The Positive Community November 2014

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

November 2014

Health Issue

PRESENTING . . .

Metropolitan Gospel Big Band

www.thepositivecommunity.com

™ $2.95

CELEBRATING

15

YEARS!

2015 Grand Jubilee Calendar: A New Language of Freedom

WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD

What’s Next for Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook?

Panasonic salutes

Positive Community Magazine Since arriving in Newark over a year ago, Panasonic has joined with dedicated local volunteers and organizations to help make Newark a brighter place. We’ve partnered with many community groups to support programs that enrich the lives of people who live here.

Panasonic congratulates Positive Community Magazine on 15 years of service and for being a voice in our communities.

Together we can all make a difference.

November 2014

CONTENTS

SECTIONS

MONEY ........................................17 EDUCATION ..................................29 HEALTH ........................................48 CULTURE ......................................72

Features Reflections on 15 Years ..................................10

46 COVER STORY AMBASSADOR SUZAN JOHNSON COOK THEN AND NOW: WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD

&

also inside

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Roundtable Wrap-up ......................................17 Michelle Lee Continues to Rise .......................20 Make Technology Work for Your Business .........22 Brooklyn Street Named for Birdel’s .................24 African American Chamber of Commerce NJ ...25 Black Press Day ..............................................26 C. Virginia Fields Honored ...............................28 Chad Foundation Awards Eagle Academy ........29 Gibson Inaugurated at ECC .............................30 2015 Calendar: A New Language of Freedom .32 Teachers & First Book Provide Free Books .......36 Pastor Joe Bush and the Truth about Ebola .........48 School Lunch Nutrition Standards ......................62

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Metropolitan Gospel Big Band ............................72

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Scenes from Circle of Sisters ..............................78

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The Positive Community November 2014

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Š 2014 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

SM

Proud to support the 2014 Positive Community Awards and Gala.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sharing the positive in our community.

Congratulations to Positive Community for 15 years of making New Jersey a better place for all of us.

1.888.724.7123 l barnabashealth.org

R C

GREAT

OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor

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

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

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor

Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. 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 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. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director 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

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

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

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

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

Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. John Teabout, Pastor

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

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

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor

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

Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor

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

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

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

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

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper

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

St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

The Moderators, Pastors and 167 Congregations in Rev. Lee A. Arrington Manhattan, Bronx, Lower Westchester & Staten Island Moderator

United Missionary Baptist Association

Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. 1st Vice Moderator

salute and congratulate the Positive Community Magazine for 15 years Rev. Shepherd Lee Recording Secretary of consistent witness to Rev. Dr. Calvin Kenrick the faith community!

Assistant Recording Secretary Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe 2nd Vice Moderator

Rev. Keith A Bolden, Sr. Financial Secretary

It is our prayer that God will enable you to continue to Rev. Dr. Jesse Williams and teach our next generation the truth about reach Assistant Financial Secretary who we are as a people!

Rev. Patricia A. Morris Corresponding Secretary

Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. Treasurer Rev. Wayne A. Williams Assistant Treasurer Rev. Willie L. Hairston Chief of Staff Rev. Dr. Renee F. Gardner Program Chair

UMBA HEADQUARTERS: Paradise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New York 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

15 Wonderful Years with The Positive Community

remember when I received the initial call from Jean Wells informing me about the creation of this new publication called The Positive Community. The main purpose of the call however, was to invite me to be one of its writers. I had known Miss Jean (as I affectionately call her) from the days that we both worked on one of the city’s black daily newspapers and also collaborated on some events in Brooklyn’s Caribbean community.

On that call she detailed the plans she and Adrian Council had put in place to start this new publication based on a model of all positive news from the community. I remember her saying something like: “The fact is that there are a lot of good things happening in our

I

community but when you look at the news all we hear about is the bad stuff.” I agreed with the premise but I must confess that I was a bit skeptical. My skepticism had nothing to do with the publishers, both of whom I greatly respected. It was based on my own experiences up to that point as what at the time was called, a community journalist.

As one of this breed of freelance writers, I had seen my fair share of start-up magazines and newspapers, which lasted for no more than one issue. A few others survived for two or three issues, but by the time they went out of circulation so, too, did the publisher. Writers were left with striking bylines and shrinking pockets. To say the least, I was disillusioned. In discussions with my family I had declared that I was never going to write for another startup. Then came the call from Miss Jean.

At the time, the inaugural issue of the magazine had already been published and the feedback from the community was overwhelmingly encouraging. So I was conflicted. On the one hand, I was still haunted by the pain of publishers past. But on the other hand, this was Jean Wells and Adrian Council at the helm of this ship. These were two people with whom I had a pleasant history and I believed that they had the intelligence, experience and most of all the integrity to make this magazine work.

I am so glad that I was right.

Fifteen years later and The Positive Community magazine is standing triumphant. Moreover, I am also glad that I made the right choice by agreeing to write for the magazine.

10 The Positive Community

November 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

As the “oldest-sister” in the family, I have had some choice assignments and have met many wonderful people. I have interviewed and written about religious leaders, doctors, politicians, community leaders, heads of corporations, young achievers, entrepreneurs and entertainers.

I am so glad that I was right. Fifteen years later and The Positive Community magazine is standing triumphant.

Moreover, I am also glad that I made the right choice by agreeing to write for the magazine. For me it has been 15 wonderful and rewarding years being part of what has become The Positive Community family. Today, as the longest-standing writer with the magazine, I take a lot of pride in our achievements over the years and reaching this milestone anniversary.

As the “oldest-sister” in the family, I have had some choice assignments and have met many wonderful people. I have interviewed and written about religious leaders, doctors, politicians, community leaders, heads of corporations, young achievers, entrepreneurs and entertainers. In fact, I have written for every segment in the magazine and have had the cover story more times than I can remember.

So this week, as I reflected on this journey, my mind travelled to my most favored article of all time. It was an interview with the late Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr., a larger than life figure who stamped his footprints in the sands of time at Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn. In what was the cover story of the February 2004 issue, Dr. Jones said two things which influenced my life and my choices. “Freedom,” he said, “is the power to say no to a lie.” And then this little ditty which he learned from his grandfather: “be what you is and not what you ain’t. Because if you ain’t what you is, you is what you ain’t.” In other words,” he said, “My grandfather was saying, operate from within the context of your www.thepositivecommunity.com

God-given ability and God-intended destiny.” This is one of my guiding lights every time I write an article.

The other interview that left an indelible impression on my life was one with former UN Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor, Andrew Young. The article appeared in the winter issue of 2010 as Ambassador Young reflected on the life and legacy of his friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in our special commemorative issue.

He said: “I remember that Martin would often tell me that he admired the Good Samaritan but he did not want to be one. He said: ‘I do not want to spend my life picking people up from the Jericho road after they have been robbed and beaten. I want to change the Jericho road that they are not beaten and robbed.’”

In large measure I believe that’s what we have been doing at The Positive Community magazine for the past 15 years. By remaining committed to telling the “good news from the Church and Community,” we have done our part in “paving” the Jericho roads in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn; Newark, NJ; Harlem, USA and everywhere else we have found good people doing good work. For 15 years we have been finding the “good thing” in Nazareth and making sure that the world knows about their stories.

I believe that a collective “Congratulations!” is welldeserved for the entire Positive Community team—publishers, editors, writers, designers, sales execs, administrative staff et al. Personally, I am so proud that we have stayed the course that I need to be careful not to hurt my shoulders as I try to pat myself on the back.

November 2014 The Positive Community

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REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

Thanksgiving Day

can’t believe we’re here. It seems as if we had just begun to drag out our picnic baskets and swim gear to enjoy those lazy, hazy days of summer. But, now we look to the Creator of us all to say, “Lord, I thank you.” I understand that atheism is now in vogue among many.

In fact, they emphatically state, “There is no God.” Is it not wonderful that we do, indeed, have a God who gives us the free will to serve Him...or not?

Leaves are donning new colors. Those jellied apples I often write about are being placed seemingly strategically so some mother will grab one for the kid who’s walking alongside her, pointing to the delicious candied apple treat. Like many, I love Thanksgiving because no one has to run around like a headless chicken attempt-

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It’s not the same anymore. Yes, the table still groans with too much food.

The young still talk smack, as they say regarding the football games they watch, pop and make visits to friends at their homes during the evening time, but it’s not the same.

12 The Positive Community

November 2014

ing to pick out gifts for others because it’s the obligatory thing to do.

We’re all, or at least most of us are, trying to engage in healthy eating. But Thanksgiving Day apparently gets a pass because how can the strongest willed person pass up the yams, collards, potato salad and cornbread stuffing? To paraphrase a line from Lillian Roth, the torch singer immortalized in the movie, I’ll Cry Tomorrow starring Susan Hayward, many seem to say, “I’ll diet tomorrow,” meaning the day after Thanksgiving.

The world has watched in horror as the Middle East atrocities continue. My English teachers taught it was “man’s inhumanity against man.” It comes from the three themes found in literature: Man against himself, man against nature and man’s inhumanity against man.

I don’t know, do they still teach that in the public school system? I wonder. But, that’s a dandy discussion for a different day.

Thanksgiving Day brings about cousins, siblings, aunties and uncles who may not always get together. At least that’s how it was in my family. Now, so many are gone, including my parents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

It’s not the same anymore. Yes, the table still groans with too much food. The young still talk smack, as they say regarding the football games they watch, pop and make visits to friends at their homes during the evening time, but it’s not the same.

When life was innocent, people did not concern themselves with stray bullets with nobody’s name on them, penetrating one’s home, one’s child, or oneself.

Yet, there is much for which we must be thankful.

Church life is still wonderful. Fellowshipping with the saints of God and atheists alike is the thing to do for many. Yes, I said atheists. You want to pose the question, “What would Jesus do?” He’d extend a hand of friendship to those who claim He doesn’t exist. Then, I believe He would politely pass the gravy and look to Heaven and thank His Father for those who unequivocally say He does. For this is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

to our partners in ministry

Magazine

on 15 years of committed service and support of our communities through your journalistic works.

Continued Success!

Rev. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor The Board of Elders & The Congregation of

859 Hendrix Street, Brooklyn , NY 11207 718.257.1300 | Fax: 718.257.2988 | www.spcbc.com | info@spcbc.com @SPCBCBKNY |

www.facebook.com/SPCBCBKNY |

SPCBC One to One Network

L-R: Laymen Claude Underwood, Wilbert Noble, Willie Burke, Darryl Koon and Melvin Paden The General Baptist Convention of New Jersey Laymen’s Movement congratulate and salute The Positive Community for 15 years of outstanding service to our people, community and our culture. We believe that your good work is an Claude Noble, Willie Darryl Melvinthe extension of the work of the laymen, whichUnderwood, is to save the Wilbert lost by telling them the Burke, Good News of Koon, Jesus, feeding hungry, visiting the sick and the prisonPaden bound. Keep telling the good news and our people will become the great people God intended us to be. Congratulations.

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The General Baptist Convention of New Jersey Laymen’s Movement is led by Deacon Willie Burke, a member of The Metropolitan Baptist Church, Newark, NJ. Rev Dr. David Jefferson is his Pastor.

The Positive Community November 2014

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“Make this Essex County holiday extravaganza your family tradition! Turtle Back Zoo will be turned into a Winter Wonderland with extraordinary seasonal lighting exhibits, costumed characters and more. Enjoy free admission, stroll the landscaped paths of our Zoo and admire the illuminated images of everything from toy soldiers to dancing penguins.�

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

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

Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular FREE ADMISSION!!

5 to 9 PM November 28, 29 & 30; December 5, 6 & 7; December 12 to January 4 th th Closed December 24 & 25 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 PSE&G, Covanta Energy, Zoological Society of NJ and the Essex County Parks Foundation Donations of non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys and new & gently used winter coats for the needy are appreciated.

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November 2014 The Positive Community

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Great Great leaders leaders inspire inspire our our communities communities

In every community, there are people who can inspire others to work for positive In every True community, who can inspireand others to work for positive change. leaders there knoware howpeople to forge a consensus create a lasting legacy of change.

True leaders know how to forge a consensus and create a lasting legacy of success. success.

The Positive Community, it's an honor to recognize you.

The Positive Community, it's an honor to recognize you.

wellsfargo.com wellsfargo.com Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Š Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All2014 rights reserved.

All rightsFDIC. reserved.

Member 121949 11/14 Member FDIC. 121949 11/14

Money BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK

The 2014 Entrepreneurial Roundtable The 2014 Wells Fargo Platinum Business Roundtable: “Everyday Entrepreneurs”

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ith an eye toward the future of business and economics, Lyneir Richardson, executive director of The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at Rutgers Business School, led an informed, lively, conversation about Everyday Entrepreneurs.

The Business Roundtable was the 10th installment of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series on education, business and health. Special thanks to our sponsors and community partners; Wells Fargo Bank, dFree and The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at Rutgers Business School.

Here’s the take-away from the conference: 1. An enhanced understanding that the foundation of success in business is hard work, persistence, dogged determination, teamwork and the ability to withstand defeat. This rule also applies for all positive community development initiatives. Shortcuts to this formula are rare and in most cases short-sighted and eventually short-circuited.

2. A renewed appreciation for ethics and community service in the marketplace. Winning in business and life does not have to be at the expense of an unfortunate loser. Indeed, the profit motive can be augmented by a service motive.

3. We can leverage our individual and collective talents and gifts—our own natural resources—to create and deliver quality products and services to the customer as a community-building, job and wealth creating function of business.

4. In addition to hard currency or bank capital, there are other types of capital that can be accessed: knowledge capital (education), human capital (talent and teamwork), cultural capital (collective wisdom), and institutional capital (public and private resources) among others.

“Thanks again for putting on such a fantastic

“The Business Roundtable was excellent!! We are thankful Entrepreneurial Round-table last week at Rutgers! for the turnout. It says that entrepreneurs are interested in It was among the best! I don't usually hear ‘to the heart of attending your round tables.” the matter’ discussions like that unless I am at one of your Barbara Jones Positive Community Round-tables! ” Flowers By Barbara Vanessa Brown, New Brunswick, NJ Broker, Brown Executive Realty, LLC “Thank you” to Edgar Ramsey, owner of Sweet Potato Pie, Morristown, NJ Inc. of Paterson, NJ, for supplying delicious treats.

Rev. Bernard Oates, moderator, Elect Seacoast Baptist Association, delivered opening and closing prayers.

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November 2014 The Positive Community

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Scenes from the Entrepreneurial Roundtable

Moderator Lyneir Richardson

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Keynote Speaker Jill Johnson CEO, Institute for Entrepreneur Leadership

The Positive Community November 2014

Keynote Speaker Chafic Rouhana District Manager, Wells Fargo Bank

Sheila Howard Shades of Elegance Beauty Salon

Halim Quddus Muslim American Chamber of Commerce

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Everyday Entrepreneurs”

Guest Speaker Vonda McPherson Duke’s Southern Kitchen

John B. Houston Houston’s Funeral Home

Barbara Jones Flowers by Barbara

Rudy Atkinson Wells Fargo Bank

Tendai N’doro Regional Director, America’s SBDC at Rutgers Newark

Photos: Karen Waters, Vincent Bryant, Wali Amin Muhammad

Acknowledgements: We offer our deepest gratitude to Al Koeppe, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance; the late Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark; and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark for their vision and wisdom in the development of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series. www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

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Michelle Lee to Lead Eastern Community Banking Thirty-one Year Company Veteran to Lead Wells Fargo’s Operations in the East

If You’re Ready to Buy a Home, We are ready to Help.

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ells Fargo & Company announced today that The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: Michelle Lee will succeed Laura Schulte as up to $15,000.00 Regional Banking executive for the East.

