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Block Spam Texts and Calls ONCE AND FOR ALL

First came robocalls: those pesky and persistent calls tion has also increased the volume of political texts and calls, purporting to be from charitable organizations, finan- some of which are legitimate while many are not. cial institutions, or customer service representatives Consumer complaints to the Federal Communications that have increased exponentially over the past few years. Commission and the Federal Trade Commission have surged Now robotexts, messages sent to mobile phones using an since 2014, but scammers continue to circumvent the rules. autodialer, are also proliferating. Meanwhile, our phone numbers are everywhere—attached to

Hackers have gotten savvier than ever, sending text mes- our social media accounts, offered up to companies we purchase sages that claim to be from the United States Postal Service products from—and so are more susceptible to compromise. (“Are you missing a package?”), the CDC (“Want your free Here are some things you can do to stem the tide of coronavirus test?”), or popular social media accounts (“Click unwanted robocalls and robotexts, keeping your identity here to reset your password”). The run-up to the 2020 elec- 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

ZOOM Video Meeting Etiquette

There is no substitute for good manners in all of our meeting etiquette is critical to ensuring your meetings are interactions, and they are appreciated more than professional, efficient, and valuable. ever in workplace meetings. Some age-old guidelines Common-sense meeting decorum — avoiding eating and comprise meeting etiquette — being on time, maintaining drinking, minding your body language, and being respecteye contact, paying attention. Those same principles apply ful to whomever is speaking — are no-brainers. So we went to video meetings and can also help elevate your personal directly to Zoom.com to find out what they believe are the reputation into “great meeting host” territory. most effective tips for hosting and participating in Zoom

Don’t be the person in your organization known for meetings. Here are nine tips to help ensure a focused and scheduling lots of unproductive meetings. Practicing video 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

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

The 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.

U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke L–R: New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James; Brooklyn City Councilman Robert Cornegy, Jr.; and guest

L–R: NYPD Assistant Chief Kim Y. Royster and FDNY Vulcan Society President Khalid Baylor

L–R: Bishop Eric Figueroa and Bishop Cecil Riley

L–R: FDNY Vulcan Society President Khalid Baylor and NY State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James

(Center) Watchful Eye Youth Speakers Bureau Member Rianna Smith, her parents Rashid and Leticia Smith

NY State Senator Kevin Parker

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer

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Masked Up Sunday

It 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

Legacy Legacy Legacy Legacy Legacy Legacy School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey School Named for civil rightS activiSt aNd local liviNg legeNd theodora Smiley lacey

By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter By R.L. Witter

“I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” “I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” “I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” “I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” “I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.” “I was home for my mother’s 88th birthday, driving on Teaneck Road,” Nanette Lacey began. “My mom says, ‘Nanette, they’re naming the Board of Education building after me,’ and I’m thinking, ‘This is weird.’” She chuckled as she recalled how they went back and forth over whether it was the board of education building or an actual school being named for the longtime Teaneck resident and local legend. “I said, ‘I’ve been telling everyone they’re naming the Board of Ed building after you. It’s a lie, it’s wrong, and I feel crazy!” Once it was clear a Teaneck, New Jersey public school was being named for Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, Nanette was in awe. “This is wonderful! How did this come about?” she asked. Several colleagues, friends, and board members had been discussing renaming the school and they came up with all sorts of names including Maya Angelou. Teaneck teachers Mary Joyce Laqui and Inez Khan nominated Mrs. Lacey as a notable, longtime resident of the township. “Don’t get excited,” she was told, “but your name was put in for renaming Eugene Field School.” Mary Joyce Laqui felt otherwise, telling Nanette, “Oh no, it’s going to be named after your mother if it’s the last thing we do.”

Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening Archie Louis Lacey, Sr. holding Archie, Jr. with Theodora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after Archie, Jr.’s christening

“I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “I’m thinking to myself, ‘We still have a school named for Thomas Jefferson so we might want to be thinking about renaming that,’” Nanette recalled. “They called me and said the Teaneck Board of Education unanimously voted to rename Eugene Field School the Theodora Smiley Lacey School and I said, ‘This is beyond my comprehension.’” So that’s the how of naming a school after a Black woman in Teaneck, NJ. Now for the why. Theodora Lacey is nothing short of a legend in both the Teaneck Public School system and the township itself. She and her late husband, Archie, moved to Teaneck in the late 1950s with their oldest child, Archie, Jr. Theodora had taught school in Louisiana and Archie, Sr. was a professor at Hunter College. I am proud to say I was raised and educated in Teaneck, NJ and attended Longfellow, the elementary school where Mrs. Lacey taught in the 1980s. A beautiful woman, we all knew who Mrs. Lacey was as a teacher. She was kind, but she had expectations of her students. She was fair, and she demanded that you work to your potential. I recall the day I found out about Mrs. Lacey’s life outside of teaching. I was in sixth grade and we were having Black History Month assembly. Prepared for a slide show or filmstrip featuring Harriet Tubman; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

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 students performed a five-minute re-enactment of Rosa Parks George Washington Carver, I was confused when there was refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. At the end of their production, Mrs. Lacey took the stage, three chairs were placed, and she introduced Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King to a stunned group of 11- and 12-year-old children. 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 nary a projector to be found. After taking our seats, a few students performed a five-minute re-enactment of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. At the end of their production, Mrs. Lacey took the stage, three chairs were placed, and she introduced Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King to a stunned group of 11- and 12-year-old children. Theodora Smiley was born in Montgomery, Alabama and into the civil rights movement. Her mother was a childhood of directors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when they se-friend of Rosa Parks. Her father was president of the board lected Martin Luther King, Jr. as their new pastor. As Mrs. of directors at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church when they seParks and Mrs. King spoke, worn photos were passed around lected Martin Luther King, Jr. as their new pastor. As Mrs. the room. They were photos of younger, familiar faces. Mrs. Parks and Mrs. King spoke, worn photos were passed around Parks and Mrs. King were easily recognizable, as was Dr. the room. They were photos of younger, familiar faces. Mrs. King. And a younger, even more beautiful Mrs. Lacey was Parks and Mrs. King were easily recognizable, as was Dr. with them. King. And a younger, even more beautiful Mrs. Lacey was Theodora Smiley Lacey was not only a Teaneck teacher, with them. wife, and mother. She and her husband were integral in Theodora Smiley Lacey was not only a Teaneck teacher, Teaneck’s claim to fame and what put it on the national wife, and mother. She and her husband were integral in map. The Laceys founded the North East Community Orga-Teaneck’s claim to fame and what put it on the national nization, hosting meetings in their home. The group feared map. The Laceys founded the North East Community Orgawhite flight would cause resources to diminish in neighbor-nization, hosting meetings in their home. The group feared hoods where Black families resided and took action.They white flight would cause resources to diminish in neighborhoods where Black families resided and took action.They

Mrs. Lacey with three of her four children: (L–R) Clinton, Mikki, Mrs. Theodora Lacey, Mrs. Lacey with three of her four children: and Nanette (L–R) Clinton, Mikki, Mrs. Theodora Lacey, first centralized one middle school for the township’s chil and Nanette dren, and later realized the impact integration could have first centralized one middle school for the township’s chilon younger children, centralizing kindergarten instead. dren, and later realized the impact integration could have Teaneck, NJ was the first town in the United States to volun-on younger children, centralizing kindergarten instead. tarily integrate its public schools in 1964. Teaneck, NJ was the first town in the United States to volunOn September 17, 2020 Mrs. Lacey cut the ribbon on the tarily integrate its public schools in 1964. Theodora Smiley Lacey School, the new home of Teaneck’s On September 17, 2020 Mrs. Lacey cut the ribbon on the kindergarten students, who are currently learning remotely. Theodora Smiley Lacey School, the new home of Teaneck’s Due to COVID-19, guests were limited to a minimal number, kindergarten students, who are currently learning remotely. but the people of Teaneck and the Laceys’ friends and fam-Due to COVID-19, guests were limited to a minimal number, ily wanted to be part of the celebration and organized a car but the people of Teaneck and the Laceys’ friends and famparade to mark the occasion. As Mrs. Lacey made her way to ily wanted to be part of the celebration and organized a car the school, Teaneck police provided an escort and she waved like the Teaneck royalty she is. The Lacey children: Archie Louis Lacey, Jr./Onaje Salim; Mary (Mikki) Lacey Murphy, Clinton Lacey, III; and Theodora Nanette Lacey are beyond proud of the honor bestowed upon their mother. Nanette exclaimed, “It’s wild! I still can’t believe it!” Theodora Smiley Lacey is the first Black woman to have a school named for her in Teaneck, Bergen County, and possiparade to mark the occasion. As Mrs. Lacey made her way to the school, Teaneck police provided an escort and she waved like the Teaneck royalty she is. The Lacey children: Archie Louis Lacey, Jr./Onaje Salim; Mary (Mikki) Lacey Murphy, Clinton Lacey, III; and Theodora Nanette Lacey are beyond proud of the honor bestowed upon their mother. Nanette exclaimed, “It’s wild! I still can’t believe it!” Theodora Smiley Lacey is the first Black woman to have a school named for her in Teaneck, Bergen County, and possibly the state of New Jersey. She has spent more than 60 years bly the state of New Jersey. She has spent more than 60 years fighting for civil rights and is still impacting and improving fighting for civil rights and is still impacting and improving lives. Congratulations, Mrs. Lacey! lives. Congratulations, Mrs. Lacey!

