September 2015 by The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

September 2015 thepositivecommunity.com

â&#x201E;˘ $2.95

EDUCATION FOCUS

CELEBRATING

YEARS!

A Light in Harlem Sisulu-Walker Charter School Girls Who Code 100 Black Men give $100K in Scholarships Rev. Michael Walrond, Jr. Faith, Family and Fortitude Rev. Karim Camara He Walks & Talks Faith

SPECIAL SECTION

Welcome Pope Francis

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are cordially invited to join us when we honor two legends who have helped shape our lives and develop our community. We are pleased to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who led the Civil Rights Movement, and Cephas Bowles who saved WBGO and transformed it into the respected institution it is today. These dedications are our way of preserving their legacy and ensuring future generations understand their important contributions.â&#x20AC;? Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders

Celebrating the Passion and Promise

in our PubliC sChools

Invite you to the Following Dedications

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue Wednesday, October 14, 2015 12 Noon Essex County Hall of Records Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

Cephas Bowles Plaque

WBGO President/CEO & Jazz Advocate Wednesday, October 7, 2015 12 Noon Historic Essex County Courthouse Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Plaza 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

For more information, call 973-621-4400 All events will be held RAIN or SHINE.

united Federation oF teaChers

A Union of Professionals 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Officers: Michael Mulgrew President, Emil Pietromonaco Secretary, Mel AaronsonTreasurer, LeRoy Barr Assistant Secretary, Thomas Brown Assistant Treasurer Vice Presidents: Karen Alford, Carmen Alvarez, Evelyn DeJesus, Anne Goldman, Janella Hinds, Richard Mantell, Sterling Roberson

The Foundation for Newark’s Future & Metropolitan Baptist Church CONGRATULATE FNF PRESIDENT AND CEO

Kimberly McLain

ON BEING NAMED NJBIZ’S

Top Forty Under 40 Thank you for all that you do for Newark’s children

SEPTEMBER 2015

Cover Photo: Curtesy of the White House

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ..................................14 EDUCATION ............................22 CULTURE ................................57 HEALTH ..................................70

Features dfree 10th Anniversary ....................................14 Kim Royster Makes NYPD History ...................19 Sisulu Walker Story Inspires ............................22 Verizon Supports Girls Who Code ....................24

Rev. Michael Walrond & FCBC Serve Harlem ........26 Marion P. Thomas Charter School Celebrates!..28 Who Am I to Judge? Essay on Pope Francis ....34

ON THE COVER:

Catholic Church Goes Mobile .........................37

PRESIDENT OBAMA WITH POPE FRANCIS IN MARCH 2014

America Embraces Pope Francis .....................40

&also inside

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wealth Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Pierre Toussaint Scholarship ...........................45 Immigrants to Meet Pope ...............................53 Rev. Karim Camara is All About That Faith .......50 Higher Ground ...............................................54 Scholars Receive $100k from 100 Black Men, Inc. ..56 ALTHEA Documentary Comes to Schomburg and PBS ..57 Building Kingdom Builders .............................61 Fiction Meets Reality in Barnett Novel ............64

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Sweet Sunday Jazz at Bergen Community College ....66

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Managing Asthma ..........................................70

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Bed-Stuy Family Health Center ......................72

The Positive Community September 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

To be cared for, like you care for so many others. A new Breast Health Center designed

just for you. Coming Fall 2015

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey

Breast Health Center Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

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Schedule your mammogram today by calling 973.926.7466. u

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October Events: Events: October October Events: Save the the Dates! Dates! Save Save the Dates! the twenty-seCond annual tGhe twenty-seCond annual eorGe w. weBBer leCture t he twenty -seBBer eCondla nnual GeorGe w. w eCture In urBan mInIstry GeorGe weBBer leCture In uw. rBan mInIstry In urBan mInIstry

The Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz The Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz “On The Bodies, theDr. ‘Body Politic,’ and theJ.Creation Rev. Lester Edwin Ruiz of “On Bodies, the ‘Body Politic,’ and the Creation of

(Many) Worlds: Globalization and the Entanglements (Many) Worlds:the Globalization andand thethe Entanglements “On Bodies, ‘Body Politic,’ Creation of of Mondialization’s Being-Becoming-Belonging” of Mondialization’s Being-Becoming-Belonging” (Many) Worlds: Globalization and the Entanglements of Mondialization’s ThursdayBeing-Becoming-Belonging” October 1, 2015

C-sPur semInars C-sPur semInars envIronmental JustICe and C-sPur semInars envIronmental JustICe and C ommunIty aCtIon envIronmental JustICe CommunIty a CtIon and CommunIty aCtIon

The second seminar in the Theology of Creation and Urban The second seminar in Series the Theology Creation and Urban Environmental Justice exploresofthe relationships and Environmental Justice explores of the relationships and Theorganization second seminar inSeries theimportant Theology Creation and Urban of several justice movements. organization of several important movements.and Environmental Justice Series exploresjustice the relationships Further InFormatIon at organization of several important justice Further InFormatIon at movements. .edu/CsPurs emInars nyts nyts .edu/CsPurs emInars Further InFormatIon at . edu /CsPurs nyts Wednesday, OctoberemInars 14, 2015

Thursday7:00 October 1, 2015 p.m. Thursday7:00 October p.m. 1, 2015 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 12:00 P.m . to 1:30 P.m. Wednesday, . to 1:3014, P.m2015 . 12:00 P.mOctober 12:00 P.m. to 1:30 P.m.