Down Payment Assistance Shulte is retiring after a 32-year career at the nationwide financial services company. Lee, a 31-year company veteran who currently reports to Schulte, leads Wells 1-800-382-HOME(4663) Fargo’s community banking operations for the Northwww.sonyma.org for Housing east Region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

In her new role, Lee will lead a team of more than 32,000 in 2,700 retail banking stores throughout the Eastern Region, which includes 14 states and Washington, D.C., from Connecticut to Florida, and west to Tennessee. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Eastern Region team,” said Lee. “I’m looking 76 South Orange Avenue forward to getting to know and workSuite 207 ing with the team members, customSouth Orange, NJ 07079 ers and community leaders in Charlotte and throughout the region.”

TELEPHONE: 973-763-8500 Lee, who will report to Carrie FAX: 973-763-4800 Tolstedt, head of Wells Fargo’s Community Bank, has been with Wells Fargo and predecessor companies MEMBER OF NJ AND NY BARS • CERTIFIED CIVIL TRIAL ATTORNEY for 31 years having started as a teller Selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers List in 1984. “Michelle is a dynamic and strong leader,” said Tolstedt. Lee will for the tenth consecutive year relocate to Charlotte. She currently Practice limited to personal injury and other civil litigation matters serves on the boards of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, SeIN PRACTICE FOR OVER 35 YEARS — EXPERIENCE MATTERS! lect Greater Philadelphia, YMCA of Greater New York, Alvin Ailey Dance Email: clarenceba@gmail.com School Foundation, Alliance for Lupus Research, and Junior AchieveWebsite: www.barryaustinlaw.com ment of New Jersey.

LAW OFFICE OF CLARENCE BARRY-AUSTIN, P.C.

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The Positive Community November 2014

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Spirit of the Holidays A celebration of cultural and artistic treasures

Winter Festival of Lights 4-9 pm Thursday 12.04.2014

Join us for a holiday season kick-off celebration + Music + Performances + Planetarium shows + Workshops + Ballantine House tours + Hot cider and Cocoa

Holiday Concert Series 12.07.14 12.14.14 12.21.14 12.28.14

Sundays at 3 pm

The Newark Boys Chorus The Yuletide Carolers Kol Dodi, the Community Chorale of NJ MetroWest Share the Kwanzaa Spirit with the Seventh Principle

Holiday Fun Days Noon – 5 pm 12.26-28 Different tours and activities each day newarkmuseum.org 49 washington street, newark, nj

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CROWNCadillacNJ.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

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10 Strategies To Make Technology Work For Your Business, Not Against It

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echnology is often heralded as the be-all, end-all of our existence. Upgraded smartphone models come out every few months. Fresh apps pop up every week. New methods of doing business — in the cloud, with Big Data, or on mobile point of sale systems — overtake old ones on a daily basis. Keeping up can seem impossible, especially for a small to medium-sized business owner stretched in a thousand different directions.

Yet there’s no denying that technology drives progress

— and that progress can make your business thrive. Ever try to do your job or grow your business without a PC, a laptop, an Internet connection, an email account, or a cell phone? Not in the last decade. But at some point in time, everybody thought, “These are just fads.”

That’s why it’s critical to know how to make the current trends in technology work for your business instead of against it. We recommend the following 10 strategies to put you on a path to productivity and prosperity.

1. Find an IT provider and business partner you can trust. This is the most important aspect of any technology-related strategy. Working with someone that listens to your needs, suggests services that fit your budget, helps you meet short- and long-term goals, and provides proactive as opposed to reactive monitoring of your systems is imperative.

6. Master keyboard shortcuts and other time-saving tricks. Whether you use Word every day, live inside Excel, or rely on PowerPoint to make your voice heard, the long list of keyboard shortcuts inherent to each program can help slice minutes — even hours — off your workload. Similarly, prioritizing time management with multiple monitors, cloud storage, and other tricks can give you back more of the most precious commodity on earth: minutes in the day.

2. As Kenny Rogers said, “Know when to hold ‘em — know when to fold ‘em.”

The allure of new technology can be hard to resist, but ditching an old program or piece of hardware and throwing money at “progress” is rarely the answer.

Make sure you maximize the efficiency of the solutions you already own (and know how to use) before you try something new. But also know how to recognize when an outdated program is putting you at risk and you need to move on.

3. Make sure your staff is properly trained and up to speed on technology guidelines. This ties in to Tip #2: new solutions often require substantial investments in staff training, so make sure you have the resources and bandwidth ready for such a commitment. Also, getting everyone in your company on board with the same technology policies and procedures can reduce the threat of human error, digital retaliation, and other personnel-related security issues.

4. Take advantage of the organizational benefits built into existing programs.

No matter what device, operating system, or productivity suite you use, chances are that the calendar, contacts, file sync, and other productivity-boosting apps that come baked in can help you streamline your day-to-day life.

5. Be vigilant in the face of spam, malware, ransomware, and data breach threats.

Nothing can turn a critical piece of technology into an unusable collection of parts faster than one of the security compromises that have dominated recent news.

Remember to never open attachments to unfamiliar emails, validate links before you click on them, always employ strong passwords, and treat network security with the utmost importance to keep your systems on the up and up.

At CMIT Solutions, we worry about IT so you don’t have to. Our combination of intimate local service, proactive solutions, and nationally-backed infrastructure gives you a competitive advantage. If you want to know more about our commitment to making technology work for your business, not against it, contact us today.

7. Implement a sound “bring your own device” (BYOD) policy. It makes sense that employees will work best on the devices that are most familiar to them.

Smartphones and tablets are to the near future what laptops were to the recent past, opening up a world of workplace possibilities. But smart management of those devices is also critical to keep your company and your data safe.

8. Protect your investment with backup and disaster recovery. You can’t make technology work for you if it’s not working at all, right? And you probably can’t get anything done if your data has bit the dust. That’s why redundant, offsite backup and business continuity are necessary components of any tech strategy.

9. Be open to helpful outside knowledge. Whatever your preferred source of fresh information (family member, colleague, networking circle, Google), acknowledge the fact that you don’t know everything about technology — and that even the savviest user can learn a lot from the abundant resources that surround us.

10. Keep your ear to the ground — or (even better) rely on a trusted partner to do it for you. Technology changes faster than just about any other aspect of our modern world. Whether you like to stay abreast of new developments yourself or focus on client service and growth, just make sure that the pace of progress is put to work for your company.

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663• 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty

Birdel’s Street-Naming L–R: Prayer Partners James Ely, Gennie Ligging, Rev. Willie Lane, Joe Long and Kevin Sign

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L–R: Brothers Issac, Joe and Robert Long

n September 23rd, Birdel's Records in Bedford Stuyvesant was honored with the naming of Nostrand Avenue from Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue as Birdel’s Records Way. More than a record shop, for over 50 years Birdel's was a sanctuary where songs, singers and songwriters were celebrated and remembered. Stars like Patti Labelle, James Brown, and Isaac Hayes made it a point to frequent Birdel's whenever in town or at home, as in the case of Brooklyn's own Christopher Wallace, aka, The Notorious B.I.G., who was a frequent customer.

Following the street naming ceremony, the community, family and friends feted Birdel’s proprietor, Joseph Long, at an outdoor luncheon in the courtyard of Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza with music that, like the legendary store itself, featured oldies-but-goodies!

L–R: Joe Long and Lady Diana Hayward

L–R: Lee Cortney and Paige Long Sharps with their father, Joe Long

Photos: Lem Peterkin Photos: Bruce Moore

UMBA’s Annual Session

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ew York State Governor, Andrew Cuomo, was recently welcomed at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Harlem during the United Missionary Baptist Association of NY’s annual session.

Above, joining Moderator Rev. Carl Washington, Jr. are former NYS Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Rev. Patrick Young; Empire Missionary Baptist Convention president; Rev. Ronald Grant; Gov. Cuomo, Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel and Rev. Johnnie Greene, host pastor.

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The Positive Community November 2014

L–R: Rev. Dr. Jessie T. Williams, pastor of Convent Baptist Church, Harlem; Moderator Washington, pastor New Mount Zion BC, Harlem and Rev. Franklin D. Chandler www.thepositivecommunity.com

African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ 2014 Corporate Awards Dinner

L–R: Richard Dunn and Phillip Daniels Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Jill Johnson, Monica Slater Stokes, Erik Larsen and John E. Harmon

L–R: John Harmon, Catherine Starghill, Esq., and Hosea Johnson

L–R: Bob Warrington, Joe Avilla and Tracey Syphax

L–R: Sam Delgado and Rashon Hason of Verizon

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Helen Walker-Jones, Jacqueline Baptiste, Nicole Baptiste, Sylvia Rowell and Jessica Desmond

November 2014 The Positive Community

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Black Press Day in Brooklyn

L–R: NYs Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

L–R: Publishers Walter and Miatta Smith (Beacon); Adrian Council (TPC), David Greaves (OurTimePress)

L–R: Publishers Dennis Dillon (Christian Times), Pat Stevenson (Harlem News Group), Jean Wells (TPC), Faye and Carl Rodney (Carib News)

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rooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams hosted Black Press Day at Borough Hall on October 9, 2014. Nine publishers, members of the recently formed New York Black Publishers Alliance (NYBPA), representing 12 publications were on hand to help celebrate black-owned media in New York. Karl Rodney (New York Carib News), David Greaves (Our Time Press), Aziz Gueye Adetimirin (The Network Journal), Walter Smith (The Beacon), Thomas Watkins (Afro Times), Sandra Blackwell (Westchester County Press), Adrian Council and Jean Nash Wells (The Positive Community), Pat Stevenson (Harlem News Group) and Rev. Dennis Dillon (NY Christian Times) joined with politicians and members of the clergy in a discussion aimed at finding ways to increase advertising in their publications.

Moderated by television personality and spokeswoman Denise Richardson, Borough President Adams, Harlem Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, Reverend Dillon, and NYC Councilwoman Inez Dickens all spoke of the benefits of the Black press and its historical and contemporary significance.

In contrast, a NYC Agency Report “Making the

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The Positive Community November 2014

Grade,” on how the City of New York’s stated goal of providing business opportunities to Minority/WomenOwned Business Enterprises recently released by Stringer’s office gave the city a grade of “D” on how well it is meeting its goals to increase minority contracts. The report is a “diagnostic tool for agencies to improve performance and transparency in M/WBE spending” and reveals troubling, but not surprising results.

“New York City spends more than $17 billion on goods and services each year, but less than four percent goes toward Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises,” Comptroller Stringer said on the matter.

“When the City gets a ‘D’ for how well it is meeting its goals, it’s clearly unacceptable. Growing the pie for M/ WBE firms will be a key weapon in our battle against income inequality while increasing competition in procurement, driving down costs for taxpayers and creating jobs across all five boroughs.”

The NYBPA will be calling on city agencies offering group advertising buys and other marketing, promotion and sponsorship opportunities that will help them reach their procurement goals.

—JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

Making New Jersey

e &

Y

www.pseg.com

PSE&G’s forward-looking Energy Strong program will invest $1.22 billion over three years to create a resilient energy infrastructure that will better withstand storms like Sandy and other natural disasters. This will save New Jersey businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue and protect our families from the devastating impact of extended power outages.

PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

We make things work for you.

November 2014 The Positive Community

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Virginia Fields Honored as Visionary Frederick Douglass Boulevard Renewal and Development Began Under Her Watch Photos: Tyrone Rasheed

L–R: V. Virginia Fields, Rev. Calvin Butts and Debra Fraser-Howze

L–R: Larry Dais, C. Virginia Fields and Congressman Rangel

Susannah Koteen (r) presents the Leadership and Community Development award to C. Virginia Fields

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en years ago, 44 blocks of vacant and blighted properties were rezoned to revitalize a neighborhood in South-Central Harlem. Seeing unrealized potential, then-Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields spearheaded an effort to foster new opportunities for residential development and affordable housing and expand opportunities for new ground floor retail, while promoting building forms that would not overwhelm the existing neighborhood.

For her vision and untiring efforts, the former Borough President was honored by The Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance (FDBA), receiving the organization’s first annual award for Leadership and Community Development on October 21, 2014 at the Harlem Garage at 318 West 118th Street.

“Virginia Fields is most deserving of the recognition because of her accomplishments in spearheading economic development and affordable housing on Frederick Douglas Boulevard,” said Larry Dais, former AVP at Columbia University and community resident. “The improved quality of life for residents and successful business on the boulevard and surrounding blocks are also representative of Ms. Fields accomplishments” Curtis Archer, president of Harlem Community Development Corporation, agreed, stating, “I remember when Frederick Douglass Boulevard was a marginalized and problematic commercial corridor. It took a forward thinking vision to rezone Frederick Douglass Boulevard and transform that corridor into Harlem’s first restaurant row.”

Not only did the effort stimulate development on the boulevard, but it also included the development of af-

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fordable housing for middle class families. The Frederick Douglass Boulevard rezoning resulted in more than 800 new housing units, dozens of new restaurants, and the construction of Aloft Hotel; the first hotel to open in Harlem in more than 50 years.

Susannah Koteen, owner of Lido Restaurant, FDBA co-president and resident of Frederick Douglass Boulevard, explained the effects of the transformation.

“Ms. Fields' designation of the corridor as Harlem's Restaurant Row not only made this an attractive area to residents, but the great culinary environment has also provided careers for many local residents. I am grateful for her vision, " she added.

“Spectacular” is the word used by Paiman Loodhi, co-president of FDBA, to describe the turnaround of the area. “I can’t think of a more worthy honoree for this first time award. Ms. Fields has a long list of proud accomplishments, but the transformation of Frederick Douglass Boulevard has to be up there. This is easily Harlem’s most vibrant corridor,” she declared Larry Dais’ remarks seemed to sum it all up: “Ms. Fields vision, commitment, and leadership in the Village of Harlem is etched in the foundation of Frederick Douglass Boulevard between West 110th Street and West 123rd Street.”

Fields has been the president and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. (NBLCA) since 2008. As a special tribute, going forward the annual award will be called the C. Virginia Fields Leadership and Community Development Award. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Chad Foundation Awards Grant to Eagle Academy Chad Foundation Founding Principal, David C. Banks

L–R: Mr. William S. Parrish, Jr.; Ms. Joyce Eldridge-Howard; Dr. Kia Calhoun-Grundy, Mr. David C. Banks; Abdul-Nassir Morris; Mr. Vaughn Thompson; Marcus Harrison; Mr. Reginald Lewis; Ms. Kim Weeks Johnson; Dr. Shirley H. Smith and Mr. Lawrence A. Munroe

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n October 15, 2014, Chad presented a $5,000 grant award to Eagle Academy in support of the Academy’s afterschool activities, which constitute an essential component of the school’s extended day program. The announcement took place at the Maize Restaurant during Chad’s hosting of a book signing for the Academy’s www.thepositivecommunity.com

founding principal, David C. Banks. Mr. Banks recently authored Soar: How Boys Learn, Succeed, and Develop Character.

The awarding of this grant enables the Foundation to continue the legacy of the former Chad schools by supporting the Eagle Academy model, and other educational strategies producing positive results.

November 2014 The Positive Community

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Gale E. Gibson Inaugurated Essex County College’s 7th President Photo: Darryl Hall

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n front of an audience of over 300 well-wishers, Dr. Gale Gibson was inaugurated as the seventh president of Essex County College on October 17, 2014. She is the second woman to lead the college in its 45-year history. A transformative leader in higher education for 20 years, Gibson had been serving as the college’s interim president since April 1, 2013. During her tenure as interim president, the college applied for and was awarded over $24 million in grant funds.

She came to Essex County in 2011 as the college’s senior vice president for Academic Affairs & Chief Academic Officer. Previously she was founding Dean of the College of

Freshman Studies, and a professor in the Department of Student Affairs and Services, at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York.

