November 2018

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Fall 2018

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HEALTH Special Section: HARLEM WEEK 2018 in Review

Janet Jackson

COMES TO HARLEM

Meet Jocelyn Chisholm Carter: Health Advocate & CEO UnitedHealthcare NJ The Unstoppable Dr. Robert Johnson: NJ Medical School Powered By— By— Powered

Dr. Joanne Passaro President, Metropolitan College of New York Dr. Passaro is a cultural anthropologist who holds B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Duke University. Highly committed to social justice and equality throughout her career, she has done notable research on the impact of race, class, and gender in Latin America, Europe, and the U.S. Prior to joining MCNY, Dr. Passaro served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI, where she led the development of more than 20 programs, including the launch of a new School of Business.

Her transformative approach to continuous learning in an ever-changing world aligns perfectly with the college’s social justice mission and its commitment to educate adult students with a Purpose-Centered curriculum designed to enhance their professional opportunities while empowering them to bring positive change to their workplaces and communities.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of Dr. Passaro’s approach; she is already working closely with faculty, students, and alumni, as well as community and corporate leaders to build recognition of and support for MCNY. She is leveraging the college’s strengths with her own resources and drive to create new pathways to success for urban adults.

Want to learn more? Attend an Open House at our Bronx and Manhattan Campuses.

mcny.edu | 212.343.1234 MCNY is a non-profit institution

ON VIEW Oct. 24, 2018–Feb 10, 2019 Wallach Art Gallery Columbia University Lenfest Center for the Arts 615 W. 129th St. wallach.columbia.edu

Credit: Elizabeth Colomba, Laure (Portrait of a negress), 2018. Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 in. (101.6 x 101.6 cm). Courtesy the artist, New York

POSING MODERNITY

The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today

Posing Modernity proposes that the changing representation of the black female figure has been central to the development of modernism. The exhibition brings to light little-known connections between the avant-garde circles of 19th-century Paris and free black Parisians. Posing Modernity also traces the impact of Manet’s reconsideration of the black model and of Matisse visiting Harlem jazz clubs and later creating portraits of black dancers as icons of modern beauty. The exhibition sets these and other works in dialogue with the “New Negro” portraiture style with which diverse Harlem Renaissance artists— such as Charles Alston, William H. Johnson, and Laura Wheeler Waring—defied racial stereotypes.

Curated by Denise Murrell, PhD, Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Research Scholar The exhibition has been developed through the generous support of the Ford Foundation.

FA L L

2018

CONTENTS

S E C T I O N S HEALTH................................... 22 HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION ................. 33 CULTURE ................................ 62

Features Brooklyn Clergy & Politicians Vote ............................ 16 Wells Fargo Rehabs Weequahic High ....................... 20 Cover Photo: Risasi Dias

ON THE COVER:

33

Janet Jackson Wows Thousands At Harlem Week Concert

&

also inside

Publisher’s Desk .................................. 8 Guest Editorial ................................... 11 My View ............................................. 12 Fitness Doctor .................................... 56

100 Black Women Trailblazers ................................. 21 The Unstoppable Dr. Robert Johnson ....................... 22 Health Care Advocate Jocelyn Chisholm Carter ........ 29 Harlem Week in Pictures .......................................... 33 Harlem Week Then & Now ........................................ 36 A Great Day in Harlem ............................................. 38 NYC Children’s Festival ............................................ 40 L&M Partners Build in Harlem & Beyond .................. 42 Brooklyn Hospital & Clergy Make Healthy Changes ........... 46 Brookdale Hospital Day of Beauty ........................... 48 Gospel Extravaganza Evening of Celebration ............ 50 NY Knicks Visit DC’s NMAAHC .................................. 62 Remembering the Boss of Black Brooklyn ................ 64

Gospel Train ....................................... 66 Manna for Your Mornings Gives Back ....................... 65 The Way Ahead ................................... 72 Power in the Name at UMBA National Session ......... 67 The Last Word .................................... 73 GBCNJ Convenes Annual Session ............................. 70 4

The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Winter in Essex County offers many special ways for people of all ages to celebrate the season.

Come out and join us at the Zoo, the Castle and the Environmental Center.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite you to these special winter events

2018 Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular FREE ADMISSION!!

November 23, 24, 25, & 30; December 1, 2; December 7 to 31 Closed December 24 & 25 5 to 9 PM Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-5800 ~ www.essexcountynj.org Carousel Rides are $2 Sponsored by

The Essex County Parks Foundation The Zoological Society of New Jersey

Donations of non-perishable food; new, unwrapped toys; and new & gently used winter coats for the needy are appreciated.

Holidays at Kip’s Castle

Wednesdays to Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30 12 Noon to 4pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays) Visit Kip’s Castle for a self-guided tour of the first floor and experience the holidays circa 1920s.

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Kip’s Castle

Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 7pm Take a one-hour, guided twilight tour when the holiday décor shines. $8 admission.

Space is limited.

Historic Holiday House Tour

December 1 & 2 ~ Times Vary Decorated for the holidays, historic homes throughout Essex County will open their doors for one spectacular weekend.

Sustainable Homes & Habitat Gingerbread Contest

at the Essex County Environmental Center Register by Dec. 1; Drop off by Dec. 3; On Exhibit Dec. 5-15; Mon. to Fri., 9am to 5pm; Sat. 10am to 2pm Create a unique gingerbread house with natural accents and green building design features.

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NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500| New | NewYork, York,NY NY10115 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | info@nyts.edu NYTS || 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 212-870-1211 || info@nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500| |New NewYork, York, NY NY 10115 ||| (T) (T) www.nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu NYTS 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 (T)212-870-1211 212-870-1211|| |www.nyts.edu | www.nyts.edu www.nyts.edu info@nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 www.nyts.edu | NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | www.nyts.edu info@nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | www.nyts.edu|info@nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | www.nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu

NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | www.nyts.edu | info@nyts.edu

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

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

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

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

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

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor

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

Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Ed Spencer IV, Senior Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

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

St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor

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

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

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor

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

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ

St. Paul’s B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NJ Rev. Quincy M. Hentz, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastorr

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

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

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

Positive Community’s The

™

Great Watch Night Initiative: Saving Our Own Community

J

a nuary 2019 will mark six years since the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Great Emancipation of 1863. Think about what life was like in America 150 years ago. In 1868, the Reconstruction period in the South was at its height in the wake of the Civil War to end slavery (1861–1865); a war that cost over 700,000 American lives.

From those perilous times to the present, we are blessed with an enormous opportunity to measure, analyze, and define our American story—our collective claim on the American Dream—to proclaim for ourselves a new song, a new language of freedom! And, as always and forever more, Positive Music Matters!

The Initiative

On December 31, 2012, an awesome event took place as hundreds of churches throughout New York and New Jersey participated in The Positive Community’s Great Watch

THE CULTURAL NARRATIVE

A

By Adrian A. Council, Sr.

frican 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’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elects 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; enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine,

8 The The Positive Positive Community Community

Fall Fall 2018 2018

Night Initiative! On that night history was made. It went like this: At midnight, there were prayers of thanksgiving and hope for the future; then a young person stood before the congregation and read the Cultural Narrative; the congregation sang the Negro National Anthem. After the closing prayer, everyone exited the sanctuary, singing together the hymn, “We’ve Come this Far by Faith” (see comments on opposite page).

Let us now establish a new tradition, an exercise in spiritual unity, cultural pride and faith, affirming for ourselves the community-building ideals of self-acceptance, self-reliance and self-respect. Join us as we pay it forward on Watch Night 2018!

Below is the Cultural Narrative that every child should be encouraged to learn and commit to memory by the age of 10. The story—our history in this brief presentation, reflects the people’s deep, collective experience, which dates back to before this nation’s founding:

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, scarifices 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…! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Thoughts and Comments about the 2013 Watch Night Initiative and the Great Emancipation “…We, the offspring of those freed, are obligated to honor the past and we are in debt to the future. The institution of the celebration of this providential document must become annual and understood in terms of its intent, its accomplishment and all of the by-products thereof. We must take on the consciousness of the senior Negro woman who discerned and declared that ‘Massa Lincoln signed the paper but God done set us free.’”

—Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, senior pastor Mt. Pisgah BC, Brooklyn, NY “All Americans enjoy the freedoms produced by the labor of slavery. Watch Night services across America remind us that we have a rich, dark and glorious history that forever connects each American and impacts the world.

These services also engender great anticipation for future possibilities of generations to come.”

—Rev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, senior pastor, First Central BC, Staten Island and member of Staten Island Ministerial Alliance “On behalf of the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention we commend and congratulate The Positive Community for the special Watch Night Initiative commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

I also wish to personally thank our convention pastors and officials for their participation in this both solemn and joyous occasion.”----—Rev. Ronald Grant, president, Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY “The Emancipation Proclamation, though born of convenience and compromise to save the Union, started African Americans on our journey toward freedom. On the sesquicentennial anniversary, our greatest deception would be to think we have arrived. We must journey on.”

—Dr. Arlee Griffin Jr., Berean BC, Brooklyn, NY “The Watch Night Initiative information we received was disseminated to our membership, The Newark North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen (NNJCBC). At my church, the response was amazing. As we began our service and shared the Cultural Narrative with the congregation there were spontaneous shouts of ‘Teach us, pastor; ‘tell the truth, pastor;’ ‘help us, pastor.’ It bought tears to my eyes”.

—Bishop Jethro James, president, NNJCBC and pastor Paradise BC, Newark, NJ “I was so enthusiastic about the intention of the Emancipation Proclamation, especially as it relates to cultural and spiritual literacy. I was moved to share the Watch Night Initiative and the ‘Countdown to Freedom Cultural Narrative’ with all the other Church Of God In Christ bishops in New Jersey.

I have also shared this news with many of my colleagues throughout the country. I should hope that we will continue to carry out special events and activities about the Emancipation commemoration throughout the year.”

—Bishop William T. Cahoon, jurisdictional prelate New Garden State Jurisdiction “As we began the Watch Night service, we spoke about the meaning of emancipation and what this special night meant to our forefathers and what it means to us today. A combination of Watch Night and Emancipation Day helped to educate the people about slavery and freedom. Then we had a young child read the Cultural Narrative; shouts echoed throughout the church from the congregation, ‘This is our history; this is our history!’ We can no longer hide the truth of who we are and the potentials and possibiliwww.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Watch Night 2013 Service reading of the Cultural Narrative by young brother, Marcus Hopper at Community BC, Engelwood, NJ. ties of the future. We thank The Positive Community for having the courage to reclaim our heritage.”

—Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman, president, African American Clergy and Elected Officials and senior pastor, Antioch BC, Brooklyn “Watch Night Service at Cathedral International was extraordinary. The sense of expectation filled the sanctuary twice. Both the 7pm and 10pm services were phenomenal. The reading of the Cultural Narrative was powerful; it informed the people of the tremendous sacrifices that were made on their behalf by those who have come before us. It pointed to a future of hope. We sang the Negro National Anthem and departed with tear-filled eyes, hands raised to the hymn, We’ve Come this Far by Faith.”

—Bishop Donald Hilliard, senior pastor Cathedral International, Perth Amboy, NJ “The United Missionary Baptist Association observes and commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation along with the other ecumenical clergy groups across our state and country. This is a pivotal period, a time when as a nation we remember the sacrifices so many made that we may enjoy the freedom to exercise our rights as citizens of the republic.”

—Rev. Lee Arrington, moderator, The United Missionary Baptist Association …We, clergy and members of the church, must maintain a watchful eye and be diligent in the ongoing process of true emancipation. Each church should hold its immediate society accountable for apparent violations of economic and educational policies and practices as the fight for Emancipation continues.”

—Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson Jr. (1940-2014), pastor, Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY and president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY and Vicinity “Are we free? We can only be free when we unshackle and dismantle the chains of Jim Crow on our minds. We have allowed our children to be taken away from us. This 150th anniversary celebration should energize us that there is still much more to be done.”

—Rev. Gregory Smith, senior pastor, Mother AME Zion Church, Harlem, NY “Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” (Galatians 5: 1) As we watched through the night, in anticipation of a new tomorrow, may we as a people of faith (especially during this Year of Faith) be ever vigilant to avoid those things and people that entangle us in bondage or return us to the past days and present ways of “slavery!”

—Br. Tyrone Davis, C.F.C., Office of Black Ministry Archdiocese of New York Fall 2018 2018 The The Positive Positive Community Community Fall

9

NEWARK FORWARD

A

s he began his second term in office, Mayor Ras J. Baraka wanted to get the advice of Newark leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives on possible initiatives to continue Newark's progress in public safety, inclusionary development, affordable housing, community engagement, job creation, education, and other important areas.

He asked Nancy Cantor, chancellor of Rutgers-Newark and Vivian Cox Fraser, president/CEO of the Essex County Urban League to structure committees led by his senior team and community partners whose discussions would become Newark Forward, a community vision for the city’s next stage of progress.

The focus of Newark Forward is equitable opportunity and growth so that all residents in all of our neighborhoods will benefit from the extraordinary development and investment taking place in our city. The goal is for residents to live better, more productive lives, with our young people receiving the preparation they need to lead Newark to a prosperous future marked by social, economic, and racial justice.

DOWNLOAD THE NEWARK FORWARD REPORT Mayor Ras J. Baraka

www.newarknj.gov/news/newark-forward-report

HON. RAS J. BARAKA GUEST EDITORIAL

Moving Newark Forward: The Next Steps

N

ewark Forward consists of recommendations for equitable opportunity and growth over the next four years so that all residents will benefit from the unprecedented development and investment taking place in our city. The report is the work of community, education and business leaders, clergy, and others with experience in improving public safety, inclusionary development, affordable housing, community engagement, job creation, education, and other important issues affecting Newark.

The Newark Forward report is full of ideas for shaping a prosperous future guided by principles of social, economic, and racial justice.

You may download a copy at www.newarknj.gov/news/newark-forward-report. Here are just a few of the recommendations to keep you informed and hopefully excite you to become more involved with the progress taking place in Newark.

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Continue transition to a citizen-focused and community policing model.

• Deploy a Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit to offer resources and options for those undergoing substance abuse problems and train residents on Narcan use to save lives.

• Reduce domestic violence through prevention strategies and ensure that victims, victim’s family members, and when appropriate, the perpetrators, receive the resources that they need to heal and move forward.

• Help crime victims and their families using social workers embedded with police to address the needs of those surviving all forms of violence

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

• Create an indepndent, equitable, growth advisory council to ensure that Newark’s redevelopment promotes inclusion rather than inequality and is a model for fair housing in America’s cities.

• Focus on development in targeted corridors within each ward.

• Strengthen local procurement initiatives to increase the participation of small, minority, and women-owned business in contracting with the City, corporations, and other anchor institutions.

• Develop comprehensive programs that further entrepreneurship.

HOUSING

• Enact stronger measures to stabilize and preserve existing affordable housing, including strengthening rent control • Produce more housing targeted to the needs of specific groups such as the homeless, seniors, LGBTQ, teachers, etc.

• Create a land bank to speed development of vacant and underutilized land.

• Streamline housing development processes

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Issue a community engagement executive order to make community engagement become a part of the City’s social fabric for years to come.

• Require City departments to have community engagement plans that address improving communication with residents, educating, informing, and empowering residents as leaders, • Make City Hall more user-friendly by establishing a welcome desk, updating the directory, training staff on customer service and public engagement, and installing kiosks to help navigate the building.

• Create a Newark People’s Assembly (already underway) to empower residents by bridging the gap between community and City Hall, insuring that City decision-making is based on the wants and needs of the people and encouraging more residents to become involved.

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

• Develop and maintain green spaces in every Newark neighborhood to enhance the quality of life by beautifying streets, providing outdoor recreation, and reducing heat and street flooding.

• Hire and deploy a Children’s Health Officer to enforce environmental health laws including: truck routes, vehicle idling, lead safety, and code violations around exposure to environmental toxins.