annual BIBle ConFerenCe annual BIBle ConFerenCe annual BIBle ConFerenCe

annual Fall oPen house annual Fall oPen house annual Fall oPen house

“Preaching Paul in the 21st Century: Theology & Praxis” “Preaching Paul in the 21st Century: Theology & Praxis” $25 in Donation (lunch included) “Preaching Paul the 21st(lunch Century: Theology & Praxis” $25 Donation included) To register, please call Min. Cynthia Gardner-Brim $25 Donation (lunch included) To register, please Min. Cynthia Gardner-Brim atcall (212) 870-1244 at call (212) 870-1244 To register, please Min. Cynthia Gardner-Brim Monday October 26, 2015 at (212) 870-1244

Monday 26,P2015 8:30 aOctober .m. to 3:00 .m. Monday October 26,P.m 2015 8:30 a.m . to 3:00 . 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 P.m.

Do you have a friend, colleague, or congregant Do youprocess have a friend, colleague, in the of discerning a callortocongregant ministry? in the of discerning a callHouse. tocongregant ministry? Do youprocess have a friend, colleague, or Invite them to our Open to our Open House. in the Invite processthem of discerning a call to ministry? Invite them to our Open House.

Thursday, October 29, 2015 Thursday, 29, 2015 4:00 P.October m. to 9:00 P.m. Thursday, 4:00 P.mOctober . to 9:0029, P.m2015 . 4:00 P.m. to 9:00 P.m.

For additional information on attending or registering for any of these events, For additional information on attending or registering for any of these events, please check our website at www.nyts.edu or call for 212-870-1211. For additional information on at attending or registering any of these events, please check our website www.nyts.edu or call 212-870-1211. please check our website at www.nyts.edu or call 212-870-1211.

R C

GREAT

OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor

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

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor

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

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor

Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor

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

Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor

Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor

Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

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

Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

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

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

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor

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

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

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

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor

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

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

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

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, 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 Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

21ST

COMMEMORATION OF

THE MAAFA

SEPTEMBER 14-26, 2015

"MAAFA... Preparing The Next Generation" DEUTERONOMY 4:9

THE MAAFA SUITE... A HEALING JOURNEY® PRESENTATION DATES:

SEPTEMBER 20, 21, 24, 25 MAAFA MUSEUM TOURS

SEPTEMBER 14 25, 2015

For commemoration & ticket information, please visit www.spcbc.com/maafa

Rev. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor 859 Hendrix Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207 (718)257-1300 | Fax (718)257-2988 www.spcbc.com | info@spcbc.com Photo Credits: Martin Dixon | dixondeuxyeux.com

ADRIAN A. COUNCIL, SR PUBLISHER’S DESK

“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again”—Galatians 5:1 “May we as a people of faith (especially during this Year of Faith) be ever vigilant to avoid those things and people that entangle us in bondage or return us to the past days and present ways of “slavery”—Br. Tyrone Davis, C.F.C. Office of Black Ministry, Catholic Archdiocese of New York (from The Positive Community 2013 Grand Jubilee Calendar)

Pope Francis, the Future and Cultural Revival! t is with great pleasure and much honor that we present this issue of The Positive Community magazine. September begins our 16th year of publishing “Good News from the Church and Community!” We are especially humbled by the privilege to introduce the faith leader of over one billion Catholics world-wide, The Holy Father, Pope Francis, to our community of readers on the occasion of his historic visit to New York City and Harlem. Special thanks to the Office of Black Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York; the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn for their coordinated support and loving outreach. Greetings to all our brothers and sisters of the Catholic faith! The Catholic Church and its many institutions have always been a positive influence for progress in areas of education, health, culture, spirituality and good will. What better time to recognize the mighty works of this great and good community-building institution? To many, The Church represents ideals of peace, freedom, mercy and justice to all (the suffering and the oppressed)

A Conversation About the Future For the past three years, The Positive Community has been engaged in a conversation about the future of the African American group personality 150 years after slavery had been abolished in the USA. How do we, descendants of The Great Emancipation (1863–1865), assess our present victories and challenges? In today’s media dominated, hyper consumer driven society, how are we to protect, preserve and promote the very best of our collective talents and gifts to benefit, edify, and prosper future generations? Cohesively, how do we affirm, through the power of Almighty God, that we are ultimately sovereign on matters that concern the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture?

Cultural Revival As liberated sons and daughters of the Most High God, The Great Emancipator, we must do all we can—now—to revive the smoldering embers of positive values and traditions— Positive Music Matters®. Each of us is entrusted with and responsible for the survival and safekeeping of values from this present generation to the next. Music, cultural literacy, is essential to the ideals of a quality education. It will pay dividends—a thousand-fold—for generations to come, inspiring a hunger for truth and a thirst for righteous, if only we muster the courage and the will to go forth! “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is a song by Nina Simone with lyrics by Weldon Irvine. It was written in memory of Simone's late friend Lorraine Hansberry, author of the play Raisin in the Sun. The song was originally recorded and released by Simone in 1969, and became a Civil Rights anthem. The record was a Top Ten R&B hit, peaking at number eight and number 76 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Below are the song’s lyrics. Ideally, every child should know the words and melody to this song by the age of seven: To be young, gifted and black/Oh what a lovely precious dream/To be young, gifted and black/Open your heart to what I mean In the whole world you know/There are billion boys and girls/Who are young, gifted and black/And that's a fact! Young, gifted and black/We must begin to tell our young/There's a world waiting for you/This is a quest that's just begun When you feel really low/Yeah, there's a great truth you should know/When you're young, gifted and black/Your soul's intact Young, gifted and black/How I long to know the truth/There are times when I look back/And I am haunted by my youth Oh but my joy of today/Is that we can all be proud to say/To be young, gifted and black/Is where it's at

