GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
™ September 2020
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A SOULFUL TRIBUTE TO CHADWICK BOSEMAN THE BLACK CHURCH WILL SURVIVE COVID-19
PUBLISHER’S DESK EDITORIAL
Bluestime in America!
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Don’t let an undercount erase the ones you love. Communities are as rich and diverse as their needs. That’s why completing the 2020 Census matters. Every household counted contributes to their community’s funding for critical public services like healthcare, special needs, and public transportation. Census takers are now visiting homes to help households respond to the 2020 Census. All census takers will be wearing masks and following local safety guidelines. This is your chance to make a change, don’t miss it! It’s not too late.
Complete the census at:
2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.
SEPTEMBER 2020
CONTENTS
SECTIONS HEALTH...................................12
18
EDUCATION.............................16 CULTURE ................................20 MONEY ...................................26
Features Rev. Washington’s COVID Story ................................ 12 Unexpected Signs of Heart Disease ......................... 14 Hope for Harlem ..................................................... 15 HBCUs Take on COVID .............................................. 16 Signs of the Times ................................................... 18 Cover Photo by Risasi Dias
ON THE COVER: “Get Off Our Necks” Commitment March on Washington Signs of the Times ...................................... 18
&also inside
Remembering Chadwick Boseman ........................... 20 NJ Gov. Murphy Declares Juneteenth Holiday .......... 22 Book Review: Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson .......... 23 New Life & New Song for Rev. Stefanie Minatee ...... 24 Block Spams Calls and Texts for Good! .................... 26 Zoom Meeting Etiquette .......................................... 27 AACEO Coalition 2020-2021 Kickoff! ....................... 28
Publisher’s Desk .................................. 8
Masked Up Sunday ................................................. 31
The Last Word .................................... 34
School Named for Civil Rights Activist Lacey ............ 32
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The Positive Community September 2020
www.thepositivecommunity.com
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Let’s beat cancer together. Let’s beat cancer together.
We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. So if you’ve put off any cancer care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer. So if you’ve put off any cancer care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.
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he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.
Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor
Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus
Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor
Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor
Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Pastor
Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor
Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor
St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor
Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr, Pastor
Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor
Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor
St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor
Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor
Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor
St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor
Agape Baptist Church, Newark NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor
Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President
Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor
St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor
Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor
Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder
Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor
Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry
First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor
Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor
Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. James Morrison, Pastor
First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor
Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald Christian, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Eric M. Beckham, M.Div., MFT Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor
First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President
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 Manning-Fontaine Pastor Emeritus
Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor
New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor
Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor
New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor
Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor
New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James, Pastor
Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor
Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor
Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO
Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor
Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor
Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor
It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor
Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor
Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor
Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor
Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor
Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor
St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder
Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Marion P. Thomas Charter School 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 NobleNNJ Nubian Conservatory of Music Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center for Research The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.
“The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Black Church. All churches and businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Positive Community. Please support this magazine, the only one that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010
ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK
. . . Bluestime in America; People hold on; keep the faith! —Music and lyrics: Michael Hill’s Blues Mob
Saving Our Own Community
Bluestime in America
W
ith the pandemic crisis, black people are especially under pressure in areas of health, education, finances, housing, employment, business and public safety. Combined with reports of police violence, racism and the upcoming presidential election, a “perfect storm” looms! As in the lyrics of the song currently playing on Positive Community Radio*, it’s Bluestime in America! In the midst of it all, we are witness to a merciless, relentless, unholy war that has been launched upon the very souls of our children by an entrenched entertainment industry! The wholesale destruction of values; fortified and financed by corporate, commercial advertising/marketing. The “enemies of progress” seek to exploit and distort our narrative (story) for selfish greed and short term financial gain! They dominate media; control cultural critique, ultimately influencing fashion trends and the flow of consumer dollars. And now, at such a time as this, they insult us all; robbing our children of their dignity and innocence by flooding the public airways with the “WAP Song” just weeks before the new school year begins! At the time of this writing, the record, released in early August, has been #1 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 for three weeks; with about 200 million downloaded social media views world-wide. Most adolescent teens (13–17 year olds) are familiar with the performers and many have already memorized the lyrics! Apparently, unwittingly, the “Negro Tribe” has all but surrendered any claim to cultural sovereignty. Others determine what’s best for us and our children—just like in the days of slavery! And to think, even some of the most trusted Fortune 500 companies/brands are actively involved in the sordid enterprise of supporting and encouraging these wicked, unfair and enslaving practices! God Bless the Children
As expressed in the words of the African American Cultural Narrative, we too are inheritors of a mighty legacy worthy of remembrance and celebration. Yes, it’s all about origins and destinies; community progress and cultural pride! It is patriotic—all American—and all good! The great Cultural Narrative was first written in 2012, in anticipation of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipa-
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The Positive Community September 2020
tion Proclamation—The Great Emancipation of 1863—on January 1, 2013. It is simply our American story—a people’s claim on the American Dream. The progress of our children and the integrity of the people’s culture, values and traditions—our collective soul—mean everything! The durability of this concept was demonstrated and revealed to much acclaim by all who attended TPC’s soldout Emancipation Day Awards Banquet* on January 1, 2020 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. Because of the pandemic, the January 1st, New Year’s Day event will be a virtual live culture and entertainment experience. It’s TPC’s Great American Emancipation Day Awards and Celebration 2021. The theme: God Bless the Children! Positive Community Change
The dawn of a new, exciting, inspiring season for positive community change is now upon us! This is about the salvation of our own community, our children’s future; our cultural assets. It is therefore, our moral duty—our God-given right and sacred obligation—to preserve, protect and promote our very best in the interest of future generations and American progress. Together, we are called to ensure the survival and safe-passage of values from this generation to the next—a noble and righteous cause! Indeed, forward-thinkers in corporations, government, public and private institutions, churches, civic and community service organizations and individual families would welcome and embrace a movement for positive community change! This movement has at its core, a philosophy that promotes positive, community-building ideals: self-acceptance, self-reliance and self-respect. Save-the-date, January 1, 2021 everyone is invited to join this grand celebration of American freedom—the very best in black life and culture—with The Positive Community family! On New Year’s Day, we begin again! At the end of the day, this not about race, gender, wealth, social status or political affiliation; rather it’s about right or wrong; truth and error; good and evil; true and false liberty—the positive, the negative. These are matters of the soul, the spirit and of personal choice.That being said, the important question for our times: Whose side are you on? *See thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com
A
The African American Cultural Narrative
frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born. One hundred years later, in August 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.” Forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elects its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008). In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!
An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters! This is our story—the cultural narrative—a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill! WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…!
© 2019 The Positive Community Corporation. All rights reserved. Graphic Design: Penguin Design Group, Newark, NJ
—Adrian A. Council, Sr.
THE THE THEPOSITIVE POSITIVE POSITIVECOMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITYMAGAZINE MAGAZINE MAGAZINEPRESENTS PRESENTS PRESENTS
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Health Health ideas for wellness ideas for wellness
ReveRend dR. CaRl Washington: the BlaCk Money ChuRCh Will suRvive Covid-19 buiness, finance + work
Education
By Fern Gillespie
the art + science of learning
Rev. Dr. Carl Washington
W
ithin days of returning home from a multi-city preaching tour, Reverend Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr., pastor of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Harlem, collapsed. From February through early March, the popular speaker had traveled through churches in Charlotte, Jackson, Atlanta, and St. Louis. “That Sunday, I went to my church and preached. By the time I got home—that’s the last thing I can remember until April,” he recalled. “I just went out.” His family doctor diagnosed Rev. Washington with COVID-19 and recommended he be treated at home. Rev. Washington was under quarantine from March through May. “I’m 65 years-old and never got sick. I didn’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes,” When I woke up, I had a really high fever. I lost my abil-
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The Positive Community September 2020