In her address, Dr. Gibson declared a new era of excellence for the school, stating, “As my grandmother would say, you are placed in a position for a reason. I believe I am placed in Newark as the president of Essex County College to continue the greatness of this college. The great work we do at Essex County College is a well-kept secret, but it shouldn't be.” She continued, “We transform lives, broaden learning and empower students to achieve their full potential. Our college community and graduates are change agents and leaders who contribute to the health, vitality and advancement of society.” —JNW

Facebook helps reunite students with their favorite teacher after 35 years

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Class Reunion

L–R: Anthony Noschese, Cheryl Brewster-Loving, Luvinia Monge-DeRiggii, Sharon McLeod, Fred Bruno Usef Moorhead and Gia Trumpler

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t was a day to remember for a popular teacher and some of her former students. Sharon McLeod, who taught at PS 106, The Parkchester School in the Bronx back in 1979, was reunited with several of the pupils she taught in the 4th and 6th grades. They spent a special afternoon getting reacquainted at the Gran Piatto restaurant in Harlem on Saturday, August 30th.

It was the first time in 35 years that Sharon McLeod had seen students Cheryl Brewster-Loving,

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Luvinia Monge-DeRiggii, Anthony Noschese, Fred Bruno, Usef Moorhead, and Gia Trumpler. Fred had been trying for some time to reconnect with his former teacher, then learned that Anthony had found her on Facebook. They got in contact with her and eventually set up the reunion.

All of the students are successful professionals and two are now retired. Sharon went on to become an assistant principal, and then a principal. She is retired and currently

resides in Pennsylvania and Florida with her husband Norman.

Of the reunion, Cheryl BrewsterLoving said, “I had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and a wonderful teacher, Mrs. McLeod…

Others could take a lesson from her on how to be a real teacher.” And Sharon McLeod shared the following: “It’s once in a lifetime that an educator is able to reconnect with her students after 35 years and see them as professionals. I am so very proud of you.” —AR www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community & Adrian A. Council & Jean Nash Wells

Celebrating 15 years as the premier magazine for the African-American Community in the New Jersey and New York Greater Metropolitan Areas.

May God continue to bless you!

First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens 771 Somerset St., Somerset, NJ 08873 Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Senior Pastor

Mrs. Donna Soaries First Lady

www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community dedicates this 2015 Grand Jubilee Calendar in honor of the memory of our friend, Clement Alexander Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark ( 1943–2014). We are made all the better for the knowledge capital through education so freely shared by Dr. Price, a great torchbearer who dedicated his life’s work to the research, understanding and interpretation of black life, culture and the meaning of freedom in America.

Below is the introduction message contained in the 2015 Grand Jubilee Commemorative Calendar, for your review. If you agree with the written words to follow, if only it speaks truth to your soul, then own it! Purchase your 2015 calendar today (see ad on page 35). Own and secure our future, support cultural literacy. Make the positive community choice-now!

In addition, you can now download the free companion poster, “A New Language of Freedom” from our website— www.thepositivecommunity.com. Learn the Cultural Narrative, share it with family and friends, and teach it to a child! “. . . because a positive community is everybody’s business . . . it really pays to care.”

BY ADRIAN A. COUNCIL, SR. he Positive Community’s Cultural Literacy Initiative presents the 2015 Grand Jubilee Calendar commemorating the sesquicentennial (150 years) anniversary season of the Great Emancipation. The year 2015 takes on a very special meaning as we observe 150 years since the end of the Civil War and passing of the 13th Amendment to the constitution, the law that abolished slavery forever in the USA. This is the final calendar of a three-part series that highlight freedom and emancipation during this Grand Jubilee season.

In 2013, our calendar theme was The Great Countdown to Freedom: We’ve Come this Far by Faith; in 2014, it was Faith, Freedom and the Future: Coming Up Through Great Tribulation. This year we celebrate Our Children, Our Culture, Our Faith: Proclaiming a New Language of Freedom. The focus is on the children, our fondest hope—the future. The photos in this calendar reflect the beauty and dignity of a people, words of truth and inspired goodness—ideals that speak to the next fifty years of our freedom journey, a future that many in this present generation will never see.

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32 The The Positive Positive Community Community November November2014 2014 40

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Through the lens of photographer Bob Gore, we see the young people of the African Diaspora, tomorrow’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The generation that will witness the 100th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 200th anniversary season of the Great Emancipation in 2063!

A New Language of Freedom If you are reading this then you have already made the investment and purchased your passport into the future, a future that is already beyond our own lifetime: the future of our children and our children’s children.

Behold the pictures of the children in this calendar; you see your own sons and daughters, the faces of young people around you. You see their innocence, their hopes and their challenges. We see potential and possibilities, a reservoir of talent, energy, curiosity and a creative spirit. In them, we see ourselves 30, 40, 50, 60 years ago, bright faces of optimism, eager to take on the world, ideally, to make it a better place!

Think of what America was like, let’s say, 150 years ago in 1865, at slavery and the Civil War’s end. It was the dawn of the Reconstruction period in the South. Back then, our ancestors’ highest ambition as freed men and citizens was to be educated, for their children to have an education, to prosper; to become a “credit to the race.” The beginnings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) date back to these times. Even to this day HBCUs continue to play a vital role in the education and progress of our people.

And these values still hold true today. But, in a rapidly expanding, complex, hi-tech, ultra-individualistic, consumer driven, media dominated society; there is an ever present necessity for social readjustment and reexamination of our community’s course for future success. Morals, values, ethics and education must keep pace with the velocity of scientific discovery and technological innovation if civilization is to advance. The ideals of the race are our chief support in a society in rapid transition from one level to the next.

Now, more than ever, we are called to re-master the art of living in a single generation, to establish and to proclaim a new language of freedom. A formal education, whether it’s public schools, charter schools, private school or college is not enough. We must also provide for our young people a cultural orientation—a sense of being, dignity, purpose, compassion, a commitment to service and community pride in who they are and whose they are. We must inspire in them a hunger for knowledge and truth; a thirst for righteousness.

Prosperity and Happiness Fifty years ago, America’s black community was, for the most part, considered monolithic. Today, particularly along the East Coast, it is a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, rich mosaic that includes our brothers and sisters www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

The 2013 and 2014 editions of the calendar trilogy

from throughout the African and Caribbean nations. Add to that the rising Hispanic and Asian populations that have immigrated to this land in pursuit of the American Dream for themselves and their children.

Look up “culture” in the dictionary and you will begin to understand how important that word is to any people.

Our African American culture is our community’s greatest asset and contribution to this nation and the world, the very foundation of our future progress. It is the one talent entrusted to each of us that forever secures our collective freedom, prosperity and happiness.

A cultural orientation: cultural awareness, cultural leadership, cultural literacy, economics of culture and cultural unity, comprises a new language of freedom. Think culture and all things cultural; think self-acceptance, self-reliance and self-respect. How can we ever be denied those things which are only ours to claim unless we deny them ourselves?

True Freedom We must never forget that culture is to a community, nation or race what the soul is to a man or woman—a collective experience: the faith, hope and ideals of a people.

Like the soul, culture can endure beyond a single lifetime.

No person or group can ever take your soul or claim your culture; it can only be surrendered or compromised through ignorance, fear or sale. Therefore, that which is old should not be despised; neither should that which is new or novel be unconditionally embraced. Through knowledge and wisdom, discipline, trial and error we must choose for ourselves what values we carry forward or those things which must be left behind. The progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture mean everything!

In the end, that is what culture and true freedom are all about: the will of Almighty God—the harmony, melody and rhythm of teamwork and progress! So, for the sake of our future, our children’s future; and as children of a living, loving heavenly Father, let us go forth together, with faith, courage and confidence to claim our divine inheritance, our “goodly heritage.” Let the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” illuminate our path . . . Boldly we proclaim, a new language of freedom!

November2014 2014 The The Positive Positive Community Community 41 33 November

grace ORGANIZED 1 8 8 8

DR. W. FRANKLYN RICHARDSON, SENIOR PASTOR

GRACE is thrilled to join Positive Community Magazine for its inaugural Positive Community Awards & Gala in honor of 15 years of service in the African American community. Positive Community Magazine has proven and continues to be a vital resource of information and inspiration for the greater New York - New Jersey metropolian area. May God continue to abundantly bless this kingdom building work you are doing as you strive to serve the broader community. Congratulations!

52 South Sixth Avenue • Mount Vernon, New York 10550 • Phone: (914) 664-2676 • Fax: (914) 664-2833

WWW.GRACECHURCHTODAY.ORG

The Future is NOW! Order your Grand Jubilee Commemorative 2015 Calendar TODAY! Guaranteed Delivery

by December 15th

In observance of the 150th anniversary Grand Jubilee Season of Emancipation The Positive Community’s Cultural literacy Initiative presents:

Our Children, Our Culture, Our Faith A NEW LANGUAGE OF FREEDOM

Photos by Bob Gore

2015 Commemorative Calendar

...Though the lens of photographer Bob Gore, we see young people of the African Diaspora, tomorrow's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

This will be the generation to witness the 100th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 200th anniversary season of the Great Emancipation in 2063.

Support Cultural Literacy! Invest in the Future—Now! Own the Grand Jubilee Calendar just $19.99 Ask about special bulk/group rates

Send Check or Money Order to: Grand Jubilee Calendar c/o The Positive Community 133 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042

With microphone, UFT President Michael Mulgrew

Left, Anthony Harmon, UFT

Free Books for Kids on Staten Island Teachers and First Book Provide 40,000 Books

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t was books, books, books for youngsters from pre-k to high school on October 29th at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island. In a cooperative effort between the United Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Teachers and the non-profit organization First Book, parents and students were able to select their favorites from an array of 40,000 books, in both English and Spanish—fiction and non-fiction—for their home libraries. Teachers could also make selections for their students.

Anthony Harmon, assistant to UFT President Michael Mulgrew, organized the event and brought together a host of volunteers from labor and the community who were on hand to help with the distribution. He organized a similar UFT/AFT event in Far Rockaway Queens in May.

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First Book distributes books and educational resources to programs and schools throughout the United States and Canada. Katie Donlevie, Partner Development manager for Labor and Federations at First Book said that through partnerships with UFT, AFT and others, over 120,000 free books were distributed in New City in the past year.

Describing the life-changing effects of the program, UFT President Mulgrew commented, “When children see thousands of books laid out before them, they can’t believe their eyes. Once you give children a chance to pick out their own books you have them hooked on reading.”

Other partners in the effort were New York State AFLCIO, New York City Central Labor Council, A Philip Randolph Institute, CSEA, DC37, NAACP and Coaliton of Black Trade Unionists. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Career That Counts.

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Our School of Nursing is a co-educational program renowned for its outstanding curriculum and quality education. Our philosophy and holistic approach to nursing is embodied by the “CNR Nurse” who possesses the expertise, compassion, and professionalism that is highly valued in the healthcare community.

92% of nursing graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $60,000.

Students hold clinical placements at top hospitals including New York Presbyterian, Phelps Memorial, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Blythedale Children’s Hospital.

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Our Westchester County campus is conveniently located just minutes outside New York City.

OUR PROGRAMS IN NURSING INCLUDE: Bachelor of Science, Nursing (Second Degree Track also available) Master of Science, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Nursing Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner RN-BSN and RN-BSN-MS programs for Registered Nurses Post-master’s Certificate, Holistic Nursing for Advanced Practice Nurses Post-master’s Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner

REGISTER AT WWW.CNR.EDU/NURSING 29 CASTLE PLACE, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10805 | 914-654-5452 CNR-14-2199_7x9.5_PositiveComm_vPRESS.indd 1

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Touro by the Numbers

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et’s play with some numbers.

Ready? Try this one: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, an individual who has earned a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn, in the course of a working lifetime, over one million dollars more than a person who has only a high school diploma. That’s an average of $25,000 more a year over a 40-year career. Any way you slice it, that’s a pretty impressive figure.

Whether we like it or not, much of life is about numbers, bottom lines, making ends meet. If the numbers above don’t seem reason enough to get a college education, perhaps you should read them again! At Touro College’s New York School of Career and Applied Studies (NYSCAS), we believe that our school can help put you on the road that will make that kind of economic difference in your career.

Why NYSCAS? Maybe it’s our wide variety of programs, from business to paralegal studies, to human services, to digital multimedia design and more. Maybe it’s because at NYSCAS you instantly become a member

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of the Touro College family, treated with special concern and care from the moment you enroll to the day you receive your diploma. Maybe it’s our professional staff of advisors who will help you with admissions, program planning, and any concerns you may have during the course of your college education. Maybe it’s our highly skilled financial aid counselors, who will do their utmost to help you get every dollar you qualify for so that you can afford your education (generous in-house scholarships are also available to those who qualify).

Sound good so far? There’smore.

One of the great advantages at NYSCAS is convenience. We have a total of 7 convenient locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, each one very close to mass transportation. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes—even on Sundays-- all designed to fit the busy schedules that so many of our students must keep up with.

So what’s the downside? None that we can see! Yes, it’s college and you are going to work hard for your

degree, but as Thomas Paine pointed out in The American Crisis, “What we obtain too cheap, we value too lightly.” And yes, you’ll earn your degree through individual effort, but you’ll never be alone. Our faculty will be there to help you every step of the way, bringing their academic expertise and years of real- world experience to the classroom.

Why not give us a call at (212) 463-0400 x5500 and make an appointment to come in and speak with one of our admissions counselors? Or drop by one of our many sites whenever it’s convenient for you. You can also log onto our website at www.touro.edu/nyscas and find descriptions of the programs and courses that are available to you.

GIVE US A CALL! Isn’t it about time that you got into the numbers game yourself?

Touro is an equal opportunity institution www.thepositivecommunity.com

Jaden – fifth grade in 2014… college bound in 2022.

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT KIPP NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS

(TEAM SCHOOLS IN NEWARK)

All students in Newark are welcome FREE & REDUCED MEALS at KIPP New Jersey.

87.5% 89.0% KIPP New Jersey

Newark Public

KIPP New Jersey serves roughly the same demographics as the

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Newark Public Schools.

KIPP New Jersey

Students stay with KIPP New Jersey.

7.4%

KIPP New Jersey’s attrition rate is one of the lowest in Newark

Newark Public

12.4% 16.8% Our student attrition

(2011 NJ Report Card). Student attrition is the percentage of students who leave a school within a school year.

KIPP New Jersey supports our kids to and through college.

More African American students went on to college from our high school (Newark Collegiate) than any other high school in Newark.

Student attrition at individual Newark schools. (less is better)

90% 78%

of seniors to college of 8th grade grads to college

KIPP Schools are public. That means free to apply and attend.

KIPP New Jersey’s schools are public schools. We are publicly funded, free to attend and have no entrance requirements or tests to get in.

2014 Charter Myths - 02.indd 1

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It’s happening at

Columbia inNovember

Saturday, November 1

Cyrus Chestnut Trio 8:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Cyrus Chestnut’s trio brings together oldschool jazz, blues and gospel with heartfelt passion. For more info, email miller-arts@ columbia.edu, call (212)-854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events.

Wednesday, November 5 Presentation of the Past in the 9/11 Museum 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

918 International Affairs, Morningside campus Speakers: historian Charles Strozier; Daphna Shohamy, cognitive neuroscientist; Thomas Lutz, Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin; historian Henry Rousso; and moderator and historian Carol Gluck, Columbia.

For more info, contact Cory Winter at cw2847@columbia.edu or (212) 851-7293, or visit www.cgt.columbia.edu/events.

