If it were up to Nash Laird, she would love to have all of the living legends who once performed at Newark Symphony Hall return. “I’m looking forward to us having a full year of celebrating our centennial,” she said. “But I also have this image and vision that we are making future legends. The people we’re going to put on the stage now are the people I hope 50 years later people will say, ‘Oh, my goodness, can you believe so and so performed there?’ I want us to continue the place we’ve always had. I know when the Deltas helped bring the Supremes back to Symphony Hall… in 1967—who would have ever thought I’d be talking about that so many years later? Those are the types of things I want [to do]. I want us to be creating more history.”

Brit Harley is the co-founder of the Newark News & Story Collaborative and a 2020–2021 John S. Knight Community Impact Fellow at Stanford University.

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Lincoln Park

Building on History, Gospel, Jazz, and the Legacy of Soulful House Music By James Frazier

Lincoln Park Music Festival 2016 LeAndria Johnson Gospel in the Park Lincoln Park Music Festival 2019

Lincoln Park has played an important role in Newark’s African-American history. Jazz singer Sarah Vaughn grew up blocks away from the park on Brunswick Street. Her family was active in old Mount Zion Baptist Church at 186 Thomas Street (which split in 1945 and a portion of the congregation founded the Park Presbyterian Church at 208 Broadway). The Black Church has always been a pillar in the Newark Black music experience, with a vibrant history in gospel music.

Gospel singer, songwriter, and Grammy Award-winning producer Rev. Milton Biggham, the former senior pastor of Newark’s Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, explained, “Everybody you can possibly think of that’s over 30 or 40 has come out of the church. The church has produced gospel and gospel has produced almost everything else—particularly Black artists—and they have influenced just about everything that’s being done today.”

One aspect of Lincoln Park’s hidden past is “the redlight district,” a series of bars and jazz lounges that stretched down to Branford Place. Only blocks away from the old South Park Presbyterian Church, the juxtaposition of gospel and the red-light district’s jazz scene was as controversial and contradictory as a Billie Holiday “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” lyric. “It’s the evolution of music,” said Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, co-pastor of Unity Fellowship Church NewArk for almost three years and senior pastor at Unity Fellowship Church New Brunswick for 12 years. “Jazz is directly inspired by gospel the way hip hop and R&B are inspired by jazz. You can hear the influence. You can hear it in the bridges of the music. When Black artists were done performing in Newark at 1:00 a.m. there were only one or two places where they could all hang out.”

Today, the City of Newark’s Office of Clergy Affairs, led by Director of Churchwide Affairs at Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree, not only embraces its gospel roots, but uses faith to “reclaim, restore, and revive” its communities citywide. Of the evolution of gospel music Rev. Rountree said, “Organs have not always been in the church. Pianos haven’t always been in the church. At some point there were no drums. When the Pentecostal movement came along it was like ‘Oh, my!’” She added, “Then you had Sister Rosetta Tharpe come along and It was just a different form of gospel. She made it feel like you brought the club to the church!”Rountree continued, “And here comes Kirk Franklin and turns the world upside down. Let’s go back before then to the Clark Sisters. Romans 12:2 says ‘Be not conformed…’ I know we’re not supposed to conform, but how do you get the world to transform?”

Other churches in Lincoln Park include 1,300 plus member St. James A.M.E Church (with campuses in Newark and South Orange); Churches in Cooperation, Inc.; and New Ark Cathedral Lincoln Park. Along Broad Street in downtown Newark, you’ll find New Point Baptist Church; Grace Episcopal Church; and Old First Presbyterian Church, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad and has tunnels that exist even today.

The spirit, activism, and soul of gospel have always existed in Newark. Nearly 20 years after the 1967 riots, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural non-profit was formed to plan, design, and develop a vibrant and comprehensive cultural arts district in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of downtown Newark. Their arts and culture programming represent Newark’s robust musical history while pushing toward an innovative and progressive future. Its popular, week-long Lincoln Park Music Festival (boasting 50,000 attendees over a weekend) continues Newark’s tradition of gospel music in an outdoor, “revival” style experience. The highly-attended House Music Day, which garners over 20,000 fans alone, picks up where

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

WBGO: What’s Going On? The Next 40 Years at Newark’s Radio Station

Picture this: a colorful street filled with laughter, dancing, and soulful jazz sounds wafting in the air. From the 1940s to early 1960s, this imagery was the norm for cities like Newark, New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit on any given Saturday night. It was not uncommon for a place like Newark’s Halsey Street to be lined with jazz clubs sixty or seventy years ago much like the theater district in New York City. Many scholars have noted that jazz started in New Orleans as a mixture of Spanish, European classical music, and African influences. The French military also had a significant impact on jazz, including parade drums and horns, creating a one-of-a-kind sound.

Newark’s homegrown WBGO 88.3 FM is the home and history-keeper of jazz in the tri-state region and around the world online. Returning to the fold as its newly appointed president & CEO is Steve Williams, a 25-year public radio and jazz radio veteran who previously served as director of Programming at WBGO. On jazz, Williams remarked, “It’s just an ebb and flow thing, but there has to be a release and I think jazz music for the artists, as well as fans of the music, historically provided a form of release.”

When it comes to Black protest music, before there was a Marvin Gaye singing about the societal ills going on in the community, there was jazz. Williams said, “Historically, jazz musicians were some of the first civil rights activists, they not only went to places they were not welcomed into, but they also traveled all over the country.” He continued, “Because jazz was primarily represented by Black musicians, it was seen as radical by white people and others [some of whom were Black], because it’s a secular music. Jazz artists were conveying something new, [therefore] many would consider them as activists in their own right. Eventually this activism became more overt during the civil rights movement.”