ity to taste and smell. I still haven’t fully gotten my taste back yet,” he explained. “My wife has asthma and I used a nebulizer, so I didn’t have a breathing problem. But I know that my lungs were compromised because when I got up in April, I would get tired doing little things. So, my doctor told me to move. First, I was walking. Then I started riding a bike. Now, I’m riding 8 to 12 miles a day. My doctor caught it early. I’m still not 100 percent. This thing lingers.” Dr. Washington is magna cum laude graduate of LaSalle University, and a graduate of Hartford Theological Seminary. He received a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Virginia at Lynchburg and a Doctorate of Ministry from Eastern Theological Seminary. Since he arrived at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Harlem in 1995, the church has grown from 150 people to more than 1,100 disciples. The church has been live streaming services since 1997. The techno savvy church has connected members with refurbished iPads and younger members help program computers for seniors. During his illness, the congregation was in serious prayer and continued church services online. “Our ministers, deacons, officers, staff, and assistants of the church did a yeoman’s job,” he said. “The impact of my illness
During his illness, the congregation was in serious prayer and continued church services online. “Our ministers, deacons, officers, staff, and assistants of the church did a yeoman’s job,” he said. “The impact of my illness on my congregation was mental because so many pastors were dying. They didn’t want to lose their pastor.” www.thepositivecommunity.com
COVID COVID has has changed changed the the way way Black Black churches operating. COVID hasare changed the Washington, way Black churches are operating. Washington, who also as of churches are operating. Washington, who also serves serves as president president of the the Empire Missionary Convention who also serves asBaptist president of the Empire Missionary Baptist Convention with 900 member explained. Empire Baptist Convention with 900Missionary member churches, churches, explained. “Because of of being with 900 member churches, explained. “Because of the the fear fear of people people being in large COVID is “Because of the fear of people being in large gatherings, gatherings, COVID is going going to eliminate worship and in large gatherings, is going to eliminate worshipCOVID and fellowship fellowship with other at least to eliminate worshipfor and with other churches churches for atfellowship least probably years.” with othertwo churches probably two years.” for at least probably two years.” on on my my congregation congregation was was mental mental because because so so many many pastors pastors were were dying. dying. They They didn’t didn’t want want to to lose lose their their pastor.” pastor.” COVID Data Tracker, aa collaboration beonThe my congregation mental because so many pastors The COVID Racial Racialwas Data Tracker, collaboration between the Tracking the Boston were dying. They didn’t wantProject to loseand their pastor.” tween the COVID COVID Tracking Project and the Boston UniUniversity Antiracist Research, has The Center COVIDfor Racial Data Tracker, a collaboration beversity Center for Antiracist Research, has announced announced that nationwide, people are at times the tween the COVIDBlack Tracking Project and the Boston that nationwide, Black people are dying dying at 2.4 2.4 timesUnithe rate of people. In News aa report versity Center for Antiracist Research, has announced rate of white white people. In May, May, ABC ABC News released released report saying 33 died from COVID. that nationwide, Blackhad people dying at 2.4According times the saying 33 Black Black clergy clergy had diedare from COVID. According to Rev. Washington, real number almost times rate of white people. the In May, Newsis a report to Rev. Washington, the real ABC number isreleased almost 10 10 times greater. the country, now we saying 33“Throughout Black clergy had fromright COVID. greater. “Throughout the died country, right nowAccording we know know over 300 pastors, and apostles who to Rev. the real bishops, number is almost 10 times over 300Washington, pastors, preachers, preachers, bishops, and apostles who have died from states. lot the bishops greater. thehe country, now know have died“Throughout from COVID,” COVID,” he states. A Aright lot of of thewe bishops who of were all the same over died 300 pastors, preachers, bishops, and who who died of COVID COVID were actually actually all at at theapostles same funcfunction. aa convention. A them contracted have They died were from at he states. of the bishops tion. They were atCOVID,” convention. A lot lotAof oflot them contracted it there. It was traced there died were to actually all atthey thepassed.” same funcitwho there. It of wasCOVID traced back back to there and and they passed.” COVID has the are tion. They were at a convention. lot ofchurches them contracted COVID has changed changed the way way ABlack Black churches are opoperating. serves as president of it there. Washington, It was traced who back also to there and passed.” erating. Washington, who also serves as they president of the the Empire Missionary Baptist with memCOVID has changed theConvention way Black churches opEmpire Missionary Baptist Convention with 900 900are member churches, explained. of the fear erating. Washington, who“Because also serves of the ber churches, explained. “Because of as thepresident fear of of people people being in large is to eliminate Empire BaptistCOVID Convention with membeing in Missionary large gatherings, gatherings, COVID is going going to 900 eliminate worship and other least ber churches, explained.with “Because of the fearfor of at people worship and fellowship fellowship with other churches churches for at least probably years.” New Zion Church has being in two large gatherings, COVID is Baptist going to eliminate probably two years.” New Mount Mount Zion Baptist Church has removed church pews future social distancing inworship and fellowship other churches for and at least removed church pews for forwith future social distancing and increased virtual presence online. probablyits years.” New Mount Zion Baptist Church has creased itstwo virtual presence online. Dr. and his wife, Bernita, an removed church pews distancing and inDr. Washington Washington andfor hisfuture wife, social Bernita, an elementary elementary school have six creasedteacher, its virtual presence online.16 school teacher, have six children, children, 16 grandchildren, grandchildren, and and one He’s about the Washington and his concerned wife, Bernita, an elementary oneDr.great-grandson. great-grandson. He’s concerned about the public public mental health of about school teacher, have six children,He 16thinks grandchildren, and mental health impact impact of COVID. COVID. He thinks about his his son, son, one great-grandson. He’s concerned about the public mental health impact of COVID. He thinks about his son, www.thepositivecommunity.com
aa 2020 2020 Princeton Princeton masters masters graduate, graduate, missing missing aa milestone milestone graduation graduation ceremony; ceremony; his his high high school school granddaughters granddaughters not having aa senior graduation or and not a 2020 Princeton graduate, missing a milestone not having seniormasters graduation or prom; prom; and families families not having traditional funeral am graduation ceremony; hishomegoings. high school“I having traditional funeral homegoings. “Igranddaughters am deeply deeply conconcerned about the state people how we not having a senior graduation orour prom; and and families cerned about the mental mental state of of our people and hownot we are going to deal aa post syndrome having traditional funeral homegoings. “I am deeply conare going to have have to to deal with with post traumatic traumatic syndrome from this,” he said. “I’m always at cerned about mental our people and may how be we from this,” hethe said. “I’m state alwaysoflooking looking at what what may be the COVID-19 on are mental going toramifications have to deal of with a post traumatic syndrome the mental ramifications of COVID-19 on our our people.” people.” Recently, Rev. Washington returned to tours from this,” he said. “I’m always looking what may be Recently, Rev. Washington returned toatspeaking speaking tours at churches around He’s extreme prethe mental ramifications of COVID-19 on our people.” at churches around the the country. country. He’s taking taking extreme precautions by his PPE gloves, Recently, Rev. Washington to speaking tours cautions by bringing bringing his own ownreturned PPE kit kit of of gloves, masks, masks, Lysol and sanitizers, wipes, and even his miat churches around the country. He’s taking Lysol and bleach, bleach, sanitizers, wipes, and evenextreme his own own premicrophone. each he wipe cautions byAt his own PPE kithis of room. gloves,“I crophone. Atbringing each hotel, hotel, he recleans recleans his room. “Imasks, wipe down he “I added in Lysol everything,” and bleach, sanitizers, wipes, and even hisbleach own midown everything,” he explained. explained. “I even even added bleach in my Febreze for cleaning.” crophone. hotel, he recleans his room. “I wipe my FebrezeAt foreach cleaning.” Due to New Mount Baptist Church down explained. “I even added bleachhas in Dueeverything,” to COVID, COVID, he New Mount Zion Zion Baptist Church has become aa seven-day virtual my Febreze for cleaning.” become seven-day virtual church. church. “It “It has has been been aa blessblessing. It people connected. It kept to kept COVID, New Mount Zion Baptist Churchwho has ing.Due It has has kept people connected. It has has kept people people who would normally be able to and become a seven-day virtual “It has been blesswould normally be alone alone ablechurch. to communicate communicate andatouch touch people on aa daily basis,” he “Our church has ing. It has people connected. has kept people who people onkept daily basis,” he said. said. It “Our church has new new members. People country would normally be from aloneacross able tothe communicate andjoined touch members. People from across the country have have joined our church I’m that COVID caused people on avirtually. daily basis,” he excited said. “Our new our church virtually. I’m not not excited thatchurch COVIDhas caused it. But opinion, of the country positives is the members. People from one across joined it. But in in my my opinion, one of the positiveshave is that that the church got our church virtually. I’m not excited that COVID caused church got stronger.” stronger.” it. But in my opinion, one of the positives is that the church got stronger.”
He He thinks thinks about about his his son, son, a a 2020 2020 Princeton missing He thinks masters about hisgraduate, son, a 2020 Princeton masters graduate, missing
a milestone graduation ceremony; his masters graduate, missing aPrinceton milestone graduation ceremony; his high school not a milestone graduation ceremony; his high school granddaughters granddaughters not having having a senior graduation or and school granddaughters ahigh senior graduation or prom; prom;not andhaving families having funeral a senior not graduation or prom; and families not having traditional traditional funeral homegoings. “I concerned families not having traditional funeral homegoings. “I am am deeply deeply concerned about the state of people homegoings. “I am deeply concerned about the mental mental state of our our people and how are to about thewe mental stateto our people and how we are going going toofhave have to deal deal with a and how wetraumatic are goingsyndrome to have tofrom deal with a post post traumatic syndrome from this,” said. with ahe post traumatic syndrome from this,” he said. this,” he said. September 2020 The Positive Community
13
Unexpected signs of heart disease Be sure to take these possible symptoms seriously Most of us have heard about warning signs of a heart attack: pain in the chest or loss of feeling (numbness) in the left arm. When those symptoms appear, a call to 911 is often the best course of action. However, some signs of heart trouble are less obvious— but still need medical attention. “Some people don’t feel any pain, even during a heart attack,” says Howard Levitt, MD, a heart specialist and Medical Director of Ambulatory Cardiology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). “Others have heart problems they’re not aware of because the symptoms are vague and don’t seem to be related to the heart at all.” There are certain signs that a doctor should check out, he says. These include: • Tightness, heaviness or squeezing in the chest • Shortness of breath • Nausea or fatigue • Feeling lightheaded
• Pain in the jaw or ear • Unexplained and rapid weight gain • Swelling in the legs • Dry or hacking cough
These symptoms may not seem heart-related, but could be. Such signs could provide useful direction for a healthier lifestyle. “While some will require invasive interventions, in other cases exercise, healthy eating and medication can help prevent, minimize or sometimes even reverse damage to the heart,” Dr. Levitt says.