thepositivecommunity.com September 2020 Vol. 20 No. 5

The Last WordThe Last WordThe Last Word

BY R.L. WITTERBY R.L. WITTERBY R.L. WITTER

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie Derrel Jazz Johnson g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance Photographers Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC Production Assistant April Davis

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I’M NOT RUNNING FOR OFFICE, I’M NOT RUNNING FOR OFFICE, I’M NOT RUNNING FOR OFFICE, BUT I’M ASKING FOR YOU VOTE BUT I’M ASKING FOR YOU VOTEBUT I’M ASKING FOR YOU VOTEBUT I’M ASKING FOR YOU VOTE It’s September. Usually I’d be reminiscing on a summer of travel adventure. Summer of 2019 It’s September. Usually I’d be reminiscing on a summer of travel adventure. Summer of 2019 It’s September. Usually I’d be reminiscing on a summer of travel adventure. Summer of 2019 brought a cruise to Mexico with my brought a cruise to Mexico with my brought a cruise to Mexico with my best friend and a week in Hawaii to best friend and a week in Hawaii to best friend and a week in Hawaii to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthcelebrate my husband’s 50th birthcelebrate my husband’s 50th birth- day. In between those two trips were day. In between those two trips were day. In between those two trips were weekend getaways to the mountains weekend getaways to the mountains weekend getaways to the mountains and the beach. Our house is where and the beach. Our house is where and the beach. Our house is where our group frequently gathers, so we our group frequently gathers, so we our group frequently gathers, so we hosted cookouts with family, enjoyed hosted cookouts with family, enjoyed hosted cookouts with family, enjoyed lazy days by the pool with friends, lazy days by the pool with friends, lazy days by the pool with friends, and our niece began staying with us and our niece began staying with us and our niece began staying with us a few days each week to lessen the a few days each week to lessen the a few days each week to lessen the burden of her 100-mile commute burden of her 100-mile commute burden of her 100-mile commute to work. Sunday afternoons meant a ed to cast my vote because George to work. Sunday afternoons meant a ed to cast my vote because George to work. Sunday afternoons meant a ed to cast my vote because George house full of various football jerseys, Floyd and Breonna Taylor can’t cast house full of various football jerseys, Floyd and Breonna Taylor can’t cast house full of various football jerseys, Floyd and Breonna Taylor can’t cast the tastes of wings and nachos and theirs. Neither can my Aunt Carole the tastes of wings and nachos and theirs. Neither can my Aunt Carole the tastes of wings and nachos and theirs. Neither can my Aunt Carole the sounds of hooting and hollering and Uncle Bobby, who didn’t survive the sounds of hooting and hollering and Uncle Bobby, who didn’t survive the sounds of hooting and hollering and Uncle Bobby, who didn’t survive as football season was in full swing. COVID-19. I feel a fire inside me, as football season was in full swing. COVID-19. I feel a fire inside me, as football season was in full swing. COVID-19. I feel a fire inside me,