Thursday, November 6 Life Outsourced: Globalization and Transnational Surrogacy in India 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2nd Floor Common Room, Heyman Center for the Humanities, Morningside campus Shamita Das Dasgupta and Sayantani Dasgupta discuss the increasingly commercial practice of transnational surrogacy. Filmmaker Vaishali Sinha shows clips from her film Made in India. Seating is first come, first served. For more info, email heymancenter@columbia.org or visit www.heymancenter.org/events.F

Friday, November 7 Conversation With Twyla 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Julius S. Held Lecture Hall, Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Enter the creative realm of Twyla Tharp as she talks about her current projects and answers questions from the audience. For more info, contact Lindsay Stuffle at lstuffle@barnard. edu or (212) 854-2037 or visit http://dance .barnard.edu/events.

Saturday, November 8 No Such Thing as Neutral 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Event Oval, Diana Center, Barnard campus Ali Rosa-Salas highlights women’s contributions to dance styles that speak to the centrality of gender, racial and community identity in art-making. For more info, contact Lindsay Stuffle at lstuffle@barnard.edu or (212) 854-2037.

Monday, November 10

Advocacy and Interest Groups In K-12 Education 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

105 Jerome Greene Hall, Morningside campus This gathering will examine the roles that advocacy groups play in aiding or hindering the improvement of public education.

For more info, contact Tatyana Gourov at tg154@columbia.edu or (212) 854-8246.

Religion and the Cultural Politics of Black America 6:30 p.m.

Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. 113 St. Josef Sorett explores how the expressive practices associated with black churches have long held a special place in the public square.

Tickets $5 in advance by credit card or $10 cash at the door. For more info, visit www .alumni.columbia.edu/events.

Tuesday, November 11 Reimagining Justice: Narratives of Inclusion 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

2nd Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Changing the criminal justice system must include changing the public narrative.

This roundtable explores opportunities to transform this narrative into a more inclusive framework. For more info, email heymancenter@columbia.org or visit www.heymancenter.org/events.

Fútbol, Jews, and the Making of Argentina 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

802 International Affairs, Morningside campus Author Raanan Rein, Jose Moya of Barnard College and Federico Finchelstein of The New School discuss the rich culture of everyday life in Buenos Aires created by Jewish immigrants and their descendants. For more info, contact David Luna at dl2714@ columbia.edu.

Saturday, November 15

Football vs. Cornell 12:30 p.m.

Robert K. Kraft Field, Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Sunday November 16 Mujeres: Nuestro Festival de cine 6:00 p.m.

Diana Center, Barnard Campus This four-day festival celebrates the lives of women in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, the Sahara and Spain. Featured: SpainSahara’s Wilaya; Spain’s Barefoot in the Kitchen; Nicaragua’s La Yuma; Mexico’s After Lucia; and Argentina’s The Fish Child. All screenings subtitled in English. For more info, email jperezza@barnard.edu. To buy tickets, visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Tuesday, November 18 Great Exploitations: History and the NSA Debate 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

2nd Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Matthew L. Jones, Columbia University, gives a talk on NSA surveillance programs from a historical perspective. David Armitage, Harvard University, will be the respondent. Seating is first come, first served. For more info, email heymancenter@ columbia.org.

Pop-Up Concert: Loadbang 6:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Loadbang’s unique instrumentation—bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and baritone voice—means each piece on the program was composed with the group in mind.

Their Miller debut showcases the versatility of the ensemble. For more info, visit www .millertheatre.com.

Wednesday, November 19 Gender, Power and Leadership: Aládurà Church Women in Nigeria and the U.S. 6:00 p.m.

Sulzberger Parlor, 3rd Floor Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Mojubaolu Olufunke Okome examines women’s strategies of empowerment in the Aládurà church in Nigeria and in immigrant communities in the United States. For more info, visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Manhattanville Course Auditing And Lifelong Learners Program Columbia University funds up to 50 courses each academic year through its School of Continuing Education for residents of Manhattanville Houses, Grant Houses and others in the local community. The program provides adults not currently enrolled in college with the opportunity to attend selected lectures drawn from the University’s offerings in the arts and sciences.

For more information, visit http://ce.columbia.edu/auditing/manhattanville-auditing-program.

All events are open to the public. This is a sampling of them. For additional events or general information, visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

Thursday, November 20

Lyrics From Lockdown 7:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus This true story begins when spoken word champion Bryonn Bain is wrongly imprisoned—while studying law at Harvard. This critically acclaimed show uses a live band and video DJ, fusing hip hop, theater, spoken word poetry, rhythm and blues, calypso and classical music, to tell a provocative story about racial profiling and wrongful incarceration. Tickets $7-$20. For more info, visit www.centerforjustice.columbia.edu.

Acting Homer: A Staged Reading of The Odyssey Wallach Art Gallery, 8th Floor, Schermerhorn, Morningside campus 6:30 p.m.

Watch actors read key passages from The Odyssey, which originally involved intricate oral recitation and song. Hear this epic performed by actors in a gallery ringed by Romare Bearden’s paintings based on this classic raises the question of what happens to literature on a page when it is linked with visual art that includes the sounds and sights of the theater? Actors include Ty Jones, Richard Habersham and Devyn Tyler.

For more info, visit www.columbia.edu/ bearden.

Inspired by the Classics: A Poetry Reading by Rosanna Warren 6:30 p.m.

Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus A poetry reading centered on a sequence of prose poems entitled Odyssey. The poems are inspired partly by Homer, and partly by a series of monotypes entitled Orbiana Oliveto by the artist James McGarrell, whose images will accompany the reading. For more info, visit www.columbia.edu/bearden.

Tuesday, November 25 Men’s Basketball vs.

Fairleigh Dickinson 7:00 p.m.

Levien Gymnasium, Dodge Physical Fitness Center, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

NOVEMBER IS

O

These are examples of the special events during CUNY Month at our 24 colleges, graduate and professional schools.

– Chancellor James B. Milliken

pen houses, admissions and financial aid workshops, sports tournaments, lectures, performances, book talks, and panel discussions—most of them free—with world-class faculty, high-achieving students and honored guests.

NOV. 9

NOV. 6-NOV. 16

NATIONAL ACROBATICS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Lehman College 4 p.m. $45-$25, $10 for kids 12 and under

A WAKE OR A WEDDING Baruch College Thurs-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $30-$60

NOV. 12

NOV. 11-NOV. 20

VETERANS DAY Exhibition College of Staten Island 2:30-4 p.m.

Free

KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE Kristallnacht anniversary New York City College of Technology 12:30 p.m. Free

NOV. 16

NOV. 17

TEDxCUNY Macaulay Honors College 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free

WRITING CENTER EVENT: ED HIRSCH Hunter College 7 p.m. Free

NOV. 20

NOV. 10

JEFF MADRICK IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL KRUGMAN The CUNY Graduate Center 6:30 p.m. Free NOV. 13-DEC. 8

THE FACES OF ISLAM Photography Exhibition LaGuardia Community College Free NOV. 19

NOV. 16

THE VOCA PEOPLE Queensborough Community College 3 p.m. $35

HOSTOS REPERTORY COMPANY: YOUNG HOSTOS Hostos Community College 7 p.m. Free

JOHN LEGUIZAMO: “LATIN HISTORY FOR DUMMIES” College of Staten Island 8 p.m. $35, $30

NOV. 23

NOV. 14

FINANCING TERRORISM Juan Zarate John Jay College of Criminal Justice 3 p.m. Free

NOV. 11

AUTHOR JEFFREY RENARD ALLEN with Leonard Lopate Queens College 7 p.m. $20 or CUNY Student ID

NOV. 20

FREEDOM SUMMER Film City College of NY 6 p.m. Free NOV. 21

CUNY GRADUATE STUDIES FAIR Hyatt Grand Central 2-7 p.m. Free

NOV. 11

CUNY GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS FAIR Lehman College 2-6 p.m. Free

NOV. 21

WALTER MOSLEY UNBOUND AND UNRESTRICTED City College of NY 6:30 p.m. Free

NOV. 22

GOTTA DANCE! Kingsborough Community College 8 p.m. $30-$35

NOV. 24

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Borough of Manhattan Community College 1:30 p.m. $25

CONTEMPO II Brooklyn College 7 p.m. Free

We Chose CUNY!

Fulbright Scholars Melody Mills, Macaulay Honors College at Baruch College and Prof. Daniel Di Salvo, City College

#cunymonth cuny.edu/cunymonth facebook.com/cunyedu CUNY TV-Channel 75

Great Colleges, Great Deals on Gear at theCUNYstore.com CUNY Month Positive Community.indd 1

10/31/14 12:28 PM

THE HISTORIC BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH - Est. 1850 THE HISTORIC BEREAN BAPTIST CHURC

Congratulations & Best Wishes to & Best Wishes to Congratulations

THE POSITIVE COMMUN THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY

& Mr. Adrian & Mr. Adrian A. Council, Sr.,A. Council, Sr.

For 15 years of outstanding For 15 years of outstanding & dedicated service & dedicated serv through the Communication through the Communication Arts to our Tri -StateArts area. to our Tri -Stat

to bring very best to the African American Continue Continue to bring the very best tothe the African American Community.

DR. GRIFFIN, ARLEEJR. GRIFFIN, JR. - SENIOR P DR. ARLEE - SENIOR PASTOR ourAnniversary 25th Pastoral Anniversary CelebratingCelebrating our 25th Pastoral

1635 Hylton James Boulevard - Brooklyn, Ne 1635 Dr. Dr. Hylton L. JamesL. Boulevard (Bergen Street)(Bergen - Brooklyn,Street) New York 11213 www.bereanbaptist.org www.bereanbaptist.org

“And know things for who love God.” - - Romans 8:28 “And things worktogether together forgood good those whowho love God.” -Romans 8:28 “And wewe“And knowwethat that allthat together for good totothose those who love God.” knowall all work things work together for togood to those love God.” - Romans Romans8:28 8:28 “And we“And knowwethat knowallthat thingsallwork thingstogether work together for goodforto good thosetowhothose lovewhoGod.” love- God.” Romans - Romans 8:28 8:28 Reverend Dr. D. Sr. Reverend Dr.Thomas Thomas D.Johnson, Johnson, Sr. Reverend Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr. Reverend Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr. Reverend Reverend Dr. Thomas Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, D. Johnson, Sr. Sr. && & & & & The Baptist Church of Christ The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ TheCanaan Canaan Baptist Church of Christ The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ The Canaan The Canaan Baptist Baptist Church Church of Christ of Christ Congratulate Congratulate Congratulate Congratulate Congratulate Congratulate

The Positive Community Magazine The Positive Community Magazine ThePositive Positive Community Magazine The Community Magazine The The Positive Community Community Magazine Magazine th In Celebrating Your Anniversary th th15 Celebrating Your 15 In Celebrating Your 15 Anniversary th th InIn Celebrating In Celebrating Your 15 Your Anniversary 15thAnniversary Anniversary In Celebrating Your 15 Anniversary

MayContinue GodContinue Continue toBless Bless and Empower Your Community Service May God Continue to Bless and Empower Your Community Service May God Continue to Bless and Empower Your Community Service May God May God to Bless to and Empower and Empower Your Community Your Community Service May God Continue to Bless and Empower Your Community Service

Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

Canaan Baptist Church Christ Canaan Canaan Baptist Baptist Church Church ofof Christ of of Christ Canaan Baptist Church of Christ From The Harlem” Since 1932 Canaan “Serving Baptist Church ofHeart Christ “Serving From The Heart of Harlem” Since 1932 “Serving “Serving From The From Heart The of Heart Harlem” of Harlem” 1932 Since 1932 “Serving From The Heart of Harlem” Since 1932 Worship AM Since “Serving Sunday From The Heart10:00 of Harlem” Since 1932 Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Sunday Sunday Worship Worship 10:00 AM 10:00 Sunday Worship 10:00 AM AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM

132 West 116th Street - New York, New York 10026 ththStreet th -Street 132 West 132 116 West 116 New York, - New New York, York New 10026 York 10026 116 --New York, New York 10026 thStreet Church Phone: (212) 866-0301 132West West 116 Street New York, New York 10026 th 132 West 116 Phone: Street -866-0301 New York, New York 10026 Church Church Phone: (212) 866-0301 (212) 866-0301 Church Phone: (212) 866-0301 www.cbccnyc.org Church Phone: (212) www.cbccnyc.org www.cbccnyc.org Church Phone: (212) 866-0301 www.cbccnyc.org

www.cbccnyc.org www.cbccnyc.org 42 The Positive Community

November 2014

Reverend Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., Reverend Dr. D. Sr., Reverend Reverend Dr. Thomas Dr.Thomas D. Thomas Johnson, D. Johnson, Sr., Sr., Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Thomas D.Johnson, Johnson, Sr., Reverend Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Senior Pastor

Pastor Reverend Dr. WyattSenior Tee Walker, Reverend Reverend Dr. Wyatt Dr. Tee Wyatt Walker, Tee Walker, Pastor Emeritus Reverend Reverend Dr. Dr.Wyatt WyattTee TeeWalker, Walker, Pastor Pastor Emeritus Emeritus Reverend Dr.Emeritus Wyatt Tee Walker, Pastor

Pastor Emeritus Pastor Emeritus

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Community Baptist Church of Englewood Offers Congratulations to

THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 1ST ANNUAL

POSITIVE COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS IN EXISTENCE

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. ~ Sr. Pastor 224 First Street ● Englewood, NJ 07631 Phone: 201-568-6369 Fax: 201-568-3512 www.cbcofe.org

“Chosen to Serve ·Challenged to Grow”

Giving Thanks With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it is a good time to help children learn the meaning of gratitude. Here are some ways parents can help:

· Find a project: Encourage children to select some toys to donate or find a goodwill project you can do as a family, like helping an elderly neighbor with leaves.

· Have kids help at home: Give your child a chore and let him or her complete it without help. By helping out, children will realize the effort it takes to keep the household running.

· Talk about gratitude: Share things

you are thankful for and encourage your children to do the same.

· Write thank-you notes:

Make it a habit of having your children write a thankyou note for gifts and special activities. It helps remind them of how fortunate they are!

When families and schools work together, our children are the winners!

New Jersey Education Association… working for great public schools for every child.

Wendell Steinhauer, President Marie Blistan, Vice President Sean M. Spiller, Secretary-Treasurer Edward J. Richardson, Executive Director Steve Swetsku, Assistant Executive Director

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 2 Washington St, New York NY 10004

Call 866-42-NYACK or visit our website at www.nyack.edu

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718.260.5500 November 2014 The Positive Community

45

Walking in the Will of God What’s next for Suzan Johnson Cook? ev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook (Rev. SuJay) graced the cover of the very first issue of The Positive Community magazine back in September 2000. So much has changed since then. Technology has replaced the grainy, low-resolution graphics of the first issue with glossy, eye-popping high-resolution artwork; the staff, scope and distribution of The Positive Community have grown immensely; Rev. SuJay has now added Ambassador to both her list of accomplishments and her title, but her warm, gracious smile has remained the same, or perhaps grown a bit wider with the wisdom and experience she has gained over 15 years. She graced our cover twice more celebrating two of her historymaking achievements—when she was elected to lead the Hampton Minister’s Conference (Summer 2002) and again (Summer 2011) when she became Ambassador Johnson Cook Ambassador Johnson Cook is the embodiment of the old saying, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Described as “a pioneer and a trailblazer” in that 2000 cover story, those words are still fitting in 2014.

“God has entrusted me as a trailblazer,” the Ambassador opined. “You make history, but you don’t try to be first, it happens,” she continued with a chuckle, her words and demeanor conveying a sense of comfort and confidence reserved for those truly at peace with themselves, their accomplishments and their faith.

Her accomplishments are many, none of them small.

From garnering excellent grades in school that allowed her to graduate high school at sixteen, to earning a bach-

R

46 The Positive Community

November 2014

BY R. L. WITTER

elor, two masters and one doctorate degree, teaching at Harvard and serving two Presidential administrations, Ambassador Johnson Cook has taken it all in stride and approaches life from a place of humility.