If you’re unsure whether you have symptoms of an unhealthy heart, talk to your doctor, especially if a symptom is new. If it is severe, err on the side of caution: Call your doctor or call 911. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cardiac Clinic opened for people who have heart conditions. The clinic, located within the hospital at 201 Lyons Avenue, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 973.926.7852 for an inperson appointment or a telemedicine visit. To learn more about programs and services at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, visit rwjbh.org/newarkbeth
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The Positive Community September 2020
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Photos: Seitu Oronde
Hope for Harlem
I
t’s been said that in times of trouble one needs hope and faith. Hope that it will get better, and faith to hold on until it does. For many struggling through the coronavirus pandemic with hope and faith, the saying proved true recently. The results were realized for many when First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY State Senator Brian Benjamin, and District Council 9 came together to provide much needed groceries and other supplies on Saturday, September 12 in a project appropriately titled, “Hope for Harlem.� Volunteers handed out grocery care packages in addition to providing hot packaged meals, back to school supplies, on-thespot job recruitment, opportunities to complete voter registration and census forms, and on-site mental health resources.
www.thepositivecommunity.com
September 2020 The Positive Community
15
Money
buiness, finance + work buiness, buiness, finance finance + + work work
Education Education Education the art + science of learning the the the
art art art
+ + +
science science science
of of of
learning learning learning
h iStorically Black collegeS aNd UNiverSitieS h lack ollegeS NiverSitieS htiStorically iStorically B B lack c c ollegeS aNd aNd U U NiverSitieS ake ceNter Stage aS the NatioN reSpoNdS t eNter tage atioN eSpoNdS take ake c c eNter S S tage aS aS the the N N atioN r r eSpoNdS to covid-19 aNd SyStemic raciSm to SSyStemic to covid-19 covid-19ByaNd aNd yStemic r raciSm aciSm Molly Galvin
By Molly Galvin Courtesy of ByNational MollyAcademy Galvinof Sciences Courtesy of National Academy of Sciences Courtesy Courtesy of of National National Academy Academy of of Sciences Sciences ost U.S. colleges and universities are There are more than 100 HBCUs in the U.S., which tostruggling ost U.S. colleges colleges to adjust andto universities universities the COVID-19 are gether There enroll are more more hundreds thanof100 100 thousands HBCUs in in of students the U.S., U.S., each whichyear. toost There ost U.S. U.S. colleges and and universities are are There are are more than than 100 HBCUs HBCUs in the the U.S., which which totopandemic, to struggling to butadjust adjust Historically to the the Black COVID-19 Col- gether Duringenroll the webinar, presidents of three HBCUs—Makola gether enroll hundreds of thousands thousands of students students each year. year. struggling to COVID-19 hundreds of of each struggling to adjust to the COVID-19 gether enroll hundreds of thousands of students each year. leges and Universities—known pandemic, but Historically Historically Black as ColHB- During M. Abdullah, the webinar, webinar, president presidents of Virginia of three three State HBCUs—Makola University; Mary pandemic, pandemic, but but Historically Black Black ColCol- During During the the webinar, presidents presidents of of three HBCUs—Makola HBCUs—Makola CUs—are leges and Universities—known Universities—known facing their own unique as HBHB- M. Schmidt M. Abdullah, Campbell, president president of Virginia Virginia of Spelman State University; University; College; and Mary C. leges and as Abdullah, president of State leges and Universities—known as HB- M. Abdullah, president of Virginia State University; Mary Mary challenges. HBCUs CUs—are primarily facing servetheir their communities own unique unique that Schmidt Reynold Verret, Schmidt Campbell, president president of Xavier of Spelman Spelman University College; of Louisiana and C. C. CUs—are facing own Campbell, president of College; and CUs—are facing their own unique Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College; and C. are being hitHBCUs challenges. HBCUs especially primarily hard byserve serve the pandemic, communities as Black that Reynold discussedVerret, Reynold Verret, how the president pandemic of Xavier Xavier is affecting University theirof ofinstitutions Louisiana challenges. primarily communities that president of University Louisiana challenges. HBCUs primarily serve communities that Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana and how HBCUs positioned lead America through a Americans are being hit hit areespecially far more hard likelybytothe the be pandemic, infected and as to Black die discussed how the thearepandemic is to affecting their institutions institutions are are being being hit especially especially hard hard by by the pandemic, pandemic, as as Black Black discussed discussed how how the pandemic pandemic is is affecting affecting their their institutions and how HBCUs are arearound positioned to lead lead America America through from COVID-19, Americans are far farand more arelikely likely also to to more be infected infected likely to and and suffer to undie and timehow of awakening the country’s racial history anda HBCUs positioned to Americans are more be to die through aa Americans are far more likely to be infected and to die and how HBCUs are positioned to lead America through employment from COVID-19, or economic and are are consequences also more more likely likely from to shutdowns suffer unun- time divisions. time of awakening awakening around around the the country’s country’s racial racial history history and and from COVID-19, and also to suffer of from COVID-19, and are also more likely to suffer un- time of awakening around the country’s racial history and and mass layoffs. employment or economic economic And in the consequences midst of this from from crisis,shutdowns shutdowns the death divisions. divisions. employment or consequences employment or economic consequences from shutdowns divisions. of George Floyd And and others at theofhands of police have Educating During a Pandemic and mass layoffs. layoffs. in the the midst this crisis, crisis, the death death and and mass mass layoffs. And And in in the midst midst of of this this crisis, the the death added of George greater Floydchallenges and others othersfor at the the HBCU hands students, of police police faculty, have Educating Whether, when, Educating Duringand a Pandemic Pandemic how to reopen is foremost on the of George Floyd and at hands of of George Floyd and others at the hands of police have have Educating During During a a Pandemic and staffgreater added greater to navigate. challenges for for HBCU HBCU students, students, faculty, faculty, Whether, minds of most Whether, when,higher and how how education to reopen reopen leaders, is foremost foremost and especially on the the added challenges when, and added greater challenges for HBCU students, faculty, Whether, when, and how to to reopen is is foremost on on the and“As staff to. navigate. navigate. weto . . chart our way through dual pandemics of minds for those minds of most most at HBCUs. higher“We education know that leaders, almost andhalf especially of our and staff of higher education leaders, and especially and staff to navigate. minds of most higher education leaders, and especially COVID-19 “As we we .and . . historic chart our our racism, way there through is much dual that pandemics the nation of for workforce for those at at hasHBCUs. an underlying “We know know serious that[health] almost condition,” half of of our “As “As we .. .. .. chart chart our way way through through dual dual pandemics pandemics of of for those those at HBCUs. HBCUs. “We “We know that that almost almost half half of our our can learn from COVID-19 and historic historic HBCUs,racism, racism, based on there their is much much history, that experiences, the nation nation workforce said Spelman’s workforce has an an Campbell. underlying “And serious we know [health] based condition,” on [data COVID-19 and there is that the has underlying serious [health] condition,” COVID-19 and historic racism, there is much that the nation workforce has an underlying serious [health] condition,” and learn can learn contributions,” from HBCUs, HBCUs, saidbased Gildaon Barabino, their history, history, president experiences, of Olin said from] Spelman’s the visits Campbell. to our health “And services we know know overbased the course on [data [data of can can learn from from HBCUs, based based on on their their history, experiences, experiences, said said Spelman’s Spelman’s Campbell. Campbell. “And “And we we know based based on on [data College and contributions,” of Engineering said and Gildamoderator Barabino,ofpresident president a recentof ofvirtual Olin from] the year—that from] the visits visits ato tohigh our health health percentage services of our over students the course course have of and contributions,” said Gilda Barabino, Olin the our services over the and contributions,” said Gilda Barabino, president of Olin from] the visits to our health services over the course of of town hallof College ofon Engineering COVID-19, and and systemic moderator racism,of ofand a recent recent the response virtual the underlying the year—that conditions. a high high percentage percentage We understand of our our very students clearly have have that College Engineering moderator a virtual year—that a of students College of Engineering and moderator of a recent virtual the year—that a high percentage of our students have of HBCUs, town hall on on hosted COVID-19, by the systemic Nationalracism, Academies and and the response response Issues in underlying we have a responsibility conditions. to Wea population understandthat’s very particularly clearly that that town town hall hall on COVID-19, COVID-19, systemic systemic racism, racism, and and the the response underlying underlying conditions. conditions. We We understand understand very very clearly clearly that Science of HBCUs, andhosted hosted Technology. by the the National National Academies Academies and and Issues Issues in in we vulnerable.” we have aa responsibility responsibility to to aa population population that’s that’s particularly particularly of HBCUs, by have of HBCUs, hosted by the National Academies and Issues in we have a responsibility to a population that’s particularly Science and and Technology. vulnerable.” Science vulnerable.” Science and Technology. Technology. vulnerable.”
M M
(From left to right) Gilda Barabino, Makola (From left to right) Gilda Barabino, Makola (From left (From left to to right) right) Gilda Gilda Barabino, Barabino, Makola Makola 16 The Positive Community September 2020