• Make available career track programs in fields such as green storm water management, energy, food entrepreneurship, materials reuse, and environmental health protection.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

• Establish partnerships with Newark Public Schools and Essex County Vocational Schools to work with students beginning in middle school and provide them information on careers and in-demand occupations.

• Launch a public information campaign about availability of workforce development programs in all media and outreach by community organizations, • Create an online database that catalogs workforce development programs and service providers throughout the city

EDUCATION • Strengthening the collaborative relationship between the City and all educational institutions in the city, particularly the Newark Public Schools and the institutions of higher education, is essential.

• Expand the Children’s Cabinet, which increases communication and coordination among city and county agencies and departments, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, higher education institutions, and the Newark Board of Education.

• Strengthen engagement with the Newark City of Learning Collaborative to ensure more students remain on-track to high school graduation and subsequently, achieve a higher education degree.

• Launch a comprehensive Newark literacy Initiative because far too many Newark residents of all ages are reading below their capacity.

Fall 2018 2018 The The Positive Positive Community Community Fall

11

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

There’s Much for Which to Be Thankful I think I will list just a few:

• I’m thankful for my family, including my cousins— though sometimes our relationships are fraught with verbal fisticuffs.

• I’m thankful that a president can only serve 2 terms and if someone can come along and wrest the presidency from the current officeholder, even that won’t be true.

• I’m thankful for the God who is sovereign because man (in the generic sense), would bless or curse us based on his mood swings. I’m thankful for a mother who said, “There’s discrimination? Tough!” Tell Dr. Phil to get with that.

• I’m thankful Kanye West will likely be barely a blip on Black America’s timeline when history determines the 21st century African-Americans whose lives meant something to the diaspora.

• I’m thankful Reality TV does not totally define who Black America and black Americans truly are.

• I’m thankful for the life of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Her voice was superb but beyond singing glorious songs, she loved her people, put her money where her mouth was, suffered in silence when all hell was breaking loose in her life, and died as majestically as she lived.

• I’m thankful black women now seem to be in vogue and more white men are not just dating them behind layered curtains, but marrying them in pure boldness and joy.

• I’m thankful haters will not be able to impede the political process by trying to suppress black votes because this black wave, if you please, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

12 The Positive Community

Fall 2018

• I’m thankful Spike Lee continues trying to put out meaningful films. Though they seldom make a lot of money, Lee chooses not to compromise his values as a filmmaker to make fluff and stuff just to garner some cheap laughs.

• I’m thankful black is still beautiful, though it took a while for movie moguls and the fashion industry to get the memo.

• I’m thankful for the old, black saints who prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more. Many never lived to see the strides made by those they left behind — but they continued to pray anyhow.

• I’m thankful God spared the metropolitan area, thus far, and His mercy has allowed the storm to pass over.

Hallelujah!

• I’m thankful mental health is no longer a hidden figure, so to speak, in communities of color and finally, we can talk, as Joan Rivers used to say, about a subject that has affected us all.

• I’m thankful a drug has been found to reverse what used to be a fatal occurrence when an addicted overdosed. Too bad it wasn’t discovered when the boys in the ‘hood were suffering with opioid addiction.

Then again, it wasn’t viewed as an epidemic in those days. Pity.

• I’m thankful “trouble don’t last always” as the old saints used to say.

• Finally, I’m thankful to have a place to pen my views and even more thankful because you read them.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Building the Democratic Party has Never Mattered More.

The New Jersey Democratic State Committee is working with grassroots advocates and progressive voters to grow the Democratic Party. We are committed to electing Democrats who will fight to protect our values right here in New Jersey and in Washington. This year alone NJDSC has:

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Brought a record 2,000+ grassroots activists together for the NJDSC Conference and helped register more than 84,000 new Democratic voters

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Provided new tools to Democratic campaigns and voters to help get people to the polls on Election Day

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Trained hundreds of new candidates and operatives to build the next generation of Democratic leaders and added thousands of new emails to our database

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Provided financial and operational support to county parties and Democratic campaigns throughout the state

Help Us Keep Building the Democratic Party New Jersey State Democratic Committee @NJDems ' njdems.org à response@njdems.org

John Currie, Chairman Lizette Delgado-Polanco, Vice Chair Liz Gilbert, Executive Director

Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. 194-196 West State Street, Trenton, N.J. 08608

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Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez L–R: Rev. Herbert Daughtry; Bishop Dr. R.C. Hugh Nelson, Church of God of East Flatbush; Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center Vice President of External Affairs Khari Edwards; and Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman

Brooklyn: Political Powers Gather To Push Out the Vote

A

frican American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) used the occasion of their monthly first Friday meetings (in November it was on the Friday before election day) to encourage attendees to use their various platforms to get out the vote, and they did. The organization, founded in 1989 when former NYC Mayor Hon. David N. Dinkins ran for office, has played a substantial role in Brooklyn

political and religious circles. The victory of current NYC Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James as Attorney General of New York State shows the organization’s influence continues even after 20 years.

AACEO meets on the first Friday of each month from 9am­–11am at the historic Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn. Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman is pastor and AACEO president.

Photos: Lem Peterkin

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The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Meet the President of ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE

W

hen Dr. Anthony E. Munroe became Essex County College’s (ECC) 8th President on June 1, 2017, he immediately rolled up his sleeves and began work on the important issues facing the institution. First and foremost, he championed the College’s efforts to satisfy all requirements to maintain full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. “Our Middle States effort is something of which we can all be very proud,” Dr. Munroe said.

With the College in the midst of observing 50 years of service to the Greater Essex County community, Dr. Munroe has been busy strengthening existing programs while helping to develop new curriculum and transfer agreements. While maintaining the College’s proud mission of enabling students to Exceed Expectations.

Among these initiatives is the Guided Pathways, whose goal is to prepare students for employment in high-demand fields and to make it easier to transfer to four-year institutions.

The College is strengthening its Workforce Development, apprenticeships, learn and earn opportunities, and other programs geared toward increased economic mobility for students. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Before coming to Essex, Dr. Munroe served as President of Malcolm X College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago system. He brought with him three decades of experience as both an educator and a nationally recognized executive directing hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Many of ECC’s students attend class while holding down a job and juggling family obligations. Dr. Munroe easily relates to that as he was a non-traditional, adult student working full-time while pursuing his college education. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Regents College of New York. He also earned advanced degrees from Northwestern University and Columbia University, including a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Health Education.

Dr. Munroe shared a number of accomplishments that provide students with the ability to transfer to many four-year institutions with full junior status or secure jobs in highdemand fields following graduation with the ECC Associate degree. Essex offers a wide spectrum of Associate degree programs and Academic Certificates.

Dr. Munroe’s professional relationship with officials of St.

George’s University, in Grenada, paid off when he visited earlier this year. He guided the College’s efforts in becoming the newest medical education partner of St. George’s University, in Grenada. The agreement allows ECC Biology, Pre-Med graduates to transfer to a five-year medical program at St. George’s.

The program includes two years of clinical rotation at any medical center in the United States to which St. George’s has an affiliation, including facilities close to Newark.

Among the other recent partnerships Dr. Munroe helped secure, is a three-year joint academic agreement allowing ECC graduates to seamlessly transfer into appropriate and/or corresponding bachelor’s degree programs at NJIT. Essex has a new articulation agreement with Seton Hall University for students interested in pursuing a Finance degree.

ECC has produced the most (17) Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship (worth $120,000) recipients of all community colleges in New Jersey and New York, and among the highest nationally. “I am proud of our Board, faculty and staff, all working together for the benefit of our students,” Dr. Munroe said.

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

17

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The Positive Community Fall 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

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Caption Corrections for TPC October 2018 issue, page 24

One Theater Square

L–R: NJPAC CEO and President, John Schreiber, Dranoff Properties President and CEO Carl E. Dranoff, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and Chief Investment Officer Julia Gutstadt cutting the ribbon.

NJPAC CEO and President, John Schreiber

Sunday, Dec 2 noon-5 pm

RSVP: holidayjamboree.eventbrite.com

newarkmuseum.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

19

Volunteer paints inspirational mural

Newark Councilman John Sharpe-James (center) with WHS Principal Andre Hollis and volunteers

Wells Fargo Volunteers Help Refurbish Weequahic High School

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early 100 volunteers from Care Force, a City Year AmeriCorps organization; Wells Fargo; New Jersey Citizen Action; Weequahic High School Alumni Association; the Newark Public School District; and community residents gathered on a rainy Saturday in October, to make major improvements to 86-year-old Weequahic High School (WHS). Volunteers performed a myriad of services, including refurbishing the school’s

student media center, creating inspirational murals for the schools Jobs for America’s Graduate (JAG) Room, installing a 4’ fence, landscaping a new flower garden, and repainting the school cafeteria. WHS was once named “one of the nation’s top high schools” and serves as a historically significant place of learning in the city’s South Ward. Councilman John Sharpe-James was among those who acknowledged the volunteers.

Photos courtesy Wells Fargo

Participants landscape a new flower garden

One hundred volunteers in a team huddle

20

The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: NCBW 100 Second Vice President Elizabeth Carter; First Vice President Jaclyn K. Durant; President Paula Madison Ryner; NJ Secretary of State Tahesha Way; Third Vice President Beverly Baker-Jackson; and Sharon Banks-Williams, PhD.

100 Black Women Honor Trailblazers

E

veryone is talking about women and how we are blazing trails throughout the country, especially in politics.

But that’s nothing new to the Coalition of 100 Black Women. The membership is made up of women who have made and are making significant contributions to their communities. Recently, the Bergen/Passaic chapter honored nine such women at their Fourth Annual Trailblazers Luncheon, where they also welcomed new members.

In tune with the theme of the event, Walking in Grace and Advocating with Purpose, honorees are: Pat Battle, journalist NBC 4 New York; Dr. Violet Merle McIntosh, chief of Breast Surgery, Englewood Hospital & Medical Center; Dr. Stephanie Harris, executive director The Amistad Commission; Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams, educator and CEO/founder Jessie Banks Foun-

2018 Trailblazer Honorees: L–R: Sharon Banks-Williams, PhD., educator, founder and CEO Jessie Banks Foundation; Sabrina Lamb, founder and CEO World of Money; Jeannette Curtis-Rideau, poet, sculptor, art curator, and author; Glenda Frasier-McGee, community youth education advocate; Linda Spradley Dunn, founder and CEO Odyssey Media; Deborah Witcher Jackson, former president NCBW 100 Bergen/Passaic Chapter; Pat Battle, journalist NBC 4 NY; and Stephanie Harris, PhD, executive director The Amistad Commission

dation; Sabrina Lamb, CEO/founder World of Money; Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO/founder Odyssey Media; Deborah Witcher Jackson, past president NCBW 100 Bergen/Passaic Chapter; Jeanette Curtis-Rideau, poet, sculptor, art curator, and author; and Glenda FrasierMcGee, community youth education advocate. New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way gave the keynote address; and Pamela Miller, Esq., president/CEO Summit Global Strategies, Ltd. served as mistress of ceremonies.

Many state and local dignitaries and elected officials were in attendance to honor the trailblazers at The Fiesta in Wood Ridge, NJ on October 14, 2018.

In addition to honoring the Trailblazers, NCBW also installed 15 new members. The mission of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.

—TPC Staff Photos Courtesy of 100 Black Women

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW 100), Bergen/Passaic Chapter www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

21

Health ideas for for wellness wellness ideas

Money

buiness,fifinance nance++work work buiness,

The The

Education

Unstoppable Unstoppable

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

Robert L.L. Johnson Johnson Robert

M.D., F.A.A.P. F.A.A.P. Goes Goes M.D., Full Speed Speed Ahead Ahead at at Full Rutgers New New Jersey Jersey Rutgers Medical School School and and Medical Beyond ByByR.L. R.L.Witter Witter Beyond

22The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community Fall Fall2018 2018 22 The Positive Community Fall 2018 22

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

T

heheHippocratic Hippocratic he HippocraticOath, Oath,taken takenwhen when one becomes one one becomes becomes aa physician, a physician, says says “first, “first, dodono nonoharm.” harm.” do harm.”Robert RobertL.L.Johnson, Johnson, M.D., F.A.A.P. M.D., M.D.,F.A.A.P. F.A.A.P.aims aimstotonot notonly onlydodo nono harm, but no harm, harm, but but toto actually actually help help peopeople.

His approach ple. ple.

His His approach approach is holistic, is holistic, seeking seeking totoimprove improve allallaspects to improveall aspectsrather ratherthan than just focusing onon just just focusing focusing on one—regardless one—regardless ofof the task atat hand.

While hishis professional the the task task at hand. hand.

While While his professional professional titles titles areare most most impressive, hehe sees himself asas just impressive, impressive, he sees sees himself himself as just just aa man a man who who seemingly seemingly always finds always always finds finds aa way. away. way.

We spoke onon morning; We We spoke spoke on aa Friday aFriday Friday morning; morning; hehe was was inin hishis office office before eight o’clock and after hishis before before eight eight o’clock o’clock and and after after his daily daily workout workout at at the the gym.

Johnson, already the Muscarelle gym. gym.

Johnson, Johnson, already already the the Muscarelle Muscarelle Endowed Endowed dean, dean, a a professor ofof Pediatrics, and director professor professor of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, and and director director ofof the the Division Division ofof Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine—all Adolescent Adolescentand andYoung YoungAdult AdultMedicine—all Medicine—allat atRutgers Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; is is the immediate New New Jersey Jersey Medical Medical School; School; is the the immediate immediate past past chair chair ofof the Board ofof Trustees atat Newark’s of the the Board Board of Trustees Trustees at Newark’s Newark’s University University Hospital Hospital and asas ofof January, 2019 will assume and and as of January, January, 2019 2019 will will assume assume the the duties duties ofof dean dean atatRobert Robert Wood Johnson Medical at RobertWood WoodJohnson JohnsonMedical MedicalSchool.

School.The Theseptuaseptuagenarian still sees patients, doing upup genarian genarian still still sees sees patients, patients, doing doing up toto sixsix clinical clinical sessessions with patients onon given day, and sions sions with with patients patients on aa given a given day, day, and and has has authored authored two two books, toto boot. books, books, to boot. boot.

Hailing from Spartanburg, SC, Hailing Hailingfrom fromSpartanburg, Spartanburg,SC, SC,Johnson Johnsonmoved movedtoto New York asas child.

“I“I went New New York York as aa young ayoung young child. child.

“I went went from from a segregated a segregated school inin Spartanburg inin February school school in Spartanburg Spartanburg in February February toto what what seems seems toto meme like the very next day being the only like like the the very very next next day day being being the the only only black black student student inin anan elementary school inin White Plains, an elementary elementary school school in White White Plains, Plains, NY,” NY,” hehe recalled. recalled.

“I“I was the only black student inin the “I was was the the only only black black student student in the the academic academic classes classes inin high school, the only black student high high school, school, the the only only black black student student at at Alfred Alfred UniversiUniversity,ty, the only black student inin mymy class ty, the the only only black black student student in my class class at at medical medical school. school.

When became the dean ofof the school When When IIbecame I became the the dean dean of the the school school I was I was itsits first first black black dean, and there were only four ororfive dean, dean,and andthere therewere wereonly onlyfour fouror fiveblack blackmedical medical school deans ininthe the whole country… school schooldeans deansin thewhole wholecountry… country…I guess I guesswhatever whatever happened toto help me survive the move happened happened to help help me me survive survive the the move move from from segregated segregated South toto the North—whatever occurred South South to the the North—whatever North—whatever occurred occurred had had given given meme the competencies toto survive inin the world the the competencies competencies to survive survive in the the world world I’m I’m inin now.” now.”

Johnson was destined forfor ItItseems Itseems seems Johnson Johnson was was destined destined for medicine. medicine.

“I “I wanted wanted toto bebe when was nine.

It It to be aa doctor adoctor doctor when when II was I was nine. nine.