In Spirit and in Truth: Positive Music Matters® 10 The The Positive Positive Community Community September September2015 2015 40

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Grand Jubilee Season of Emancipation—2015

Proclaiming a New Language of Freedom

e are now into year three, the final year, of the 150th Anniversary Grand Jubilee Season of Emancipation, the sesquicentennial commemoration. In 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War came to an end, a war that cost over 700,000 lives. In that year (1865), the Thirteenth Amendment to

the Constitution of the United States of America was passed by the Legislative and Executive Branches of government, abolishing slavery in this nation. From those troubling times to the present, we are blessed with an enormous opportunity to measure, analyze and define our American journey and claim the American Dream—to proclaim for ourselves a new language of freedom! Below is a cultural narrative—our story—our history; a brief presentation of our deep collective history that dates back to before this nation’s founding: The Cultural Narrative African Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa as slaves 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 was signed by President Abraham Lincoln 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 citizenship rights for the people in what has been called “The Second Emancipation.” Forty years after Martin Luther King’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, Barack Obama (2008). In the 100-year span between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching and the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African-American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, medicine, invention, sports and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture that has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! 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 forget! This is the story that we must tell our children and be ever remembered. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation, must tell our story to each other. We must remind ourselves, over and over again of the noble struggle and great sacrifices of those who came before us. This is our story, our cultural narrative, a new language of freedom; a springboard into a great and prosperous future,

a vision of hope and progress; health and happiness; peace and goodwill! 2015—the Grand Jubilee Season of the Great Emancipation. (From The Positive Community 2015 Grand Jubilee Calendar: A New Language of Freedom) thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

When September Comes eorge Shearing, the great jazz pianist, used to play, “September in the Rain.” I loved it. The blind musical genius played it in such a smooth, cool way, one just wanted to lie back, sip a favorite drink, and dream. Well, September is, indeed, here, with all of its promises. Organizations usually kick off their fall events and needless to say, the school systems everywhere begin, yet again, to teach the three R's: readin', 'riting and 'rithmetic. It is a month whereby some folks attempt to squeeze out the last morsel, so to speak, of those lazy, hazy days of summer. It is a time to reflect on a summer love, if you are fortunate enough to have had that experience. It is a time to finish that novel and/or biography you began in June and put it atop a shelf periodically to tend to something else. September tells us, or at least it says to this writer, enjoy the remainder of these Indian summer days because the hawk (frigid weather) is right around the corner and then, like the hibernating bears, many of us will be holed up in our respective dwelling places hoping for those hot days about which we complained earlier. September lets us know that there are only so many more shopping days until Christmas and we should start browsing the internet in an attempt to get the best buy for an airplane ticket that will bring us home for that memorable Thanksgiving holiday. When September comes, I watch as the various and sundry trees change into their winter best, often losing green leaves to don bare branches that remind us of the shorter days and longer nights yet to come. The Andrew Sisters used to sing, "In Apple Blossom Time," but September's arrival helps me to recall the times my children and I trekked to the upcounty farms and picked apples in the midst of orchards that looked as if they came right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. It was quality, family time at its best. September enables me to take a minute to visit the Jersey shore without bumping into the sea of humanity that descends on this small parcel of turf and surf all summer long. The quietness is a welcome change without the sounds of screeching kids fighting over their castles in the sand.

12 The Positive Community

September 2015

In most African-American churches, September comes on the heels of revivals, church picnics, Sunday school bus rides, and car washing fundraisers. It is a time when I recall youthful adventures on Kentucky Avenue in Atlantic City when Peggy Stevens, a childhood friend, and I would meet some of the best-looking guys from down south who had come to A.C. —as we called Atlantic City— to work summers in order to pay their college tuition. Most attended historically black colleges and universities. September says another year is fast-approaching and just where did this one go anyway? I guess you guessed that I like this month, sort of. You'd be right. By the way, have you ever heard "Queen of the Blues" Dinah Washington sing “September in the Rain?” It's a classic. thepositivecommunity.com

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BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK

dfree Tenth Anniversary Celebration

undreds came out to a Financial Empowerment Celebration at Newarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robert Treat Hotel. It was a night of music led by Grammy Award-winning Gospel Singer BeBe Winans and the 100-person dfree Mass Choir. But it was also a night of serious business and thoughtful reflection as the audience engaged in an informative discussion. A lively panel discussion about the tragedy of enslaving debt and the value of financial freedom preceded a screening of the dfree documentary.