September 2020 is decidedly dif- burning to elect people to office who September 2020 is decidedly dif- burning to elect people to office who September 2020 is decidedly dif- burning to elect people to office who ferent, as has been most of the year. will repudiate the overt hatred, vio-ferent, as has been most of the year. will repudiate the overt hatred, vioferent, as has been most of the year. will repudiate the overt hatred, vioWe canceled all of our travel plans lence, and racism that have become We canceled all of our travel plans lence, and racism that have become We canceled all of our travel plans lence, and racism that have become and haven’t gathered with friends or commonplace today. I look forward and haven’t gathered with friends or commonplace today. I look forward and haven’t gathered with friends or commonplace today. I look forward family beyond a drive-by quick hello to knowing I did my part to right the family beyond a drive-by quick hello to knowing I did my part to right the family beyond a drive-by quick hello to knowing I did my part to right the from a distance. Life just isn’t the ship and try to get things moving to-from a distance. Life just isn’t the ship and try to get things moving tofrom a distance. Life just isn’t the ship and try to get things moving tosame without the friends and rela- ward healing and progress. I am gid-same without the friends and rela- ward healing and progress. I am gidsame without the friends and rela- ward healing and progress. I am gidtives who used to turn every weekend dy at the thought of banishing bigots tives who used to turn every weekend dy at the thought of banishing bigots tives who used to turn every weekend dy at the thought of banishing bigots into a celebration.into a celebration.into a celebration. and racists back to the dark corners and racists back to the dark corners and racists back to the dark corners

The thing I am most anticipating of society from which they only re-The thing I am most anticipating of society from which they only reThe thing I am most anticipating of society from which they only rethis fall is VOTING. November 3rd cently felt emboldened to emerge. I this fall is VOTING. November 3rd cently felt emboldened to emerge. I this fall is VOTING. November 3rd cently felt emboldened to emerge. I cannot get here soon enough as far feel a kinship with the heroes of the cannot get here soon enough as far feel a kinship with the heroes of the cannot get here soon enough as far feel a kinship with the heroes of the as I am concerned. I’m taking the at- 1960s civil rights movement and all as I am concerned. I’m taking the at- 1960s civil rights movement and all as I am concerned. I’m taking the at- 1960s civil rights movement and all titude that I’ve stayed away from oth- they gave so I would have the right to titude that I’ve stayed away from oth- they gave so I would have the right to titude that I’ve stayed away from oth- they gave so I would have the right to ers and been vigilant about my health cast my vote.ers and been vigilant about my health cast my vote.ers and been vigilant about my health cast my vote. and hygiene to carry me through to An African proverb says, “If you and hygiene to carry me through to An African proverb says, “If you and hygiene to carry me through to An African proverb says, “If you Election Day. Election Day. Election Day. want to go fast, go alone. If you want want to go fast, go alone. If you want want to go fast, go alone. If you want

I’ve never been as excited to to go far, go together.” I cannot do I’ve never been as excited to to go far, go together.” I cannot do I’ve never been as excited to to go far, go together.” I cannot do exercise my civic duty as I am this this alone. I know these things won’t exercise my civic duty as I am this this alone. I know these things won’t exercise my civic duty as I am this this alone. I know these things won’t year. I have a score to settle with ev- happen overnight. Heck, at this year. I have a score to settle with ev- happen overnight. Heck, at this year. I have a score to settle with ev- happen overnight. Heck, at this ery person who yelled “ALL LIVES point I can’t even be sure they will ery person who yelled “ALL LIVES point I can’t even be sure they will ery person who yelled “ALL LIVES point I can’t even be sure they will MATTER” in response to my Black happen. But I do know they can only MATTER” in response to my Black happen. But I do know they can only MATTER” in response to my Black happen. But I do know they can only Lives Matter t-shirt, and every per- happen if we go together and VOTE. Lives Matter t-shirt, and every per- happen if we go together and VOTE. Lives Matter t-shirt, and every per- happen if we go together and VOTE. son who refuses to wear a mask in So, mask up and VOTE like our lives son who refuses to wear a mask in So, mask up and VOTE like our lives son who refuses to wear a mask in So, mask up and VOTE like our lives the supermarket or the waiting room depend on it because sadly, many of the supermarket or the waiting room depend on it because sadly, many of the supermarket or the waiting room depend on it because sadly, many of at the doctor’s office. I feel obligat- them do.at the doctor’s office. I feel obligat- them do.at the doctor’s office. I feel obligat- them do.