Because of the nouveau sounds of jazz, it became more

By Habeebah Yasin

Steven A. Williams WBGO President & CEO

popular in the early 1900s with people like Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, and Louis Armstrong performing. The familiarity and deep connection might explain why there is an emergence of younger jazz musicians and audiences in the Caribbean in Cuba and Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. Younger, rising superstars in the genre like smooth jazz violinist Damien Escobar, Kamasi Washington, Nubya Garcia, Kendrick Scott Oracle, and Jazzmeia Horn are pushing the boundaries and filling theaters and jazz festivals. Additionally, thanks to the recent slew of historical biopics such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020); Billie Holiday Vs United States (2021); and Bessie (2015), starring Newark’s own Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens, there is a new generation of youth discovering the lineage of jazz through its forefather—the blues.

As for the future of WBGO, Williams’ vision builds on the station’s celebration of jazz and commitment to diversity in a rapidly changing, new media environment. William noted, “WBGO is truly unique—its origins, mission, and place in the world. It’s the only jazz station in the New York metropolitan area.” First up, an exciting, new WBGO initiative called WBGO Studios, a podcasting production unit, in order to create and establish a digital presence online and allow for more international audiences. WBGO Studios will also develop new talent in the podcast arena, as well as seek to help strengthen already existing podcasts in the community. For Black Music Month, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (June 20); Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (June 27); The Pulse with Keanna Faircloth spotlighted singer-songwriter Aaron Myers (June 23),

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Public/Private Partnerships

It Takes a Village to Sustain a Vibrant Arts City

By James Frazier

COVID-19 showed us in 2020 is that historically underfunded communities and community-based organizations of color were hardest hit by the economic downturn. In New Jersey, the coronavirus pandemic devastated the arts industry, costing the creative economy business $3.9 billion in revenue; 73,640 people lost their jobs. As part of the global response, some corporate sponsors and funders re-thought their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies; and others continued or increased their tradition of giving to underserved and marginalized populations of creatives.

In Newark, Bank of America has expanded its support of Black Film Festival to include the Newark Museum of Art at Home programs and activities. The program launched in April 2020 and brings art, science, and cultural experiences to people online. The PNC Foundation forms partnerships with local nonprofit organizations to expand educational opportunities and promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives. Audible is the fastest-growing employer in the city of Newark. The organization thinks about its neighborhood investments and how to contribute to the tech and innovation ecosystem, which is key in a virtual world where galleries have been closed due to the pandemic. Art spaces like Akwaaba Gallery in the West Ward and even 2019’s citywide Newark Arts Festival resorted to apps and virtual gallery experiences while potential patrons sheltered in place. The Prudential Foundation has aided the arts, business, and the community by playing a notable role in Newark’s redevelopment. In addition, their foundation supports local arts and cultural organizations and projects throughout the city, such as New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark Symphony Hall, Newark Public Library, Newark Museum of Arts, WBGO, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Newark Arts, and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.

Other funders and grant-making organizations include Newark Arts, Victoria Foundation, NJ CARES Act Funding via NJSCA, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, NJ State Council on the Arts, Momentum Fund of United Philanthropy Forum, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Resilience Fund, Turrell Fund, Bank of America, TD Bank, Verizon, M&T Bank, PSEG, Hanini Group, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. PSEG’s Newark Arts Emergency Grant, made possible by funding from the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund, is a need-based minigrant of $1,000. The grant provides financial support to individual artists to create music, dance, theatre, film, visual, and literary art projects.

In January 2020, Mayor Baraka announced the creation of the the City of Newark’s first arts grant program, the Creative Catalyst Fund, to ensure that the arts continue to thrive. The fund will provide up to $1 million dollars annually for at least the next three years, beginning with $750,000 provided by the City in 2020 to seed the initiative.

Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is the title sponsor for NJPAC’s “Sounds of the City,” a free, popular, outdoor concert series that brings residents together every week in Chambers Plaza. Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is made possible through a collaboration between NJPAC and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and their mutual dedication to providing the community with access to enriching resources, including exceptional entertainment. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of the arts in New Jersey across a variety of disciplines including music, opera, theater, dance and visual arts with a strong emphasis on arts education programming.

The arts cannot happen without financial support, period. While our arts organizations and working artists of all disciplines are driving the culture and creativity forward, it would not be possible without the ongoing financial support from anchor corporate institutions, foundations and grant-making organizations at a national, state and local level. We are grateful for the funders and supporters that keep the arts alive in Newark, New Jersey and leading the way.

James Frazier is the executive producer and resident reporter with the Newark News & Story Collaborative and creative director of The Vision Room.

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culturee

The Newark Museum of Art: Where Community, Creativity & Curiosity Ignite

By Kira Jones

Newark has always been a great cultural city. Residents and visitors of Newark move to the beats of house music, hip hop, jazz, and gospel to survive and thrive in the hustle and bustle of the largest city in New Jersey. This is a city where creativity, art, and collaboration are almost inherent characteristics. These characteristics do not stop at the citizens rather, they are part of the fabric of the arts institutions that serve the community. The recently re-branded Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is no exception. The State of New Jersey’s largest museum is home to large artworks of Global Africa and Asia, American art, arts of the Ancient Mediterranean, decorative arts, collections, a planetarium, the historic Ballantine House, and so much more. NMOA is a must visit when planning a trip to downtown Newark’s arts and entertainment district. Linda C. Harrison, the museum’s eighth director and CEO and first African-American director, has a unique purview and understanding of the museum’s connection to Black Music Month and Juneteenth. The Newark Museum of Art began as The Newark Museum at the Newark Library in 1909 by librarian and reformer John Cotton Dana. It is under Harrison’s rebranding of the museum we can see a greater focus on the arts. “I began my career in the corporate realm, but after noticing an imbalance in visibility pertaining to arts organizations, my relationship with the discipline blossomed,” said Harrison.