L-R Rev. DeForest Soaries; First Lady Donna Soaries; Rev. Tracy Brown, moderator, Middlesex Baptist Association and MC for the occasion; Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr, president General Baptist Convention of NJ

The Prudential Team: Jelanti Roper, VP and corporate counsel; Michele C. Green; Alicia Alston, VP Global Communications; Mammen Verghis, VP Multicultural Marketing

Rev. Soaries surrounded by the 100-person dfree choir

The Positive Community September 2015

Steve Pelletier, COO Prudential U.S. Based Business

Lata Reddy, VP Corporate Responsibility and president, Prudential Foundation and Gale Britton, VP Diversity and Inclusion

Rev. Errol Cooper, First Baptist Church at Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG); Mark Hug, EVP Product and Marketing for Prudential Life Insurance; Rev. Dr. Debra Stapleton and Rev Dr. Tabiri Chukunta of FBCLG

Dorinda Walker, director of Consumer Strategy and Key Initiatives, Prudential with Adrian Council, Sr.

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BeBe Winans with Mother Soaries

Panelists: L–R Preston D. Pinkett, III, CEO, City National Bank; Tiffany Aliche, Budgetnista; Tamika Stembridge, Esq. dfree Financial Freedom Movement and Moderator; Rodney Branch, CMO Prudential Annuities

After the screening, Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, pastor First Baptist Church at Lincoln Gardens and founder of the dfree Movement spoke about the future and shared his vision of financial freedom embracing the wisdom of Proverbs 13:22: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”(NIV) Special thanks to community partner Prudential Financial, the dfree team, and everyone committed to a future of financial freedom for their families! —AAC

Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Jr. leading the dfree Mass Choir Photos: Vincent Bryant and Karen Waters

To learn more: www.mydfreemovement.com thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

“ So the question becomes, Can you afford not to give to God?

”

BY REV. DR. CHARLES BUTLER VP EQUITABLE DEVELOPEMENT, HCCI

Wealth Building

uke 21:1-4 finds Jesus sitting in the temple by the treasury box and watching the rich people placing in their offerings. He also sees a poor widow bringing two small coins to the treasury box and says to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she has given out of her poverty and has put in all she had to live on.” One must marvel at this poor widow’s confidence in God. To give all that she had to live on, speaks volumes of her trust in God to supply all of her needs. She is fearless in her giving and rightly so, because God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2nd Timothy 1:7). This woman’s faith in God is what allowed her to face the next day without any anxieties — wondering how this bill would be paid, or where she would get enough money for food because she expected God, her heavenly Father, would provide for her. This widow’s sense of generosity is commendable; she has given all that she had. I think it was because of her intimate relationship with God. She truly loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, strength and might. She could give her last to God because He has proved Himself time and again to be worthy of her love. She was storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20-21). That was the desire of her heart. Some people might say this example of giving is irresponsible and foolish. God definitely does not want us to be foolish with our money. But this widow is standing on the promises of God that He will never leave her or forsake her. She knows that the Lord is her Shepherd and she shall not want (Psalm 23:1). She knows that the

The Positive Community September 2015

earth is the Lord’s and everything in it belongs to Him. She knows that she brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. That the religious leaders only gave a little out of their abundance illustrates they did not know God intimately. They were concerned with fulfilling the religious requirement, nothing else. They could have given more, but decided to keep their riches for their personal pleasures rather than use them for the ministry of advancing God’s kingdom. Oftentimes, the love of money will pull you away from God. How you manage your money remains a sensitive issue with many people today—both believers and nonbelievers. Giving out of poverty speaks directly to one’s attitude toward Christian giving. Most believers do not tithe. They give a minimum amount to God, if at all. If you pause to think about the goodness of God, you will quickly realize that all you have is because of God’s blessing. Everything you have accomplished is because of God’s grace. Your life itself demonstrates God’s mercy. Today, believers attempt to justify their lack of giving with the explanation that they do not have enough money for their current monthly living expenses. They are not willing to sacrifice anything for God. Another excuse for not giving is that many churches mismanage the contributions. Those church leaders will have to give an account for their financial decisions and you, as a believer, will have to give an account for your actions. So the question becomes, “Can you afford not to give to God?” thepositivecommunity.com

PLACE: Madiba Harlem At My Image Studios 46 West 116th St. (Between Lenox & 5th Ave.)

TIME: 6 – 9:30pm

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

OCTOBER 8 , 2015

Cocktail Hour, Hors d’Oeuvres, Entertainment & Awards Presentation

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Congressman Charles B. Rangel US House of Representatives, New York’s 13th District

COMMUNIT Y SERVICE AWARD

Khary Lazarre-White Executive Director & Co-Founder, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol

COMMUNIT Y SERVICE AWARD Dennis Derryck

Founder & President, Corbin Hill Food Project FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N

212.862.1399 or www.whgainc.org

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September 2015 The Positive Community

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

Welcome

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Thursday, September 24, 2015 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Hilton Newark Penn Station Gateway Center, Newark, NJ 07102

PANELISTS Barnabas Health Big Green Group, LLC First Energy Corporation NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development PKF-Mark III, Inc. PSE&G Thompson Hospitality United Airlines, Inc. Verizon Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

Keynote Speaker Frederick E. Jordan, P.E. President & Board Chairman San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce

Opening Remarks The Honorable Ras Baraka Mayor City of Newark, NJ

The Positive Community September 2015

Members $65.00 General Admission $75.00 www.aaccnj.com 609-571-1620 info@aaccnj.com