The year 2000 found her three years into her mission of building a new congregation at Bronx Fellowship Church after 13 very successful years as senior pastor of Mariner’s Temple Baptist Church. She had recently served as an advisor to President Bill Clinton, and a consultant to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was focused on growing her congregation and raising her family. When asked to place herself back in her 2000 mindset and imagine her plans for the future and her appointment as Ambassador, Rev. SuJay said simply and succinctly, “It wasn’t in my vision, but I wouldn’t have thought it impossible because with God all things are possible.”

There were other milestones to reach and positions to hold before being appointed Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2011. In 2002, she became president of Hampton Minister’s Conference—the first woman to reach such a milestone, and she was set to embark upon a tour with Bishop T.D. Jakes. “So my world was leadership on a national level . . . but personally, I was experiencing loss,” she explained. “My mother was passing, Mrs. [Coretta Scott] King was ill—who was like my second mother—my pastor, Rev. Ollie B. Wells also passed at that time. So for me, it was about keeping my family, my congregation and myself intact.”

Through faith, prayer and dedication, Rev. SuJay was www.thepositivecommunity.com

not only able to keep her world intact, but to reimagine herself and thrive. “I was seeking God’s will for my life, never knowing that it would manifest in this way. So I took my ministry to the Apollo stage and we would have 800 people,” she recalled. “My slogan was ‘Bringing the World Together through Faith,’ not knowing at all that I was going to be touching the world and faith was going to be the way I was going to touch it.” She continued, “I remember Secretary Clinton (she was then Senator Clinton) and President Clinton coming to the Apollo Theater… and they came up on the stage not knowing that they were going to be pivotal players in my next step.

As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said, we are inextricably juxtaposed and there are no accidents, only providence.”

Fast forward to October 2014 and Rev. SuJay has reimagined and reinvented herself once more. Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook was hosting the Women on the World Stage Conference in Orlando, Florida and promoting her ProVoice/ProVoz organization. “I’m bringing women leaders together,” she explained, “to help them with their next steps, their next chapters so that they achieve their destined places.”

Johnson Cook endeavors to give a voice to women of color through what she calls a Faith Feminism movement. “It’s about seeing the absence of women at the table—the diplomatic table, the corporate table. What unites us is our faith, and we’re trying to come to the same table to find out what’s common ground—not what divides us, but what unites us.”

With her background in ministry, several successful books, political appointments and now her ProVoice/ProVoz endeavor, Rev. Johnson Cook has juggled home and career like many other women have, making both decisions and sacrifices and discerning when to make which one. “For me, a highlight was becoming a wife and mother,” she reflected. “Having my mother stand over me as I became a mother… Out of all that I’ve done publicly, it’s those private moments that have meant the most to me. The family is always first.”

Rev. SuJay recalled the time when she was president of

www.thepositivecommunity.com

the Hampton Ministers Conference and her oldest son was graduating from middle school. She travelled all night to make it home for the graduation and still remembers her son’s reaction. “His face,” she said wistfully. “And that hug. He was so happy that I made it…

That and my mother being there when I became a mother, those are two of the most precious moments I can recall.”

Now that her children are young adults, while her family will always remain her priority, Ambassador Johnson Cook can finally focus on her next chapter and what tasks she’d like next to conquer. “I’m intrigued by faith and politics, I’m intrigued by policy,” she replied when asked about any possible political aspirations of her own. “So wherever I can make the greatest impact, will be the place that I land.” In the meantime, there are a few items she hopes to check off of her bucket list. “I’d like to be a regular contributor to the media,” she revealed. “I’d contribute to faith and politics… The second item on my bucket list is to compete on Dancing with the Stars. I have a background in musical theater and that is a dream I hope to fulfill.”

As with any public figure, Johnson Cook has her critics, but she maintains a positive outlook and allows her faith to guide her. “I’m not deterred; it’s about going toward your destiny. What people don’t tell you is that sometimes you fail, but even your trials are part of your triumph,” she remarked. “So for me, there were no bad places. There were places that helped me to grow—to go when necessary, to get into my flow.”

When asked about the next 15 years and where she envisions herself and her life she replied, “When you walk in the will of God, it’s not necessarily our call; it’s God’s steps. There’s a scripture in the Bible that talks about the Sons of Issachar in the Old Testament; it says they knew what time it was. For me, it’s always about Divine timing, it’s not about ego. It’s not about the pressure from outside; it’s really about trying to walk in the will of God and hearing God’s voice.” Spoken like a true diplomat and a woman with unlimited spirit and potential.

November 2014 The Positive Community

47

Health P R E V E N T I O N , T R E AT M E N T

&

CURE

Ebola Scare Here Unfounded Pastor Joe Bush mobilizes churches to send food and supplies to Liberia

BY QUINITA EDMONIA GOOD ears have escalated due to misinformation about the Ebola virus, and many West African-Americans are suffering because of ignorance in America. On Friday, October 31, 2014, two Senegalese-American schoolboys were assaulted while being called “Ebola” at IS 318 elementary school in the Tremont section of Bronx, NY, after several days of being taunted and bullied.

“These are just kids, and it’s about education,” said Ousmane Drame, the Senegalese-American father of the boys. Drame is a resident of the Bronx and the comptroller for the Senegalese Association of America.

But it’s not just this one incident. Other American children of West-African descent and their families are being targeted over lack of understanding and fright surrounding the Ebola virus. Sokhma Seye, a hairdresser in Harlem, reported to 7-Online that her clients are now refusing to go to African hairdressers, and her 9-year-old daughter fears she has Ebola because of taunts from other students.

According to Charles Cooper, a Liberian-American who is the chairman of the African Advisory Council and an associate of Drame, many West African-Americans are experiencing blatant discrimination, but are afraid of voicing their experiences because they don’t want the media attention and more backlash.

But there are some who are lending support. The Reverend Joseph Bush, Sr., chairman of the Empire Baptist Convention and pastor of Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the Bronx is working to decrease unnecessary fears regarding Ebola. Walker Memorial’s global missions initiative, So Send I You, engages African American and LatinoAmerican Christian congregations in mission work and activity in underserved communities around the world.

Through that organization, Bush and the church are collecting funds, food, and medical supplies to send to Liberia and encouraging churches of all denominations to do the

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48 The Positive Community

November 2014

same. According to Rev. Bush, for the over 4 million people of Liberia, where Ebola has taken an unimaginable toll, there are only 51 doctors. Doctors Without Borders and other volunteer medical groups are helping out immensely.

Recently Rev. Bush invited a Liberian pastor and his wife, who had been vacationing in the States since May of this year, to speak at a Baptist convention. The pastor and his wife were not well-received. “You should have seen the expressions on their [the audience] faces,” said Rev. Bush.

He related that when the Liberian pastor walked in to speak, some of the service workers dropped their trays and left and many of the attendees did not want the Liberian pastor and his wife to stay. “This misinformation is rampant,” he said.

Rabbi Robert Kaplan, director of the Center for Community Leadership at the Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, recently organized a community meeting to address the attack on and in support of Drame’s sons.

“When we heard of the bullying incident, we felt it was important to show support for the boys and their dad that came from this group that has been working together, as well as other ethnic and faith leaders around the city so that they would know all New Yorkers were behind them, not only those from their immediate community,” said Rabbi Kaplan. Representatives from the Jewish, Asian, African-American, and Latino communities were in attendance, giving their support to the Drame family.

Rabbi Kaplan went on to say that, “we will bring the group that met the other night together to explore areas of collaboration and partnership around this and other issues facing the community, and we will convene the group again after Thanksgiving.”

Hospitals in the NY Tri-State Area are prepared for actual Ebola cases. According to Cathy Toscano, director of

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, NJ, in the case of receiving a suspected Ebola patient, the hospital is required to contact the New Jersey Department of Health, who in turn is in contact with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“At Saint Michael’s protecting our patients, staff and visitors is top priority,” said Toscano. “CDC requirements and screening processes are in place to identify potential Ebola patients and we have a preparedness plan ready for implementation. Our staff has undergone and continues to undergo extensive training, including how to safely put on and remove personal protective gear.

“Additionally, we have created a dedicated environment for the treatment of Ebola patients. The area is secure and removed from other patient areas and includes negative pressure treatment rooms for patients. There are also designated areas for staff to put on and remove personal protective equipment,” she explained.

Should they receive an Ebola patient, Toscano says that the hospital will follow best practices and limit the number of staff who are in contact with the patient to those who are needed for providing direct care to the patient. “The rooms have also been equipped with audio/visual equipment so that patients can safely interact with visitors,” she explained.

An October 15, 2014, statement by the Health & Hospitals Corporation in NYC said that Bellevue Hospital Center will receive any confirmed patients in the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) system of 11 public hospitals.

Bellevue is also preparing to receive transfers from other New York City hospitals, if needed, after they consult with New York City DOHMH. It also would receive cases from NYC airports. A spokesperson from HHC-NY stated that every HHC hospital is able to identify potential Ebola patients and isolate them in the emergency department if necessary. If there is a confirmed case the patient will be transferred to Bellevue in consultation with NYC DOHMH for treatment.

For his part, Ousmane Drame says he is not pressing charges. “I hope everyone will learn from the experience and that the Department of Education will integrate programs that will educate students and parents on the Ebola crisis.”

For more information on how you can support the West African-American communities or support Walker Memorial Baptist Church’s missionary efforts in Liberia and other African countries visit thepositivecommunity.com where you can find a list of supplies that are needed and where and how to you can take supplies or send money.

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212-283-5181

The Little Chapel with a Big Heart www.thepositivecommunity.com

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

November 2014 The Positive Community

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For the Love of Newark

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arma Warren, MD, has a deep love for the City of Newark that she finds difficult to describe.

She knows other lifelong residents share the same sentiment. “It’s almost as if we’re an organization of people, each with a string from our heart to the city,” she says. “We’d never turn our backs on Newark. Ever.” The physician is unshakable in her allegiance to the city she calls home, and works every day to fulfill the vision of what she believes Newark can become.

Dr. Warren works in the emergency room (ER) at Newark’s University Hospital, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in northern New Jersey. The intense, fastpaced and often stressful environment isn’t for all doctors, but it’s the perfect fit for her. The emergency medicine physician completed her medical school clinical electives at an ER in a Camden, NJ, hospital and “fell in love with serving the medically underserved population.” She decided then to go back to her beloved Newark and do the same work there. “My mother instilled in me that we are on this earth for one thing: to help others,” she explains. “This is one way I can do that.”

In the ER she treats patients’ illnesses and broken bones, and she uses the opportunity to try to help restore broken lives. “Many of the young male patients I see have made some bad decisions,” she says. “I tell them they can turn themselves around and be successful. They have no role models, so knowing someone cares—even for a short time in the ER—I believe makes a difference.”

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The physician often tells them her own story. She grew up in a “modest home” in the Weequahic section of the city and began working at 13. She knows inner-city Newark well: Some of her friends have been successful, but she also lost friends to violence and drugs and knew people who sometimes went to bed hungry. But the guidance and mentorship she had from her parents made the difference.

She graduated from Science Park High School and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Tuskegee University. She succeeded in the corporate sector for a few years, but something was missing: being able to “directly help people.” She had done that as a hospital volunteer during college, and loved it, so decided to go to medical school. “It wasn’t easy. Some days, I wondered what I had gotten myself into,” she says. “And on top of the academic rigor, I got married and had two children. I look back now and wonder how in the world I did it.”

But she did, and for 10 years now Dr. Warren has been delivering her powerful message. “When these patients find out I’m an African-American doctor from Newark, they begin to believe maybe they can make something of their lives, too,” she says. But she knows words are not enough, so she helped establish, and is vice chair, of the Great Oaks Charter School for middle- and high-schoolers in Newark.

“The first year, many of our students were reading at a third-grade level and doing math on a second-grade level,” she says, wiping tears from her eyes.

“It was so sad to see, but we’re changing that.” Great Oaks was among the top Newark charter schools schools for advancement in math last year, which, she says, shows that given an opportunity, kids will take it.

As if opening a charter school was not enough, Dr. Warren’s family established the TRW Foundation for Newark youth.

Through word of mouth on the streets and in the ER, the young men come for what the physician describes as “simple mom and pop mentoring.” The family opens their homes for groups of kids to watch movies, eat pizza or just sit and talk. The family takes the kids to visit colleges, helps with application forms and contributes toward the cost of books.

The mission is simple: help young men succeed so they can do the same. And it’s working. The Foundation is in the midst of recruiting more youth, because the last group is in college.

The physician has never forgotten her mother’s edict to always giving back.

She’s active in Jack and Jill, Inc., an organization of mothers who nurture children to become future African-American leaders, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization of women who performs public service in the African-American community. She also volunteers at community sporting events.

There are many who would argue with Dr. Warren when she says she’s “nothing special.” Among them are the medical residents she teaches, who selected her as the best attending physician for three years running. “It doesn’t mean I’m the brightest,” she says. “But what it does mean is I’ve touched lives.

And that’s why I’m here.”

Dr. Warren says her faith gets her through especially trying days in the ER. Each time she arrives at work, before getting out of her car, she prays.

She asks that all she says and does will be a blessing to others, and that she will bring no harm to anyone. And finally, she asks that her words will be a comfort to others.

It seems her prayers are being answered.

Karma Warren, MD, lives with her husband, Honorable Dwayne D. Warren, Esq., and their two children, a 15-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, in Orange, NJ, where he is Mayor. www.thepositivecommunity.com

8.375 x 10.875 UH Generic Ad_Layout 1 4/11/14 10:33 AM Page 2

WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. EXCELLENT MEDICINE. EXCELLENT CARE. THAT IS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IS RANKED AMONG THE VERY BEST IN NEW JERSEY and INDEPENDENTLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY CARE. n Honor-roll recognition for the rapid treatment of stroke patients

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We’re very proud of this recognition. But please remember, your care will always be our number one priority. We promise to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. We understand that every one of our patients deserves and will receive not only the very best medical care but also our full attention and respect.

For more information about University Hospital, please call us at: 973-972-4300 or go to our website at: www.uhnj.org 1

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EmblemHealth Ramps Up For Obamacare Open Enrollment Largest non-profit insurer in New York offers consumer-focused education, products and services.

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oming up on the second year of Obamacare, health insurers have an unprecedented opportunity to learn from last year’s experiences and provide a more seamless, positive consumer experience to the millions of Americans who are expected to either renew their coverage or get new coverage this year.

This year’s open enrollment period is later and shorter than last year’s – beginning November 15, 2014 and ending February 15, 2015. EmblemHealth is doing its part to make sure consumers understand how to navigate the enrollment process during those crucial three months. The company has developed an enhanced web-based Health Care Reform Hub (http://www. emblemhealth.com/Health- CareReform-For-New-York), a state-of-theart, one-stop resource for answers to questions about getting health care coverage that fits consumers’ needs, budget and lifestyle EmblemHealth also offers Neighborhood Care – a unique approach to solving the challenges of health care.

There are four Neighborhood Care locations throughout New York City, and each is a place where members (and nonmembers) can go to make the most of their health benefits. They can look for ways to lower out-of-pocket costs, resolve billing issues, find an ap-

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propriate doctor, receive help joining health and wellness programs, connect to community support, and learn about EmblemHealth’s health plan choices for 2015: The company is offering five HMO plans to individuals on NY State of Health marketplace. Each of the “metal” plans – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze – offers the same health benefits, but differs in monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses.

Individuals who don’t qualify for federal subsidies on NY State of Health marketplace can choose from five EmblemHealth HMO plans available for direct purchase from emblemhealth.com.

To keep costs down and support an integrated model of care, all of these HMO plans use EmblemHealth’s Select Care network, a specially-tailored subset of the organization’s HMO network which includes a full complement of physicians, hospitals, community health centers, and ancillary services.