The Newark Museum of Art has a long history of understanding the interdependencies of visual art and music as exemplified from programming such as Creative Play, Painting of Music, Musical Arts of Asia, and most recently, FORSA!: A Journey Through African Art, Music, and Culture. The museum continues to reach out for partnerships uplifting all artistic expressions and holds a deep commitment to local artists. Harrison recalls the 2016 collection galleries dedicated to Native artists of North America. This debut consisted of performances by the Lenape Drum Circle in addition to traditional singing and dancing. In 2018,

the “Rockies & Alps: Bierstadt, Calame, and the Romance of the Mountains” exhibition featured a traditional Alphorn musician playing throughout the galleries. The music roaming the halls of the museum exemplified inclusivity, spirit, and wonder with the recurring sounds of Miles Davis, Alabama Shakes, Tango Chill Out, and many more. The Newark Museum of Art marked its second year of Juneteenth celebrations. This program, Juneteenth Community Day, works to amplify the importance of Juneteenth in American history. Harrison said, “The arts on this day are used not only to tell the story of and celebrate Black culture, but to cultivate conversations on how to ‘activate change in the present and future.’” Last year’s celebration focused on the power and relevancy of rap, one of the greatest contributions of Black culture, in conjunction with equality. This year’s celebration was virtual and focused on art and the Linda C. Harrison, symbolism of stepping in the Black community. Director and CEO On June 17th, 2021, the museum opened the 2021 New Jersey Arts Annual: ReVision and Respond on site. This features artworks by 45 artists representing 14 counties from across the Garden State. Harrison also shared that in early 2022, Yale University Professor of Anthropology and African American Studies Aimee Meredith Cox will activate artist Saya Woolfalk’s one-person exhibition with a collaborative dance performance involving the Newark community. Under Linda C. Harrison’s leadership, the Newark Museum of Art is committed to continuing the legacy of and contribution to Newark’s future as a “destination city for arts, education, and entertainment.”

Danielle Scott Is ThIs All We’re MAde Of?, 2019 Acrylic paint, artist panel board, spent bullet shells, spatula, drain 20 x 10 x 3 in. Courtesy of the artist

Kira Jones is a resident-reporter with the Newark News and Story Collaborative. Kira is also the founder of the DOTUM (Daughter of the Urban Mind) Foundation dedicated to involving youth in learning the skills needed to serve the cities we live in.

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TPC SPECIAL SECTIONCelebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture |TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & CultureTPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating Newark’s Black Music & Culture

GRAMMY MUSEUM

cont’d from page 10 WBGO WBGO

cont’d from page 18 cont’d from page 18 GRAMMY MUSEUM

cont’d from page 10

tial Financial. Since 2018, the Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center has partnered with Prudential Financial—a proud, founding partner of the museum—to create a series of five murals throughout Newark’s five wards. In tune with the city’s soul and love of the arts, both the Grammy Museum Experience and anchor institution Prudential Financial understand the power of public art to uplift, heal, and celebrate culture and history. The first two murals include the West Ward’s Wyclef Jean by artist FABS and the Central Ward’s Whitney Houston by artist Maude Lemaire, which is composed of more than 1,000 lbs. of hand-cut glass.

While COVID has temporarily halted in-person visits to the museum, Conklin expressed gratitude for the museum’s transition to virtual engagement. “There’s a silver lining in everything, and that’s the one we found. We’re now able to create content and reach a larger audience, but we do look forward to getting back to seeing people in our space,” he joked. Although there is no confirmed date, the Grammy Museum Experience will re-open its doors in the Fall of 2021, with new exhibits underway. “We are expecting a very big, exciting new exhibit in October,” Conklin revealed. “The exact date is being worked out, but it will be by the end of September.”

with Sheila and bassist Endea Owens (June 30). Salon Sessions Anderson restarted for the first time since the pandemic began with an exploration of Nicholas Payton’s #BAM movement; and Take Five put a focus on new releases by African American artists. While we can celebrate the iconic sounds of jazz music, we must also acknowledge the need for diversity and inclusion. Williams highlighted that jazz can be a more inclusive space for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In response, WBGO is cultivating the space for a more inclusive jazz experience through their podcasts. Habeebah Yasin, whose pronouns are she/her/they, is a Black Muslim woman who cares about social justice issues, including Black people’s plight in the United States and women’s rights issues. Habeebah is a resident-reporter with the Newark News & Story Collaborative. and bassist Endea Owens (June 30). Salon Sessions with Sheila tial Financial. Since 2018, the Grammy Museum Experience Anderson restarted for the first time since the pandemPrudential Center has partnered with Prudential Finanic began with an exploration of Nicholas Payton’s #BAM cial—a proud, founding partner of the museum—to create movement; and Take Five put a focus on new releases by a series of five murals throughout Newark’s five wards. In African American artists.tune with the city’s soul and love of the arts, both the Gram-

While we can celebrate the iconic sounds of jazz music, my Museum Experience and anchor institution Prudential we must also acknowledge the need for diversity and incluFinancial understand the power of public art to uplift, heal, sion. Williams highlighted that jazz can be a more inclusive and celebrate culture and history. The first two murals inspace for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. clude the West Ward’s Wyclef Jean by artist FABS and the In response, WBGO is cultivating the space for a more incluCentral Ward’s Whitney Houston by artist Maude Lemaire, sive jazz experience through their podcasts. which is composed of more than 1,000 lbs. of hand-cut glass.

While COVID has temporarily halted in-person visits to Habeebah Yasin, whose pronouns are she/her/they, is a Black the museum, Conklin expressed gratitude for the museum’s Muslim woman who cares about social justice issues, including transition to virtual engagement. “There’s a silver lining in Black people’s plight in the United States and women’s rights iseverything, and that’s the one we found. We’re now able sues. Habeebah is a resident-reporter with the Newark News & to create content and reach a larger audience, but we do Story Collaborative.look forward to getting back to seeing people in our space,” he joked. Although there is no confirmed date, the Grammy Museum Experience will re-open its doors in the Fall of 2021, with new exhibits underway. “We are expecting a very big, exciting new exhibit in October,” Conklin revealed.

“The exact date is being worked out, but it will be by the end of September.”