It was was a youth a youth program program onon atat church A. A judge on aaSaturday aSaturday Saturday at church church .. ......A judge judge came came toto Bethel Bethel BapBaptist Church and they went around tist tist Church Church and and they they went went around around the the room room and and every every child was asked, ‘What dodo you want child child was was asked, asked, ‘What ‘What do you you want want toto be?’ be?’ and and I said, I said, ‘a ‘a doctor,’” hehe remembers.

“And have doctor,’” doctor,’” he remembers. remembers.

“And “And II have I have nono idea idea why why I said I said that.

But once put that out there, everyone that. that.

But But once once II put I put that that out out there, there, everyone everyone kept kept saying, saying,

Perhaps Perhapsit’s it’shis hisfaith faiththat that thatinforms informs informs his hishabit habitofofalways alwaysseeing seeing seeingthe the the positive positiveinina asituation situationand and andbelieving believing believing things thingswill willmove movetoward toward towardaaapositive positive positive outcome. outcome.

‘He’s going to to bebe a doctor’ and maybe hearing that over doctor’ and maybe hearing that over ‘He’s going a doctor’ and maybe hearing that over and over again is is what really made itit stick.

But that was what really made stick.

But that was and over again what really made it stick.

But that was always there.”

Once when aa student asked him how he got when student asked him how hehe got always there.”

Once when a student asked him how got where hehe is, is, Johnson said he answered, “God, because II I said hehe answered, “God, because where Johnson said answered, “God, because didn’t have a thing to to with it.” with it.”it.” didn’t have a thing with Johnson’s frenetic pace demeanor belies the frenetic pace Johnson’scalm calmdemeanor demeanorbelies beliesthe the frenetic pace at at which hishis days flow.

He speaks deliberately, listening flow.

HeHe speaks deliberately, listening which days flow. speaks deliberately, listening cont’d on next page cont’d cont’d on on next next page page

seems Johnson ItItItseems seemsJohnson Johnsonwas wasdestined destinedfor formedicine. medicine.“I“Iwanted wantedtotobebea adoctor doctor doctorwhen when when nine. was II was Iwas wasnine. nine.ItItItwas wasa ayouth youthprogram programonona aSaturday Saturdayatatchurch church. .. .. A. Ajudge judge judgecame came came totoBethel Bethel Baptist Church to BethelBaptist BaptistChurch Churchand andthey theywent wentaround aroundthe theroom roomand andevery every everychild child childwas was was asked, ‘What do you asked, asked,‘What ‘Whatdo doyou youwant wanttotobe?’ be?’and andI said, I said,‘a‘adoctor,’” doctor,’”heheremembers. remembers. remembers. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

TheThe Positive Community 2323 23 Fall 2018 The Positive Community FallFall 2018 2018 Positive Community

UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLE

cont’d from previous page cont’d from previous page

closely and choosing words carefully before responding.

There’s a confidence about carefully him, but before not a trace of arroclosely and choosing words responding. gance. he laughs easily, there is something There’sWhile a confidence about him, but not a trace of regal arroabout perhaps eveneasily, divine.

It turns out, he comes gance.him; While he laughs there is something regal by it honestly.

Wheneven I asked whatIt was important in his about him; perhaps divine. turns out, he comes life replied,When “My family—both familyinand by ithe honestly.

I asked what my wasactual important his my family. always been in life church he replied, “MyI’ve family—both myheavily actual involved family and church andfamily. churchI’ve hasalways alwaysbeen beenheavily traditional Black my church involved in Baptist church church.” and church has always been traditional Black His faith is written all over him. It comes across in Baptist church.” every chairman of the Board Hisword faithhe is speaks. written Johnson all over ishim.

It comes across in of Deacons at Union Church in Orange, and every word he speaks.Baptist Johnson is chairman of theNJ Board it’s plain to at seeUnion that God hasChurch His hand firmly onNJJohnof Deacons Baptist in Orange, and son’s life.to “My a very of on myJohnlife,” it’s plain seefaith thatisGod hasimportant His hand part firmly he said—sounding like a man of the cloth. son’s life. “My faithvery is a much very important part of my life,”I had to stop myself more than once himI he said—sounding very much like afrom manaddressing of the cloth. as “Reverend Dr. Johnson.”

“People always ask me about had to stop myself more than once from addressing him that and oftenDr.slip and call“People me ‘Reverend,’” as “Reverend Johnson.” always ask he mechuckabout that and often slip and call me ‘Reverend,’” he chuck-

led. “A guest speaker at our church asked me, ‘Is God calling I said, don’t thinkasked so.’ He ‘Are led. “A you?’ guest and speaker at ‘Iour church me,said, ‘Is God you listening?’” calling you?’ and I said, ‘I don’t think so.’ He said, ‘Are asked about medicine and his faith. His reply, “I you Ilistening?’” don’t know if they’re separateand at all.”

Reflecting on moI asked about medicine his faith.

His reply, “I ments when ifothers have acknowledged his piety, Johnson don’t know they’re separate at all.” Reflecting on mosaid, had parents to me, ‘I wanthis you to take care ments“I’ve when others havesay acknowledged piety, Johnson of my“I’ve children becausesay you’re a Christian’ andtoI say, said, had parents to me, ‘I want you take‘How care do youchildren know that?’

They say, a‘We just know it comes of my because you’re Christian’ andit;I say, ‘How across.’

It’s allthat?’ combined; I don’t I’m different on do you know They say, ‘Wethink just know it; it comes Sunday I am on Monday.” across.’ from It’s allhow combined; I don’t think I’m different on Perhaps it’show hisI faith that informs his habit of always Sunday from am on Monday.” seeing the positive a situation and believing will Perhaps it’s his in faith that informs his habitthings of always move a positive think to some extent it seeingtoward the positive in aoutcome. situation “I and believing things will [would] improve our research capacity, money from move toward a positive outcome.

“I thinksave to some extent it an administrative point of view,capacity, and enhance the reputa[would] improve our research save money from tion of Rutgers University,” he said an administrative point of view, andregarding enhancethe thepossible reputamerging of theUniversity,” two medicalheschools.

“I thinkthe some peotion of Rutgers said regarding possible ple are afraid the medical school abandoning Newark andpeothe merging of theoftwo schools. “I think some people Newark. [wouldn’t] mean that at all.and We’re ple are of afraid of theItschool abandoning Newark the actually looking to improve the availability quality of people of Newark.

It [wouldn’t] mean thatand at all.

We’re health we provide to a larger number of people.” actuallycare looking to improve the availability and quality of Johnson of his history in Newark and the health care is weproud provide to along larger number of people.” full-circle of of becoming schooland hethe atJohnsonnature is proud his long dean historyofinthe Newark tended. beenofinbecoming Newark for halfofa the century and full-circle“I’ve nature dean school heI’ve atseen a lot of been forward movement.

I’vea seen thisand school tended.

“I’ve in Newark for half century I’ve make positive impression on the I’ve community, the seen aa lot of forward movement. seen thisand school community moveimpression in a positiveondirection.

It’s very pleasing make a positive the community, and the that I see this happening and direction. it’s also gratifying I’ve community move in a positive It’s very that pleasing been part of happening it. I like what I see.” that I asee this and it’s also gratifying that I’ve Blessed his wife of 42 years, Maxbeen a parttooffill it. free I liketime whatwith I see.” ine,Blessed a retired favorite are42 traveling and to educator, fill free time with pastimes his wife of years, Maxattending Broadway plays. ine, a retired educator, favorite pastimes are traveling and As our Broadway time together attending plays.came to an end, I couldn’t help but As ask, facetiously, “Where do they in; where do our time together came to anplug end,you I couldn’t help you install your batteries?” a hearty laugh Dr. Johnbut ask, facetiously, “WhereAfter do they plug you in; where do son really likeAfter whataI hearty do, so Ilaugh just gain eneryou responded, install your “I batteries?”

Dr. Johngy the enjoyment receive aspect my sonfrom responded, “I reallyIlike whatfrom I do, every so I just gainof enerlife.

I’m athe really fortunate person.from I work hard, but I of enjoy gy from enjoyment I receive every aspect my it all,I’m and so thefortunate downside of thatI work is it’shard, very difficult to life. a really person. but I enjoy stop . I can’t imagine retiring andisI it’s don’t really handle it all,. .and so the downside of that very difficult to free I just have to fill it with something.” stop time . . . I well, can’tso imagine retiring and I don’t really handle free time well, so I just have to fill it with something.”

Johnson is proud of his long history in Newark and the full-circle nature of Johnson is proud of his long history in Newark and the full-circle nature of becoming dean of the school he attended. “I’ve been in Newark for half becoming dean of the school he attended. “I’ve been in Newark for half a century and I’ve seen a lot of forward movement. I’ve seen this school a century and I’ve seen a lot of forward movement. I’ve seen this school make a positive impression on the community, and the community move in make a positive impression on the community, and the community move in a positive direction.” a positive direction.” www.thepositivecommunity.com 24 24

The Positive Community Fall 2018 The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

24

The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School salutes

ROBERT L. JOHNSON, MD, FAAP The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

for his 50-year commitment to providing and improving the quality of health care to the city of Newark.

B A RBEA-RBEO- N BO E SN E ASDV AIDV CE:I CE:

B ABreaking RE-BONES A DV I CE : the Breaking Down Down the ‘Kneed’-to-Know ‘Kneed’-to-Know Info Info Breaking Down the ‘Kneed’-to-Know Info on on Orthopedic Orthopedic Health Health Many Many people people don’t don’t thinkthink about about bone bone andand muscle muscle health health on aon daily a daily basis, basis, or realize or realize theythey on Orthopedic Health havehave a need a need for treatment. for treatment.

But But when when the seasons the seasons change, change, our our choice choice of physical of physical

Many people don’t think muscleinjuries health on can a daily basis, or realize activity activity often often changes. changes.

Andabout And if we’re ifbone we’re notand not prepared, prepared, injuries can arise. arise.

Taking Taking simple simplethey have a need for treatment.

But when the seasons change, our choice of physical precautionary precautionary measures, measures, adjusting adjusting our our dailydaily routines, routines, tailoring tailoring our our seasonal seasonal activity often changes.and Andand if we’re notour prepared, injuries can arise.

Taking simple activities activities appropriately, appropriately, listening listening to to our bodies bodies can can helphelp us prevent us prevent precautionary adjusting ourdevelop. daily routines, tailoring our seasonal injuries injuries andand bestmeasures, best healheal those those thatthat do develop. do activities appropriately, and listening to our bodies can help us prevent Dr. Asit Dr. Shah Asit Shah injuries and best heal those that do develop.

Dr. AsitHealth, Shah We We sat down withwith AsitAsit Shah, MD,MD, PhD,PhD, chief of orthopedics at Englewood to talk bone andand sat down Shah, chief of orthopedics at Englewood Health, to talk bone muscle health, safesafe exercise, andand injury prevention in the winter. muscle health, exercise, injury prevention in fall the and fall and winter.

We sat down with Asit Shah, MD, PhD, chief of orthopedics at Englewood Health, to talk bone and muscle health, safe and injury prevention in the winter.

Q Who Q Who Q fall Q and should should seeexercise, see an orthopedist? an orthopedist?

And And with with the the holidays holidays around around the the corner, corner, howhow

A: People A: People should should be tested be tested for bone for bone health health in in can can people people avoid avoid accidents accidents while while celebrating? celebrating?

Q Who should see an orthopedist?

Q And with the holidays around the corner, how general, general, but but especially especially if they if they havehave a family a family member memberA: We A: We see see a tremendous a tremendous increase increase in fractures in fractures A: People should or beosteomalacia. tested for bone health in can people avoid accidents while celebrating? with with osteoporosis osteoporosis or osteomalacia.

These These conditions conditionswhen when families families bring bring elderly elderly loved loved onesones home home for for general, but especially if they have a family member A: We see a tremendous increase in fractures can can be passed be passed on, but on, but are treatable. are treatable.

Those Those withwith the holidays, the holidays, taking taking them them out out of their of their controlled controlled withtargeted osteoporosis or osteomalacia. when families bring elderly loved ones home for targeted issues issues such such as shoulder as shoulder painThese pain or arthritis orconditions arthritis environments. environments.

Make Make the home the home environment environment safe— safe— can be passed on, but are treatable.

Those with the holidays, taking them out of their controlled painpain should should alsoalso taketake special special care.care. remove remove loose loose rugsrugs fromfrom the bathroom, the bathroom, fix unstable fix unstable targeted issues such as shoulder pain or arthritis environments.

Make the home environment handles handles or balusters or balusters on the on railings. the railings.

We We alsoalso seesafe— see pain also take special care. remove loose rugs from the bathroom, fi x unstable Q What Qshould What suggestions suggestions would would youyou make make for for wristwrist fractures fractures andand ankle ankle sprains sprains fromfrom people people falling falling handles or balusters on the railings.

We also see keeping keeping exercise exercise safe? safe? on snow on snow andand ice, ice, so wear so wear appropriate appropriate footwear footwear Q What suggestions would you make for fractures andLifting ankle sprains from people falling A: We A: We see see a lotaof lotpeople of people repeating repeating the same the same forwrist the for weather. the weather.

Lifting andand moving moving heavy heavy objects, objects, keeping exercise safe? on snow and ice, so wear appropriate footwear workout workout overover andand over,over, which which can can actually actually be be like boxes like boxes of holiday of holiday decorations, decorations, alsoalso takes takes a toll. a toll.

A: We see a lot of people repeating the same forAlways the weather. and heavy objects, harmful harmful andand cause cause further further injury. injury.

It’s not It’s not good good Always bend bend at your atLifting your knees knees andmoving and hips,hips, rather rather than than workout overbicycle, and which canyear actually be like boxes of and holiday decorations, to swim, to swim, bicycle, orover, lift orweights lift weights all all year long. long.

You You your your spine, spine, and lift with lift with youryour legs.legs.also takes a toll. harmful and cause further injury.

It’s not good Always bend at your knees and hips, rather than should should change change youryour exercise exercise routine routine every every three three to swim, bicycle, or lift weights all year long.

You lift with your legs. months months or so. or And so. And remember remember not not to overdo to overdo it. it.

Qyour Q spine, What What are and are the the best best practices practices for healing for healing should change your exercise routine every three an injury? an injury? months or so.can And remember notinjury toinoverdo aremusculoskeletal themusculoskeletal best practices for healing Q How Q How can people people prevent prevent injury the in the fallit.and fall andA: Q The A:What The general general injury injury takes takes about about an injury? winter winter months? months? six to six eight to eight weeks weeks to heal. to heal.

The The most most important important Q How can people prevent injury in the fall and A:thing The musculoskeletal injury takes about A: InA: the In fall the and fall and winter, winter, people people are starting are starting to to thing I cangeneral I can say is saywork is work withwith a physical a physical therapist therapist to to winter months? six to eight weeks to heal.

The most important clean clean theirtheir gutters, gutters, tendtend theirtheir lawns, lawns, rakerake leaves, leaves, healheal injuries. injuries.

There’s There’s a common a common misconception misconception thatthat A: In theshovel fall and winter, people are starting thing saythe is work with a physical therapist to and and shovel snow—all snow—all activities activities that that rely rely on your ontoyour if you if you goI can to gothe to gym gym on aon regular a regular basis, basis, you you won’t won’t clean their gutters, tend their lawns, rake leaves, heal injuries.

There’s a common misconception low low back, back, youryour quads, quads, andand youryour shoulders. shoulders.

So So benefi benefi t from t from physical physical therapy. therapy.

But But many many people peoplethat and shovel snow—all activities that rely on your if aren’t you goexercising to theproperly gym onata the regular basis, you it’s important it’s important to spend to spend a lotamore lot more timetime on your on your aren’t exercising properly at the gym, gym, which which onlywon’t only low back, your quads, and your shoulders.

So benefi t from physical therapy.