M. M. M. M.
Abdullah, Abdullah, Abdullah, Abdullah,
Mary Mary Mary Mary
Schmidt Schmidt Schmidt Schmidt
Campbell, Campbell, Campbell, Campbell,
and and and and
C. C. C. C.
Reynold Reynold Reynold Reynold
Verret Verret Verret Verret www.thepositivecommunity.com
When there is disruption, very often that’s the very moment when you can innovate, when you can start thinking more creatively and more boldly about what is effective in teaching and learning in the digital mode “Our “Ourthinking thinking was was [to [to make] make] sure sure that that what what we we’re offering offering [on [on campus]—even campus]—even though though we we cannot cannot promise absolute absolutesafety safetyinin aa pandemic—would pandemic—would be be significantly significantly safererthan than[life [lifeininour] our]surrounding surrounding states states and and communities,” communities,” said saidXavier’s Xavier’sVerret. Verret.“We “Wehave haveto to approach approach this this without without any illusions illusionsand andground groundititon onsound soundscience.” science.” The Thethree threeleaders leadersalso alsonoted notedthe thefinancial financial challenges challenges that the thepandemic pandemicisisbringing bringing— —both bothto totheir their institutions institutions and to students studentsand andtheir theirfamilies. families. “We “We had had to to relook relook at at our budgets getsand and. . . .raise raisethe theamount amountof offinancial financial aid aid that that we could allocate allocatetotostudents studentsto tomake make sure sure that that no no young young woman or man manwho whowas wasatatXavier Xavier. .. . . . could could not not return return because because of finances,” nances,”said saidVerret. Verret.“We “Wehad hadto tohelp help meet meet that that need, need, which isisaareal realstruggle strugglefor for us us because because we’re we’re not not wealthy wealthy institutions, tions,and andthe thenation nationhas has never never invested invested in in us us in in the level that that. . . .ititshould.” should.” Thepandemic pandemicisisforcing forcing HBCUs HBCUs to to reallocate reallocate funds in The otherways waysasaswell. well.“We’ve “We’vegot gotto toinvest invest more more in in our our technolother ogy, ogy,because becauseour ourtechnology technologyneeds needsare are so so much much higher higher than they theywere werebefore beforeCOVID COVIDhit hitus,” us,” said said VSU’s VSU’s Abdullah, Abdullah, who noted notedthat thathis hisinstitution institution also also had had to to invest invest in in COVID-preCOVID-preventioninfrastructure infrastructurechanges. changes. vention
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But switching switching to to virtual virtual learning learningand andteleworking teleworkinghas hasalso also brought about about positive positive changes, changes, they they said. said. “When “Whenthere thereisis disruption, disruption, very very often often that’s that’s the thevery verymoment momentwhen whenyou youcan can innovate, when when you you can can start start thinking thinking more morecreatively creativelyand and more boldly boldly about about what what isis effective effective inin teaching teachingand andlearnlearning in the digital digital mode,” mode,” said saidCampbell. Campbell.“In “Infact, fact,because becauseofof the pandemic, pandemic, Spelman Spelman College Collegeisisaccelerating acceleratingplans planstotoadd add more robust robust online online teaching teachingopportunities.” opportunities.” In addition, addition, many many HBCUs HBCUs are are contributing contributingtotoresearch research to help fight fight the the pandemic. pandemic. The The public publichealth healthprograms programsatat our schools schools have have been been looking lookingatatthe thecauses causesofofthe thedisparities disparities [around the the pandemic]—not pandemic]—not just justgenetic geneticbut butalso alsosocio-posocio-political aspects,” aspects,” said said Verret. Verret. Advancing Advancing an an American American Awakening Awakening
On top of the the pandemic pandemicand andthe theharsh harshlight lightititisisshining shiningon onininequities in U.S. U.S. health healthcare, care,economic, economic,and andeducation educationsystems, systems, the death of of George George Floyd, Floyd, and andthe theprotests protestsititsparked, sparked,have have also exposed exposed long-standing long-standingissues issuesaround aroundpolice policebrutality brutalityand and the criminal criminal justice justice system. system. “I think the the social social unrest unresthas hasput putHBCUs HBCUson oncenter centerstage, stage,givgiven us a microphone, microphone, and andturned turnedthe thelights lightson,” on,”said saidCampbell. Campbell.
September 2020 The Positive Community
17
Rev. Al Sharpeton speaks
Photos: Risasi Dias
Martin Luther King III
SIGNS OF O
n August 28, 2020 — the 57th anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington, when Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King, III led the “Get Off Our Necks” Commitment March on Washington. Motivated by the movement that arose following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, tens of thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial once more. It was a day of action that demonstrated a commitment to fighting for fair policing and criminal justice.
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The Positive Community September 2020
www.thepositivecommunity.com
THE TIMES www.thepositivecommunity.com
September 2020 The Positive Community
19
Culture Culture Health Health Money Money Remembering Chadwick Boseman Education Education music, art + literature
music, art + literature
ideas for wellness
ideas for wellness
buiness, finance + work
O
buiness, finance + work
By R.L. Witter
the last evening ofof August, I let out a gasp that made my husband take notice. “What then art +Friday science learning is it?” he asked. I sat paralyzed, unable to move or speak, phone in hand. A tear rolled down my face. Hubby moved closer, put his arm around me, and took the phone. He looked at the screen and gasped. His eyes grew wide then began to fill with tears. He put down the phone
the art + scienceandofadded learning his second arm for a full-on hug.
We had just learned Chadwick Boseman had died. It didn’t make sense. He was a
few years younger than we are and was in fantastic shape for all of his movies, especially those in which he played
T’Challa/Black Panther. Yes, he looked a bit thin in Da 5 Bloods, but his weight loss was for a part, right? Sadly, wrong.
Unbeknownst to most, Boseman had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. While he was wowing audiences with his portrayal of Thurgood Marshall in Marshall, and bringing to life the world of Wakanda that would inspire Black people around the world, he was quietly, stoically undergoing surgeries and treatments to prolong his life. He was suffering in silence. There was something familiar and relatable about Chadwick Boseman. He came across as someone I met once at a party or perhaps at a jazz festival. We both attended Howard University (several years apart), so maybe our paths had crossed there? No, not likely. Besides, Hubby felt the same
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The Positive Community September 2020
sense of familiarity with the gifted actor and he didn’t attend HU. Could it have been Boseman’s humble swagger? He had a way of gliding on screen and filling the scene with an abundance of talent. We know it wasn’t easy, especially while battling cancer. But he just made his portrayal of iconic characters look effortless His acting style was what I would call unassuming or subtle. He seemingly melted into a part, Chadwick Boseman disappeared and only his embodiment of the character remained. After 42 and Get on Up there were rumblings about his fear of being typecast. He no longer wanted to play historical figwww.thepositivecommunity.com
ures. I next saw him as the only good and redeeming thing in ures. I next saw him as the only goodheand redeeming thing in Gods of Egypt, and thought, “I know wants to do something Gods of Egypt, thought, knowit he do never something different but and maybe fantasy“Iisn’t forwants him.”toI’ve been different but fantasy isn’t it for him.” I’ve never been happier to bemaybe so wrong. happier be so wrong. WhentoT’Challa appeared in the U.N. scene in Captain WhenCivil T’Challa in the U.N. scenethe inaccent— Captain America: War, Iappeared got goosebumps. The suit, America: Civil War, I got goosebumps. The suit, the accent— Boseman was doing something special here. When Black Boseman was doingonto something special here. Whenlater, BlackI Panther exploded the screen a few minutes Panther exploded onto the screen a few minutes later, squealed! Having older brothers, I am well-versed in comicI squealed! Having older brothers, I am well-versed in comic books and Black Panther was my oldest brother’s FAVORbooks and Black Panther was my oldest brother’s FAVORITE. Boseman was able to leverage his own humble swagger ITE. Boseman was able to leverage his own humble swagger and transform it into the rare air of the royalty of a king and and transform it into the rare air of the royalty of a king and the bravado of a superhero. the bravado of a superhero. After he he saw saw Marshall, Marshall, Hubby Hubby said said he he thought thought itit should should After be a franchise with multiple movies about cases Thurgood be a franchise with multiple movies about cases Thurgood Marshall won won as as an an attorney attorney and and presided presided over over as as aa judge judge and and Marshall Supreme Court justice. It sounded like a good idea to me. Supreme Court justice. It sounded like a good idea to me. When Black Black Panther Panther was was released released the the following following year, year, we we When donned our African attire for opening weekend and were donned our African attire for opening weekend and were nothing short short of of blown blown away! away! The The scenery, scenery, fashion, fashion, techtechnothing nology, storyline, storyline, and and casting casting were were all all superior superior to to anything anything nology, we we had had ever ever seen seen in in aa superhero superhero movie movie and and Boseman’s Boseman’s perperformance—phenomenal! formance—phenomenal! My My nephew nephew didn’t didn’t have have much much of of choice choice that that year year regarding regarding birthday birthday and and Christmas Christmas presents; presents; he he was was getting getting Black Black Panther Panther Lego Lego and and paraphernalia paraphernalia so so Hubby Hubby and and II could could enjoy enjoy them, them, too. too. We We saw saw all all of of the the Marvel Marvel movies movies in in which which Boseman Boseman appeared as well as his last two projects, appeared as well as his last two projects, 21 21 Bridges Bridges and and Da Da 55 Bloods. Bloods. The The gritty gritty realness realness of of the the former former made made for for aa tense crime drama and the comradery of the latter touched tense crime drama and the comradery of the latter touched Hubby, a U.S. Army veteran, deeply. We look forward to
Hubby, a U.S. Army veteran, deeply. We look forward to
Boseman as T’Challa, Boseman T’Challa, the Black as Panther
Disney/Marvel Studios Disney/Marvel Studios
the Black Panther
www.thepositivecommunity.com
We know it wasn’t easy, especially
We know it wasn’t easy, especially
while battling cancer. But he just made
while battling cancer. But he just made
his portrayal of iconic characters look
his portrayal of iconic characters look
effortless His acting style was what I
effortless His acting style was what I
would call call unassuming unassuming or or subtle. subtle. He He would seemingly melted melted into into aa part, part, Chadwick Chadwick seemingly Boseman disappeared disappeared and and only only his his Boseman embodiment of the character remained. his final final performance, performance, the the as as yet yet unreleased unreleased Ma Ma Rainey’s Rainey’s Black Black his Bottom. Bottom. As As we we remember remember Chadwick Chadwick Boseman Boseman for for his his brilliant brilliant taltalent, ent, we we should should also also take take note note of of the the fact, fact, though though one one of of HolHollywood’s lywood’s biggest biggest stars stars he he kept kept his his cancer cancer diagnosis diagnosis private private for for four four years. years. That That speaks speaks volumes volumes about about his his character character and and strength. He was quoted as saying, “When I stand before God strength. He was quoted as saying, “When I stand before God at at the the end end of of my my life, life, II would would hope hope that that II would would not not have have aa single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything You gave me.’” Chadwick Boseman’s time and talent were You gave me.’” Chadwick Boseman’s time and talent were cut short but what he accomplished and the legacy he left us cut short but what he accomplished and the legacy he left us will live on in every child will live on in every child who aspires to the Major who aspires to the Major League because they saw League because they saw him play Jackie Robinhim play Jackie Robinson in 42, the head bops son finger in 42, the head bops and snaps of every and finger snaps of every person who sees Get on person who and sees wonder Get on Up, the smile Up, the smile and wonder of every black child who of every who wants to black be a child superhero and to make a wants be Wakanda a superhereality, the Wakanda determina-a ro andand make tion of and every who reality, theperson determinaistion inspired to practice law of every person who by his portrayal of Thuris inspired to practice law good Marshall. by his portrayal of ThurRestMarshall. well, Brother good Boseman. You areBrother loved Rest well, and you will be missed, Boseman. You are loved but never forgotten. and you will be missed, but never forgotten.