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Kim Y. Royster Makes NYPD History First Female African American Assistant Chief

hirty years after she joined the New York City Police Department as an administrative aide in January 1985, Kim Y. Royster is now Chief Royster, following her promotion to assistant chief and the commanding officer of the Candidate Assessment Division. “She will oversee recruitment—how we go about getting the people, how we inform them of the process and how we get them through recruitment,” a high-ranking source said. Royster's only comment about the promotion is that, “This is a great opportunity to be part of Commissioner (Bill) Bratton’s plan to prepare our department to be the leaders of policing in the 21st century.” Sworn in as a police officer in July 1987, she was assigned to the 13th Precinct. After that, promotions just kept coming her way. She was promoted to detective in March 1992; sergeant in October 1997; sergeant Special Assignment in December 2001; lieutenant in April 2002; captain in August 2006, deputy inspector in August 2009; inspector in March 2012; and deputy chief in October 2013. She has served in the Police Academy, the 5th and 13th Precincts, the 7th Precinct Detective Squad, Patrol Borough Manhattan South, the Office of Management Analysis and Planning (OMAP), Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (DCPI), Detective Borough Manhattan, Detective Borough Brooklyn, the Intelligence Division, the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Criminal Justice Bureau. Assistant Chief Royster most recently served as the commanding officer of the Public Information Division. She is the third African American female to hold the rank of deputy chief and the first to hold the rank of assistant chief in NYPD history. While assigned to DCPI, the office received a Unit Citation for outstanding performance in 2011 for the coordination of media coverage/requests of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and the President's historic visit to the 1st Precinct and Ground Zero. Also during her tenure at DCPI, the department developed official social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and the NYPD iPhone application.

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“She will oversee recruitment—how we go about getting the people, how we inform them of the process and how we get them through recruitment,” Assistant Chief Royster has also commanded the Manhattan South Investigations Unit and served as the executive officer of the 5th Precinct. While assigned to OMAP, Assistant Chief Royster served as a project team leader in the Resource Analysis Section. In this capacity, she helped to conceptualize and manage numerous programs that have served to reduce crime and to improve police/community relations across New York City. Of particular note is the NYPD Gun Buyback Program, a series of one-day gun amnesty events. Since its inception m July 2008, the program has been a success with a total of over 8,000 firearms surrendered. For her efforts in managing this program, Assistant Chief Royster was awarded the NYC Police Foundation Hemmerdinger Award and the New York Post Liberty Medal. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from St. Josephs College and is a 2011 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. Assistant Chief Royster is married to Gregory Thomas. They are the proud parents of two children: Joseph and Tyler. —JNW September 2015 The Positive Community

2015post spread_PC.qxp_Layout 1 9/2/15 1:50 PM Page 1

Highlights Key Events of CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY: EMBRACING THE FUTURE HARLEM WEEK was the biggest, best and most diverse summer festival in the northeast!

1. Rev Al Sharpton proudly accepts the National Action Network Award from HARLEM WEEK at “Our Lives Matter” Tribute at “Summer In The City” 2. International Music Superstar Alicia Keys salutes HARLEM WEEK at the “Summer In the City” concert 3. The four daughters of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz thank the massive audience for paying tribute to the anniversary of their father’s 90th birthday on HARLEM DAY 4. Music legends (L to R) R & B and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Greats Chuck Jackson and Lloyd Price flank David Letterman Show renowned music director and musician Paul Shaffer all performed in tribute to late Ben E. King at “A Great Day in Harlem” 5. Two of the beautiful roadsters are showcased at the Upper Manhattan Auto Show on HARLEM DAY 6. The magnificent MAMA Foundation Gospel For Teens Choir performs on “A Great Day in Harlem” 7. Children had their face painted by attractive artists at the NYC Children’s Festival 8. “Harlem meets Havana” The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce & Congressman Charles Rangel Delegation lead by Chamber CEO Lloyd Williams and NYC Council Member Inez Dickens visits Havana, Cuba to foster an Annual Harlem/Havana Cultural Exchange 9. Afro Cuban Dancers perform in Havana at the Club Tropical For more information on HARLEM WEEK 2016 call toll-free 1-877-427-5356 ask for Mr. Majette or visit www.HARLEMWEEK.com

NAACP NEW JERSEY STATE CONFERENCE 2015 Annual Convention October 9th – 11th, 2015 Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ

“The Oldest Civil Rights Organization Reconnects With The Oldest African American Church” “Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice”

ospel

xtravaganza

Friday, October 9, 2015 8:00pm – 11:00pm

William Murphy, Bubby Fann & Praise Beyond

ick-off

reakfast

Saturday, October 10, 2015 8:30am – 10:15am

BISHOP GREGORY G. M. INGRAM

embership

uncheon

Saturday, October 10, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm MICHAEL ERIC DYSON

G A ala

wards

anquet

Saturday, October 10, 2015 8:00pm – 11:00pm Senator Cory A. Booker “A Tribute to Amelia Boynton Robinson” Maysa, Entertainer For more info please contact info@njscconvention.org http://www.njscconvention.org

Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Award-winning book focuses on education The Story of Sisulu-Walker is Meant to Inspire

by g.r.mattox

hildren polished up in brand new uniforms and toting backpacks containing pencils, notebooks and maybe even a tablet have entered brightly cleaned and decorated classrooms to tackle a new school year. Having worked in a public school classroom for over a decade, I’m aware of the work teachers have in instituting a curriculum, the anticipation and anxiety of students coming into a new classroom, motivating students and encouraging them to learn and the eagerness of both teacher and student to get down to the business of learning. A Light Shines in Harlem, an award-winning book by veteran journalist Mary C. Bounds, captures these emotions and feelings, and is an absorbing read for anyone connected with, or interested in, quality education. The book illustrates the excitement, struggle and success of developing one of the first charter schools in New York, the Sisulu-Walker Charter School. The book also takes a broad look at the charter school movement, and the human interest aspect of building and maintaining an alternative for students to succeed in the classroom. The school, now 15 years old, started out with no staff, nor teachers, books or even students. What it had was the determination of two people who organized others in the development of this new and innovative venture. One, Steven Klinsky, walked away from a lucrative Wall Street career to develop afterschool programs for at-risk children in East New York in honor of his late older brother. The other, Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, pastor emeritus of New York’s Canaan Baptist Church, is an icon of the Civil Rights Movement and was chief of staff to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Long concerned about the state of public education in Harlem, he saw charter schools as an educational lifeline and often said: equal educational opportunity for all children “. . . is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.” “There was a story I wanted to tell,” explained Bounds in writing her first book. “I was intrigued about

The Positive Community September 2015

how an icon of the civil rights movement like Dr. Walker, a Wall Street star, and inner-city families, many of whom spent their entire lives in Harlem, put whatever differences they might have had aside to create something larger than themselves.” Bounds actually spent a great deal of time with Dr. Walker at his home in Virginia, and over the phone to check the facts. “His command of the facts as he tells the story of the civil rights movement is truly extraordinary,” she recalled of her interviews with Dr. Walker, “In his heart of hearts, he knew that Dr. King would have felt the same way — he would be fighting for equal educational opportunity for all America’s children as he did for voting rights and integration back in the ‘60s. He would have seen it as the next frontier.” Walker, Klinsky, their supporters and successors have laid the groundwork for a school that has consistently outperformed the traditional public schools in the nearby school district where most of its students live. During the 2014-15 school year, for instance, the percentage of its students scoring proficient or higher on the state's thepositivecommunity.com

math and English language arts exams was more than twice as high as that of students in nearby traditional public schools. Each year the school has had to hold a lottery to choose its students. In 2015, there were 516 applicants for 60 available seats. More significant is that Sisulu-Walker has maintained high achievement levels despite receiving less funding than traditional public schools and many of the city's other charter schools. Compared to those schools, it gets about $3,000 less per student because it gets no money for its facility and has to pay for those costs out of its own operating funds. Beyond the numbers and the costs, the school has maintained a close-knit culture and sense of history. It is managed by a Board of Trustees with deep roots to the Harlem community. It's led by a lifelong Harlem resident, Michelle Haynes, who came to the school in its very first year as a teacher’s assistant, led classes there for over a decade, left to further her own educational goals and practical experience and became principal of Sisulu-Walker three years ago. Under her leadership, the camaraderie that has long defined the school flourishes. “It is an honor to serve as the principal of the school where I started my career and in the community that I call my home,” said Ms. Haynes. “Educating our future leaders is important work. The footprints of educators transcend time and space--we leave a mark on the world that is immeasurable by teaching the power of yet. Our citizens have not cured cancer or traveled to another planet yet. However, we are equipping them with the foundational skills needed to reach their full potential--academically, emotionally and socially. There is nothing more rewarding." This past July, A Light Shines in Harlem was the recipient of the 2015 Phyllis Wheatley Book Award sponsored by the Quarterly Black Review/The Black Book Review and the Harlem Book Fair. It is also one of ten non-fiction books recommended on Publishers Weekly’s “Notable African-American Interest Titles, fall 2014-Spring 2015,” and it was recently listed as a book that would be of interest to the readers of The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education and was lauded in Scholastic Instructors Magazine. What Bounds wants to convey in her writing of this book is that the most important thing parents can do to successfully further the education of their children is to stress the value of learning; how it can open doors to which they might otherwise not have access. This is done by modeling behavior: getting the children to school on time, attending teacher’s conferences, reading to children. “But most of all parents need to instill the love of learning that allows their children to go to school eager to learn.” She also says that it never hurts for teachers and administrators to remember that all children can achieve at high levels, no matter their zip codes, if given the right tools and attention. thepositivecommunity.com

Charter schools are closing the achievement gap. During the 2014-15 school year, African-American charter school students outperformed their counterparts in district schools by points in Math, and points in English Language Arts.

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Charter schools are free public schools open to all NYC students. Learn more at www.nyccharterschools.org.

September 2015 The Positive Community

Verizon Supports NJIT Program BY HELENE FOX

Girls Who Code

Rose Kirk president, Verizon Foundation

Samirah Anthony

ive Newark high school students graduated from Girls Who Code, an intensive summer program that was offered for the first time this year in Newark at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Samirah Anthony, a junior at North Star Academy College Preparatory High School; Jennifer Dios, a senior at Science Park High School; Joanne Mouyniovng, a junior at Science Park; Deanna Rodriguez, a junior at Technology High School; and Niamber Stedman, a senior at University High School, were among more than three dozen young women from throughout New Jersey who participated in the program, which was supported by the Verizon Foundation. The program pairs more than 300 hours of instruction in web development and design, robotics, and mobile development with mentorship and exposure led by the industry’s top female engineers and entrepreneurs. Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in the technology and engineering sectors. Support from the Verizon Foundation allowed Girls Who Code to offer the program for the first time in Newark. “I’m excited about this program because it’s an ignition point that unleashes the extraordinary power and potential of young women and girls,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who addressed attendees at the graduation ceremony on Aug. 27. The Verizon Foundation, in an effort to help further motivate girls to continue their education and consider a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, encourages Verizon’s senior female leaders to participate in the program. Rose Kirk, president of the Verizon Foundation, pointed to the changing demographics in STEM fields.