But many people corecore exercises, exercises, stretching stretching out out youryour quads, quads, andand makes makes them them hurthurt themselves themselves more. more.

AndAnd stretching stretching it’s important to spend atolot more time on your aren’t exercising properly at the which strengthening strengthening your your backback get to get those those muscles muscles some some parts parts of the of the body, body, like like the the hip,gym, hip, knee, knee, or oronly core exercises, stretching out your quads, and makes them hurthelp. themselves more.

Andplay stretching activated activated again. again.

AndAnd if you’re if you’re an avid an avid skier,skier, shoulder, shoulder, requires requires help.

Physical Physical therapists therapists play strengthening your back to get those muscles some parts of the body, like the hip, knee, ormost remember remember thatthat you you havehave to get to get youryour body body trained trained a more a more important important rolerole in rehabilitation in rehabilitation thanthan most activated again.

Andup if you’re an avid skier, shoulder, requires help. Physical therapists play again again before before picking picking aup seta of set skis. of skis. people people realize. realize. remember that you have to get your body trained a more important role in rehabilitation than most again before picking up a set of skis. people realize.

26

The Positive Community Fall 2018

To fiTo ndfiand physician, a physician, call 833-234-2234 call 833-234-2234 or or visitvisit englewoodhealth.org englewoodhealth.org To find a physician, call 833-234-2234 or visit englewoodhealth.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

Bergen County’s only hospital in the top 5% in the nation for patient safety 2018 HEALTHGRADES® PATIENT SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD™ Englewood Hospital is a proud recipient of the Healthgrades 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award. This national designation recognizes hospitals that perform exceptionally well in preventing serious and potentially avoidable

complications in patients during their hospital stays.

Earning the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades is a testament to the tireless efforts of our entire staff and their commitment to providing the best, and safest, medical care.

englewoodhealth.org

A MATTER OF FAITH Marcus, the father of young triplets, brought so much joy to the congregation. I knew this was God telling me this is my Brianna Edler-Strand, NJ Sharing Network Certified Volunteer purpose..

B

rianna Edler-Strand believes her faith led her to become a living kidney donor.

When Brianna was in college, she learned that the choir director at her Newark church needed a kidney transplant to save his life.

“Marcus, the father of young triplets, brought so much joy to the congregation. I knew this was God telling me this is my purpose,” Brianna recalls. “It was a miracle that Marcus and I were a match. I have no regrets and I don’t expect anything in return except to see him living his life.”

Living donation is made possible by selfless individuals who offer an organ or part of an organ to someone in need of a life-saving transplant.

Living donation can save the life of someone facing a long and uncertain wait. The most common type of living donation is kidney donation.

When Brianna posted about her experience on social media, she discovered a college friend was a transplant recipient and avid volunteer for NJ Sharing Network, the organ procurement organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation. He encouraged her to get involved.

Brianna is now a Certified Volunteer and helps spread the word about donation any chance she gets, including at her church where she distributed fans with information about organ donation during National Donor Sabbath in November.

“I hope to start a conversation to let people know that there’s a need for organ and tissue donation and not just living donation,” she says.

Brianna is truly making a difference. She feels blessed knowing she helped someone experiencing kidney failure who turned to her for advice.

“The young woman ended up getting her life-saving kidney!”

You can help save lives by registering as an organ and tissue donor, making your wishes known to your family and friends and educating people you know about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit

691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 800-742-7365 • 908-516-5400

www.NJSharingNetwork.org

PositiveCommunity_Nov2018.indd 2

11/6/2018 8:56:33 AM

Leaders & Legends

UnitedHealtHcare’s

Jocelyn cHisHolm carter Leading Healthcare Advocate for Vulnerable NJ Residents

By Fern Gillespie

Special guest, Ms. Chisholm- Carter,Esq. addresses General Baptist Convention leadership of NJ at their annual luncheon gala in Camden, NJ.

J

ocelyn Chisholm Carter might have grown up in a small town in South Georgia named Quitman, but her family’s philosophy did not include “quit.” This dynamic healthcare advocate keeps her family’s values.

As CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Jersey, she helps more than 500,000 New Jersey residents as the head of one of the state’s leading health insurers.

“We serve vulnerable populations,” explained Carter.

“Although New Jersey has a lot of metropolitan pockets, we also have a lot of areas that have underserved populations and individuals who need to have an organization that is a champion for their healthcare.”

Indeed, Carter has spent her career as a champion for the underserved. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, she received her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Her work has spanned from assistant district attorney with the New York County District Attorney’s office to senior associate general counsel for UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid business. For many years, she had a private law practice in New Jersey, specializing in family and criminal law. She also served as a public defender for Municipal Court in the City of Elizabeth.

“As a public defender, my goal, at all times, was to make sure I zealously defended my client and ensured

29 The Positive Community Fall 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com

they got the best possible outcome available to them in the situations they faced,” she said. “I would say on the healthcare side it is also about making sure our members receive the highest quality of care. For the providers we have in our network, I use the barometer of: ‘Would I want them to treat my family?’ I believe they should be treated with dignity and respect and receive the highest level available of care.”

She heads New Jersey’s UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete ONE Plan, which combines Medicare and Medicaid and has over 20,000 members—a leading dual program in New Jersey. Benefits of the plan include a network card to purchase over-the-counter health products, a personal emergency response monitor, and a home delivery healthy meal plan.

“At UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, we are community-based and community-focused. My team is on the ground and hands-on with the individuals we serve. We have community health workers who are embedded in the community. We meet the people we serve where they cont’d on next page

Ms. Chisholm Carter poses with Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., senior pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ and president of General Baptist Convention of NJ.

Fall 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 29

CHISHOLM CHISHOLM CARTER CARTER cont’d cont’dfrom fromprevious previouspage page

““I I am am aa firm firm believer believer inin partnering partnering with with communitycommunity- and and faith-based faith-based organizaorganizations. tions.We Weknow knowthat that oftentimes oftentimes the the peopeoplewe weserve serve get get much much of of their their informainformaple tionfrom fromtheir theirchurches.” churches.” tion are,” are,”she sheexplained. explained.“I“Iam amaafirm firmbeliever believerin inpartnering partnering with withcommunitycommunity-and andfaith-based faith-basedorganizations. organizations.We Weknow know that thatoftentimes oftentimesthe thepeople peoplewe weserve serve get get much much of of their their information informationfrom fromtheir theirchurches. churches.The Thechurches churchesserve serveas as the thepillars, pillars,the thebedrocks bedrocksofofthe thecommunity communityand andwe wewant want totomake makesure surethey theyhave haveinformation informationto toshare.” share.”

UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare Community Community Plan’s Plan’s outreach outreach proprograms gramsinclude includeHeart HeartSmart SmartSisters, Sisters,which whicheducates educates AfriAfrican-American can-Americanwomen womenabout aboutheart hearthealth healthand andthe thesigns signsof of a aheart heartattack. attack.Also, Also,the theUnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare Community Community Plan’s Plan’sHealthy HealthyFirst FirstSteps Steps program program works works with with women women on onmaternal maternaland andinfant infanthealth healthto toensure ensuremothers mothersreceive receive prenatal prenatalcare careand andbabies babiesget gettheir theircheck-ups. check-ups.

And Andasasthe the former former CEO CEO for for the the UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare Community CommunityPlan Plan ofof Mississippi, Mississippi, aa state state that that ranks ranks bebetween tween49 49and and50 50ininthe thenation nationfor forhealth healthoutcomes, outcomes,CarCarter tergot gottotosee seehow howlack lackofofaccess access impacted impacted the the people people UnitedHeathcare UnitedHeathcareserves servesininimpoverished impoverishedand andrural ruralareas. areas.

“Folks “Folksininthe theMississippi Mississippi Delta Delta often often do do not not have have aa grocery grocerystore storewith withfresh freshproduce produceor orfresh freshfood foodfor formiles miles and andthere theremight mightnot notbe beaaphysician physicianor orspecialist specialistavailable available for formiles,” miles,”she shesaid. said.“So, “So,I Ichampioned championedour ourFarm Farmto toFork Fork program, program,ininwhich whichwe wepartnered partneredwith withAlcorn AlcornState State UniUniversity versityExtension Extensionservice servicefrom fromMay Mayto toSeptember Septemberto todelivdeliv-

Myteam teamisison onthe theground groundand andhands-on hands-on ““My with withthe theindividuals individuals we we serve. serve. We We have have community communityhealth healthworkers workers who who are are emembedded beddedininthe thecommunity. community.We We meet meet the the people peoplewe weserve servewhere wherethey they are.” are.”

30 30The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community Fall Fall2018 2018 30 The Positive Community Fall 2018

Spending Spending aa little little down down time time with with her her children. children.

er er fresh fresh produce produce throughout throughout the the state. state. If the people we serve serve are are eating eating healthy healthy and and have have access access to healthy food, that’s that’s one one less less thing thing they they have have to to think think about – and they can canconcentrate concentrate on on their their health.” health.”

Carter Carter grew grew up up admiring admiring her her grandmother, grandmother, a selftaught, taught, savvy savvy businesswoman, businesswoman, who who took over the family ily shoe shoe repair repair business, business, owned owned several several properties, and was was aa pillar pillar of of her her church church and and community. community. “She was a shrewd shrewd businesswoman.” businesswoman.” Carter Carter recalled. recalled. “Watching her, IIlooked lookedat ather her as as the the exemplar exemplar of of what what a female leader is and and what what aa female female leader leader would would look look like. When I think about about where where II am am today, today, II think think about about her and the sacrifices ficesshe she made, made, but but also also how how she she impacted impacted me.”

AA member member of of Alpha Alpha Kappa Kappa Alpha Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack Jack and and Jill Jill of of America, America, Carter Carter is is married with three children. children. “I “I don’t don’t believe believe in in glass glass ceilings,” ceilings,” she said. “I believe believe we we seize seize on on the the opportunities opportunities we have been afforded forded and and make make sure sure we we pay pay itit forward. forward. I’m a firm believer in in reaching reaching back back and and trying trying to to bring others along liever onthe the journey.” journey.” on www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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UHCCommunityPlan.com/NJ Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO SNP), a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on contract renewal.

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10/17/18 12:49 PM

Saturday, December 15 at 8 PM

A Night of Inspiration Regina Belle | Shirley Caesar | Travis Greene | J. J. Hairston | Koryn Hawthorne Adrienne Bailon Houghton | Israel Houghton | Kenny Lattimore | Ledisi Patricio Molina | Cantor Azi Schwartz | Richard Smallwood | Iyanla Vanzant Bishop Hezekiah Walker | BeBe Winans | The String Queens | Ray Chew, Music Director It’s always a thrilling experievnce to hear acclaimed composer, music director, and producer Ray Chew— along with his co-producer, Vivian Scott Chew—lead uplifting music from diverse traditions. Great soloists, an outstanding instrumental ensemble, and some unforgettable surprises await when the music moves you and your spirit rises.

carnegiehall.org | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Artists, programs, and dates subject to change. © 2018 CHC. Photos: Ledisi by Ron T. Young, Molino by Jeffrey Langford, Schwartz by Yadin Goldman Photography, Winans by Derek Blanks.

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HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

Music Icon Janet Jackson visits HARLEM WEEK.

HARLEM WEEK 2018 In Pictures

T

ruly embodying the HARLEM WEEK 2018 theme “Women Transforming the World: Past, Present & Future,” Janet Jackson was honored by HARLEM WEEK and The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) as one of the 44 women saluted as a prime example of an extraordinary, transformative woman.

The global icon literally took the “A” train from 59th Street to 125th Street in Harlem (her first time on a NYC subway), on Saturday, August 18, to join in the HARLEM WEEK “Summer in the City” Dancing in the Street festivities. Celebrating her newly released single “Made for Now,” accompanied by Daddy Yankee and her dancers, the superstar wowed thousands of Harlemites, fans, and tourists who came out to see the sensational pop star in person and received an extra special treat— a dance lesson capturing moves featured in her new video.

HARLEM WEEK and GHCC acknowledged Jackson not only for her lifetime achievement in music, but also for her unselfish use of her celebrity platform to fight for social justice. NYS Assembly Member Inez Dickens and State Senator Brian Benjamin presented the Key to the www.thepositivecommunity.com

State to the legendary entertainer, who expressed her joy and thankfulness for the tributes and what she has been able to accomplish.

This was not the first visit to Harlem by a Jackson family member. In past years, HARLEM WEEK hosted The Jacksons, who performed, and Michael Jackson as a special guest.

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

33

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

Gracie Mansion Harlem Elected Officials and Representatives (from L–R:) NYS Assembly Members Al Taylor and Inez Dickens, NYS Senator Brian Benjamin, Athena Moore representing Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Congressman Adriano Espaillat present proclamations to luncheon Honoree Bishop Herbert Daughtry.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio presents proclamation to HARLEM WEEK Chairman Lloyd Williams.

Afro-Cuban band Chino Pons Y Grupo Irek performing at Gracie Mansion.

HARLEM WEEK Theme “A Community within the Community” Saluted LGBTQ honorees award winning choreographer/producer George Faison and music legend Nona Hendryx at Gracie Mansion.

Basil Paterson Business Awards Luncheon

L–R: Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins, American Urban Radio Networks White House Correspondent and Honoree April Ryan, Civil Rights pioneer and Honoree Ernie Green of the “Little Rock 9,” and former NYS Governor David Paterson.

Hundreds of NYC’s “Who’s Who” attend the Basil Paterson Business Awards Luncheon each year.

34

The Positive Community Fall 2018

Musician extraordinaire Joey Morant opens the luncheon with the National Anthem.

Manhattan DA Cy Vance makes a point about cyber security at the Technology Summit. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

The first HARLEM DAY celebration

Then & Now HARLEM WEEK 2018 Kick Off Press Reception at Gracie Mansion

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he original purpose of HARLEM DAY, when created in 1974, was to raise the spirits of Harlemites and to promote the multifaceted greatness of Harlem (the best known community in the world) by focusing on the multiple colleges and institutions of higher learning including Columbia University, Barnard College, The City College of New York, Union Theological Seminary, Manhattan School of Music, and many others. It also celebrated the neighborhood’s renowned religious institutions and historic locations including Abyssinian Baptist Church, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Hamilton Grange National Memorial, The Riverside Church, Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial Park, Studio Museum in Harlem, The Apollo Theater, and The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, to name a few.

A select group of Harlemites including Lloyd Williams, Voza Rivers, Tony Rogers, Stephanie Francis, Larry Frazier, Marvin Kelly, Joe Roberts, Vivian Robinson, Ozzie Thompson, Lois Alexander, and others, were encouraged by then Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton to create the first HARLEM DAY event on August 17, 1974. The initial activity of the day was a ribbon cutting ceremony at 138th

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Street & 7th Avenue, officially re-naming 7th Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard. This was the first time a major street in New York City was named after a person of color. Some of the luminaries in attendance on that day were music legends Ella Fitzgerald, Tito Puente, Max Roach, Lionel Hampton; stage and screen stars Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Harry Belafonte; Harlem politicians who would become icons: Charles Rangel and David Dinkins; radio legends Hal Jackson and Frankie Crocker, and many more. Little did these planners and their committee members realize that this “one time, one day” event would, due to great response and demand, eventually become a month-long festival.

2019 marks the 45th anniversary of HARLEM WEEK. It is a lasting testament to the initial planners that the HARLEM DAY event has grown to become not only one of the largest festivals in the northeastern United States, but also one of the longest running. HARLEM WEEK’s 45th anniversary will be a celebration for Harlem and the world. We invite you to join in next year’s festivities from July 28th through August 24th. Remember, “You haven’t done this town until you’ve done it Uptown, so do it up in Harlem” in 2019. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

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HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

Great Day in Harlem

R&B great Bobby Brown in front of BET’s “Inside the Mind of Bobby Brown” exhibit on HARLEM DAY

R&B great Peabo Bryson performs at “A Great Day in Harlem”

On HARLEM DAY, August 19, a Special Tribute was given in honor of The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

Gospel great Bishop Hezekiah Walker performs at “A Great Day in Harlem” Models strike a pose at the Fashion Flava Show R&B greats Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes bring “The Philly Sound” and receive ovations on HARLEM DAY.