Sana Atiya is a resident reporter with the Newark News and Lincoln Park Story Collaborative. She is a mom, creative, and Newark resident. cont’d from page 16 Lincoln ParkSana Atiya is a resident reporter with the Newark News and cont’d from page 16Story Collaborative. She is a mom, creative, and Newark resident.

another Newark cultural institution, Club Zanzibar, left off -when it closed in 2007. “Newark’s history is gospel, jazz, dis co, house [music], hip hop!” explained Rev. Kevin E. Taylor. -“I’m blessed to now be in Newark and know what house mu sic means to this world.” -According to Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District Ex ecutive Director Anthony Smith, the organization has set their sights on legacy building. “Art and culture are in the center of our process of healing our community. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a hybrid of social justice, arts, sustainability, and building wealth amongst our community. -We’re more than a festival. We build houses. We do job train ing, community farming, and community engagement.” In the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is the legacy keeper of the gospel, jazz, and now -house music history and culture in this downtown commu nity, building a foundation for what will become a “music Whitney Houston Mural with artist Maude Lemairevillage” with future expansion plans on the horizon. another Newark cultural institution, Club Zanzibar, left off when it closed in 2007. “Newark’s history is gospel, jazz, disco, house [music], hip hop!” explained Rev. Kevin E. Taylor. “I’m blessed to now be in Newark and know what house music means to this world.”

According to Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District Executive Director Anthony Smith, the organization has set their sights on legacy building. “Art and culture are in the center of our process of healing our community. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a hybrid of social justice, arts, sustainability, and building wealth amongst our community. We’re more than a festival. We build houses. We do job training, community farming, and community engagement.” In the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is the legacy keeper of the gospel, jazz, and now house music history and culture in this downtown community, building a foundation for what will become a “music village” with future expansion plans on the horizon.Whitney Houston Mural with artist Maude Lemaire

Tribute to the Late Dr. Roy Hastick

Photo: Seitu Oronde Photo: Renee Hastick Standing: L–R: Angela Sealy, Anne Marie Stanislaus, Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Bishop Cecil Riley, Davond Motes, Brandon St. Louis; Front Center: Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick and Norma Hastick, sister of Dr. Roy Hastick

Dr. Hastick’s daughters: Camille Hastick and Renee Hastick-Motes Brooklyn Street Renamed in His Honor

DR. BRENDA M. GREENE COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK CARIB NEWS

On Saturday, May 8, 2021, supporters and well-wishers came together for the joyful gathering on the corner of Caton and Flatbush Avenues to celebrate the life of Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. and the street renaming ceremony in his honor. Local politicians, leaders, community members, and family did not let the inclement weather stop them from commemorating the late Caribbean entrepreneur and leader.

Born in St. David’s, Grenada on May 10, 1950, the celebration was timely and a great way to continue honoring his life. Dr. Hastick founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) in 1985. He passed away on April 8, 2020.

Sponsor of the name change, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene said Hastick was an outstanding community leader, entrepreneur, and mentor to many people in Brooklyn throughout his career. “He was a true visionary and a dear friend of the community. His dedication was undeterred by the health struggles he faced in his later years and reinforced his unique legacy of public service.”

Assemblymember Diana Richardson said, “Through his many affiliations and his leadership, Dr. Hastick was and remains a pillar of Central Brooklyn. He leaves behind a loving family, a grateful community, and a legacy of accomplishments that will endure and serve as an inspiration for the generations to come. We honor his contributions today and rename this street as a lasting tribute to his life of service.”

His wife, Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick, a long-time professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Founder of the Social Work Degree program at Medgar Evers College, was a beacon of light and pride at the ceremony. She and her daughter, Camille Hastick, gave remarks on behalf of the entire family. Former NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop and Rockaway Business Alliance International PR Board Chair Rose Guerrier shared as co-hosts of the event.

Also in attendance were elected officials and special guests including Congressmember Yvette Clarke, NY State Senator Kevin Parker, NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie, NY State Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Borough President Eric Adams, and NYC Councilmembers Dr. Mathieu Eugene and Robert Cornegy.

Dr. Brenda M. Greene is a professor of English and founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York

L - R: Rolanda Telesford, Tamara Ivey, Davond Motes, Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

Photo: Seitu Oronde

His wife, Dr. Eda HarrisHastick, holding poster honoring Dr. Hastick’s life

Photo: Anna Rathkopk-Motes Camille Hastick and Renee Hastick-Motes

Grandchildren – L–R: Elijah Williams; Nevaeh Motes; Denise Motes; Brandi Chew; Ryan Chew; and Davond Motes, Jr.

President and CEO Darrell Terry and staff at unveiling President and CEO, Darrell Terry unveils project name

Newark Beth Israel Names Expansion Project “Newark Strong”

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center announced the name of the hospital’s facility expansion project, “Newark Strong.” The $150 million expansion project will include a new 17,000-squarefoot, glass-enclosed main lobby; expanded adult and pediatric emergency departments; new hybrid operating rooms; and a dedicated center for all cardiac services. It’s the largest expansion of the facility in more than 50 years.

“This is such an exciting time for our employees, physicians, and community. This inclusive project will transform our hospital and spark investment in the South Ward. Our employees, physicians, nurses, and community voted and they chose a name that captures what this project means to our neighbors as well as our staff,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president and chief executive officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. Throughout the construction phase of the project, the hospital will prominently display the name on a banner located on the corner of Osborne Terrace and Lyons Avenue, right in front of the hospital.

Residents can find more information about the project by visiting: rwjbh.org/nbiexpansion.

(L-R) Marilyn Monroe Harris, Darrell Terry and Atiya Jaha-Rashidi

Campaigning for Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, Esq. stopped by Greater File Baptist Church in Harlem where he was invited to deliver remarks.

NYC Parks Open with The National Black Theatre and New York Philharmonic Festival

The National Black Theatre and the New York Philharmonic joined together to bring culture back to Harlem and to New York City. NY PHIL BANDWAGON performed at Marcus Garvey Park, May 15, 2021. Some of the events during May 14–16 included performances by Paul Beaubrun, Sing Harlem Choir, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, violinist Curtis Stewart, soprano Laquita Mitchell and The Harlem Chamber Players, and more.