A core component of the Select Care network is AdvantageCare Physicians (ACP), one of the largest multispecialty physician practices in the New York metropolitan area dedicated to personalized, coordinated care. With 38 medical office locations and more than 400 primary and specialty care

physicians, ACP is able to provide access to a wide range of health services for whole family, often in one location.

In response to consumer demand, a 24/7 Telehealth benefit is included with individual and small group plans, both on and off the marketplace. This benefit allows EmblemHealth members to have a virtual visit with a doctor via phone, computer or mobile device whenever and wherever they need to, and receive non-urgent medical care for a reduced copayment.

In addition to individual coverage, EmblemHealth also offers five different health plans to small businesses and their employees. “Local businesses are the heart and soul of New York, and EmblemHealth has been caring for New York’s working people and their families for over 75 years,” said Paul Zurlo, EmblemHealth Sr. Director of New Business Development. “We are proud to offer small businesses a robust choice of HMO plans for all employee needs, each one featuring convenient, quality care from our specially chosen Select Care network providers.”

For more information about EmblemHealth’s health care products and services, and to find out if you qualify for financial assistance, visit emblemhealth.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

A HEALTHIER YOU IS IN THE AIR The change of seasons is nature’s beautiful way of starting fresh.

It’s also an inspiring reminder for us all to turn over a new leaf on our journey toward healthier living.

So, it’s time to start anew, New York! And we’re here to help. That’s why we’ve created our new Small Steps to a Healthier You App, which gives you easyt access to resources in the neighborhood, healthier living tips, a pedometer and much more. Also, it’s FREE! To download the app, visit smallesteps.emblemhealth.com — a fresh start to a healthier you is just a tap away!

*Dates and availability subject to change. Group Health Incorporated (GHI), HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), HIP Insurance Company of New York and EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC are EmblemHealth companies. EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC provides administrative services to the EmblemHealth companies. Neighborhood Care is a division of EmblemHealth. ©EmblemHealth Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

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Fidelis Care Offers Tips for Seniors Choosing Medicare Coverage

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idelis Care, a Statewide health plan with more than 1.1 million members, reminds seniors to carefully consider their healthcare needs when choosing their Medicare coverage for 2015. Medicare 2015 open enrollment is underway and ends December 7.

Seniors can choose traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage product.

Commonly known as Part C, Medicare Advantage provides insurance for hospitalization and inpatient care (Part A) as well as doctors’ services, outpatient care, and some preventive services (Part B). It may also include prescription coverage (Part D).

“Medicare Advantage products can be attractive because they offer extra benefits, ranging from vision and dental care to flexible spending benefits for health-related items,” said Fidelis Care Chief Marketing Officer Pamela Has-

sen. “In designing Fidelis Care’s Medicare Advantage products for 2015, our goal was to continue to offer affordable coverage and the key benefits that mean the most to members.”

Fidelis Care offers the following Medicare Advantage products: Fidelis Medicare Advantage Flex, Fidelis Medicare Advantage $0 Premium, and Fidelis Medicare Advantage without Rx. Dual Advantage products, for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, are also available in select counties.

In comparing Medicare Advantage products, Hassen recommends seniors consider: Price: Is it a good value? Is it more economical to pay a monthly premium and $0 copay for primary care visits, or $0 monthly premium and a copay?

Product: Which option has benefits that are most in line with your health care needs? Are your prescription

drugs in the plan’s formulary? Can flex spending help offset costs?

Providers: Are the participating doctors and hospitals convenient for you?

New this year, Fidelis Care has an online tool to help seniors who are interested in Medicare Advantage products. Found on Fidelis Care’s website, fideliscare.org, the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor compares available plans, benefits, and costs, along with the benefits and costs associated with Original Medicare. Seniors only need to enter basic information, including name, date of birth, zip code, and household income. The Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor also allows users to schedule an appointment with a representative who can assist with enrollment.

Hassen suggests researching the options early, so there is no pressure to make a decision just before the December 7 deadline.

For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-800-860-8707, visit fideliscare.org, or meet with a representative at a Fidelis Care Community Office location: Bronx Community Office: 815 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460, phone: (718) 896-2531

Inwood Community Office: 100-02 Post Avenue, New York, NY 10034, phone: (212) 942-3111

Chinatown Community Office: 168 Canal Street, Suite 308, New York, NY 10013, phone: (212) 226-6157

Ridgewood Community Office: 1674 Putnam Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385, phone: (718) 896-2694

Flushing Community Office: 36-36 Main Street, Suite 2SB, Flushing, NY 11354, phone: (718) 896-4511

Sunset Park Community Office: 837 58th Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220, phone: (718) 633-5308

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CLEAR BRACES METAL BRACES INVISALIGN®

1851 Seventh Ave. • New York, NY 10026 • (212) 866-9800 Dr. Bradford C. Washington, owner of Central Park North Orthodontics, is excited to start serving the Harlem community in fall 2014. Located at 1851 Adam Clayton Powell blvd (between 112th and 113th), patients can easily take the B, C, 2, 3 (110th st. stations) trains to his brand new office. Dr. Washington brings a breadth of expertise from his schooling at Morehouse College and Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

If someone is interested in getting braces or lnvisalign ® how can they start?

Potential patients can make an appointment by calling (212) 866-9800 or book a free consultation at www.cpnbraces.com. I accept most insurances and patients receive a full overview of their specific case at the consultation.

Can someone be too young or too old for treatment?

It is never too late to create a great smile, as healthy teeth can be moved at any age. For younger patients, the American Association of Orthodontists encourages parents to biring their children in around age seven, as some patients can benefit from early treatment.

What sets Central Park North Orthodontics apart from other orthodontic practices?

I have one of the largest orthodontic practices in the city that is completely new, equipped with digital patient charts and offers low dose, digital x-rays. Additionally, I offer special technology that can help patients complete their treatment 50-75% faster than traditional methods.

What brought you to the Harlem community?

I saw a need for the type of service I provide to patients. In contrast to franchise style orthodontic clinics, I am a doctor who is present and cares. I am active in the community, a member of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce and support local businesses. I am very excited to serve this community!

Giving Cancer the Boot!

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esidents and staff at Newark Extended Care Facility held a Walk-a-thon-Roll-a-thon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Dr. W Franklyn Richardson

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

Grace Given to All he African American community is often inundated with data that suggests we are not progressing or moving forward. This is especially true in the areas of physical fitness and health. Among African Americans, nearly two-thirds are overweight or obese or having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.

When we carry 25 extra pounds or more, the extra weight increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure—two diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans. Being overweight also increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.

Although our communities are still disproportionately marginalized within our health system, I am grateful for the grace of God, which allows us to turn things around through prayer, physical exercise, and healthy eating.

James 4:6 tells us: “But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” The grace that God gives all of His children not only allows us to get spiritually fit, but God’s grace gives us the ability to get physically fit as well.

For instance, if a person has been inactive for about 10 years or more due to life’s issues and/or their inability to prioritize and discipline themselves to eat healthier and exercise consistently, through God’s grace and goodness it will not take the same individual 10 years or more to get in shape. That’s God’s goodness! That’s God’s mercy!

That’s God’s grace! Grace which is given to all!

Every year during the Thanksgiving holiday season (one of my favorite times of year), my family and relatives gather to celebrate and give thanks to God for all of His abundant blessings. One of the highlights of the day (outside of football and my wife’s famous turkey) is the family grace which is prayed before dinner. All of us are given the opportunity to say precisely what we are grateful for in our lives.

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Perhaps this year we can declare in unison, “Thank you for the grace you have given to all of us; so that we might prosper, be in good health, and live well.”

Here is a tip from the Fitness Doctor to you: The primary responsibility of a health and fitness instructor is to conduct and supervise the exercise programs of individuals or a group of participants. Those participants may have a variety of health problems, perhaps even some unknown to them, so a knowledgeable instructor must be alert to any indication of a potential problem.

A healthy lifestyle is one that includes activities and habits that enhance overall wellbeing and are related to lowering the risk of developing major health problems.

These habits or behaviors include the following: • Exercising regularly • Maintaining a healthy diet • Getting adequate sleep • Relaxing and coping with stressors • Not using tobacco or nonessential drugs; using alcohol in moderation • Having regular preventive health screenings • Practicing safety habits Many of these behaviors are interrelated; often people who begin exercising become more conscious of their other habits and thus are more likely to change their high-risk behaviors. More than being physically fit, having a healthy lifestyle means achieving the highest quality of life possible for each individual. (Courtesy YMCA healthy lifestyle principles) Call Kahlil to learn how to get healthier and live well!

Call (732)921-3746 or visit www.fitnessdoctor.org for a free consultation!

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

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Some children who had employer-based health insurance within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can enroll in Child Health Plus. This will depend on your household income and the reason your children lost employer-based coverage.

School Cafeteria Nutrition Standards EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I hear that many school cafeterias have nutrition standards no better —even worse—than those of fast food chains. What can be done about this?

— Betsy Edison, Nashville, TN

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mericans have done a great job making sure that our kids have something to eat at school regardless of socioeconomic status, with the National School Lunch Program providing low-cost or free lunches to upwards of 31 million students at 92 percent of U.S. public and private schools.

But that doesn’t mean the food has been especially nutritious, and public health experts say it’s no wonder our kids are more obese than ever when we feed them trans fats, salts and sodas for lunch. Kids get half their daily calories at school, so what’s for lunch there has a big impact on health and lasting eating habits.

A 2008 analysis of school lunches by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that American kids consume very few fruits and vegetables in their cafeterias— with potatoes accounting for a third of all vegetables consumed. IOM also found that kids were eating many refined grains and too much saturated fat and sodium.

A 2009 study by USA Today found that meat used by McDonald’s and Burger King was tested for bacteria and unsafe pathogens up to 10 times as much as meat bound for U.S. school cafeterias.

In response to these stark findings, along with vigorous advocacy by First Lady Michelle Obama, things are starting to improve. In 2010, Congress voted to revamp the nation’s school lunch program by enacting the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA). The higher standards in the new law seek to align school meals with the federal 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by upping the availability and portion sizes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains (and requiring students to select a fruit or vegetable), establishing calorie ranges, removing trans fats and limiting sodium levels. The law also incentivizes schools to take part with generous meal reimbursement funds. The new standards went into effect in 2012 and have been working their way through

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school districts from coast-to-coast and getting rave reviews in the process.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health who collected plate waste data among more than 1,000 students in four schools in urban, low-income school districts both before and after HHFKA took effect found that fruit selection increased 23 percent following implementation: “Average per person fruit consumption was unchanged,” said researchers, “but because more students selected fruit overall, more fruit was consumed post-implementation.” Also, per student vegetable consumption went up 16.2 percent.

But just because public health researchers think the program is going well doesn’t mean Congress will keep it going. The Republican-dominated House of Representatives has included waivers for school lunch nutrition standards in its fiscal-year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill. “The provision would allow schools with a 6-month net loss of revenue to opt out of providing the healthier meals outlined by the HHFKA,” Dr. Jennifer Woo Baidal writes in the New England Journal of Medicine. “A deficit of any amount from any cause could allow schools to return to the same meals that the IOM found in 2008 to be nutritionally lacking.”

Consumers interested in protecting the new nutritional standards should weigh in by calling, writing or e-mailing their Congressional representatives and speaking up for healthier kids.

CONTACTS: National School Lunch Program, www. fns.usda.gov/initiative/hhfka EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine. Send questions to: earthtalk@ emagazine.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

100%cardiac bypass survival rate – words to live by.

Year after year, Englewood Hospital has achieved a 100 % survival rate in heart bypass surgery.

Our top-rated cardiac surgeons are experts in a range of complex procedures and perform most surgeries without blood transfusions, which helps reduce risk of infection and speeds recovery.

For a physician referral, call 866.980.EHMC or learn more at BestHeartDocs.com.

* New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, “Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey” report, June 2012 Patient portrayal

Kidney Recipient Encourages Others to Support Organ Donation Ten years ago, I knew nothing about National Donor Sabbath.

If it had not been for the generosity of my son and my organ donor I wouldn’t be here today, appreciating the blessing of life.

A few years ago, I suffered from kidney cancer and needed to have one of my kidneys removed.

After undergoing dialysis for five years, being admitted to the hospital 14 times within 18 months and having my gall bladder removed, I was worn out.

When my son, Emmanuel, first suggested donating his kidney, even though he is extremely terrified of needles, I declined the offer. I was afraid and unsure if my condition was hereditary; I didn’t want to put him at risk.

As the search for “The love and generosity of my son a viable kidney gave me a second chance at life.” continued, the situation became dire. I finally decided to turn to Emmanuel.

He was tested through the paired kidney exchange program; he was not a match for me. The paired kidney exchange program matches one incompatible donor/recipient pair to another in the same situation, creating wonderful opportunities for a match.

Four months later, we went through the transplant surgery.

I am extremely grateful to have been given the gift of life.

The fact that I received it through the generosity of my son makes the gift even more precious.

Sharing Faith, Sharing LiFe November is National Donor Sabbath, a special time across the country when clergy and their congregations unite to increase awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donation.

Here are some ways that you can make a difference: • Share the life-saving message of organ and tissue donation with your congregation or contact NJ Sharing Network to have a transplant recipient or donor family member speak briefly at one of your services.

• Request a NJ Sharing Network volunteer to host a registration drive at your house of worship following the service.

• Provide informational materials at faith services and events, and include messaging in your bulletin and newsletter.

• Include a link to NJ Sharing Network’s website and the donor registry (www.NJSharingNetwork.org) on your house of worship’s website and Facebook page during National Donor Sabbath in November and beyond.

For more inFormation and materiaLS, viSit

www.njsharingnetwork.org

or contact jay ariSSo at 908-516-5615 jariSSo@njSharingnetwork.org

Throughout my experience I’ve learned that many in the African American community are unaware of organ and tissue donation.

I consider it my mission in life to help spread awareness about donation to all sectors of New Jersey. The more registered organ donors, the more lives we can save.

Currently there are more than 122,000 people awaiting organ transplants in the United States. Fifty-seven percent of those people are minorities. Hispanics and African-Americans have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and heart condition, which can create a greater risk for organ failure. Simply put, we need a greater number of organs and we need more people in the minority community to “check the box.”

I now work as a volunteer for NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit agency that is responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue throughout New Jersey. Hopefully, my story will help motivate minorities to consider registering as organ donors and to consider becoming living donors. I firmly believe, “We are truly Our Brother’s Keeper.”

To learn more, get involved, and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

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November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015 More people in New York City chose MetroPlus than any other health plan on the NY State of Health Marketplace!

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1.855.809.4073 metroplus.org

*Consumers in New York City who enrolled via the NY State of Health Marketplace October 15, 2013 to April 15, 2014.

MKT 14.33

METxxxx Plan Ahead Positive Community Mag ad.indd 1

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Two Great Hospitals Partner for Healthier Communities

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obert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Somerset Medical Center have always shared a strong commitment to community outreach, education and promoting health and wellness. Now that the merger of both hospitals is complete, staff from the New Brunswick and Somerville campuses see even greater opportunities for partnerships and collaboration to raise the health status of the diverse communities they serve.

“Our communities share many common health issues and challenges,” notes Mariam Merced, MA, Director of Community Health Promotions at RWJ. “Both hospitals have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to listening to our communities, identifying their unique health care needs and developing innovative programs to address these needs.”

In the weeks leading up to the merger, the hospitals partnered on ‘Salsa & Salud,’ a fun and healthy event designed to promote education and increase awareness of diabetes in the Latino community, in honor of Latino Diabetes Awareness Day and Health Fest 2014. In addition to free medical screenings, ‘Salsa & Salud’ featured live music and dance exercises, healthy cooking demonstrations, activities for children, raffles and giveaways.