BELOW: Crowd enjoys the gospel sound

Cuban Dance Company Oyu Oro performs at “Summer in the City.”

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The Positive Community Fall 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

the hip hop nutcracker dec 14

maze with frankie beverly special guest raheem devaughn

Sun, Nov 25 @ 7PM R&B hits with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, plus neo-soul with special guest and 3-time GRAMMY nominee Raheem DeVaughn.

In Concert Live to Film with the NJSO Sat, Dec 15 @ 2PM & 7:30PM See the Disney/Tim Burton holiday classic with the full score performed live by a full orchestra.

Special Guest MC Kurtis Blow

neil degrasse tyson

forces of nature dance theater

Cosmic Collisions Wed, Dec 5 @ 7:30PM This famed astrophysicist/television host explains Cosmic Collisions – all the things that go bump in the night (and in the day).

Special Guest Sweet Honey In The Rock Sat, Dec 15 @ 2PM & 7:30PM Celebrate Kwanzaa with this dazzling collaboration of dance and music!

cirque dreams holidaze

cece winans anthony brown jj hairston

Dec 26–27 @ 7PM Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2018 holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular!

An MLK Weekend Celebration Fri, Jan 18 @ 8PM An inspirational, all-star gospel tribute featuring CeCe Winans, Anthony Brown and JJ Hairston.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. All rights reserved. ©Disney

dance series Nov-Positive-Community.indd 1

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street • Newark, NJ 10/31/18 11:06 AM

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

Children's Festival

Parents and children enjoy face painting at the NYC Children’s Festival.

The 2-day NYC Children’s Festival was kicked off by an exciting youth parade on Saturday, August 18th.

Back to School Fashion Show Spelling Bee

Youth Models during the Macy’s Back to School Fashion Show.

This darling young lady walks the runway at the Macy’s Back to School Fashion Show.

Young spelling bee competitors vie to be champions at the HARLEM WEEK Spelling Bee.

Youth Hackathon

Young people participating in the Hackathon.

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Youth Hackathon team presents their award winning project. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

L+M Development Partners: proud supporter of Harlem and the greater metro area for over two decades

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION

L+M: Partners

BY FERN GILLESPIE

Kalahari Harlem

A Creative Approach to Housing Development

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n innovator since its inception in 1984, L+M Development Partners, Inc. has a reputation for creative approaches to mixed-use and mixedincome developments and emerging market-rate housing that include improving the neighborhoods in which it works.

As vice president of ComYasmin Cornelius munity Affairs for L+M and its affiliate C&C Apartment Management, Yasmin Cornelius is responsible for leading, planning, and executing the community relations programs in Harlem by working with community leaders and government officials. She facilitates job creation, and the creation of needs-based programs for the community. “You are talking to a person whose mother sacrificed and fought landlords who were neglecting their rental properties, but is now able to buy her own apartment,” she pointed out. A City College of New York graduate and current New York State committeewoman for the 70th Assembly District in Central Harlem, Cornelius boasts, “I grew up on 110th Street and Seventh Avenue—Harlem born and raised.”

L+M’s work in Harlem involves new construction and historic renovation projects, among them: Edgecombe Preservation with 15 buildings spread across Harlem; Harlem Genesis on 119th Street; and Harlem River Point

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South on East 131st Street. PS 90 on West 148th Street, a former school abandoned in the 1970s, was converted into a beautiful, award-winning, luxury condominium building completed in 2011.

Some of the Harlem partners are Artimus Construction Company, East Harlem Triangle, Apex Building Company, Friendly Hands Ministry, and NYC Housing & Preservation Department. Also, L+M uses Building Skill, a nonprofit committed to providing New York residents with good paying jobs at local construction sites in underserved communities. Lower and moderate income requirements for Harlem apartment’s range between $30,000—$86,000.

Harlem is currently a hot market for apartments, and Cornelius explains, “It’s usually a one to two-month turnaround time for people to move into apartments. The good news is that a lot of people are not being evicted.

And, a lot of people are not leaving their apartments. It’s not about is it hard to get in, it’s about understanding that vacancies do take time. We’re not an eviction-based management entity. We spend a lot of time making sure eviction is the last thing that happens.”

When L+M took over property on East Harlem’s 116th Street, the neighborhood was recovering from the tragic Con Edison explosion a few years ago. Through Cornelius’ efforts, Healthy Choice—a popular deli returned, opening in a brand new space.

Canaan Baptist Church’s senior citizen center will have a grand opening there by the end of the year. At 425 West 125 Street, Manhattan Borough President Gale www.thepositivecommunity.com

HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION A. Brewer has settled into her easily accessible office space and Levels Barbershop is packing them in. Make My Cake is scheduled to be a tenant.

The distinctive façade of The Kalahari Harlem, a 249unit mixed-income condominium gives the building an unmistakable presence on 116th Street in the heart of Harlem and the area known as Little Senegal. A model for mixed-income homeownership, half of the units are income restricted therefore affordable to families earning between 80% and 175% of area media income, and half are market-rate. The Kalahari Harlem is home to MIST a $21 million entertainment complex featuring an art and film screening center and popular restaurant.

L+M’s development partner in the project is Full Spectrum of New York.

“Our commitment is for local residents to have access to quality business locations. We look at what a com-munity could use. We might see a senior citizen center or afterschool program or a health program or a youth center,” Cornelius said. “Multiple partners come togeth-er to address the needs of the area. We try to provide programs through community providers that already exist to make life better for the residents. I played a role in many of these projects. It’s important to make these connections because, if you know what’s happening and what the void is in the community, then it’s an easy connection.”

L+M supports a range of organizations in Harlem that serve the community. Ron Moelis, CEO and co-founder,

has an involvement with Harlem Lacrosse that includes support and expansion of the program to middle school girls at Promise Academy II. Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF)’s STEM-focused College and Career Programming at Frederick Douglass Academy receives support from L+M. At the CUNY Food Policy Institute, L+M partners with Youth Action YouthBuild to deliver a healthy food-focused job training program to young people. In East Harlem’s Acacia Network, the company provided a credit education and enhancement initiative to promote the eligibility of East Harlem residents for local affordable housing lotteries.

“As a person who has seen the quality of housing and the number of opportunities for housing slowly slipping from longtime residents in Harlem, it was imperative that I would be a part of assisting,” said Cornelius. “Being at the table, I make sure that displacement does not occur and longtime residents have an opportunity to preserve where they live. It’s a labor of love for me.”

In addition to its work in Harlem, L+M has developments in Brooklyn. The Bronx, Queens, Westchester County, San Francisco, New Orleans, and New Jersey.

The NJ Historic Preservation Office recognized them for their work restoring downtown Newark’s former Hahne and Co. flagship department store building into a vibrant shopping and mixed-income development. The company has developed other properties in Newark as well as other cities in New Jersey.

Manhattanville Course Auditing and Lifelong Learners Program Columbia University funds up to 150 courses each academic year for residents of Manhattanville Houses and Grant Houses and others in the local community. The programs provide adults not currently enrolled in college with the opportunity to attend selected lectures drawn from University offerings in the arts and sciences. The application deadline for the spring semester is Jan. 5.

For more information, visit sps.columbia.edu/auditing.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

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HARLEM WEEK SPECIAL SECTION PC_HW19.qxp_Layout 1 11/14/18 4:56 PM Page 1

HARLEM DAY Crowd

Face painting at the

Children's Festival

Family Health Care

Fashion Flava

Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run

We invite you to successfully promote your brand(s) and/or mission statement(s) at

Bishop Hezekiah Walker Gospel Performance

Janet Jackson at "Summer in the City" Macy's “Back to School“ Fashion Show

When we celebrate our

45TH Anniversary This invitation is extended to

Arts & Crafts at UpMarket Pavilion

International Foods & Beverages

CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS ● HEALTH ● TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES ● FOOD & BEVERAGE COMPANIES ● FASHIONISTAS ● PERFORMERS ● ENTERTAINERS & GENERAL EXHIBITORS/VENDORS

International Marketplace

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL MS. RICKETTS OR MR. CAUSEY AT (877) 427-5364

IS THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF HARLEM WEEK Senior Citizens Hat Show

Technology

www.harlemweek.com

Harlem "Spelling Bee"

Theater & Entertainment

Upper Manhattan Auto Show

Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival

BET Bobby Brown Exhibit

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University Hospital Helping Newark Thrive

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t University Hospital, your heart health is important. Our Healthy Heart Program provides heart failure patients with hands-on healthcare guidance to help them live full, independent, and comfortable lives. A multidisciplinary team of experts, including cardiologists, advance practice nurses, dieticians and pharmacists, work hand-in-hand to create a holistic and personalized plan for patients’ continued care.

The Healthy Heart Program aims to give heart patients the knowledge and support to manage their symptoms at home.

A social worker helps ensure that you have the necessary financial and social support to take full advantage of the program, and a care coordinator helps patients plan out a personal at-home care strategy.

You’ll get valuable advice on nutrition from a registered dietician, and even learn how to prepare heart-healthy meals so that your symptoms can be managed from the inside out. At the same time, our pharmacists will design a medication regimen to help your heart work as efficiently as possible.

There are free group education workshops on Thursdays from 10 am - 11 am. For more information, contact us at (973) 972-1182 or healthyheartprogram@uhnj.org.

University Hospital also knows that cancer patients need more than treatment—you also need peer and family support and opportunities to educate yourself on cancer-related issues. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state, provides free groups and programs provides for sharing questions, feelings, and concerns in a supportive atmosphere. Groups are led by a licensed clinician social worker. Patients, families, and friends www.thepositivecommunity.com

can also learn about valuable resources and community services that can help you take the reins on recovery and stress management. Groups are held on Wednesdays.

University Hospital hosts health events that are free and open to the community. In October, University Hospital provided free breast and cervical cancer screenings to under- and uninsured women through its See, Test and Treat program.

This event, funded by the CAP Foundation (the philanthropic arm of the College of American Pathologists), resulted in more than 70 women getting screened by a physician and receiving their results the same day. Follow-up appointments were also scheduled as needed. Another 100 people participated in workshops, interactive activities, and demonstrations. In October, 56 uninsured women received free mammograms along with a hot breakfast and breast cancer education workshops.

Lung cancer screenings are also available on an ongoing basis for adults aged 55-77 who currently smoking or have quit smoking in the last 15 years and have an extensive tobacco-smoking history. Our CT chest screenings are fast, pain-free, and covered by most Medicare and health insurance plans. Appointments required. For more information, call (973) 972-9694.

University Hospital also offers free smoking cessation classes for individuals and groups led by certified tobacco treatment specialists. For more information about the Smoking Treatment Program, contact us at (973) 468-5252 or at smokefree@uhnj.org.

These efforts are all part of University Hospital’s greater commitment to helping Newark residents thrive.

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

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L–R: Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams (center-right) kicked off his Clergy Healthy Lifestyle Challenge at a meeting in his Brooklyn Borough Hall conference room, joined by (from left to right) Pastor Laurel Scott of Newman Memorial United Methodist Church, Pastor Trevor Hyde of Berean Baptist Church, Nahed Abuella of Multicultural Community Organization of New York, Reverend Marilyn Jackson of Unity East Church Center, Sakibeh Mustafa of The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC), Pastor Gwen Dingle of Pentecostal House of Prayer, Pastor Joseph Turner of Ninth Tabernacle Beth-El, Gilda Caputo-Hansen of TBHC, Pastor Gilford T. Monrose of Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, and Elisa Hligar of Christian Cultural Center.

Photo: Erica Sherman/Brooklyn BP’s Office

Brooklyn Hospital Center Launches Clergy Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

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ince his own life-altering medical diagnosis a little over two years ago, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams has become an example of how healthy eating and living can change the course of one’s life. “I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, nearly lost my vision, and had permanent nerve damage,” he explained. “But after I switched to a whole food, plantbased diet, my symptoms reversed in just three months.”

Adams made the revelation at an event launching the Clergy Healthy Lifestyle Challenge, a 12-week program sponsored by The Brooklyn Hospital with the goal of involving faith leaders in a healthy lifestyle program that will provide tools to get healthier and, in turn, spread the word — and the guidelines they learn — to their communities.

Borough President Adams, a staunch advocate of preventive medicine, highlighted the pivotal role clergy can play in influencing public health outcomes in their congregations.

“Our faith leaders are in a unique position to support us mind, body, and soul,” said Borough President Adams.

“By modeling healthy behaviors and guiding their congregations in wellness and spirit, they have the opportunity to restore hope for those struggling with their health. My own health seemed hopeless a little over two years ago. I’m excited to welcome members of Brooklyn’s clergy on this health journey so they, too, can experience the transformative power of food and share it with their members.”

A plant-based diet is one of several healthy plans the clergy were supplied with from TBHC’s family medicine team, headed by Chair Shirley Abraham, MD. “Our

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healthcare providers actively promote healthy lifestyles and diets to our patients,” says Dr. Abraham. “We are very excited to be part of this dynamic initiative where we will measure the weight-loss progress of the participants and supply ongoing support and education every week at the hospital.”

TBHC has a history of working with the borough’s faith leaders. “We host regular breakfasts with clergy to better understand the health needs of the communities they serve,” says Gilda Caputo-Hansen, director of community affairs for TBHC. “Throughout the year, TBHC also attends health events hosted by various houses of worship throughout the borough where we provide lectures, screening and education.”

Clergy participating in the challenge are: Nahed Abuella of Multicultural Community Organization of New York; Pastor Eric Darrisaw of Glorious Temple Church of God in Christ; Pastor Gwen Dingle of Pentecostal House of Prayer; Pastor Preston Harrington of Co-Faith Christian Church; Elisa Hligar of Christian Cultural Center; Pastor Trevor Hyde of Berean Baptist Church; Reverend Marilyn Jackson of Unity East Church Center; Pastor Joseph J. Jones of Mount Hermon Baptist Church; Reverend Dr. Fred Lucas of Brooklyn Community Church; Pastor Gilford T. Monrose of Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day; Pastor Laurel Scott of Newman Memorial United Methodist Church; Pastor Joseph Turner of Ninth Tabernacle Beth-El; and Pastor Heraclio John Wyatt, Jr. of Apostolic Faith Mission. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Happy, healthy, loved. These are the dreams we have for our families and friends.

So we cherish the moments that make us smile and inspire us to grow... when we move, create, serve, play, teach, do. When we care.

This is how health rises in each of us, and in our homes and communities.

Because when we’re being ourselves, we all feel better.

Let’s get everyone covered.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.

Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

HHHHH Fidelis Care is a top-rated plan in the 2017 New York State Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid and Child Health Plus.

HHHH Fidelis Care also received 4 stars in the 2018 Quality Rating System for Qualified Health Plans from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.

(1-888-343-3547)

TTY: 711

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Brookdale Hospital

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The Positive Community Fall 2018

Photo Courtesy Brookdale Hospital

ne Brooklyn Health at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center celebrated its first annual beauty day event, “Cancer Can’t Stop Me” on October 29, 2018.

Selecting 20 patients and making them each Queen for a day, participants received mini makeovers including: massages provided by Anoz Spa Boutique, manicures provided

by GLH Nail Lacquer, custom wigs and hair styling provided by Studio 1031 and Kayhairnista, and makeup provided by Vera Moore Cosmetics and Make Up Your Life Salon. Participants also received gift bags and an island feast. This beauty day was a way to give back to patients. Many are facing more than a fight with cancer; some are battling obstacles that come with living with cancer such as not being able to work to

Cancer Can't Stop Me!

provide for themselves and their families. Some are living in shelters, some have no family support or are losing themselves through this journey. The event showed

patients they are appreciated, they’re strong, they’re beautiful. Most importantly this event showed these queens that their Brookdale family has their back.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

JJ Hairston

Richard Smallwood

Host Liz Black of 107.5 WBLS NY, and C. Virginia Fields

Photos: Ken Harris Photography

NBLCA Board Chair Johnny L. Ford, NBLCA President/CEO C. Virginia Fields, and Orbit Clanton, President Healing Hope Ministry, Convent Avenue B.C.