Murals —some designed by Julia Cocuzza— were on the state-of-the art shipping container soundstage that hosted over 100 artists and 39 performances across four boroughs throughout the month of May. The artwork was conceptualized in collaboration with community partners: The National Black Theatre, Institute for Action Arts, A Better Jamaica, El Puente Presente, Flushing Town Hall, and Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education.

Performances took place from a mobile, 20-foot shipping container at Domino Park in Brooklyn, Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan, Father Gigante Plaza in the Bronx, and St. Albans Park in Queens. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo returned as creator and executive producer. Over four weeks, the Philharmonic and its partners presented a total of 39 performances by more than 100 artists, spanning artistic disciplines from reggae, jazz, and opera to dance, poetry, theater, film, and visual art.

WHAT’S

GOING ON

50TH ANNIVERSARY

By Ron Scott

While the United States has acknowledged June as Black Music Month since 1979, it is important to understand it is celebrated 365 days per year 24/7—like Black History Month. Black music is the conscientious soul of America; it is the music that came to this country in shackles. Before we heard Black music that threw down, got down, bebopped, and hip hopped, we heard the moans, groans, grunts, screams, and shouts of our ancestors as they

were stolen from their Motherland through that Door of No Return on Gorée Island (off the coast of the city of Dakar,

Senegal). They were packed like cattle or looted bounty onto dark, wooden caverns called slave ships where they were

brutalized with the regularity of each ocean wave crashing against those ships of inhumanity.

Once reaching the plantations of these American shores, those sounds were transformed to ring shout prayer grunts and screams and moved first to the cotton fields, then to call and response that became part of the Baptist Church as the pastor paced back and forth with the sermon of the day shouting, “Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.” As the deacon responded, “Preach on Rev, we hear you. Let the congregation say, ‘Amen,’” and they responded, “Amen!”

Ray Charles and the Raelettes combined call and response (transformed into R&B and soul music) with that distinct cadence of a Baptist preacher and brought them from juke joints all the way to Carnegie Hall. Those moans, grunts, and screams became a signature for James Brown, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley (these sounds transgressed to rock and roll/ R&B music, soul, gospel, and funk). Those loud screeches from the tenor saxaphones of Wild Bill Moore and Illinois Jacquet became the sounds of jazz music.

Oddly enough, the Motown sound was not known for its moanin’, groanin’ or shouts; it was a distinctive, smooth groove that instigated finger snappin’ and a head bobbing thing. The most significant album in the Motown Records catalog is Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (Motown Tamla 1971), celebrating its 50th anniversary during this Black Music Month. Gaye’s What’s Going On represented the intense possibilities of the August 28, 1963 historical March on Washington, the anger and gritty truth of the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the faith of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (Impulse! 1965), the courage of the Memphis sanitation workers strike (slogan “I Am A Man”) from February 12–April 16, 1968, and the confident prospects of today’s Black Lives Matter movement. All nine-compositions written by

Today, in 2021, the lyrics of “What’s Going On” are regretfully true: “Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of you dying/You know we’ve got to find a way/to bring some loving here today…” And from “Save the Children”—“Who really cares/who is willing to try/… to save a world/that is destined…to die/…Jesus made this world for us to live in and all he asks is that we give each other love.” The genius of Marvin Gaye. Can mere mortals live up to his expectations? What’s going on?

Motown’s Studio A, a.k.a “The Snakepit,” where What’s Going On was recorded

Gaye cover the spectrum of Black music culture from Negro spirituals to R&B and jazz, along with classical orchestration and arrangements.

Gaye’s What’s Going On, united masses of people around the world, similar to the protests in Minnesota that sparked international demonstrations after the brutal, police killing of George Floyd. The last cut on the album, “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Want To Holler),” is the 50-year connection to 2021with lyrics “Make me want to holler the way they do my life/….bills pile up sky high/…hang ups let downs, bad breaks set backs/trigger happy policeman.” Say their names Ronald Greene, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Eleanor Bumpurs (1984), Henry Dumas (1968), and Tamir Rice.

“Save the Children” is both an emotional plea and a warning, “Little children today are really going to suffer tomorrow/what a shame such a bad way to live/who is to blame/ live for life but let live everybody/live life for the children.” This song can be juxtaposed with “Inner City Blues” as Gaye relates to a better life for our children so they are not shot in their cribs or caught in the middle of gang violence on the way home from school. They are all children of God. “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)” mourns the destruction of the environment in a modernized society, “Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas/fish full of mercury.” “Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)” reflected the heroin epidemic that still quietly exists today.

The critics described this album as one of the first “concept” albums. This is far from just any R&B concept album. This is the genius of Gaye putting into music the inequities he witnessed as a Black man in America and his pleas for humanity to come together as one. He is armed with nine songs of introspective lyrics that explore themes of police brutality, drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War.

He was credited with igniting awareness of ecological issues before it became a national public concern. The songs all segued into the next; like life, the music was ongoing. Its purpose, to keep listeners connected in the moment. What’s Going On is a far cry from his previous cries of “Baby, Baby, Baby,” “Hitchhike,” or “Pride and Joy.” Gaye chose a few, select members of Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers, for this recording that included Detroit’s versatile music legend, keyboardist Earl Van Dyke; Wild Bill Moore played a memorable tenor saxophone riff on the song “Mercy, Mercy Me”; the funk vibe on “Inner City Blues” is consumed by bass riffs composed and performed by bassist Bob Babbitt; and James Jamerson (who studied with Detroit icon pianist and composer Barry Harris) played bass on the rest.

What’s Going On was Gaye’s eleventh studio album, his first to reach the Billboard Top LPs top ten, and stayed on the chart for over a year. It sold more than two million copies within twelve months of its release, becoming Motown and Gaye’s best-selling album to that date.