September 2020 The Positive Community
21
New Jersey Creates State Holiday Every Juneteenth, we will celebrate the end of the physical chains, which once held Black Americans down.
A
lthough it has long been celebrated in the African American community, Juneteenth is largely unknown to most Americans. Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas—two and a half years following the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) with the news that slaves were free. Earlier in September, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S19), designating the third Friday in June as a State and public holiday, known as Juneteenth Day. “It gives me great pride to celebrate emancipation and New Jersey’s great diversity by designating Juneteenth as an official State holiday.” he said. “Every Juneteenth, we will celebrate the end of the physical chains, which once held Black Americans down. While more work lies ahead to undo the oppression that remains, Juneteenth is an important marker that reminds us of our mission to create a society that enables our Black communities to achieve the full equality they deserve.” “Now, Juneteenth will forever be observed and celebrated so that we can collectively reflect upon the indelible mark slavery has left on our country as we fight for meaningful reforms,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “I commend and thank Governor Murphy and the legislators who have chosen to make Juneteenth a State holiday.” “We have a lot to learn from our history and unfortunately the delay in ending slavery and the lasting impact the institution has on our country is not taught enough,” said Senator Sandra Cunningham. “We want everyone to remember that Juneteenth is part of the history of all Americans.” “Juneteenth is not only a holiday on the ending of slavery in this country, but also a reflection on the history of slavery
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The Positive Community September 2020
NJ Governor Phil Murphy
and the suffering sustained by the Black community since 1619,” said Senator Ron Rice. “Black history in this country is a continued battle for social progress, and right now we are seeing people from all backgrounds fight for that progress and improve upon what has been gained. The more we educate people, the more we can start a dialogue on how to fix the racial divide in this country.” “A state holiday won’t change everything,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “It will provide a platform to increase the understanding of what has happened in the past so that we can learn from it. When we recognize the experiences of history, we are better for it.” In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Jamel Holley, Benjie Wimberly, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson said: We’re at another set of crossroads in this country’s history —just as we were in 1863— where we can decide to move humanity forward by once again acknowledging the wrongs committed against African Americans and taking bold action to correct them. A visual illustration of the impact of centuries of systematic and institutionalized racism has our country reeling over the question, ‘Why? ’ Why does this continue to persist in our communities today? Juneteenth was a defining moment in American History, claiming the beginning of African American independence in this country. It is time for the commemoration of a pivotal moment in history to become an official state holiday, underscoring its importance to our communities and giving time for reflection on how far we have come and have to go to achieve equality and justice for all.” www.thepositivecommunity.com
inreview Witness to Grace The Testimony of Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson By Rev. Dr. Edward Mulraine
N
ot since St. Augustine wrote Confessions and C. H. Spurgeon penned All of Grace has one been able to amalgamate their personal life’s story with their theological understanding and come to a conclusion of favor by Grace. The Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, longtime pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, shares his life’s journey as preacher, pastor, husband, father, and civil rights activist in this wonderful memoir entitled Witness to Grace: A Testimony of Favor. Dr. Richardson begins his book with a controversial confession after his loss as president of the National Baptist Convention. He had served as General Secretary for thirteen years and decided it was time to take the helm. When he lost the election Dr. Richardson said he was angry at God—a sentiment many Christians would consider harsh and heretic. But with theological might and divine persuasion Dr. Richardson defends his thesis by stating, “To be angry with God is not disrespect, nor is query blasphemy. It is the last resort of a believer’s frustration: addressing the only one who has the answer.” From this didactic, Dr. Richardson goes on to illuminate his theory of how disappointment and failure, “sets us up to see the grace of God!” Personal experiences, social justice issues, and theological assessments are conveyed throughout the book; from his upbringing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a faithful mother and firm father, to his inability to read and dropping out of college; the grace of God shines through in each chapter. He credits the grace of God for healing him after a surgery left him paralyzed. He credits the grace of God for bringing him back to ministry after he had broken his promise to God. He credits the grace of God for opening doors at a historically black college and graduating after someone stated that he was “not college material.” The book reads like a sermon, but in a dialectic and realistic way—breathing inspiration into anyone seeking
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direction in ministry. It reassures the grace of God in good and bad times and it shows how God’s favor can spread beyond the pulpit into other aspects of life. What is particularly striking and easily embraced is his chapter on “The Function of Legacy: What Means These Stones.” In it, Dr. Richardson urges the necessity of knowing one’s Black History and communicating it in a purposeful and significant way so that history will never be misrepresented or lost. He chastises America’s education system for perpetuating white superiority and robbing Black people of identity. He sets the stage for race reality by proposing that if one is Black, of any shade, regardless of their socioeconomic or ethnic background, they are treated as Black, as worthless and oppressed because of the color of their skin. However, Black people can overcome the assault of social oppression by the grace of God and their history, which will ignite self-appreciation and self-worth in the midst of racism. As the book progresses you can see the favor of God all over Dr. Richardson. From barely graduating from Virginia Union University to graduating from Yale Divinity School and ultimately becoming chairman of the Board of Directors at Virginia Union. From being a local, uneducated preacher to becoming one of the more profound minds and voices to embrace the pulpit around the world. From chauffeuring civil rights icons to becoming an iconic civil rights leader. The ascension of Witness to Grace climaxes with the issues of the day from Black Lives Matter to the COVID-19 pandemic making grace relevant for our time and space. Dr. Richardson has been a mentor and inspiration to many, including myself. It is he who has taught me the importance of applying faith as a means to ministry and grace as a means to life. Witness to Grace should be added to any minister’s shelf for inspiration and reflection. Rev. Dr. Edward Mulraine is the pastor of Unity Baptist Tabernacle in Mount Vernon, New York and author of The Ten Step M.A.N. www.edwardmulraine.com September 2020 The Positive Community
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Rev. Stefanie Minatee: Gifts from God: A New Life and a New Song BY JEAN NASH WELLS
I
f you are a gospel music fan, you have certainly heard the fantastic, soulful sounds of Grammy-award winning choir, Jubilation. Jubilation’s founder and artistic director, Rev. Stefanie Minatee or “Rev. Stef,” as she is affectionately known, has built her life and career around music. For nearly 30 years she taught students to love music and nurtured the passion of others. Rev. Stef also holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Drew University Theological Seminary and is serving as an associate minister at Community Baptist Church of Engle-wood. She has authored and catalogued more than 100 songs and is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). The recipient of numerous awards including 2010 proclamations from Newark Mayor Cory Booker and the New Jersey State Assembly, she received the City of Newark’s coveted Medal of Honor and the Central Jersey Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority honored her as a Woman of Achievement. Her life was filled with music and ministry until April 9, 2015 when everything changed.
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The Positive Community September 2020
Rev. Stef suffered a debilitating stroke. Paralyzed on her left side with loss of pe-ripheral vision of the left eye and unable to swallow, there was some cognitive impairment as well. But, Rev. Stef per-severed and the video titled It's All About You, currently featured on ThePositiveCommunityHub.com tells the personal story of her journey back. When asked how the video came about, Rev. Stef explained. “I decided to do the video because I wanted to let people see the power of God and what He can do when someone is de-termined to work their way back from what they have been through.” Recalling how she felt following the stroke, she said, “I really didn’t want to live. I thought God had left me. But through my support group, my faith in God, and Him taking me though this, I came to understand it wasn’t the end, I had to recover. I wanted people to actually see what God has done. And it was therapeutic for me to see where I have come from, where I am now, and where I have to go.‘It’s All AboutYou’ was the first song God gave me after the stroke.
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Money
business, finance + work
F
Block Spam Texts and Calls ONCE AND FOR ALL
irst came robocalls: those pesky and persistent calls purporting to be from charitable organizations, financial institutions, or customer service representatives that have increased exponentially over the past few years. Now robotexts, messages sent to mobile phones using an autodialer, are also proliferating. Hackers have gotten savvier than ever, sending text messages that claim to be from the United States Postal Service (“Are you missing a package?”), the CDC (“Want your free coronavirus test?”), or popular social media accounts (“Click here to reset your password”). The run-up to the 2020 elec-
tion has also increased the volume of political texts and calls, some of which are legitimate while many are not. Consumer complaints to the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission have surged since 2014, but scammers continue to circumvent the rules. Meanwhile, our phone numbers are everywhere—attached to our social media accounts, offered up to companies we purchase products from—and so are more susceptible to compromise. Here are some things you can do to stem the tide of unwanted robocalls and robotexts, keeping your identity and your data safe.