L–R: Amida Care CEO Doug Wirth, JJ Hairston, NBLCA President and CEO C. Virginia Fields, and Healing Hope Ministry of Convent Avenue B.C. President Orbit Clanton Convent Avenue Baptist Church Healing Hope Ministry with JJ Hairston

A Stellar Evening Of Celebration & Recognition

Gospel Extravaganza 2018 Presented by National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS

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ore than 200 gospel enthusiasts and community leaders gathered for an evening of triumph and recognition of the work of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA). The 2018 Gospel Extravaganza celebrated the organization’s 30 years of service — educating, mobilizing and empowering black leaders to address and proactively fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other health disparities facing African Americans. The November 1st benefit concert at Harlem’s historic Aaron Davis Hall at the City College Center for the Arts, featured live performances by two of the biggest names in Gospel music, Richard Smallwood and JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise. Radio personality Liz Black and NBLCA’s President and CEO C. Virginia Fields hosted.

Smallwood and Hairston each performed a variety of

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selections and each accompanying band and choir drew the guests to their feet in a stirring and moving display of praise.

In addition to the live performances, Amida Care and the Healing Hope Ministry of Convent Avenue Baptist Church received NBLCA’s “Choose Life” Award.

President and CEO Doug Wirth accepted the award for Amida Care. Orbit Clanton, president of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church - Healing Hope Ministry, accepted the award on behalf of the church.

“I am pleased to report that NBLCA is in a strong position to respond to the shifting funding priorities, program and service needs of the populations that we serve,” commented President Fields. “We will ring in our next 30 years and beyond with enhanced and increased services and a renewed commitment to our mission.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

A welcoming community that celebrates you for who you are Comprehensive health coverage Personal champion who works with you privately to customize your health care Expertise in chronic medical conditions, such as HIV, behavioral health issues, and Hepatitis C Help with housing referrals, job training, and other support programs

Medicaid Health Plan

BE YOURSELF The health plan for individuals

CALL US FOR CONFIDENTIAL ANSWERS:

1-855-GO-AMIDA (1-855-462-6432), TTY 711 www.AmidaCareNY.org

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our health is just as important to us as it is to you. When you are in Care Management at WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey, you benefit from a set of activities that are intended to improve your health and offer self-management interventions.

The Care Management program strives to meet the needs of our member’s by focusing on physical and mental health as well as social needs. To do this, Wellcare collaborates with providers, state agencies and community-based organizations to provide services such as:

• Coordinating appointments and transportation to your primary care physician (PCP)

• Coordinating

home-based supporting services such as personal care assistance, adult medical day care, and home delivered meals.

• Assistance with obtaining needed medical equipment

• Coordinating

transitions from a nursing facility back to a home setting for members of our managed long term care program

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Members in Care Management work with a team of Care Managers that include registered nurses, social workers, behavioral health care providers and community advocacy staff that help identify community resources. With more than 100 Care Managers, WellCare has a culturally diverse staff that services our membership both telephonically as well as in person through home visits.

Below is one of our member experiences.

A Care Manager visited a 77-yearold member who lived alone. The member had a history of epilepsy, frequent falls, hypertension and heart failure. In the last six months, she had been in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital at least four times. Because she was often short of breath and relying on oxygen tanks, the member was having trouble keeping up with her personal hygiene, did not cook and her apartment was dirty.

The care manager sat down with her to discuss a plan of care and what services could be provided to help the member to stay safely in her home. The care manager immediately set up personal care assistance

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to help her keep up her personal hygiene and clean her apartment, home delivered meals and an emergency response system. Plus the care manager helped the member with making appointments with specialists and her primary care physician.

The member is now seeing her primary care physician regularly and consistently taking her medications.

She only needs to use oxygen at night and has not visited the emergency room or has been hospitalized in the past 10 months.

This success means our members’ safety and well-being have been addressed as well as her happiness.

We understand that today’s health care system can get complicated. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way to make sure you get all the care you need.

If you interested in Care Management call us to get more information and to begin working with your personal health care team, give us a call at 1-866-635-7045 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. TTY/TDD users may call 1-877-247-6272.

There is no cost to you and it is a voluntary service. www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Healthier Life STARTS HERE!

Take the first step. Learn how a WellCare Medicare Advantage plan can help you be a better you.

CALL NOW! 1-866-670-8187 | TTY 711 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 7 days a week WellCareforNJ.com

WellCare Health Plans, Inc., is an HMO, PPO, PFFS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. You may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP). WellCare TexanPlus complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致 電 1-888-736-7442 (TTY:711)。 Y0070_WCM_15746E CMS Accepted 07232018

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Saint Michael’s Medical Center Earns Two National Awards Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for the second straight year by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

Saint Michael’s was also awarded an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grade, a designation that recognizes the hospital’s efforts to protect patients from harm and meet the highest safety standards in the country.

“These back-to-back national awards are proof of the high quality of care delivered by the staff and physicians at Saint Michael’s,” said The Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter, the pastor of Saint James AME church and the chair of the Saint Michael’s Board.

“We are fortunate to have a community hospital of this caliber to meet the healthcare needs of our community.”

of its other services, including for treatment of pneumonia, sepsis, respiratory failure, gallbladder removal surgery and gynecologic procedures.

“Hospitals that have achieved the Healthgrades America’s Best Hospitals for cardiac care have proven their dedication to quality care and exceptional outcomes,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades.

“Consumers should consider hospital quality when navigating their care journeys, and this recognition distinguishes Saint Michael’s in the marketplace.”

Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at almost 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions, as well as tracking outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using allpayer data provided by 15 states and the District of Columbia.

The Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter, chair of Saint Michael’s Medical Center

Saint Michael’s was one of only four hospitals in New Jersey to be ranked as one of the nation’s best hospitals for cardiac care. Saint Michael’s is a member of Prime Healthcare, one of the nation’s top health systems for clinical quality.

Healthgrades also named Saint Michael’s among the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery.

The hospital also received Healthgrade’s 2019 Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award and Cardiac Care Excellence Award.

Healthgrades also named Saint Michael’s a Five-Star Recipient for coronary bypass surgery, treatment of heart attack, treatment of heart failure and for pacemaker procedures.

Saint Michael’s was also recognized by Healthgrades as a Five-Star Recipient for several

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Saint Michael’s is one of 855 hospitals across the United States awarded an “A “ by The Leapfrog Group, a national organization committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. Saint Michael’s is a member of Prime Healthcare, one of the leading health systems in the United States with 45 hospitals in 14 states.

“The employees and physicians of Saint Michael’s truly deserve this award because it is their dedication and commitment to a culture of safety that allowed the hospital to receive this national designation,” said Hamid Shaaban, MD, a medical oncologist and one of Saint Michael’s chief medical officers.

Leapfrog assigns an A, B, C, D or F Hospital Safety Grade to hospitals based on their performance in preventing accidents, injuries and errors to patients.

“Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades recognize

hospitals like Saint Michael’s that focus on advancing patient safety. This ranking provides an important resource for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how care at one hospital compares to others in a region,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

The Leapfrog grade is a dramatic turnaround for Saint Michael’s, which had received an F in the Spring of 2016. At the time, the hospital was in bankruptcy and in the process of being sold to Prime Healthcare.

Saint Michael’s CEO Robert Iannaccone said because of the precarious financial condition of the hospital prior to the sale to Prime Healthcare, the previous owners of Saint Michael’s stopped submitting surveys to Leapfrog Group, which resulted in the failing grade.

“Under Prime Healthcare’s ownership, Saint Michael’s had the resources needed to achieve an entirely new level of intense focus on patient quality and safety,” Iannaccone said. “From the moment Prime Healthcare took ownership of the hospital, patient safety and continuous quality improvement were the top priority.”

As Saint Michael’s implemented a host of new patient-centered improvement standards at all Prime Healthcare facilities, the Hospital Safety Grades began improving.

“Many of the improvements had an immediate impact on patient safety, but because immediate grades did not fully take into account the changes that were put in place and, therefore, did not reflect the high quality of care we provided to our patients,” Iannaccone said.

“It took a few years for our Hospital Safety Grade to catch up to where we should have been all along,” the CEO said. “Now our grade truly reflects the high quality of care patients receive at Saint Michael’s.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Great doctors Great doctors are made here. are made here.

Dr. Hamid Shaaban, MD, Chief Medical Dr. Hamid Shaaban, MD, Chiefcompleted Medical Officer and a medical oncologist, Officer a medical oncologist, completed hisand internal medicine residency at Saint his internal medicine residency at Saintin Michael’s as well as fellowships Michael’sdiseases as well asand fellowships in infectious hematology infectious diseases hematology oncology.

He and is board certified oncology. is board infectious certified in internalHe medicine, in internal medicine, infectious disease, hematology and disease,medical hematology and oncology. medical oncology.

Dr. Shaaban is just one of the many reasons why Saint Michael’s is a nationally recognized Dr. Shaaban is just reasons why SaintJersey Michael’s is abynationally recognized teaching hospital.

It isone one ofof the onlymany four hospitals in New named Healthgrades as one teaching hospital.

It is one of only four hospitals in New Jersey named by Healthgrades as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care. Saint Michael’s also earned the nation’s top of America’s Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care.

Saint Michael’s also earned the nation’s top distinction for patient safety with an “A” in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. High quality distinctionisfor patient right safetyhere withinan “A” in the Hospital healthcare available Newark.

GetLeapfrog better with us. Safety Grade. High quality healthcare is available right here in Newark. Get better with us.

973.877.5189 973.877.5189

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KAHLIL KAHLIL CARMICHAEL CARMICHAEL THE THE FITNESS FITNESS DOCTOR DOCTOR

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

Jersey.

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

I Can Do All Things

I

decided decided to to try. try. AA friend friend invited invited me to attend an indoor door spin spin cycle cycle class, class, so so II took took him up on the offer.

II have have been been looking looking at at different different ways to improve my cardio cardio endurance endurance and and aerobic aerobic capacity. capacity. Indoor cycling, often oftenalso alsocalled called spinning, spinning, is is aa form form of exercise with classes esfocusing focusingon on endurance, endurance, strength, strength, intervals, high intensity sity (race (race days), days), and and recovery. recovery. It It involves involves using a special, stationary stationary exercise exercise bicycle bicycle with with aa weighted weighted flywheel in a classroom classroom setting. setting.

II was was aa little little intimidated intimidated about about participating in this class. class. I’ve I’ve heard heard many many stories stories about about the intensity and degree gree of of difficulty difficulty associated associated with with spinning—they’re spinning—they’re legendary. endary. But But II do do love love overcoming overcoming aa challenge and doing the thevery very thing thing that that II am am afraid afraid of, of, so... so...

The Theclass class was was well well attended attended and and for for some reason, I was placed placed in in the the center center of of the the class class with with all eyes seemingly on onme. me.At At first, first, II was was confident confident II would would finish well; but after ter30 30minutes minutes II realized realized II would would have have to access the Spirit!

As Asthe theclass class intensified intensified II was was feeling feeling weak and thought 45 minutes minutes was was long long enough. enough. But But thank thank God, I was able to finish. finish.

This This experience experience made made me me think think of the thousands of people people I’ve I’ve been been fortunate fortunate to to help help grow spiritually and improve improve physically physically over over the the past past 20 20 years. I thought of those thosewho whomay maybe be intimidated intimidated by by starting starting an exercise program gram and and their their possible possible perception perception of a trainer being a boot boot camp camp drill drill sergeant. sergeant. So So here here are are some tips for overcoming coming the the fear fear and and intimidation intimidation of of starting an exercise program: program:

Get the idea of exercising exercising out of your head and and just just do do it. it.

If your physician has given given you you the the ok ok to to exercise, exercise, take take aa leap of faith and start start walking, walking, join join aa gym, gym, take take an an aeroaerobics class with a friend, friend, or or (always (always my my recommendation) recommendation) find a qualified professional professional fitness fitness coach coach or or trainer trainer to to help you.

Get recommendations recommendations about about fitness fitness programs from people people you you trust. trust.

Many of my clients at at The The Fitness Fitness Doctor Doctor came came to to our our facility by way of referral. referral. One One of of my my clients clients will will often often rerefer their family member member or or friend friend (husband, (husband, wife, wife, sister, sister, neighbor etc.) to The The Fitness Fitness Doctor Doctor not not only only because because we help people get results, results, but but we we are are caring, caring, compascompassionate, and patient with with our our clients. clients. We We truly trulyunderstand understand how intimidating exercise exercise can can be be and and strive strive to to help help peopeople with love and great great skill. skill.

Don’t Quit!

We have a saying in my my faith faith tradition. tradition. “No “No devil devil in in hell hell can stop me!!” That must must be be our our attitude attitude when when starting starting and/or committing to to an an exercise exercise program. program.We Wenot notallow allow anything to stop us. NO NO excuses. excuses. Whatever Whatever itit takes, takes, keep keep going.

Although I plan on on going going to to spin spin periodically, periodically, II find find myself making excuses. excuses. The The biggest biggest excuse excuse being beingIIown ownaa gym, for goodness sakes. sakes. But But today today II will will take take some someof ofmy my own advice and simply simply keep keep going. going. II can cando doall allthings…… things……

So, can you.

As always, exercise consistently, consistently, eat eat healthier, healthier, live live well. well.

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

56 56 56The The ThePositive Positive PositiveCommunity Community Community Fall Fall Fall2018 2018 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

We’ll always be here for you.

“ I don’t just have

health insurance.

I have great insurance.”

Vita, Horizon BCBSNJ Member

HorizonBlue.com Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2018 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

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Saint Peter’s Family Health Center Provides New Model of Diabetes Care to Serve the Underserved

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nderserved populations in various areas of the country have an increased likelihood of developing diabetes and hypertension due to noncompliance with medications, financial concerns, lack of knowledge about disease processes, and lack of understanding about the relationship between lifestyle and developing diabetes with hypertension. The Diabetes and Hypertension Center at the Saint Peter’s University Hospital's Family Health Center in New Brunswick is helping local underserved communities better manage their health with a new model of diabetes care.

The fundamentals of care provided at the Saint Peter’s Diabetes and Hypertension Center focus on the patient’s medical and social needs.

In addition to primary care and followup care, the staff provides education on managing medications; living and coping with chronic disease; nutrition counseling; foot, skin and eye care; and information about additional community resources.

The patient-centered medical home has cared for hundreds of adults 18 years of age and older and non-pregnant women who have diabetes and hypertension and have no insurance or are underinsured.

The short-term goal of the program is to identify patients with both conditions and provide them with the care and resources they need in one convenient location. The long-term goal is to reduce hospital admissions and emergency room visits.

A male patient weighing close to 400 pounds who was experiencing a severe decrease in kidney function is now on the road to better health because the Center helped him to dramatically change his diet and he is taking insulin to regulate his glucose levels.

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The Center’s patient success stories show how the Saint Peter’s Family Health Center is making a difference in the local underserved communities:

•

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A female patient who was unemployed and living in New Jersey and elsewhere, was referred to the Center for treatment. During her ini-

tial visit, an A1C test was conducted to measure what percentage of hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen was coated with sugar (glycated). A1C test results reflect a patient’s average blood glucose over a three-month period. The result of the patient’s first A1C test at the Center was 14. Today, it has been reduced by more than 50 percent to 6.1.

When new patients come to the Center, they meet with a primary care physician and then appointments are scheduled for a nutritional consultation and a separate session where patients are taught what they can do to better manage the disease. The Center also works with each patient to identify barriers to successful self-management and treatment. All patients are invited to Spanish-or-English-language support groups that meet once a month at the Center.