Throughout the album there is Gaye’s emotional gospel plea advising people to “come together” on “Wholy Holy” and “God Is Love,” the latter states, “true love can conquer hate every time.”

Today, in 2021, the lyrics of “What’s Going On” are regretfully true: “Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of you dying/You know we’ve got to find a way/to bring some loving here today…” And from “Save the Children” — “Who really cares/who is willing to try/…to save a world/that is destined…to die/…Jesus made this world for us to live in and all he asks is that we give each other love.” The genius of Marvin Gaye. Can mere mortals live up to his expectations? What’s going on?

Jim Hendin

Iconic Motown Photographer

We were thrilled to locate photographer Jim Hendin, who photographed the iconic cover of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On album. Although the photo has been screen-printed on t-shirts and every other kind of memorabilia honoring the album’s 50-year anniversary, Hendin says he’s not seen a dollar, and hardly anyone has sought his permission for its use. Hendin was kind enough to provide an original print to grace the cover of The Positive Community. Thank you, Mr. Hendin.

Hendin got his first assignment at Motown 1968. “After months of persistence I managed to secure a cover shoot for Sugar and Spice, a Martha Reeves and the Vandellas album,” he recalled. “The thrill and excitement of this first session was unparalleled because it was my first rite of passage into what is warmly referred to as ‘the Motown Family.’” There were many more assignments to come.

Remembering his time at Motown fondly, Hendin said, “Although business was now conducted at the Motown Center Building, a large ten-story affair in the middle of Downtown Detroit, Motown Records and all those connected to it still kept the original sense that we were not simply a big company, but instead, a big, extended family. There really was a family spirit of togetherness and compassion in everything we did. An all for one, one for all cohesiveness that made working for Motown a spectacular experience.”

Over the next seven years, he drew closer and closer to the Motown family, attending parties, press conferences, and recording sessions — each time with camera in tow. He also took many photos in his Detroit studio. Memories flowed as he described the atmosphere. “An always happy Stevie Wonder would be there with his tape recorder and harmonica. The Supremes and The Four Tops would get together as the super group ‘Magnificent Seven’ for an outrageous session complete with cowboy chaps, hats, holsters, and saddles.” He went on to shoot many, many photos for Berry Gordy and Motown—album covers, press, and publicity shots.

The What’s Going On shoot was different. It took place at Gaye’s home. Hendon remembered he was “clicking away,” following Gaye around. When Gaye went into the backyard, he went too. It started to sleet and snow; Hendin kept clicking and caught what has become a world-famous photograph on the front and back covers of one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time. Hendin has been quoted as saying, “It was luck or something stronger we had that day.” Or perhaps it was a great photographer with an eye for the perfect picture. That’s my impression.

Visit http://hendinphoto.com/ to view a range of Motown photographs and some of Hendin’s other work, as well. His work is iconic, his photographs have touched our lives for decades, and they’ve been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

Mary J. Blige Inducted Into Apollo Walk of Fame

The Apollo – the soul of American culture and a globally recognized national treasure – honored nine-time Grammy Award-winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Mary J. Blige, who was inducted into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame on Friday morning, May 28, 20021. The Walk of Fame celebrates and honors the legendary artists who performed on the world-famous nonprofit theater’s stage over the last 87 years,

Ms. Blige joins iconic inductees including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, and most recently, the original Temptations.

Following the success of her debut album, What’s the 411?, nearly 30 years ago, Ms. Blige has continued to be a figure of inspiration, transformation, and empowerment, making her one of the defining voices of contemporary music. She first appeared on Showtime at the Apollo in 1992 with a performance of “You Remind Me,” and went on to appear on the hit series in 1995 and 2001, and at the Apollo with a sold-out concert of her own in 2002. With eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (and 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination among many other accolades, Ms. Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar.

The permanent plaque recognizing Ms. Blige’s cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity in the entertainment business was unveiled during the ceremony.

L–R: Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell, Apollo Theater Board Chair Charles Phillips, Mary J Blige, and Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes

Ms. Blige joins iconic inductees including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, and most recently, the original Temptations.

Education

the art + science of learning

Hezekiah Walker Establishes Center for Gospel Music

The primary goal [...] is for all components of gospel music to work cohesively to blend our vast areas of ability and excellence in the knowledge of the arts

Program Launched at Virginia Union University

The Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University (VUU) launches this month. The academic center is the first of its kind in the United States. It will provide education and resources to help musicians and budding gospel artists learn the cultural and business aspects of gospel music. Courses are available to all VUU students. A variety of certification courses related to work in the industry will be available to the public.

Walker, a second-year student of the Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology said, “The strong theological training I’ve received here at Virginia Union during the past two years has helped to shape my ministry.” He continued, “My goal is to give back to the school that has poured so much into me, by helping emerging gospel artists learn the business, as well as theological aspects of the gospel music industry.”

“Gospel music is an important part of our culture and VUU is honored to partner with Walker to create a central hub for the study, writing, and preservation of gospel music. Walker has poured his spiritual gift and innovative ideas into the development of courses and events planned for the center,” said VUU President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas. “VUU is growing to meet the changing career interests of our students by creating academic programs where the workforce demand is high or where students can explore opportunities in STEM, history, or the arts.”

The primary goal of the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University is for all components of gospel music to work cohesively to blend our vast areas of ability and excellence in the knowledge of the arts. Students will learn through the study of sacred arts and how this relates to African heritage; explore music and worship traditions that promote understanding of biblical texts in faith-building; and participate in several planned live recordings to be produced under the direction of Walker and VUU Choir director and award-winning gospel producer, Elder J. David Bratton.

The center is an extension of Walker’s mantra,

“And Because God is the greatest power, we will not be defeated!”

Medgar Evers President Patricia Ramsey conferred undergraduate and honorary doctoral degrees during a joint commencement ceremony honoring the classes of 2020 and 2021 in this, the college’s historic 51st year. The virtual event on Thursday, June 3, 2021, officially recognized 2,662 students in both graduating classes. “These graduates are resilient innovators who lead by example and demonstrate flexibility and unwavering determination. They truly embody our College’s motto of courage, strength, and fortitude.”