1. Sign up for the national Do Not Call Registry: Once your number has been listed on the Registry for 30 days, you can begin reporting unwanted calls or texts to the Federal Trade Commission. But this is only the first step toward more comprehensive protection, though—not a surefire way to stop all calls and texts. 2. Block unfamiliar or persistent numbers: Do not respond to robocalls or robotexts. Use your phone to block numbers that persist in unwanted communication. Many cell phone carriers rely on this method to identify known problem numbers and display that “UNKNOWN NAME” or “Potential spam” message alongside an unwanted call or text. 3. Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” setting: If robocalls or robotexts keep coming, use your mobile phone’s “Do Not Disturb” option. Set it to only notify you incoming calls or texts from specific contacts (either Favorites or another group you designate). “Do Not Disturb” also allows you to block communication during certain hours and limit notifications while driving. “Do Not Disturb” works great as away to boost productivity and focus. 4. Don’t click links, respond to STOP, or otherwise acknowledge receipt of robotexts: Be careful with suspected robotexts that give you the option to unsubscribe or “respond to STOP” receiving them. Often, doing so only lets hackers know that your number is legitimate and in service. DO NOT click ANY links in an unwanted text. These can often lead you to illicit websites that install malicious software on your device. With robocalls, be careful what you say; even automated robocalls can ask a variety of natural-sounding questions like “Can you hear me?” If you answer “Yes,” that voice signature can be used at a later date to authorize fraudulent charges via telephone. BONUS: This advice matches the number-one rule for preventing email-based ransomware: don’t respond, click a link, or open an attachment from an unknown address. 5. Be careful sharing info with apps: Social media accounts often ask to link your phone number to an application. But if other, less frequently used apps ask for such permissions, proceed with caution. The more you share your number, the more likely it is you’ll be targeted with robocalls or robotexts.
CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663• 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty 26
The Positive Community September 2020
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ZOOM Video Meeting Etiquette
here is no substitute for good manners in all of our interactions, and they are appreciated more than ever in workplace meetings. Some age-old guidelines comprise meeting etiquette — being on time, maintaining eye contact, paying attention. Those same principles apply to video meetings and can also help elevate your personal reputation into “great meeting host” territory. Don’t be the person in your organization known for scheduling lots of unproductive meetings. Practicing video
meeting etiquette is critical to ensuring your meetings are professional, efficient, and valuable. Common-sense meeting decorum — avoiding eating and drinking, minding your body language, and being respectful to whomever is speaking — are no-brainers. So we went directly to Zoom.com to find out what they believe are the most effective tips for hosting and participating in Zoom meetings. Here are nine tips to help ensure a focused and effective Zoom meeting:
1. Dress appropriately Wearing sweatpants or staying in pajamas all day can seem inviting. It is crucial, however, to remain professional and dress appropriately for virtual meetings. If you’re in a position to put on something, similar to what you would typically wear to work, it’s probably a good idea. It might make you feel a little more normal during unsettling times. 2. Have a clean, work-appropriate environment A clean work space with appropriate art and decorations in a quiet area with minimal background noise and movement is a must. Zoom’s virtual background feature is an easy way to eliminate background distractions when you have to meet in a messy or busy location. Position yourself facing a window or put an extra lamp behind your camera to highlight your face. 3. Make sure to introduce everyone. Quickly introduce all parties at the beginning of the meeting to create a welcoming environment and stimulate engagement. 4. Look into the camera when talking Position your web camera and monitor at eye level. Look into the camera to simulate eye-to-eye connection with other attendees, don’t look at yourself. 5. Eliminate distractions and focus on the agenda. Notifications from messaging applications, ringtones, and applications running on your desktop can be distracting, which can make your attendees feel disrespected and undervalued. Mitigating these distractions helps keep the meeting focused and free from interruption. 6. Be aware of your audio and video settings. Check whether your microphone is unmuted and that your camera is on to ensure all attendees can hear and see you when you speak. If you notice someone in the meeting who is speaking but their microphone is muted, you can alert them that they are muted by requesting that they unmute their audio in the Manage Participants tab. You also can manage how you start and join meetings — with video on, entering a meeting muted, etc. — in your Zoom Meeting Settings. 7. Don’t do other private things while on a meeting We have all heard the stories about people being caught using the bathroom while on a video conference, thinking they were muted or had their video off. While on a call or participating in a meeting, try to remain focused and ensure your audio and video are both turned off before moving on to your next task or tending to private matters. 8. Only invite meeting participants who need to be there. Because you can send other stakeholders a summary of the meeting via Zoom Chat, you can limit the attendee list and keep the meeting streamlined. Review meeting invitations you receive to determine whether you actually need to attend. If not, request a recording of the meeting or a summary to get the info you need. 9. If you’re the host, stick around. The general rule for meeting hosts: Wait until everyone else has left the meeting before hanging up, so attendees can leave at their own pace and get any final words in before disconnecting. Zoom will assign an alternate host if the original host exits first, but it’s not a good look. A host leaving everyone else in the meeting is much like bailing on your own party. Source—Zoom.com www.thepositivecommunity.com
September 2020 The Positive Community
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L–R: AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, AACEO Chief of Operations Dee Bailey, AACEO VicePresident NY Assembly Member Latrice Walker, and AACEO Vice-President Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Judge Cenceria Edwards receives "Lady Justice" special recognition as the 50th Chair of the National Bar Association Black Judicial Council
AACEO Coalition 2020-2021 Kick-Off
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he African American Clergy & Elected Officials Coalition kicked off its 2020-2021 new year session with a day of Thank Yous in tribute to heroes and fighting champions. Members joined under a tent at Antioch Baptist Church on Friday, September 11, 2020 to pay tribute to members of the FDNY, NYPD, and those lost on 9/11. The New York delegation members of the Congressional Black Caucus—Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and Congressman Gregory Meeks—received a heartfelt salute for their steadfast advocacy and representation of the constituents in Washington. Guest speakers included: U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Lt. Governor Kathy Holchul, NYS Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Kevin Parker, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, NYC Councilman Robert Cornegy, FDNY Vulcan Society President Khalid Baylor, NYPD Community Affairs Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, NYPD Brooklyn North Chief Judith Harrison, and NYPD Assistant Chief Kim Y. Royster.
L–R: New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James; Brooklyn City Councilman Robert Cornegy, Jr.; and guest
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke
Photos: Raymond Hagans
L–R: NYPD Assistant Chief Kim Y. Royster and FDNY Vulcan Society President Khalid Baylor
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The Positive Community September 2020
L–R: NYPD Assistant Chief Kim Y. Royster, NYPD Deputy Inspector Scott Henderson, and NYPD Brooklyn North Chief Judith Harrison www.thepositivecommunity.com
L–R: Bishop Eric Figueroa and Bishop Cecil Riley
NY State Senator Kevin Parker
L–R: FDNY Vulcan Society President Khalid Baylor and NY State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
(Center) Watchful Eye Youth Speakers Bureau Member Rianna Smith, her parents Rashid and Leticia Smith
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer
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September 2020 The Positive Community
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In Concert With
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Masked Up Sunday
I
Photo: Karen Waters
t just qot to be too much even for Rev. Dr. Marilyn Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Teaneck. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, she had not been together with her congregation since the middle of March. Traditionally, the second Sunday in September is Friends and Family Day and Rev. Harris did not want that day to go by without friends and family. Churches in New Jersey could not hold in-person church services. But out of no way, Marilyn Harris found a way to be with her congregation, friends, and family. A few weeks later on a bright Sunday morning members of First Baptist Church assembled at Milton A. Votee Park for Masked Up Sunday service. It was a wonderful day—the first time the congregation had an opportunity to assemble in more than six months. There were prayers, praise, and social distancing. And Rev. Harris preached. Her sermon? “There will be glory after this.” Hallelujah!
First Baptist Church of Teaneck holds Masked Up Sunday Friends and Family Day in Milton A. Votee Park
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September 2020 The Positive Community
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L eg ac y L Le eg ga ac c yy
SSSchool N amed for c ivil r ightS a ctiviSt aNd chool N amed for c ivil r ightS a ctiviSt chool Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd aNd l ocal l iviNg l egeNd t heodora S miley l acey l local ocal l liviNg iviNg l legeNd egeNd t theodora heodora S Smiley miley l lacey acey By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter By R.L. By R.L. Witter Witter
“I “I
was was home home for for my my mother’s mother’s 88th 88th birthday, birthday, driving driving was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My was Teaneck on home forRoad,” my mother’s Nanette 88th Lacey birthday, began. driving “My on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board on Teaneck mom says, ‘Nanette, Road,” Nanette they’re naming Lacey began. the Board “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This of Education mom building says, ‘Nanette, after me,’ they’re and naming I’m thinking, the Board ‘This of Education building after me,’ and I’m how thinking, ‘This of Education after and thinking, is She chuckled as she they went of weird.’” is weird.’” Education Shebuilding building chuckled after as me,’ me,’ she recalled recalled and I’m I’m how thinking, they ‘This ‘This went is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of educais weird.’” back and forth She chuckled over whether as she it was recalled the board how they of educawent back and forth over whether it was the board of educaback and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the back building tion and forthorover an actual whether school it wasbeing the board named of for educathe tion building or an actual school being named for the tion building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve tion building longtime Teaneck or an resident actual and school local being legend. named “I said, for‘I’ve the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed longtime been telling Teaneck everyone resident they’re andnaming local legend. the Board “I said,of‘I’ve Ed been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” been telling building aftereveryone you. It’s athey’re lie, it’s naming wrong, and the IBoard feel crazy!” of Ed Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” building you. aa lie, wrong, II feel crazy!” Once was Teaneck, New Jersey public school was building after you. aaIt’s It’s lie, it’s it’s wrong, and feel crazy!” Once it itafter was clear clear Teaneck, New Jerseyand public school was Once it wasfor clear aa Teaneck, New Jersey public school was Once it clear New Jersey public school being named Mrs. Theodora Smiley was being Once named it was wasfor clear Mrs. a Teaneck, Teaneck, Theodora New Smiley JerseyLacey, Lacey, publicNanette Nanette school was was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she being in awe.named “This is forwonderful! Mrs. Theodora How did Smiley thisLacey, come Nanette about?” was was she in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had in awe.Several asked. “This iscolleagues, wonderful!friends, How did andthis board come members about?” had she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with asked.discussing been Several colleagues, renaming friends, the school and and board theymembers came up with had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with been discussing renaming the school and came with all sorts of including Angelou. Teaneck teachbeen all sorts discussing of names names renaming including theMaya Maya school Angelou. and they they Teaneck came up up teachwith all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachall sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey all sorts ers MaryofJoyce names Laqui including and Inez Maya Khan Angelou. nominated Teaneck Mrs. teachLacey ers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey ers Joyce Laqui Inez Lacey as notable, resident of township. “Don’t get ersaaMary as Mary notable, Joycelongtime longtime Laqui and and resident Inez Khan Khan of the thenominated nominated township. Mrs. Mrs. “Don’t Lacey get as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renamas a notable, excited,” she was longtime told, “but resident your of name the was township. put in for “Don’t renamget excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renamexcited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, excited,” ing Eugene sheField was told, School.” “but Mary your name Joyce was Laqui putfelt in for otherwise, renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, ing Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt telling Nanette, no, going to named after ing Eugene telling Eugene Nanette, Field“Oh “Oh School.” no, it’s it’s Mary going Joyce to be be Laqui named felt otherwise, otherwise, after your your telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named mother if it’s the last thing we do.” mother if it’s the“Oh last thing wegoing do.” to be named after telling Nanette, no, it’s after your your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” mother mother if if it’s it’s the the last last thing thing we we do.” do.”