For more information, call The Diabetes and Hypertension Center at 732-339-7672. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Don’t let diabetes and hypertension control your life.

If you suffer or are at risk for diabetes and hypertension, Saint Peter’s University Hospital can help. If you are 18 years old or older, you can receive high quality care to better manage your chronic disease — even if you have no insurance or not enough of it to cover long-term medical expenses.

In one convenient location at The Diabetes and Hypertension Center at Saint Peter’s Family Health Center, you can benefit from comprehensive care provided by physicians, nurses, a nutritionist and a social worker.

In addition to primary care and follow-up care, we offer: ■

■ ■ ■

Education on managing medications and living and coping with chronic disease; Nutrition counseling; Foot, skin and eye care; Support groups;

■ ■ ■ ■

Zumba® classes; Psychological or behaviorial health; Home visits; Information about community resources.

Our goal is to help you make healthy lifestyle changes so that you can succeed in managing your diabetes and hypertension, and ultimately, reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays. For your convenience we have extended hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 7 p.m.

To learn more about The Diabetes and Hypertension Center at Saint Peter’s Family Health Center, call 732.339.7672 or visit saintpetershcs.com

123 HOW LaNE, NEW BRUNSWICk, NJ 08901

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732.339.7672

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Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen Zumba is a registered trademark of Zumba Fitness, LLC.

saintpetershcs.com

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How Her Faith Helped Her Battle Uterine Cancer “I did not know I was sick until I started to bleed.”

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hose were the cautionary words from 58-year-old Danni Rocha who was postmenopausal yet believed she may have begun menstruating again.

Having gotten a clean report from a recent pap smear, Rocha was caught completely off-guard when she was subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer.

As a Christian woman and one who relies on her faith, Danni truly believes that everything happens for a reason. Danni’s gynecologist was leaving for vacation so he recommended her to the Frederick B. Cohen Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, where her doctors ultimately made the shocking diagnosis. The doctors at Newark Beth Israel then performed a robotic hysterectomy on Danni followed by 16 rounds of radiation. Danni’s prognosis is favorable for a full recovery.

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While it was her faith that gave her great support, Danni credits the Newark Beth Israel staff for helping her through some of the darker moments. Her medical team’s explanation of the cancer diagnosis, the use of advanced technolog y to per form a less invasive hysterectomy, and coordination of her post-surgery care helped put Danni’s mind at ease.

The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and highly personalized approach to cancer treatment. It is one of the leading cancer centers in the Northern New Jersey region, offering world-class treatment options, research, and a holistic approach to treating our

patients that considers all of the patients’ health concerns, not just their cancer. The Cancer Center also includes state and federally funded Sickle Cell Treatment and Comprehensive Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Centers.

Danni now participates in the hospital’s support group for cancer survivors so that she can help others and serve as a resource on recognizing possible other signs that may indicate uterine cancer.

“I would not be here if not for the support of my medical team, my friends and my faith,” added Danni. “It’s a hard pill to swallow when you hear you have cancer. It is the positive attitude that can kill you and that can save you.”

We let others know they are not alone. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Understanding the Early Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease—Step by Step

he thought of Alzheimer's disease can make people feel fear. Some people worry about getting Alzheimer’s in the future, others worry they might already have the disease. There are two steps you can take today that can ease the worry you may have about your own health or the health of a loved one.

The second step is promptly making an appointment to talk to your doctor about your concerns. Your concerns may turn out to be a treatable condition not related to Alzheimer's. But if there is cause for concern, getting an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's can open doors to treatment options for symptoms and help prepare you for the road ahead.

The first step is becoming educated about the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding theearlysignsmayhelpleadtoaquicker diagnosis. Much has been written about Alzheimer’s disease, where the discussion tends to focus on early signs of memory loss and confusion.

However, there are additional early signs that are not as well known.

1. Problems with language: repetition of questions or trouble finding the right word

Please note: Early signs may vary with each person and do not appear all at the same time.

4. Withdrawal from social situations: losing interest or refusing to participate in social situations

2. Poor judgment: making bad or impulsive decisions 3. Changes in mood or personality: having erratic or extreme emotions (such anger or fear) to situations, or noticeable changes in behavior or personality.

If you’re caring for someone who has, or who you believe has Alzheimer’s disease, please don’t hesitate to get help.

You can start by contacting Sunnyside Community Services’ free Care NYC program at 1-877-577-9337.

If you care for someome with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we haven’t forgotten your needs.

CARE NYC

We can connect family caregivers with local individual and group support, wellness and cultural activities, in-home assistance, and more. Call today, toll-free:

877-577-9337.

Sunnyside Community Services’ Care NYC is a free service across the five boroughs.

Care NYC is supported by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

www.scsny.org | info@scsny.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Culture

music, art + literature

Knicks reflect on visit to National Museum Of African American History and Culture Allonzo Trier

BY DERREL JAZZ JOHNSON French Frank Mitchell Robinson

Photos: Courtesy NY Knicks

Emmanuel Mudiay

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ver the first weekend in November, the entire New York Knicks team visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Though the team lost the game to the Washington Wizards that Sunday—their reason for being in DC—the visit to the museum made it a winning trip. I spoke exclusively to guards Frank Ntilikina, Allonzo Trier, and Emmanuel Mudiay, and center Mitchell Robinson to get their reactions to the museum, which opened in September 2016.

“It was an awesome visit for me learning more about that culture,” expressed the French-born Ntilikina. “Me, coming from another country, it was very interesting. I learned about a lot of stories, a lot of details, it was just a great occasion to feed my knowledge, so I’m really thankful.”

I asked the 20-year old what resonated with him from the visit. “The story about Emmett Till,” he revealed. “It really got stuck into my head and I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Rookie Allonzo Trier also told me about his takeaways from the visit to the museum.“That was a great learning experience about our culture, about things that have

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happened in America before our time,” Trier remarked.

“I definitely gained a lot of respect for the things people before our time went through.”

He continued, “Obviously, there are some things that can still be better, but tribute to them for leading the way for us.”

Fourth-year guard Emmanuel Mudiay expressed gratitude for those who made sacrifices. “The fact that a lot of people put their lives on the line to get us to the point where we’re at, you can’t be nothing but grateful about it,” Mudiay said.

Finally, 7’1” rookie Mitchell Robinson talked about the sacrifices many before us made that were showcased at the museum. “The people that fight for us, fight for our rights and for us to be free, it’s just amazing,” Robinson expressed.

Knicks Head Coach David Fizdale has frequently said the 2018-2019 season is a learning one for the team.

Some lessons, especially for the younger Knicks interviewed here, are taught on the court. Others are learned elsewhere, like in a museum. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Professor Ron Howell

BY RANDOLPH JACKSON

Photos: Lem Peterkin

Bertram Baker: Boss of Black Brooklyn

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rofessor Ron Howell has written the definitive biography of the first black elected official in Brooklyn, America’s largest black community.

Assemblyman Bertram Baker (1898-1985) was born in the West Indies 120 years ago. He came to Brooklyn, a place of “limitless possibilities,” without a high school diploma and, by dint of hard work, constructed a career for himself in politics. He became responsible for obtaining jobs and better living conditions for the thousands of blacks who came to Brooklyn from the Caribbean and the American South, seeking a better life for themselves.

The Boss of Black Brooklyn is easy to read, well-researched, and replete with familiar names in recent Brooklyn history. There is discussion of Shirley Chisholm, the first black Congresswoman; Judge Thomas Russell Jones, the founder of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation; Al Vann, the second boss of black Brooklyn, after Baker; and many more. We learn in these pages how the first black judges in Brooklyn were made and how an entire people elevated themselves.

Baker himself was an interesting person. Gruff and angry as an adult, his mother died when he was three, and his father soon remarried and left the country without his son. Baker later married his first cousin and did not attend his father’s funeral. Happily married until death did them part, he, nevertheless, had a longtime mistress, who eventually committed suicide. He ultimately became the first black majority whip of the New York State Assembly, the highest position achieved by any black person in New York to that point, and tooled around town with the license plate number NYS 5.

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Bertram Baker

Baker was responsible for the passage of the nation’s first law outlawing racial discrimination in the sale or rental of housing, the 1955 Metcalf-Baker bill. In his position as executive secretary of the American Tennis Association for thirty years, he paved the way for the immortal Althea Gibson to achieve fame in the world of tennis.

Readers will enjoy this inside look at the growth of black political strength in Brooklyn, as told by Baker’s grandson, the author. Humorous, informative, and fastmoving, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge which will reward all who read it. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Giving Back Manna for Your Mornings Back to School Bash

L–R: Pastor Jeffery Crenshaw, Mark Jones, Pastor Fredrick Crawford

DJ Crenshaw

L–R: Pastor Johnnie Green surrounded by children and congregation members

Photos: Bruce Moore

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anna for Your Mornings is an online ministry led by Dr. Johnnie Green, senior pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church in the Village of Harlem. This ministry is independent from the church ministry and supported

by Manna partners, who make several donations throughout the course of the year. Manna for Your Morning gives back to the community through its annual scholarship fund, monthly feeding program, back to school bash, and their Thanksgiving food and Christmas toy drives.

Thanks to the generous support of Manna partners, corporate sponsors (Airbnb, Uber, and Charter Communications), and the efforts of Dr. Green and MPAC-NY, this year’s Back to School Bash was a phenomenal success. Approximately 500 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out to the community, over 1,200 meals were served, and $47,500 dollars in scholarships was awarded to college students. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Minister LaVonda Davis, Pastor Johnnie Green, Mark Jones (Dallas), Pastor Fredrick Crawford (Union Grove BC - Bronx)

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PATRICIA BALDWIN

Life, Love, and Being Thankful!

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. —2 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NIV) Grace & Peace, t’s Thanksgiving and we are reminded of all the things we’ve been through and how we overcame the hardship the enemy tried to hit us with. Nonetheless, in this moment as you’re reading this article now, alert yourself to what season it is and direct your thoughts back to whom we give all the glory. Sometimes we overlook who made us and who always kept us from falling, but it won’t ever stop us from saying “Thank you.”

Several artists are making pledges of thanks in songs full of gratefulness wrapped up in love. Let’s start with Jason Nelson’s #1 single “Forever,” the fifth single from his chart-topping solo album, The Answer. Nelson speaks in reverence of the Lord’s love and acknowledges the amount of time he will spend loving Christ, His precepts, and our Father. Jason says, “I’m humbled that the world

I

. . . direct your thoughts back to whom we give all the glory. Sometimes we overlook who made us and who always kept us from falling, but it won’t ever stop us from saying “Thank you.”

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has embraced this message of love that The Lord has for us. It’s even being expressed in weddings around the country. Love never fails.”

Our girl Lexi (Alexis Allen) is not just a singer- songwriter for gospel music or just a COGIC girl from church.

And although you may remember her from being one of the best commentators from The Word Network, she is thankful for still being alive and doing well from surviving a potential cancer scare. “I’ve been telling everybody about how important it is to have annual check-ups,” she explained. “But then the time came for me to go, myself…

God saved my life through obedience.” So, It is with that blessing of life, her new Just Listen CD contains a throwback from The Winans, “Wherever I Go,” as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and her complete trust and faith in God. Speaking of The Winans, Carvin Winans is not just obedient in the talents God has given him, but he is grateful for every opportunity to sing, especially on his new solo project “Once In A Lifetime” on his up and coming CD tribute Softly Spoken. You may remember him as the 3rd brother and twin of Marvin or in the 2013 group 3 Winans Brothers. Carvin’s voice is most remembered from the beautiful gospel ballad “Tomorrow.” “God has truly blessed me with gifts to share with the world through music and writing,” he said. “And as far as I’m concerned I’ve only just begun.”

For all the artists, and all of their contributions, we give all the Glory back to God and say, Thank You!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Power in THE Name!

BY REV. B. DUNDEE HOLT

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L–R: Rev. Geraldine Harris, host pastor; Moderator Anthony Lowe, and 1st Vice Moderator Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner, pastor, Memorial Baptist Church, Harlem.

Photos: Bruce Moore

he dynamic dimensions of God's call to Moses -- and hence to all disciples -- was the focus of the United Missionary Baptist Association's (UMBA) 63rd Annual Session. Nearly 1,000 members from the organization's 100+ churches gathered for worship and educational workshops at Harlem's Greater File Chapel Baptist Church, Rev. Geraldine Harris, pastor. The session was highlighted by messages from UMBA pastors, presidents and the first Annual Address of the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, pastor of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in the Bronx. UMBA kicks off its 64th year January 30 through February 1 at the historic Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, 2nd Vice Moderator Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, pastor.

L–R: Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Moderator Anthony Lowe, and Rev. Lee Arrington

L–R: Rev. Nelson C. Dukes, Jr., pastor Fountain Spring B.C., Bronx, NY; Moderator Anthony Lowe; and Rev. Dr. Isaac B. Graham, pastor Macedonia B.C., Bronx, NY

UMBA Presidents: L–R: Deaconess Tyra Williams, Nurses’ Auxiliary; Sis. Stacia Williams, Lottie B. Heath Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary; and Sis. Alice Brown, Ushers Auxiliary L–R: Nurses Auxiliary President Alice Brown (center) recognized outstanding members Mary Parrish and Sis. Margaret Staggers

L–R: TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.; Gloria Jean Brown; Trustee Cheryl Forbes; and Rev. Dr. Joe Albert Bush, Walker Memorial B.C., Bronx, NY (TPC Roll Call member since 2008) www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Rev. Dr. James Wilson, pastor, First Union Baptist Church, Bronx; Moderator Lowe; former UMBA Historian Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins; and former UMBA Moderator Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, pastor St. John Baptist Church, Harlem.

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THE AUDIENCE REACHES �

A FEVER PITCH! “

The McKenzies Host Fundraiser for Arts High

- Entertainment Weekly

The Gibson sisters

P ON BROADWAY

TICKETMASTER COM or

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GROUPS - Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave. @ DonnaSummerBway TheDonnaSummerMusical.com

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hilanthropists Obie and Natalie McKenzie opened their North Jersey home recently hosting a fundraiser to benefit Newark’s Arts High School. The classical concert theme, Celebrating African American Female Composers, was reflective of the talent nurtured at the school.

The Gibson sisters, 16-year-old Meca and 15-yearold Al’adra both attend Arts High and held the audience spellbound with their amazing talents. Al’adra, who plays six instruments including the violin is the concert master at the school. “We are delighted to have had the pleasure of being entertained by these young geniuses and look forward to follow their musical careers,� said Natalie McKenzie. “We know we’ll hear great things from them and many of their fellow classmates.� See video online at www.thepositive community.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Niceties ELEANOR BURGESS The

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PLAYS

ABOUT WHO GETS TO TELL

THE STORY OF AMERICA.” —Washington Post

JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 10

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In association with Huntington Theatre Company and Manhattan Theatre Club Cast of The Niceties: Lisa Baines and Jordan Boatman, photo by Nile Hawver – Nile Scott Shots.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

TICKETS START AT $25 Made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

Fall 2018 The Positive Community

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L–R: Bethany Association Moderator Rev. Aaron Lee with President Women’s Auxiliary Deidria Jiles

L–R: Rev. Dr. Darrell L. Armstrong, pastor, Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ; Carolyn Colston; Carita and Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Sr., pastor, St. John’s B.C., Newark, NJ

Former GBCNJ President Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, pastor, Evergreen B.C., Palmyra, NJ

Rev. Tracey L. Brown, pastor, Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ and Moderator of Middlesex Baptist Association

L–R: United Health Care CEO Jocelyn Carter, Nellie Suggs, and UHC Representative Charlotte Kinsey

L–R: Rev. Evans Spagner with Dr. Lester Taylor

L–R: Pastor Derek and First Lady Kerri Gatling of First Baptist Church of Jericho, Deptford, NJ with Rev. Dr. Albert “God’s Mailman” Morgan, Union Baptist Temple, Bridgeton, NJ

General Baptist Convention Of New Jersey

Photos: Raymond Hagans

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Representing New Brunswick Theological Seminary: L–R: Rev. Gregory Jackson, Rev. Dr. Carol Lynn Patterson, Rev. Dr. Terry Ann Smith, and NBTS President Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary

Jackie Carter and Laymen’s President Deacon Darryl Koon

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TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr. and GBC President Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr.