The College awarded honorary degrees to two distinguished individuals whose lives exemplify the College’s shared principles of professional excellence and personal success, and whose achievements reflect the institution’s mission of social and economic justice as well as a commitment to service.

Honorary Degrees Awarded

Michael T. Pugh, president and chief executive officer of Carver Bancorp, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Carver Bancorp is the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered savings bank and the nation’s largest publicly traded African- and CaribbeanAmerican operated bank, with approximately $600 million in assets and 140 employees. Mr. Pugh also serves as a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Community Development Bankers Association, and Madison Square Boys and Girls Club.

Mr. Pugh worked as a bank teller while earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Eastern Michigan University, and he pursued a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Mr. Pugh also earned professional certifications from Babson College and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ziggy Marley, an eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, producer, activist, and humanitarian, will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. The eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley, his legendary career spans 40 years as a musical pioneer, infusing reggae with funk, blues, rock, and other elements. Over the past 15 years, Ziggy has fulfilled a dream inspired by his father— becoming a truly independent artist, owning his own masters and publishing rights.

Championing political and philanthropic causes, Marley served as a Goodwill Youth Ambassador for the United Nations and actively participates in Bob Marley Foundation initiatives worldwide. He founded his own charity, URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization whose mission encompasses building new schools, operating health clinics, and supporting beneficiaries, including One Love Youth Camp, Chepstowe Basic School in Jamaica, and HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles).

Marley recently received the Black Press of America’s prestigious Global Icon Achievement Award. In 2017, his contributions were recognized with the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement, making him the first reggae artist to receive the esteemed award in its more than three-decades.

To the delight of all, Marley delivered a rendition of his father’s 1980 hit, “Redemption Song.” Via Instagram, he revealed that the recognition brought much joy to his mother, Rita Marley.

Honorary Degrees Awarded

Linda Caldwell Epps, Doctor of Humanities

Linda Caldwell Epps, native of Elizabeth, New Jersey; resident of Newark; and granddaughter of the Great Migration came of age in the turbulent 1960s. In college and graduate school, she developed a passion for the history of America, especially for untold histories of our nation. She brought this passion to a career serving the people of New Jersey, first as a leader in higher education and public media, and later as president of the New Jersey Historical Society. During 27 years at Bloomfield College, her roles included vice president for student affairs, dean of students, and vice president for college relations. Consultant to several institutions on diversity and equity in higher education including the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, president and CEO of 1804 Consultants, and a founding member of the Sankofa Collaborative, Epps serves as co-chair of the Revolution NJ Advisory Council, as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding.

Linda also served as a consultant to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and, in New Jersey, to the William Trent House; the Newark Public Library; the Scotch Plains Public Library; the Timbuctoo historical site; Old First Church of Elizabeth; and the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education. Her many honors include the 2019 recipient of the Beulah Oliphant award, presented annually to women in recognition of outstanding contributions to New Jersey history in historic preservation, education, or scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, her master’s from Seton Hall University, and her doctorate from Drew University.

Photo courtesy of Linda J. Caldwell-Epps

Risa Juanita Lavizzo-Mourey, Doctor of Science

Adistinguished advocate for public health, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Population Health and Health Equity Professor, Emerita, at the University of Pennsylvania. President and chief executive officer of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation from 2003 to 2017, Lavizzo-Mourey spearheaded bold initiatives such as creating healthier, more equitable communities. A specialist in geriatrics, she came to the foundation from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the Sylvan Eisman Professor of Medicine and Health Care Systems, director of the Institute on Aging, and chief of geriatric medicine at the School of Medicine. She worked as deputy administrator for the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research under President George H.W. Bush and served as Quality of Care chair for President Bill Clinton’s panels on health care. President Barack Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and she was named a White House Champion of Change. She has an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and an M.B.A. from Wharton School of Business.

A childhood meeting with Martin Luther King Jr. — who in 1966 said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman” — inspired her to broaden her focus beyond healing individual patients to benefitting society through medicine. Honored by the Obama administration as a White House Champion of Change, Lavizzo-Mourey served as chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and a member of the White House Health Care Reform Task Force.

Photo: Courtesy Risa Juanita Lavizzo-Mourey

Unpacking

BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN BRITNEE N. TIMBERLAKE,

34TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, ESSEX AND PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ

American Chattel Slavery:

A diabolical 244-year plan that created a lucrative economy through the use of free labor. The free work was provided by people who were violently stolen from African countries and transferred to the Americas. The transfer journey took place in the dark and dank bowels of ships, frightened people chained together like animals for months, arriving malnourished after months of suffering and inhumanity. Once debarked, captives were taken to locations primarily in the Caribbean, beaten into submission to make the thought of Africa and freedom a fleeting one. Then, they were sold to a master to build the American economy. Women and men worked from sunup to sundown. They were bred like cattle and watched their relatives sold at auction like property. Abuse was mental and physical. Their names were changed, religion, language, and culture stripped. They were neglected economically, socially, and educationally. Women were often separated from their children by the time they grew to be five years old. It was nothing less than a hellish existence in which one was lucky to eke out a few moments of joy.

Oh wait, or was it 246-years?

Juneteenth

Time and time again, we have learned many of the narratives we embrace as historical facts have been incomplete and often flat-out false. Remember when we learned on January 1, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to end the horrors of slavery? Remember when we were taught this action was the year all slaves were free? The truth is, while Lincoln gained the title of the “Great Emancipator,” his proclamation only applied to the Confederacy, not the Union country where he was the actual president. The Confederacy had an entirely different president and operated under a different set of laws. Lincoln applied the Emancipation Proclamation only to the Southern states in rebellion. Since those states had already seceded and the war was underway, Lincoln's federal government had no power or ability to enforce the proclamation.