The hospitals also offered Health Fest 2014, a free community event to promote health and overall well-

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The Positive Community November 2014

ness in the community at the Palace in Somerset. Emmy Award-winning television host, entrepreneur, best-selling author and health advocate, Martha Stewart headlined the event. Attendees enjoyed complimentary health screenings, healthy cooking and fitness demonstrations, interactive health information tables, and physician panels.

“Health Fest 2014 served as a merger milestone celebration providing the community with an opportunity to meet and engage with their medical staff from both hospitals,” notes Serena Collado, Director of Community Health at RWJ Somerset. “This program and Salsa and Salud are just two examples of how this merger will help us address common health challenges in the communities served by both campuses.”

The hospitals are already pursuing ways to expand services for Central New Jersey residents. For example, a gynecologic oncology program has been established at RWJ Somerset. The program offers patients a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of and clinical research on cancers of the female reproductive system. The program is a unique partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and brings an experienced team of specialized physicians, led by Darlene G. Gibbon, MD, to the Somerset campus.

In addition to offering a wide range of free health screenings and education programs, the hospitals have a

long history of developing innovative outreach efforts to Advanced address specific The TheCenter Centerfor for Advanced needs of the populations they serve. In Pediatric Surgery Pediatric Surgery fact, both hospitals Community The Centerearned for Advanced Outreach Awards from the New Jersey Pediatric Surgery Hospital Association Health Education Research Trust for their programs.

Somerset won for its El Poder Sobre la When your child needs surgery, itacan be Diabetes 10-week diabetes When your program, child needs surgery, it can be challenging for the entire family. challenging for and the entire family. prevention management program When your child needs surgery, it can be Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ) for the Latino Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ) challenging forCommunity. the entire family. is pleased to announce the opening of its new is pleased program to announce the opening of its new The educates individuRobert WoodPediatric Johnson University Hospital (RWJ) Center for Advanced Surgery, located Center for Advanced Pediatric Surgery, located is pleased to announce the opening of its new als on healthy lifestyles concentrating within The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s within The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Surgery, located Hospital RWJ.for Advanced Pediatric on theatCenter importance of balanced meals, Hospital at RWJ. within The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood healthy Latin cooking, portion control Hospital at RWJ. In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and physicians Johnson Medical School and physicians and exercise.

RWJ’s Community Health In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood in the community, new procedure rooms in the community, new procedure rooms Johnson Medical School and physicians Promotions Program the set the stage for the most experienced captured set the stage for the most experienced in the community, new procedure rooms surgical teams, including urology, orthopedics, same award for its Fun in Park Program, surgical including orthopedics, setteams, the stage for theurology, most experienced neurosurgery, and trauma – all in a new, neurosurgery, and trauma – all in a new, which encourages healthy eating, exersurgical teams, including urology, orthopedics, family-friendly facility, featuring the latest in family-friendly facility, latest in neurosurgery, andfeaturing trauma –the all in a new, cise and family activity to address childrobotic technology and minimally invasive robotic technology and minimally invasive family-friendly facility, featuring the latest in surgery –obesity. just for kids. As part of the program, hood surgery – justtechnology for kids. and minimally invasive robotic surgery – doctor just for kids. activities were offered ina surgical a local park to When your child’s recommends When your child’s doctor recommends a surgical procedure, choose the teamenvironment that leads the region in the locreate a positive When choose your child’s doctorthat recommends a surgical procedure, the team leads the region in comprehensive care for children. procedure, choose thechildren. team that leads the region comprehensive care for cal inneighborhood and encourage family in comprehensive care for children. activity and participation in the program.

SAFE SAFE&& SOUND SAFE & SOUND SOUND

1-888-MD-RWJUH BMSCH.org 1-888-MD-RWJUH 1-888-MD-RWJUH BMSCH.org BMSCH.org Kids are our ONLY Specialty!

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The Center for Advanced Pediatric Surgery

SAFE & SOUND When your child needs surgery, it can be challenging for the entire family.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ) is pleased to announce the opening of its new Center for Advanced Pediatric Surgery, located within The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJ. In partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and physicians in the community, new procedure rooms set the stage for the most experienced surgical teams, including urology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and trauma – all in a new, family-friendly facility, featuring the latest in robotic technology and minimally invasive surgery – just for kids.

When your child’s doctor recommends a surgical procedure, choose the team that leads the region in comprehensive care for children.

1-888-MD-RWJUH BMSCH.org Kids are our ONLY Specialty!

New Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage Plans for 2015!

The Benefits You Care About...

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Your Fidelis Medicare Representative will meet with you in the comfort of your home, answer all your questions, and help you choose the plan that’s right for you.

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The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Fidelis Care is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Department of Health Medicaid program. Enrollment in Fidelis Care depends on contract renewal. Fidelis Care is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Fidelis Care depends on contract renewal.

H3328_FC 14141 CMS Accepted

AARP Hosts Media Luncheon

A

t a luncheon hosted by AARP New York, African American/Black/Caribbean media outlets were given an overview of the company and how it connects with those communities.

L–R: Dionne Polite, Jibrielle Polite and Gerri Warren-Merrick, AARP Executive Council member

L–R: Radio personality Toya Beasley and Edna Kane-Williams, AARP’s Vice President of Multicultural Initiatives L–R: Dianne Cooper with Chaunda Ball-Martin, associate state director for Communications Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Newark Healing

IS MY HOME

IS MY PASSION

Saint Michael’s

Saint Michael’s Medical Center is thriving.

And much of our bright future is due to the caliber of our physicians and staff who work here. They are dedicated professionals delivering compassionate care to thousands of patients in the Newark area. They are men and women who truly believe in our hospital and in this vibrant community. Our medical staff is 500 and growing – we’re hiring new physicians, and recently invested $30 million in renovating and expanding our Emergency Department and other areas of the hospital. Our leadership team is committed to strengthening Saint Michael’s future so it remains a pillar in the community for many years to come.

Find out more at www.smmcnj.org.

IS OUR HOSPITAL

GOwith with Medicare Advanta GO thethe Medicare Advantage Planthat’s that’s right for you Plan right for you

GOtotoanyany doctor. any hospital.

GO to carepointadvantage GO doctor.

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GO to carepointadvantage.org.

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Your health all-important, so consi Your health is all-important, so is consider all the optionsabefore options before selecting Medicareselecting Advantage a Medicare Our who planare isMedicare for people who are M plan. Our plan isplan. for people live in Bergen, Essex, Pa eligible and live eligible in Bergen,and Essex, Passaic, Somerset and It’s th Somerset and Union Counties.

It’s Union the planCounties. that letsown youdoctors selectand your own doctors and lets you select your hospital… healthcare healthcare the way you want the it. way you want it.

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Call a Benefits Specialist Call a Benefits Specialist today at:today at: 1.855.593.5757 (TTY 711) 1.855.593.5757 (TTY 711) th October to December 7th October 15th 15 to December 7th Seven a week from Seven daysdays a week from 8:00 AM8:00 to 8:00AM PM.to 8:00 PM. th December to September 30th December 8th to8September 30th Monday to Friday from AM Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM8:30 to 5:30 PM.to 5:30 PM.

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Unless you qualify for a special Enrollment Period or within you * Unless you qualify for a special *Enrollment Period or within your initial Enrollment Period.

** You must continue to pay your Medicare**Part B premium.

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CarePoint Health Plans is a Preferred Provider Health Organization (PPO) with a MedicareProvider contract. Organization (PPO CarePoint Plans is a Preferred Enrollment in CarePoint Health Plans depends on Contract Renewal. Health Plans depe Enrollment in CarePoint

November 2014 The Positive Community

71

Duke Guillaume and the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band Swing unto the Lord

hen you think “big bands,” you may conjure up a vision of a finger popping, foot stomping sound—the vintage sounds of swing-style bands of yesteryear—Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Les Brown. Well, a special treat —a mind expanding, spirit lifting experience is waiting for you in the form of the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band (MGBB), led by its founder and conductor, the incomparable saxophonist Duke Guillaume.

For Duke, who was born in Port-Au-Prince Haiti and reared in Brooklyn, NY, the seed was planted while playing with his siblings as part of a family wind ensemble.

He was introduced to the work of Ralph Carmichael and heard a song entitled “He’s Everything to Me.” It was a big band arrangement and sounded nothing like what he and his siblings played.

Duke’s love of gospel music and jazz propelled him to fuse the two styles and put together a band of elite musicians who had the will and desire to give praise to God through their instruments. It took a few years to gather the musicians because it had to be a group of musicians who were not just talented, but who could grasp Duke’s vision for a “gospel big band sound.” (Excerpted from a piece by g.r.mattox in TPC October 2012) MGBB recently released their self-produced debut album titled Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Following is the review of the album by critic Ernest Barteldes on AllAboutJazz.com

W

The disc opens with “Nothing But The Blood,” an up-tempo number that serves as introduction to the group and also fea-

72 The Positive Community

November 2014

tures some individual improvised moments from the brass section. The tune is followed by “He’s Everything To Me,” a more straight-ahead tune featuring a fluid tenor sax solo.

Among the highlights is “Lord I Lift Your Name Up High,” a Latin-tinged tune that highlights a different side of the band, highlighting Ted Cruz’s piano and Olusegun Ajayi’s percussion, which are the principal backing for the saxophone and trombone solos. The traditional hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” receives a bluesy treatment led by the saxophones and a cleverly arranged rhythm section.

Also notable are “Someday,” another straight-ahead tune played with the full ensemble (with arrangement by the bandleader) that swings hard from the start, and also “He Is Exalted,” an African-themed tune that has an almost cinematic feel thanks to the initial crescendo, and ends with a chorus and a saxophone solo from the bandleader. In the background Aleune Faye’s Djembe is heard giving accents to the drums, and that is topped with an accomplished solo from Cruz, who takes the tune in a completely different direction.

The album closes with “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” a gorgeous ballad led by Guillaume’s tenor, in which the band is augmented by overdubbed strings to great effect.

This is a disc that comes with many pleasant sonic surprises.

If you love great music, take a listen to the songs on Leaning on the Everlasting Arms on iTunes, where you can purchase and download the entire album. You are sure to want Metropolitan Gospel Big Band in your music collection, it’s also available on Amazon.com, at Walmart, and many other retailers.

Photos: Heidi Gutman.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Duke’s love of gospel music and jazz propelled him to fuse the two styles and put together a band of elite musicians who had the will and desire to give praise to God through their instruments.

MGBB MEMBERS

TRUMPET

SAXOPHONES

PIANO

Igmar Thomas

Audrey Welber-Alto

Ted Cruz

Kenny Leeper

Wayne Davis-Alto

Dan Filstrup

Gerald Thomas-Tenor

HAMMOND ORGAN

Jelani Jeans

Owen Broder-Baritone.

Stirling Overshown

TROMBONE

STRINGS

BASS

Stafford Hunter

Jeff Young-Violin

Jim Robertson

Dave Russel

Andie Springer-Violin

Ray Campos

Hannah Levinson-Viola

DRUMS

Kurt Francisco

Richard Vaudrey-Cello

Don McKenzie II

www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

73

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Daniel Johnson is Ready to GO! Grace & Peace! love receiving suggestions of new, unknown gospel music artists to check out—the talent out there is amazing! God has blessed so many people with the gift of song and there are so many different styles of gospel music that inspire and attract all generations to celebrate our God. I receive an extreme amount of music daily and I try to listen to all of it, but then I get excited when I find one that catches me and attends to my spirit!

Right now, I’m really feeling Daniel Johnson; his CD on Entertainment One Records is simply titled GO. Now I don’t know how long I’ve had this CD, but I’m glad I finally played it. Daniel Johnson is a husband and father of two, who was a background singer for Israel Houghton. But get this, GO was recorded live back on November 30, 2012 at Grace Church of Humble, Garden Oaks Campus, without Johnson being signed to a label.

Fortunately, God’s timing is everything, because Daniel was ready for whatever God had for him and he did just what his title track said (“GO”) and released the final product on his way to reaching his destiny.

GO, a 12-track praise & worship movement penned mostly by Johnson, shows what effortless lyrics can do when passion is their backing. Immediately, the live recording will capture the listener with its simplicity of worship. The atmosphere is set as the first song makes a request for the whole night for the Lord to “Have Your Way.” The lyrics welcome the Holy Spirit in so that your spirit can open up and just say “yes” to God’s will and be used by Him. Once the invitation of God is established, it’s time to praise as Daniel commands everyone to “Lift Him High.” He identifies who our Lord is and declares everyone should praise the King of Glory! This celebratory song is a theme from King David’s day when he danced out of his clothes—well you’re going to dance too, just keep your clothes on depending on where you are! This song goes into another praise song that lets you know we have “Jesus Here.” The music will move you as the drum beat goes hard and the lyrics announce, “I see

I

74 The Positive Community

November 2014

an open heaven/We’ve got God’s attention/He wants to be right where we are/and we find Jesus here.” Yes! When you lift up His name, you will find Jesus there.

The title track, “GO,” might not be what you are expecting. We’re often used to hearing that it’s time to get our stuff back, but this “GO” means that there is a dying world out there and it’s time for us to do what God commanded us to do. The lyrics remind us, “Now is our season to reach out, introducing our Savior by name Soldiers/Jesus is calling Upholders/of faith and truth to move forward/And carry out His master plan.” Johnson was even wise enough to use an old hymn that says “if I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto me.” There are songs that have few words, but have a powerful impact. I don’t have the space to go through every song, but the song “Receive” is my favorite. It states, “God is here now/Receive, receive.” It starts with a mid-tempo base drum and three-part harmonies that build into a resounding declaration in command. Want more? Well, GO purchase this CD for yourselves, and continue to encourage others to help building the Kingdom! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Bishop T.D. Jakes

December 13, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Get Tickets Now!

Dr. Jamal Bryant

Bishop Liston Page Jr.

Go to the Prudential Center Box Office 165 Mulberry St., Newark NJ, 973-757-6600, or contact Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com

A Message of Love from these Great Men of God!

…and the Best Christmas Concert in the Tri-State Area! www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

75

WE WANT YOU BACK

IN 2016.

Come See What’s Cooking.

HINT:Visitit’s more than just breakfast! the East Harlem Perkins for lunch and dinner ®

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The Positive Community November 2014

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NEW JErSEy PErFOrMiNG ArtS CENtEr

Don’t miss out on the magic!

Jazz and Soul featuring Fantasia and more • 11/13

SalsaPalooza with Willie Colón and more! • 11/22

Patti LaBelle • 11/28

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack De Johnette • 11/30

Mike Epps • 12/5

the Hip Hop Nutcracker • 12/5-6

Anthony Hamilton with Mint Conditon • 12/14

Sweet Honey In The Rock • 12/20

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical • 12/26-27

November 13

November 14

Fantasia, Philip Bailey, José James, Christian McBride Big Band and more!

NJMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble

November 14

Chris Botti, trumpet

November 15

Michael Franks with raul Midón

November 16

Sarah Vaughan international Jazz Vocal Competition

November 22

SalsaPalooza: Willie Colón and more!

November 22

Béla Fleck, ChristianMcBride & Brooklyn rider

November 23

Robeson–trilogy: An Opera Company

December 11

Sadie & The Hotheads

November 26

Bob Dylan and His Band

December 12

November 28

Patti LaBelle with special guest Will Downing

The Piano Guys: A Family Christmas

December 13

Swingin’ Holidays

December 14

Anthony Hamilton with Mint Condition

December 20

Sweet Honey in the rock: Celebrating the Holydays

December 21

Handel’s Messiah

November 28-30 Evil Dead the Musical November 30

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack DeJohnette

December 2

Neil deGrasse Tyson

December 5

Mike Epps: After Dark Tour

December 5-6

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

December 26-27 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

December 6

Freestyle & Old School Extravaganza

December 6

Robert Klein, comedian

Give the arts. Warm their hearts.