The Positive Community Fall 2018

he 114th Annual Session of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey (GBCNJ) convened October 7-11, 2018 at First Nazarene Baptist Church, Camden NJ; Rev. Dr. Dyheim T. Watson, host pastor. The Bethany Baptist Association served as the host district; Rev. Aaron Lee, host moderator.

More than 250 people gathered Saturday, October 6, 2018 for the convention gala at Adelphia in Deptford, NJ to celebrate leadership excellence. Each moderator and auxiliary leader was recognized for their contributions to the convention and the vision of the Convention President Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. The Rev. Dr. Christopher Hartwell, Crossroads Community Church of Pearland, Texas, served as keynote speaker; Mietta Stancil-Ferrar and Tehillah provided the music ministry.

There was a consecration and communion service on Sunday evening with the Rev. Dr. Wayne Croft, Sr. of St. Paul Baptist Church, West Chester, PA as chief celebrant.

In concert on Monday evening, The General Baptist Convention of NJ Music Auxiliary provided music ministry to enhance the worship experience throughout the week.

Momentum continued to build each evening with Rev. Dr. Anthony M. Chandler of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, Richmond, VA preaching for the Laymen, Ushers, and Nurses Auxiliaries on Tuesday. Similarly, Rev. Lisa D. Jenkins of St. Matthews Baptist Church, Harlem, NY preached for the Women’s Auxiliary on Wednesday. Finally, President Taylor delivered an inspiring, prophetic message, “Pay Attention!”

- Ezekiel 37:1-6. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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MWANDIKAJI MWANDIKAJI MWANDIKAJI K. K. K. MWANAFUNZI MWANAFUNZI MWANAFUNZI THE THE WAY WAY AHEAD AHEAD

History and Thanksgiving

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hanksgiving hanksgiving hanksgivingDay Day Daybegan began beganwith with withthe thePilgrims, Pilgrims,aagroup group of of English English English Puritans, Puritans, Puritans, who, who, who, in in in 1620, 1620, sailed sailed across across the the Atlantic Atlantic Atlantic Ocean Ocean Ocean to to to the the the area area now now known known as as Massachusetts, Massachusetts, Massachusetts,and, and, and,there, there, there,founded founded foundedwhat what whatcame cameto tobe beknown known as as Plymouth Plymouth Plymouth colony. colony. colony. Today, Today, Today, approximately approximately approximately 400 400 years years later, later,the thefourth fourth fourthThursday Thursday Thursdayin in inNovember November Novemberisisstill stillcelebrated celebrated as as the the Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving national national national holiday holiday holiday in in the the United United States States of of America.

America.

America.

Some Some Africans Africans Africans were were were already already already present present present in in the the Western Western Hemisphere Hemisphere Hemisphere before before before the the the massive massive massive arrival arrival arrival of of Europeans Europeans (Read (Read They They Came Came Came Before Before Before Columbus Columbus Columbus by by

by Dr. Dr. Ivan Ivan Van Van SertiSertima). ma).But ButBlack Black Blackpeople people peoplewho who whonow now nowlive live livein inthe theWestern WesternHemiHemisphere sphereare are mostly mostly mostlydescended descended descendedfrom from fromAfricans Africans Africansbrought broughthere here as as slaves slaves during during during the the the centuries centuries centuries following following following Christopher Christopher CoColumbus’ lumbus’ arrival. arrival. arrival.

During During the the the 1700s, 1700s, 1700s, “The “The “The Great Great Great Awakening” Awakening” Awakening” occurred occurred when when many many were were were converted converted converted to to to Christianity, Christianity, Christianity, and and many many nominal nominal Christians Christians Christiansbegan began beganto to totake take takeChristianity Christianity Christianitymore moreseriseriously. ously.IIsuspect suspect suspectthere there therewas was wasaaacorrelation correlation correlationbetween betweenthe theGreat Great Awakening Awakening and and and the the the abolitionist abolitionist abolitionist movement movement movement of of the the 1800s.

1800s.

II posit posit that that after after aftermore more morewhites whites whitesaccepted accepted acceptedChristianity Christianitytheir their opposition opposition to to to chattel chattel chattel slavery slavery slavery likely likely likely increased increased as as they they rerealized alized treating treating treating people people people like like like things things things does does not not conform conform to to God’s God’s instruction instruction instruction to to to do do do unto unto unto others others others as as you’d you’d have have them them do dounto unto you. you. you.

Historically Historically Historically famous famous famous abolitionists abolitionists abolitionists such such as as Frederick Frederick Douglass, Douglass,Harriet Harriet HarrietTubman, Tubman, Tubman,John John JohnBrown, Brown, Brown,Sojourner SojournerTruth, Truth,

72 The ThePositive Positive PositiveCommunity Community Community Fall Fall Fall2018 2018 2018 72

and andothers otherswere wereactive active activeduring during duringthe the the1800s.

1800s.

1800s.The The TheRepublican Republican Republican Party Party was wasfounded foundedtotoabolish abolish abolishslavery, slavery, slavery,and and andwhen when whenits its itspresprespresidential idential nominee, nominee, Abraham Abraham AbrahamLincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln,was was waselected elected electedPresiPresiPresident dentof ofthe theUnited UnitedStates States Statesin in in1861, 1861, 1861,southern southern southernstates, states, states,where where where slavery slaveryhad hadremained remainedlegal legaland andprevalent, prevalent,separated separatedfrom from legal and prevalent, separated from the theUnited UnitedStates Statesand andformed formedthe theConfederacy.

Confederacy. and formed the Confederacy.

Back Back in in the the 1770s, 1770s, 1770s,slavery slavery slaveryhad had hadbeen been beenlegal legal legaland and andpracpracpracticed ticed in inall all13 13colonies, colonies, colonies,north north northand and andsouth. south. south.But But Butless less lessthan than than aa century century later, later, when when whenthe the theCivil Civil CivilWar War Warbegan began beganin in inthe the theearly early early 1860s, 1860s, slavery slaverywas wasabolished abolished abolishedin in inthe the thenorthern northern northernstates states statesand and and remained remainedonly onlyin inthe theSouth.

South.

South.In In Inmy my myanalysis, analysis, analysis,the the theCivil Civil CivilWar War War can canbe beviewed viewedasasan anapocalypse apocalypse apocalypse— — —aaa“final” “final” “final”battle battle battlebetween between between good goodand andevil. evil.By Bythe theend end endof of ofthe the theCivil Civil CivilWar, War, War,northern northern northernsolsolsoldiers dierswere weresinging, singing,“Mine “Mine “Mineeyes eyes eyeshave have haveseen seen seenthe the theglory glory gloryof of ofthe the the coming comingof ofthe theLord.”

Lord.”

Ultimately, Ultimately,even evenbeyond beyond beyondthe the theUnited United UnitedStates, States, States,chattel chattel chattelslavslavslavery erywas wasabolished abolishedthroughout throughout throughoutthe the theWestern Western WesternHemisphere.

Hemisphere.

Hemisphere.

Thank ThankGod. God. In Inthe the20th 20thcentury, century, century,God’s God’s God’shand hand handcontinued continued continuedto to tobe be beevievievident dentin inblack blackprogress. progress. progress.The The TheChurch Church Churchhas has hasplayed played playedaaapromipromiprominent nentrole rolein incombating combating combatingracial racial racialsegregation segregation segregationand and andoppression, oppression, oppression, through throughchurch-based church-based church-basedleadership leadership leadershipsuch such suchas as asRev. Rev. Rev.Martin Martin MartinLuLuLuther therKing, King,Jr.; Jr.;Rev. Rev.Adam Adam AdamClayton Clayton ClaytonPowell; Powell; Powell;and and andmany many manyothothothers ersthrough throughorganizations organizations organizationssuch such suchas as asthe the theSouthern Southern SouthernChristian Christian Christian Leadership LeadershipConference Conference Conferenceand and andlesser lesser lesserknown known knownclergy, clergy, clergy,organiorganiorganizations, zations,and andchurches. churches. churches.

Even Even into into the the 21st 21st 21st Century, Century, Century, God, God, God, working working workingthrough through through Christian Christian coalitions, coalitions,individual individual individualcongregations, congregations, congregations,and and andindiindiindividual vidualChristians, Christians,continues continues continuesto to tocombat combat combatinjustices, injustices, injustices,improve improve improve living livingconditions, conditions,and and andenhance enhance enhancethe the thelives lives livesof of ofbelievers believers believersand and and others. others.

So, So, just just asas centuries centuries centuries ago ago ago the the the Pilgrims Pilgrims Pilgrims established established established Thanksgiving Thanksgivingto tocelebrate celebrate celebratetheir their theirsurvival survival survivalin in inAmerica, America, America,AfAfAfrican ricanAmerican AmericanChristians Christians Christianscan can cancelebrate celebrate celebrateliberation liberation liberationfrom from from chattel chattelslavery, slavery,segregation, segregation, segregation,and and andother other otherrace-based race-based race-basedoppresoppresoppression, sion,as aswell wellasasGod-given God-given God-givenvictories victories victoriesin in inour our ourpersonal personal personallives. lives. lives.

We We shouldn’t shouldn’t limit limit limitthanking thanking thankingGod God Godto to toone one oneday. day. day.As As Asmy my my great-aunt great-aunt used used toto say say say in in in her her herCaribbean Caribbean Caribbeanaccent accent accentat atatthe the the Thanksgiving Thanksgivingdinner dinnertable, table, table,“Every “Every “Everyday day dayisisisThanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving.”

“Be “Be joyful joyful always; always;pray pray praycontinually; continually; continually;give give givethanks thanks thanksin in inall all all circumstances, circumstances,for forthis this thisis isisGod’s God’s God’swill will willfor for foryou you youin in inChrist Christ ChristJeJeJesus.” sus.”First FirstThessalonians Thessalonians Thessalonians5:16-18.

5:16-18.

5:16-18.NIV. NIV. NIV. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

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Fall 2018

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Vol. 19 No. 10

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Adrian A. Council, Sr.

The Last Word The BY R.L. WITTER BY

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THANK YOU, LORD THANK THANK YOU, YOU, LORD LORD

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

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eople tend to think about eople eople tend tend to to think think about their blessings around this their their blessings blessings around around this time each year.

I tend to time time each each year. year. II tend to count myself among the fortunate count count myself myself among among the the fortunate because have “enough” of the the because because III have have “enough” “enough” of necessities and the good fortune of necessities necessities and and the the good good fortune fortune of basic freedoms, as well as love, basic basic freedoms, freedoms, as as well well as love, friendship, and faith. friendship, friendship, and and faith. faith.

The year 2018 has been rollerThe The year year 2018 2018 has has been been aa rollercoaster of highs and lows, joy and coaster coaster of of highs highs and and lows, lows, joy and pain unlike any other in my experipain painunlike unlike any any other other in in my my experience.

As the daily news of injusinjusence. ence. As As ifif if the the daily daily news news of tice, corruption, and violence tice, tice, corruption, corruption, and and violence wasn’t enough, struggled personwasn’t wasn’t enough, enough, III struggled struggled personally.

We lost my father-in-law in May, May, ally. ally.We Welost lostmy my father-in-law father-in-law in held my dad’s memorial service in held held my my dad’s dad’s memorial memorial service service in September, and November brought September, September,and and November November brought the passing of my favorite uncle. the the passing passing of of my my favorite favorite uncle.

Additionally, my 81-year-old mother Additionally, Additionally,my my 81-year-old 81-year-old mother broke her hand in three places and broke brokeher her hand hand in in three three places places and sustained some nasty bumps and sustained sustained some some nasty nasty bumps bumps and bruises in fall down some stairs. bruises bruises in in aaa fall fall down down some some stairs.

Her injuries required surgery, but Her Her injuries injuries required required surgery, surgery, but I did count us all among the fortuIIdid did count count us us all all among among the fortunate on on that that one one because because it it most most nate nate on that one because definitely could’ve been so much definitely definitely could’ve could’ve been been so much worse. worse. worse.

As the temperatures began to to As As the the temperatures temperatures began drop and autumn colors appeared, drop drop and and autumn autumn colors colors appeared, appeared, sometimes felt gloom creeping up IIIsometimes sometimes felt felt gloom gloom creeping creeping up behind me.

A few times I think it behind behind me. me. AA few few times times I think it knocked on the door, but I simply knocked knocked on on the the door, door, but but I simply

chose chose to to say say say aaa quick quick quick prayer prayer prayerand and andnot not not answer.

As friends and family answer. As As friends friends and and family family disdisdiscussed cussed Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving dinner dinner dinner and and and who who would would would cook cook cook what, what, what, III tried tried triedto to tobe be be disinterested.

I attempted to disinterested. disinterested. II attempted attempted to to walwalwallow low in in my my feelings feelings feelings of of of grief grief griefand and andhow how how cruel and unfair 2018 has cruel and and unfair unfair 2018 2018 has has been been been thus thus far. far.

II felt felt decidedly decidedly decidedly melancholy, melancholy, melancholy, but but but II couldn’t muster even couldn’t couldn’t muster muster even even aaa moment moment moment of of feeling feeling feeling ungrateful. ungrateful. ungrateful. III began began began keeping a gratitude keeping aa gratitude gratitude journal journal journal many many many years years ago, ago, ago, and and and while while while I’m I’m I’m not not notnearly nearly nearly as as faithful faithful faithful with with with it itit as as as I’d I’d I’d like like liketo to tobe, be, be,III do document the little things do document document the the little little things things at at at least weekly like seeing my least weekly weekly like like seeing seeing my my family family family (from (from whom whom whom III live live live across across across the the thecouncouncountry) twice this year, spending try) twice this this year, year, spending spending treastreastreasured ured time time time with with with my my my mother, mother, mother, an an an unexpected unexpected unexpected smile smile smile or or or laugh, laugh, laugh, or or or something something something delicious delicious delicious my my my husband husband husband cooked cooked for for for me. me. me. In In In reflecting reflecting reflecting on on on those moments, I found those moments, moments, II found found myriad myriad myriad reasons reasons for for for which which which to to to be be be thankful, thankful, thankful, despite the challenges despite the the challenges challenges of of of 2018.

2018.

2018.

And when holiday aromas And when when holiday holiday aromas aromas and and and loved loved ones ones ones filled filled filled my my my house, house, house,IIIfound found found even even more. more. more.

Of Of course, course, course, there’s there’s there’s always always always room room room for improvement.

I pray for improvement. improvement. II pray pray for for for my my my mom’s mom’s full full full recovery recovery recovery and and and for for for strength strength and and and comfort comfort comfort for for for my my mygrievgrievgrieving family members and friends. ing family family members members and and friends. friends. III need need to to be be be more more more diligent diligent diligentabout about aboutmy my my exercise regimen, things could exercise regimen, regimen, things things could could be be be better better financially, financially, financially, and and and I’d I’d I’d love love love to to to have have closer closer closer relationships relationships relationships with with with extended extended extended family family family members. members. members. But But But God is good and He God is good good and and He He sustains sustains sustains and and and fulfills fulfills us, us, and and and for for for that that that III am am am thankthankthankful daily.

My gratitude makes ful daily. My My gratitude gratitude makes makes me me me well well aware aware aware that that that every every every day day day is isisone one onefor for for which which to to be be be thankful, thankful, thankful, and and and with with with dedication dedication dedication and and and prayer, prayer, prayer, I’m I’m I’m sure sure sure next year I’ll be thankful next year I’ll I’ll be be thankful thankful for for for even even even more. more.

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