Archie Archie Louis Louis Lacey, Lacey, Archie Louis Lacey, Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Sr. holding Archie, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora Sr. with holding Archie, Jr. Theodora Jr. with Theodora Jr. Theodora and Dr. Jr. with with Theodora and Dr. Martin Martin and Dr. Martin and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr.King, Martin Luther Jr. Luther King, Jr. Luther King, after Archie, Jr.’s LutherArchie, King, Jr. Jr. after Jr.’s after Archie, Jr.’s after Archie, christening after Archie, Jr.’s Jr.’s christening christening christening christening
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The Positive Community September 2020
“I’m “I’m thinking thinking to to myself, myself, ‘We ‘We still still have have aa school school named named “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have aa thinking school named “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have school for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be about for“I’m Thomas thinking Jefferson to myself, so we might ‘We still wanthave to bea thinking school named named about for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and for Thomasthat,’” renaming Jefferson Nanette so we recalled. might want “They to be called thinking meabout and renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to renaming said the Teaneck that,’” Board Nanette of Education recalled. “They unanimously called voted me and to said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey said the Teaneck rename Eugene Field BoardSchool of Education the Theodora unanimously Smiley voted Lacey to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey rename Eugene the Theodora Smiley School II said, ‘This is comprehension.’” renameand School and Eugene said,Field Field ‘ThisSchool School is beyond beyond themy my Theodora comprehension.’” Smiley Lacey Lacey School and II said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” School and ‘This is my So how of aa school after School So that’s that’s and the the I said, said, how ‘This of naming naming is beyond beyond school my comprehension.’” comprehension.’” after aa Black Black woman woman So that’s the how of naming a school after aa Black woman So that’s the how of naming a school after Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is in Teaneck, So that’s the NJ. how Nowof fornaming the why. a school Theodora afterLacey a Black is nothing nothing woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing in NJ. for Theodora Lacey is short of in the Teaneck Public School system in Teaneck, short Teaneck, of aa legend legend NJ. Now Now in both both for the the thewhy. why. Teaneck Theodora Public Lacey School is nothing nothing system short of aatownship legend in both the Teaneck Public School system short of legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the itself. She and her late husband, Archie, shortthe and of atownship legend in itself. bothShe theand Teaneck her late Public husband, SchoolArchie, system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, and thetotownship moved Teaneckitself. in theShe lateand 1950s herwith late their husband, oldestArchie, child, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Armoved to Archie, Jr. Teaneck Theodorainhad the taught late 1950s school with in their Louisiana oldestand child, ArArchie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and ArArchie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to Archie, chie, Sr.Jr.was Theodora a professor had at taught Hunter school College. in Louisiana I am proud and Arto chie, Sr. was aa professor at Hunter College. II and am proud to chie, Sr. was professor at Hunter College. am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ attended chie, say I was Sr. was raised a professor and educated at Hunter in Teaneck, College. NJI and am proud attended to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended say educated in Teaneck, Teaneck, NJ and and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Lacey taught say II was Longfellow, was raised raised the and and elementary educated school in where Mrs. Mrs. NJ Lacey attended taught Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught Longfellow, elementary school Mrs. Lacey in the A woman, we all who Mrs. Lacey in the 1980s. 1980s.the A beautiful beautiful woman, wewhere all knew knew who Mrs.taught Lacey Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of in the was as 1980s. a teacher. A beautiful She waswoman, kind, but we she all knew had expectations who Mrs. Lacey of was as aa teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of was as teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work was students. her as a teacher. SheShe was was fair,kind, and she butdemanded she had expectations that you work of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. heryour to students. potential. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. to potential. II recall the to your your potential. recall the day day II found found out out about about Mrs. Mrs. Lacey’s Lacey’s life life outside outside I recall the day IIin found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside I recall the day found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life of teaching. I was sixth grade and we were having Black of teaching. I recall theI day was Iin found sixthout grade about andMrs. we Lacey’s were having life outside outside Black of teaching. II was in sixth grade and we were having Black of teaching. was in sixth grade and we were having History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmof teaching. History Month I was assembly. in sixthPrepared grade and forwe a slide were show having orBlack Black filmHistory Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmHistory Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and History strip featuring MonthHarriet assembly. Tubman; Prepared Martin for aLuther slide show King,or Jr.;filmand strip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and strip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; strip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and and www.thepositivecommunity.com
Theodora Smiley was born in Montgomery, Alabama and into the civil rights movement. Her mother was a childhood friend of Rosa Parks. Her father was president of the board of directors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when they selected Martin Luther King, Jr. as their new pastor. George Washington Carver, I was confused when there was nary a projector to be found. After taking our seats, a few stuGeorge Washington Carver, I was confused when thereParks was dents performed a five-minute re-enactment of Rosa nary a projector to be found. After taking our seats, a few sturefusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus dents performed a five-minute re-enactment of Rosa Parks in 1955. At the end of their production, Mrs. Lacey took refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus the stage, three chairs were placed, and she introduced Rosa in 1955. At the end of their production, Mrs. Lacey took Parks and Coretta Scott King to a stunned group of 11- and the stage, three chairs were placed, and she introduced Rosa 12-year-old children. Parks and Coretta Scott King to a stunned group of 11- and Theodora Smiley was born in Montgomery, Alabama and 12-year-old children. intoTheodora the civil rights movement. Her mother was a childhood Smiley was born in Montgomery, Alabama and friend of Rosa Parks. Her father wasmother president the board into the civil rights movement. Her was aofchildhood of directors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when sefriend of Rosa Parks. Her father was president of thethey board lected Martin Luther King, Jr. as their new pastor. As Mrs. of directors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when they seParks Mrs. Luther King spoke, werepastor. passedAs around lectedand Martin King,worn Jr. asphotos their new Mrs. the room. werespoke, photos of younger, familiar faces. Mrs. Parks and They Mrs. King worn photos were passed around Parks and They Mrs. were King photos were easily recognizable, as wasMrs. Dr. the room. of younger, familiar faces. King. younger, even easily more recognizable, beautiful Mrs.asLacey was Parks And and aMrs. King were was Dr. with King.them. And a younger, even more beautiful Mrs. Lacey was Theodora with them. Smiley Lacey was not only a Teaneck teacher, wife,Theodora and mother. andwas hernot husband were integral SmileyShe Lacey only a Teaneck teacher,in Teaneck’s to She fameand andher what put it were on the national wife, and claim mother. husband integral in map. The Laceys the North EastitCommunity Orga- Mrs. Lacey with three of her four children: Teaneck’s claim founded to fame and what put on the national (L–R) Clinton, Mrs. Lacey, Lacey with Mikki, three of her Theodora four children: nization, in their The group Orgafeared Mrs. map. Thehosting Laceys meetings founded the Northhome. East Community and Nanette (L–R) Clinton, Mikki, Mrs. Theodora Lacey, nization, hosting in their home. The group feared white flight wouldmeetings cause resources to diminish in neighborNanette white flight resources to and diminish neighbor- and hoods wherewould Blackcause families resided tookinaction.They first centralized one middle school for the township’s chilhoods where Black families resided and took action.They first centralized middle forintegration the township’s children, and laterone realized theschool impact could have dren, and later realized the impact integration could have on younger children, centralizing kindergarten instead. on younger centralizing Teaneck, NJ children, was the first town in thekindergarten United Statesinstead. to volunTeaneck, NJ was the first town in the United tarily integrate its public schools in 1964. States to voluntarilyOn integrate its public schools 1964.cut the ribbon on the September 17, 2020 Mrs.inLacey On September 17, 2020 Mrs. Lacey ribbon on the Theodora Smiley Lacey School, the cut newthe home of Teaneck’s Theodora Smiley Lacey School, the new home of Teaneck’s kindergarten students, who are currently learning remotely. kindergarten students, whowere are currently remotely. Due to COVID-19, guests limited tolearning a minimal number, Due to COVID-19, guests were limited to a minimal number, but the people of Teaneck and the Laceys’ friends and fambut people of part Teaneck andcelebration the Laceys’and friends and family the wanted to be of the organized a car ilyparade wanted to be part of the celebration and organized car to to mark the occasion. As Mrs. Lacey made hera way parade to mark the occasion. As Mrs. Lacey madeand hershe waywaved to the school, Teaneck police provided an escort the school, Teaneck police provided an escort and she waved like the Teaneck royalty she is. The Lacey children: Archie like the Teaneck royalty she is. The Lacey children: Archie Louis Lacey, Jr./Onaje Salim; Mary (Mikki) Lacey Murphy, Louis Lacey, Jr./Onaje Salim; Mary (Mikki) Lacey Murphy, Clinton Lacey, III; and Theodora Nanette Lacey are beyond Clinton Lacey, III; and Theodora Nanette Lacey are beyond proud of the honor bestowed upon their mother. Nanette proud of the honor bestowed upon their mother. Nanette exclaimed, “It’s wild! I still can’t believe it!” exclaimed, “It’s wild! I still can’t believe it!” TheodoraSmiley SmileyLacey Lacey the first Black woman to have Theodora is is the first Black woman to have a a school named for her in Teaneck, Bergen County, and possischool named for her in Teaneck, Bergen County, and possiblythe thestate stateofofNew NewJersey. Jersey. She has spent more than years bly She has spent more than 60 60 years fighting for civil rights and is still impacting and improving fighting for civil rights and is still impacting and improving lives.Congratulations, Congratulations,Mrs. Mrs. Lacey! lives. Lacey! www.thepositivecommunity.com
September 2020 The Positive Community
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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
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The The The Last Last Last Word Word Word
September 2020
BYBYR.L. R.L. BY WITTER WITTER R.L. WITTER
Vol. 20 No. 5
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The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.