December 7

Yuja Wang, piano

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

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10/27/14 11:20 AM

Scenes from Circle of Sisters L–R: Liz Black, Deon Levingston and Bob Lee of WBLS/WLIB/Hot 97

L–R: Donnie McClurkin performs with Fred Hammond

Photos: Karen Waters

ABOVE, L–R: Hill Harper, David Banks and Bishop Hezekiah Walker

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The Positive Community November 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Community Partners Support Circle of Sisters

The Health Plus Amerigroup team, L–R: Michael James, Manisha Franklin and Trevor Flecher www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

79

Robert Battle Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director

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Upcoming Special Issue!

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Martin Luther King Winter Issue

To Advertise Call: 973-233-9200 or Email:

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sales@thepositivecommunity.com for rates & deadlines

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The Positive Community November 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2014 The Positive Community

83

General Baptist Convention of NJ Hosts Statewide Session

T

he General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., president, recently convened its annual conference at St. John Baptist Church in Scotch Plains. Bishop Kelmo C. Porter is pastor.

Host Pastor Porter NJ State Laymen (Deacons) leadership

First VP, Dr. Lester Taylor, Community BC, Engelwood

Rev. Calvin McKinney, general secretary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., pastor Metropolitan BC, Newark

Former president, NBC USA, Inc, Dr. William J. Shaw with First Lady Camilla Lottie Shaw

Photos: Vincent Bryant

Hebrew New Year Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

BedStuy Real Estate Board

L–R: Rev. Ralph Branch, moderator, North Jersey Baptist Association, NJ with General Secretary Dr Joseph Woods

L–R: Harriet Robertson, Ben Chavis and Anne Marie Stanisslaus

O

n Saturday, October 25, 2014, the BedfordStuyvesant Real Estate Board hosted a Financial Wellness Day in Brooklyn at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The day's activities highlighted steps that families must take to create a pathway to wealth and financial security through home ownership. The subjects discussed at the seminar included credit solutions, down payment assistance for first time home buyers, foreclosure prevention solutions and aging in place for seniors. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L

eah bat Yedhudah, the great-granddaughter of Rabi Samuels, prepares to light a candle to begin the Hebrew New Year festival.

November 2014 The Positive Community

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CONGRATULATIONS

POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ON YOUR 15TH YEAR

AS THE PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

on Your 15 Year of Service to Newark and the Metropolitan Area.

May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

275 West Market Street Newark, NJ 07103 973-623-8161 www.bethany-newark.org The Rev. M. William Howard, Jr., Pastor

Bethany Baptist Church Congratulates Positive Community on Your 15th Year of Service to Newark and the Metropolitan Area.

May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

275 West Market Street Newark, NJ 07103 973-623-8161 www.bethany-newark.org The Rev. M. William Howard, Jr., Pastor

Reverend Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey and The Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York

CONGRATULATE

POSITIVE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

IN CELEBRATION OF YOUR 15TH YEAR

AS THE PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

86

The Positive Community November 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Congratulations Congratulations to Rev. Stef and Congratulations Congratulations Rev. Stef and Jubilation SALUT to Congratulations ADRIAN COUNCIL to Adrian Council to to Rev. Stef and Jubilation Rev. Stef and Jubilation Rev. Stef and Jubilation SALUTE HE POSITIVE COMMUNITY FAMILY Adrian Council ADRIAN CO to Adrian Council SALUTE and the Adrian Adrian Council Council SALUTE SALUTE & ADRIAN COUNCIL and the Adrian Council and the THE COM & POSITIVE ADRIAN COUNCIL Positive Community and and the theMagazine ADRIAN COUNCIL ADRIAN &COUNCIL & POSITIVE THE COMMUNITY FAMI Positive Community Magazine and the & your continuing Positive Community Magazine We pray success an Rev. Stef and Jubilation on 15 Years of Positive Positive Community Community Magazi Magaz THE POSITIVE continue COMMUNITY FAMILY to inform, uplift, and pos E POSITIVEWeTHE COMMUNITY FAMILY POSITIVE COMMUNITY FAMILY pray your continuing success and trust that your endea on 15 Years of Positive Community Magazine on 15 Years of Sharing Good News Congratulations on on 15 15 Years Years of of continue to inform, uplift, and positively impact our comm We pray your continuing success and trust that your endeavo ADRIAN COUNCIL We pray your continuing success and your continuing success and trust that your endeavors will  We pray your continuing success and trust that your endeavor continue to inform, uplift, and positively impact our commu to Sharing Good News trust that your endeavors will continue on 15 Years of e to inform, uplift, and positively impact our community.

Sharing Good News continue to inform, uplift, and positively impact our commun to the  Sharing Sharing Good Good News News E POSITIVE COMMUNITY FAMILY to inform, uplift, and Adrian Council our community. positively impact Sharing Good News  to the to  Greaterand Metropolitan thethe to to the the Area Positive Community Magazine Greater Metropolitan Area to the  United Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ,Area Inc. Area Greater Greater Metropolitan Metropolitan Are on 15 Years of Greater Metropolitan Area Congratulations Sharing Good News Congress PresidentSALUTE Shawn T. Wallace

Congress President CongressPresident President & Shawn T.Congress Wallace Shawn ShawnT.T.Wallace Wallace

dent lace your continuing success and trust that your endeavors will ue to Women’s inform, uplift, and positively impact our community.

Auxiliary United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc. President “Honoring God, Helping Churches” Deadra Gibbons  Women’s Auxiliary Women’s Women’sAuxiliary Auxiliary President President President Deadra Gibbons Convention Deadra DeadraPresident Gibbons Gibbons iliary Kenneth D.R. Clayton

SALUTE

ons

President & Usher’sCongress Auxiliary Shawn T. Wallace President Our remixed and remastered emixed and remastered Christmas CD is available for purchase DoraChristmas Harrell CD is available for purchase Visit us at www.RevStefandJubilation.com Usher’s Auxiliary Visit and us at trust that your endeavors will Usher’s Usher’s Auxiliary Auxiliary our continuing success President www.RevStefandJubilation.com President President to inform, uplift, and positively impact our community.

Dora Harrell Dora Dora Harrell Harrell Women’s Auxiliary United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc. iary President “Honoring God, Helping Churches” Deadra Gibbons ll United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc.

Laymen’s President Douglas Davis

“Honoring Churches” “HonoringGod, God, Helping Helping Churches”

Convention President Kenneth D.R. Clayton

Laymen’s President Convention President Usher’s Auxiliary Laymen’s Laymen’s President President Douglas Davis Convention President Kenneth D.R. Clayton President Douglas Douglas Davis Davis Dora Harrell Kenneth D.R. Clayton

to thetoPositive the Community Congratulations Ouryears remixedof and remastered Christm for 15 ident Greater Metropolitan Area to News vis Congratulations Visit us at www.RevStef Sharing Good Stay Connected Our remixed and remastered Christmas CD is available for purc Nurse’s Auxiliary Congratulations Adrian Council Sylvia Sherrod Christmas CD is available for Visit mixed and remastered purchase to us at www.RevStefandJubilation.com with the Our remixed and remastered Christmas CD is available for purcha VisitStay us at www.umbcnj.org Stay Connected Visit and us at www.RevStefandJubilation.com emixed remastered Christmas CD is available for purchase Connected Our remixed Visit and remastered Christmas CD is available for purchas Nurse’s Auxiliary to Stay StayConnected Connected and the Photo Not Auxiliary us at www.RevStefandJubilation.com Greater Metropolitan Area Nurse’s Nurse’s Auxiliary Adrian Council SylviaVisit Sherrodus at www.RevStefandJubilation.com Visit us at www.RevStefandJubilation.com Become a “friend” of UMBC on Visit us at www.umbcnj.org Available Sylvia SylviaSherrod Sherrod Visit us at www.umbcnj.org Stay Connected Facebook at United Missionary Conventionof NJ, Inc. Visit VisitususatatBaptist www.umbcnj.org www.umbcnj.org Positive Community Magazine Adrian Council iary Photo Not and the Become a “friend” ofBecome UMBC on Photo PhotoNot Not od a “friend” of UMBC on Available on 15ORaBaptist Years ofononNJ, Inc. Visit usCommunity at Baptist www.umbcnj.org Become Become aNJ, “friend” “friend” ofofUMBC UMBC at United Missionary Conventionof Inc.Conventionof Available AvailableFacebookPositive Magazine Facebook atand United Missionary the Facebook FacebookatatUnited United Missionary MissionaryBaptist BaptistConventionof ConventionofNJ, NJ,Inc. Inc. t Sharing Good News Becomeon a “friend” ofus UMBC OR Follow on on Twitter @UMBCofNJInc e 15 Years of OR Facebook at UnitedCommunity Missionary Baptist Conventionof NJ, Inc. OR OR Positive Magazine to@UMBCofNJInc the 87 Follow us on Twitter @UMBCofNJInc Sharing Follow usGood on TwitterNews Congress President Shawn T. Wallace

Congress President Laymen’s President Shawn T. Wallace Douglas Davis

Congress President Shawn T. Wallace

Women’s Auxiliary President Deadra Gibbons

Women’s Auxiliary Nurse’s Auxiliary President Sylvia Sherrod Deadra Gibbons

Photo Not Women’s Auxiliary Available

President Deadra Gibbons

Usher’s Auxiliary www.thepositivecommunity.com President Dora Harrell

Stay Connected

Visit us at www.umbcnj.org

Become a “friend” of UMBC on Facebook at United Missionary Baptist Conventionof NJ, Inc. OR

November 2014 The Positive Community

OR Follow Followususon on Twitter Twitter@UMBCofNJInc on 15 Years of @UMBCofNJInc Follow us on

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88

The Positive Community November 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Let’s Help Ebola Victims in Africa “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’…”

–Mathew 25:40 (New International Version) “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”–Luke 12:48 (NIV) And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.–Luke 9:2 (New American Standard Bible)

egarding the three Bible passages above, Jesus Christ spoke the first two and was the “He” cited in the third.

Christ commands Christians to help people. Christians who have access to much should help people who have less.

When Jesus sent out his 12 apostles, his instructions included that they heal the sick. I believe that those instructions also apply to today’s Christians. If we cannot heal miraculously, we should heal or help heal with whatever God provides to us.

As I write this in late October, the Ebola epidemic is getting much news coverage. The disease is rampant in the West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. But most of the news coverage that I encounter focuses on the potential spread of Ebola into the United States.

People who arrive in the U.S. from the affected African countries are tested for Ebola symptoms, hospitalized if symptoms are discovered, or placed in isolation for several weeks if possible exposure to Ebola is suspected. Additionally, there has been talk of prohibiting West Africans from travelling to America. Some European countries are taking and/or discussing similar actions.

Commendably, the U.S. government has sent troops into West Africa to help populations that are far more impacted by Ebola than the U.S. President Barack Obama has commended Americans doing volunteer work in Ebola-affected countries in Africa, saying, “They are doing God's work.”

I think Christians in America can also help. Churches here can communicate with churches and health providers in Africa to learn what we can do to: 1) help heal Ebola victims, 2) help prevent the spread of the disease, and 3) help African communities negatively impacted by Ebola. Our help might entail gathering and sending medical supplies, clothing, school supplies, and/or other requested items to affected areas. We can

R

www.thepositivecommunity.com

When Jesus sent out his 12 apostles, his instructions included that they heal the sick. I believe that those instructions also apply to today’s Christians.

do this through sub-ministries within our congregations, through entire congregations, through entire denominations, and/or through other Christian groupings. One possible model might be how, several years ago, New York area churches of various denominations worked together under the coordination of the Reverend Dr. Herbert Daughtry to ship supplies to Darfur refugee camps. Other models include the various congregational and denominational ministries that regularly help people in need.

Much has been given to us in America. The United States is affluent relative to most of the rest of world, and although few of our readers are personally wealthy, we can, with God’s guidance, coral resources to help people in poorer countries, such as those most impacted by Ebola.

By the way, some folks impacted by Ebola in Sierra Leone and Liberia may be your blood relatives. Both African countries were destinations of freed slaves who migrated to Africa after being freed from slavery in the Western Hemisphere from the late 1700s through the middle 1800s.

During the American Revolution, the British offered freedom to enslaved blacks who escaped from their masters and reached British military lines. Several thousand blacks did so and were transported to Nova Scotia, Canada. Many of these later emigrated on to Sierra Leone, after learning that black life in Nova Scotia was not so great.

The Trelawney Maroons of Jamaica also emigrated to Sierra Leone via Nova Scotia. Paul Cuffe, a black Quaker who owned and operated ships, helped coordinate transporting emancipated U.S. blacks who decided to emigrate to Sierra Leone.

Later, Bishop Henry McNeal Turner (of the African Methodist Episcopal Church), Martin Delany, and others organized emigration to Liberia for interested freed slaves.

But, relatives or not, let’s do what we can as Christians to help the thousands impacted by Ebola in these three West African countries.

November 2014 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com November 2014

The Last Word

™

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 14, No. 10

It’s Been a Long Time

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

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

Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Doris Young Boyer Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Brian Branch Price Karen Waters Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

90 The Positive Community

s we come to the end of our 15th Anniversary issue of The Positive Community magazine, I feel blessed. I feel blessed to have a job in this economy where so many are seeking employment, and to have a job where I am doing something I love while working for and with people who truly care. I feel privileged that every day I know I will be privy to good news. While war, poverty, struggle and strife are still part and parcel of life today, I know I will be able to smile as I write my next story and share in the joy and pride of the people I interview. I get to celebrate the promotions, births, marriages, graduations, anniversaries and other milestones and accomplishments shared in the pages of The Positive Community.

Fifteen years is a long time. In a world becoming more and more virtual by the moment, very few things are built or meant to last long-term anymore. The computer I used 15 years ago would now be considered an antiquated and obsolete antique; the mobile phone I used did nothing more than store phone numbers and make phone calls; everyone I knew still had a landline telephone and we still trekked to the music and video stores to purchase music and movies to play in our CD and DVD players. In 15 years I’ve toasted couples at their weddings, comforted and supported those same friends through their divorces, and wondered how the toddlers who used to follow me around on their tricycles with Golden Books and flashcards are now seeking advice and scholarship information for college and asking me to proofread college entrance essays and resumes.

During our interview, Ambassador Johnson Cook made mention of how she’s known Adrian Council and Jean Nash Wells for more than 15 years now and how dedicated they’ve been in

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Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

November 2014

their efforts to shine light on good news and good works in the black community. While I’ve only worked for The Positive Community for about 6½ years, I’ve been reading it since its inception.

As associate editor, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many of the people profiled in the magazine and working with the people behind the scenes. It’s funny how I’ve followed the stories of people and their accomplishments for so long that I often feel that I know them much more intimately than I actually do. I’ve also found that it truly is a small world as I grew up with Julien X. Neals, Newark’s business administrator; attended high school with the children of George Hulse and Rev. Herbert Daughtry; and attended Howard University with Mayor Ras Baraka — all people whose efforts, undertakings, and accomplishments have been chronicled in these pages.

The Positive Community has offered me so much beyond employment.

Through the people and pages of this magazine, I’ve been able to truly connect and reconnect with people in such meaningful ways. I’ve formed lasting friendships, met and interviewed noteworthy people and even met my husband in 2008. I’ve seen little children and teenagers whose photos and stories appeared in or on the magazine, grow into adulthood, get married and have children of their own. We’ve shared the collective pain of losing Percy Sutton, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Trayvon Martin, yet celebrated together their legacies, as well as the hope, joy and pride in electing America’s first black President. The Positive Community, the only other things that have been constant in my life for 15 years are my faith and my family. I thank God daily for all of them, and pray they will all continue to flourish and persevere.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

thank you!

And Our Community Partners for Supporting Our 15th Anniversary Gala & Choice Awards

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