On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered in Virginia, a Union general traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce the Civil War had ended. The General's announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation issued more than two years earlier, making enslaved African Americans free people. Today this event is celebrated as Juneteenth with parades and family gatherings around the county.

What It Means

With The 1619 Project taking off, more people are acknowledging the horrors of slavery and the negative economic impact it had and continues to have on Black Americans. It is more appropriate than ever to celebrate the accurate history and examine our liberation to determine what it all means.

Slavery was replaced by sharecropping, convict leasing, and the economic turmoil and injustices they left behind. Sharecropping occurred when slaves were freed into a system while being illiterate, having no land, no homes, no subsidy, and no absolute rights. Many former slaves and generations of families were forced, by circumstance, to remain on the plantation to sharecrop. For their labor, sharecroppers were paid pennies on the dollar and in old crops.

Convict leasing occurs to this day. Black people are disproportionately incarcerated at higher rates than white people, despite similar rates of crime. Many Black people who cannot afford the best representation end up with maximum sentences for minor offenses for which lighter-pigmented people usually receive lesser sentences or probation. City and state governments throughout the United States have long balanced their budget on the revenue generated by the public and private prison system and contracts to incarcerate. Many prisoners create goods and provide free labor for companies. Systemic racism and the election of biased, prejudiced, or ignorant elected officials continues the vicious cycle that relies on the perpetuation prison as a revenue generator. Four hundred years later, Black bodies are still used to perpetuate an economic system initially designed to profit using free labor.

THREE WAYS WE SHOULD ALL CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH:

Of course, break out the picnic baskets, light some sparklers, and enjoy time with family and friends. But also do these things: 1. IN HONOR OF OUR FREEDOM, seek to understand and participate in the legislative process by getting involved in politics; work on a campaign, run for office, or volunteer with an advocacy organization working to shape policy and laws locally and federally. 2. DETERMINE THE MERIT OF A LAW OR EXECUTIVE ORDER based on its actual impact in the community, not just title. The Emancipation Proclamation, while admirable, did not immediately free the slaves as quickly as we were all taught it did. Be intentional about reading laws, following the process it took to become law, and its impact once in effect. 3. REGISTER TO VOTE, and then do not give your vote away so easily. Voting is a right only gained in 1965, 100 years after Juneteenth. Exercise your right to only vote for candidates who are working to benefit the community good. Support legislators who draft laws that positively impact the population you represent. Vote out representatives who actively try to stop actual progress. Hold your elected officials accountable.

The African American Cultural Narrative

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

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

Forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).

In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

An Extraordinary History

Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

This is our story—the cultural narrative—a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill!

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…! —Adrian A. Council, Sr.

68th AD District Leader Keith Lilly, event organizer

Free Grocery Distribution

Not-For-Profits And NYPD Work Together

Friends of Public School Harlem, Inc. (FPSH) sponsored a free grocery giveaway event on May 21 at the NYPD 25th Precinct in East Harlem. Families were joined by Councilman Bill Perkins, Councilwoman Diana Ayala, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez, and the 25th Precinct Community Council and received much-needed food supplies with a show of gratitude. The event, made possible by a grant from the Migdol Family Foundation, provided meals for over 300 families.

Sheri Perl and Jerry Migdol passing out free groceries to the community

L–R: Jerry Migdol and Sheri Perl Migdol with the Migdol Family Foundation

NYPD Transit District 23 Commanding Officer Captain Lee Manuel

Zion Park World War I Memorial in Brooklyn

Annual Day of Remembrance

Erected in 1925 at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue, East New York Avenue, and Legend Street in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Zion Park World War I Memorial has become a center for a diverse, vibrant community to sit and talk or rest after a bike ride or a long walk. On Wednesday, May 26, a solemn remembrance took place at the memorial honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Honored attendees included Peter Krauss of the Ascend Learning Center, Ryan Hegg of the WWI Centennial Committee, NYC Council Rep. Alika Ampry-Samuel, NYS Assembly Rep David Weprin, and NYPD Officers Beckford and Verma.

Veterans Affairs Commissioner James Hendon; NYC Council Rep. Alika AmprySamuel; Bishop William Williams, Greater NY Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Chair; Retired Airforce Colonel Terrance Holliday; Greater NY Chamber of Commerce President Mark Jaffe; Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative founder Howard Teich; and US Army Recruiter Sanders

U.S. Army recruit, flag holders at the newly refurbished Zion Park WW1 Memorial L–R: Ryan Hegg, WWI Centennial commission; Howard Teich, Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative; Adrian Guglielmo, US Veterans Chamber of Commerce; Alicia Ampry–Samuels, NYC Council Rep; Mark Jaffe, Greater NY Chamber of Commerce; Assembly Member David Weprin; retired Air force Colonel Terrance Holliday, chair of Greater NY Chamber of Commerce Military; and Veterans Affairs Committee with US Army soldiers

AETNA COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center Grand Opening: On Monday, May 17th, the Aetna Better Health of New Jersey team helped welcome Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center to Newark. Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center is the newest Federally Qualified Health Center in Newark, located in the North Ward. Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center is dedicated to serving the community by providing culturally competent, affordable health care for all. All patients, regardless of ability to pay, are welcome.

Nourishing Newark: Each month, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey hosts Nourishing Newark – a FREE healthy food giveaway event. Nourishing Newark is held at Healthcare Central in Newark, NJ. 200 Bags of Better Health are distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis. Bags are filled with fresh produce, rice, beans and more!

Healthcare Central is located at 48-A Jones Street, Suite C-101, Newark, NJ.

Loads of Love: Every day, thousands of kids miss school and adults miss work because they don’t have access to clean clothes. Aetna Better Health of New Jersey aims at removing those barriers. Each month Aetna hosts Loads of Love, a FREE laundry day event, in Newark, New Jersey. It’s not just about clean clothes, it’s about community and building relationships. Loads of Love is held on the last Saturday of every month.