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The Positive Community September 2020
I’M I’MNOT NOT I’M RUNNING RUNNING NOT RUNNING FOR FOROFFICE, OFFICE, FOR OFFICE, BUT BUTI’M I’M BUT ASKING ASKING I’M ASKING FOR FORYOU YOU FORVOTE YOU VOTEVOTE
II I
t’s t’sSeptember. September. t’s September. Usually UsuallyI’d Usually I’dbebe I’d be reminiscing reminiscing reminiscing onon a summer a summer on aof summer of travtrav- of travel eladventure. adventure. el adventure. Summer Summer Summer of of2019 2019of 2019 brought brought abrought cruise a cruise toa to Mexico cruise Mexico towith Mexico with mymywith my best best friend friend best and and friend a week a week andinain Hawaii week Hawaii intoHawaii to to celebrate celebrate celebrate mymy husband’s husband’s my husband’s 50th 50th birthbirth50th birthday. day. In In between day. between In those between those two two those trips trips were two were trips were weekend weekend weekend getaways getaways to getaways to thethe mountains mountains to the mountains and and thethe beach. and beach. the Our beach. Our house house Our is is where house whereis where our our group group our frequently frequently group frequently gathers, gathers, so gathers, so wewe so we hosted hosted cookouts cookouts hosted with cookouts with family, family, with enjoyed enjoyed family, enjoyed lazy lazydays days lazy bybythe days thepool by pool the with with pool friends, friends, with friends, and and our our niece and niece our began began niece staying staying began with staying with us us with us a few a few days days a each feweach days week week each to to lessen week lessen to thethe lessen the burden burdenof burden ofherher100-mile of100-mile her 100-mile commute commute commute to to work. work. Sunday toSunday work.afternoons Sunday afternoons afternoons meant meant a ameant eded to ato cast cast edmyto my vote cast vote because my because vote George because GeorgeGeorg house house fullfull house of of various various full offootball various football jerseys, football jerseys, jerseys, Floyd Floyd and and Floyd Breonna Breonna and Taylor Breonna Taylor can’t can’t Taylor cast cast can’t cas thethe tastes tastes the of of wings tastes wings and of and wings nachos nachos andand nachos and theirs. and Neither theirs. Neither theirs.can Neither can mymy Aunt can Aunt my Carole Carole Aunt Carol thethe sounds sounds the ofsounds of hooting hooting ofand hooting and hollering hollering and hollering and and Uncle Uncle and Bobby, Bobby, Uncle who Bobby, who didn’t didn’t who survive survive didn’t surviv as as football football asseason football season waswas season in in fullfull was swing. swing. in full swing. COVID-19. COVID-19. COVID-19. I feel I feela fire aI fire feel inside inside a fire me, me, inside me September September September 2020 2020 is is decidedly 2020 decidedly is decidedly dif-dif- burning dif- toburning burning to elect elect people to people elect to people to office office who towho office wh ferent, ferent, as ferent, as hashas been been as has most most been of of the most the year. year. of the year. willwill repudiate repudiate will repudiate thethe overt overt the hatred, hatred, overtviohatred, viovio WeWe canceled canceled We canceled allall of of our our alltravel of travel our plans plans travellence, plans lence, and and lence, racism racism and that that racism have have that become become have becom and and haven’t haven’t andgathered haven’t gathered with gathered with friends friends with orfriends or commonplace or commonplace commonplace today. today. I look Itoday. look forward forward I look forwar family family beyond beyond familya beyond drive-by a drive-by aquick drive-by quick hello hello quicktohello to knowing knowing to Iknowing did I did mymy part I did part tomy to right right partthe to the right th from froma distance. a from distance. a distance. Life Lifejust just Life isn’t isn’t just thethe isn’t the ship ship and and try ship try toand to getget try things things to get moving moving thingsto-moving toto same same without without same the without the friends friends theand friends and relarelaand relaward ward healing healing wardand healing and progress. progress. and progress. I am I am gidgidI am gid tives tives who who used tives used who to to turn used turn every to every turn weekend weekend every weekend dydy at at thethe thought dythought at theofthought of banishing banishing of banishing bigots bigots bigot into into a celebration. a celebration. into a celebration. and and racists racists and back back racists to to the back the dark dark to corners the corners dark corner The The thing thing The I am I thing am most most I anticipating amanticipating most anticipating of of society society offrom society from which which from they they which only only they re-re-only re this this fallfall isthis is VOTING. VOTING. fall is VOTING. November November November 3rd3rd cently 3rdfeltfelt cently cently emboldened emboldened felt emboldened to to emerge. emerge. toIemerge. I cannot cannot get cannot get here here soon getsoon here enough enough soonasenough as farfar feel asfeel far a kinship a kinship feel awith kinship with thethe heroes with heroes the of heroes of thethe of th as as I am I am concerned. as concerned. I am concerned. I’m I’m taking taking I’m thethe taking at-at- 1960s the at-civil 1960s civil 1960s rights rights civil movement movement rights movement and and allall and a titude titude that that titude I’ve I’ve stayed that stayed I’ve away away stayed from from away othothfrom oththey they gave gave they so so I would gave I would sohave Ihave would thethe right have right to the toright t ersers and and been ers been and vigilant vigilant been about vigilant about mymy health about health mycast health cast mymy vote. cast vote.my vote. and and hygiene hygiene andtohygiene to carry carry me tome carry through through me to through to Anto An African African Anproverb African proverb says, proverb says, “If“If you says, you “If yo Election Election Day. Election Day. Day. want want to to gowant go fast, fast, to gogo go alone. fast, alone. go If you Ifalone. you want want If you wan I’ve I’venever never I’vebeen been never as as been excited excited as to excited to to to goto go far,far, to gogo together.” far, together.” go together.” I cannot I cannot do I cannot do d exercise exercise my exercise my civic civic duty myduty civic as as I duty am I am this asthis I am this this this alone. alone. this I know Ialone. know these Ithese know things things these won’t won’t things won year. year. I have I have year. a score aI score havetoato settle score settle with towith settle ev-ev-with ev- overnight. happen happen happen overnight. overnight. Heck, Heck,atHeck, atthis thisat thi eryery person person erywho person who yelled yelled who “ALL “ALL yelled LIVES LIVES “ALL point LIVES point I can’t I point can’t even Ieven can’t bebe sure even sure they be they sure willwill they wi MATTER” MATTER” MATTER” in in response response in response to to mymy Black Black to myhappen. Black happen. But happen. But I do I do know But know I they dothey know can can only they onlycan onl Lives LivesMatter Matter Livest-shirt, Matter t-shirt,and t-shirt, andevery every and perperevery per- ifhappen happen happen we if we gogo together iftogether we goand together and VOTE. VOTE. and VOTE son son who who son refuses refuses whotorefuses to wear wear atomask a wear mask inainmask inmask So,So, mask up So,up and mask and VOTE up VOTE and like like VOTE our our lives like livesour live thethe supermarket supermarket the supermarket or or thethe waiting waiting or the room waiting room depend room depend on depend on it because it because on itsadly, because sadly, many many sadly, of ofmany o at at thethe doctor’s doctor’s at the office. doctor’s office. I feel Ioffice. feel obligatobligatI feel obligatthem them do.do. them do. www.thepositivecommunity.com
SAVE THE DATE! SAVE SAVETHE THEDATE! DATE! SAVE THE DATE!
GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN GOD GOD BLESS BLESS THE THE CHILDREN CHILDREN BLESS Presents Presents Presents Presents Second Annual Second SecondAnnual Annual Second Annual
Great American Great GreatAmerican American Great American Emancipation Day Awards Emancipation EmancipationDay DayAwards Awards Emancipation Awards A Virtual Day Event A AVirtual VirtualEvent Event A Virtual Event
New Year’s Day | January 1, 2021 | 2pm–6pm New NewYear’s Year’sDay Day|||January January1, 1,2021 2021| ||2pm–6pm 2pm–6pm New Year’s Day January 1, 2021 2pm–6pm thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com
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