Jennifer Dios

“This change begets opportunity,” she said. “Our society is becoming more diverse in its race, its thinking, and its power – and technology is at the nexus of innovation.” Currently, women make up the majority of the labor force nationwide, but hold only 25 percent of the jobs in computing and technical fields. By 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs available in the computing related fields, but women educated in the U.S. are only on pace to fill 3 percent of these positions. “As incredibly smart, determined young women, you are the change that our society needs, and you are the change companies in America – like Verizon, need also,” Kirk said. Sam Delgado, vice president of external affairs for Verizon New Jersey, said it was important to make the program available in Newark. “This was a great opportunity for students from students all over the state who share a similar interest to learn and interact with each other under the roof of one of the state’s great universities,” Delgado said. “Who knows, perhaps one of these students one day will create a game changer like Google or Facebook or Twitter.”

Deanna Rodriguez

The Positive Community September 2015

Niamber Stedman

Joanne Mouyniovng

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MANAGEMENT MATHEMATICSBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING STEM COMPUTING DESIGN SCIENCE ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY HONORS

Innovate, Invent & Succeed at NJIT Discover why NJIT is a top national public research university Undergraduate Open Houses October 18, 2015 November 22, 2015

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OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

njit.edu University Heights Newark, NJ 07102

Positive Community 7 x 4.75”

Dr. David Ireland

Pastor, Christ Church, ATS Class of 1991

“Alliance Theological Seminary prepares the mind, the heart and the character of future leaders both within the church and in missional movements beyond the church. ATS is a place where the Word and the Spirit come together for dramatic transformation.”

VISIT US BY USING ANY OF THESE SUBWAY LINES:

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DEGREES OFFERED • Accelerated Degree Completion Program • Bachelors Degrees (38 majors) • Alliance Theological Seminary • Master Degree Programs in: Organizational Leadership (MSOL), Business Administration (MBA), Mental Health Counseling (MA), Childhood Education (MED) and TESOL (MA) Teaching and Learning centered on the Word of God; Faculty and students are engaged in ministry; Evening and weekend classes are available at two easily accessible campuses: Battery Park and Nyack, NY. Visit us online at: nyack.edu/ATS For more information: 845-770-5709 Blog: life.nyack.edu or: admissions.grad@nyack.edu Twitter: @ATSAdmissions 350 North Highland Ave., Nyack NY 10960 Instagram: @AllianceSeminary September 2015 The Positive Community

Faith, Family, and Fortitude: How FCBC’s Rev. Michael Walrond, Jr. Fought for His Happy Ending By R.L. Witter

oung Michael Walrond, Jr. of Roosevelt, Long Island wanted to be a stand-up comedian. “Eddie Murphy’s from Roosevelt,” a now adult Walrond explained. “So a lot of us thought we’d be like Eddie—a comedian,” he reminisced. “I tried to be the class clown several times… now I do all my stand-up in church,” he chuckled. It was a long journey from Roosevelt kid to Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., “Pastor Mike” as he is now affectionately known. One might say that Walrond chose the path not taken, or perhaps the twisty, bumpy, and narrow. But he has arrived at his current destination of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem by the grace of God, and the rewards of his journey benefit the community. In what can only be called divine intervention, his life was transformed into one that would touch, inspire, and inform countless others, despite Walrond’s plans to the contrary. An athletic young man, Walrond often downplayed his academic prowess, shrugging off his gifted and talented program for the excitement and social acceptance of sports. “I didn’t like being the smart kid,” he reflected. “I rebelled against that and it caught up to me. By the time I became a senior in high school I didn’t know what I was going to do. I thought I would go into the military.” But God and a local mentor, Gregory Groover, had other plans for Walrond, which began with impressive SAT scores that sent him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, his mentor’s alma mater. Fall 1989 found young Walrond acclimating at Morehouse, focusing on his studies and being elected freshmen class president. Despite what seemed like a successful transition to academic and student life, he found himself experiencing anxiety and suffering from panic attacks. One day, a severe attack changed everything. “October 29, 1989,” Walrond recalls, “I was taking a shower and the water felt like bricks. I thought I was having a breakdown.” He ran to his dorm room in tears. After about 20 minutes of tears and being unable to communi-

26 The Positive Community

September 2015

cate, Walrond said to his roommate, “I’m going to be a preacher.” He attended church with a friend that day and purchased his first Bible. The next day he changed his major from Economics to Philosophy and Religion. While Walrond now knew his destination, the road to get there would still have twists, turns, and bumps. But now that he realized that God was leading the way, delays and detours didn’t matter. He was on the road to his destiny and nothing would change that. He met LaKeesha, a student across the way at Spelman. Their relationship blossomed and one week after their final exams of their sophomore year, the couple welcomed a son. What might have been an insurmountable obstacle for others was just par for the course for this young couple. They returned to classes in the fall with Michael III in tow, “Our son stayed between our dorm rooms on campus our junior year,” Walrond chuckled. “That was challenging, it was very difficult. But we

Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond

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graduated on time with our son attending our graduations.” The couple married two months later and the newlyweds were both accepted at Harvard for graduate school. “There was no way that four years earlier, anyone would’ve thought I’d be accepted at any Ivy League school,” Walrond explained. “The reality kind of set in,” he recalled, “the cost of living in Cambridge was ridiculous…” With a child to raise and both parents in school, they opted to move to more affordable North Carolina instead, where he attended Duke and LaKeesha attended UNC Chapel Hill. “It was challenging,” Walrond recalled. “But it really shaped us. It made us really strong and we learned how to depend on God in a major way. It built my faith up and prepared me at an early age to take on responsibility. I started pastoring at 25.” Nearly 20 years later, Pastor Mike is shepherding a flock he found at 300 members, which has now become almost 10,000. And he’s doing it on his own terms, which sometimes bucks tradition. “I don’t always honor some of the traditions we’ve held onto without thought,” he explained, “but I do honor the teachings of Jesus with my life.” You won’t find Pastor Mike suited up in his Sunday best every week. More often you’ll find him preaching the Word in jeans and a blazer, a decidedly casual approach that says “come as you are,” and there have been more than a few critics. But Walrond’s vision looks beyond the naysayers. “I’ve tried to resist the temptation of being crippled by other people’s opinions of me,” he explained. “I’ve always tried to live the life I felt God was calling me to live. And that’s not a life of perfection; it’s a life of faithfulness.” During the third week of September the church will be bustling with even more activities than usual as Walrond celebrates 25 years in ministry and 11 years as pastor of First Corinthian. There’s something about Pastor Mike, something incredibly sincere and inclusive in his tone and delivery. His words don’t come across as rehearsed or guarded, rather, they seem to come from a place centered in a truly God-given confidence. It’s that confidence, that holy swagger that allows him to address issues without hesitation. He weighed in on Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refuses to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on her religious beliefs, saying that the separation of church and state requires her to either issue the licenses or leave her position. “If you can show where when it came to dealing with people who were hurt or damaged, that Jesus was more punitive,” Walrond said, “I’ll go with you… For people who are hurt and/or struggling, Jesus did not beat them down. He found ways to affirm their humanity and love them back to wholeness. Some of us forget that; we use our Christianity as a badge of exclusion…that’s not us; that’s not what we’re called to do. That is not honoring the teachings of Jesus.” As a man who if not for his calling would most likely have become a wealthy attorney along the lines of Johnnie Cochran or Willie Gary, Pastor Mike has shirked the idea of preaching prosperity gospel and embraces Jesus’ example of being humble and striving to serve the poor. “I think it’s ironic,” he said of the upcoming papal visit, “when much of the criticism of the Mayor is connected to the fact that many of the things he said he would do, especially to help poor people in this city, he’s doing but he’s being criticized... The Pope, who’s been a champion for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, is coming. I think what he’s doing is trying to reclaim a space within Christendom that many of us who are Christian have forgotten.” He continued, “A space thepositivecommunity.com

where we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, to take seriously our mandate to stand with those who are vulnerable and stand with them in a way that transforms lives. The things the Pope has been saying have been for some people revolutionary, but to me it is reclaiming a Jesus space… I think it’s a breath of fresh air.” Speaking of fresh air, FCBC’s Dream Center has become a beacon of light and hope in the Harlem community Pastor Mike and his wife, Executive Pastor Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, serve. “The idea of the Dream Center,” he explained, “came from wanting to create a space to awaken the dreams of the community.” It’s safe to say “Mission accomplished!” Walrond’s vision has come to life in the form of a safe space for people of all ages to explore and learn new things in their own community. Everything from Shakespeare to screen writing, financial counseling, and African dance can be found at the Dream Center, as well as a space that can be rented for both community and private events. “When children stop dreaming about the future, something is going wrong in the community,” said Walrond. “I wanted a place… to unleash the imagination. Because in my mind, it’s not that we have a lack of smart people; we have a lack of imaginative and creative people sometimes in leadership.” True to his commitment to the community, Walrond and FCBC continue to do what he likes to refer to as “bringing the church back to the center of the community.” FCBC boasts one of the largest food pantries in New York City, and a “clothing mall” where the church collects and purchases clothing to be distributed to those in need. But FCBC takes it a step further with “departments” like you’d find in any store and even dressing rooms, rather than things thrown into a bin or onto a table to be pawed and picked through. “It brings more dignity,” Walrond explained. “It makes them feel better about themselves. People have a hard time when they’re struggling, anyway.” He continued, “in today’s society we’re shaming people who are struggling —taking pictures and posting them online to be criticized. That’s not our way. We do not know their story.” While we do know some of Pastor Mike’s story, much is yet to be written, still unknown. What we do know is that Walrond will continue to do his work, doing His work. Under his leadership, FCBC will continue to offer hope and respite to the community and transform lives. People often remark about Walrond’s success in his ministry. “They say ‘How did you do it?’ and I tell them there are no tricks,” he explained. “This church has grown the old-fashioned way, by word of mouth. I learned a long time ago: shepherds don’t make sheep; sheep make sheep.” While Pastor Mike doesn’t make sheep, he has made a deep commitment to both God and family. After more than 20 years of marriage and two wonderful children, the Waldron family history is set to do a bit of repeating as Michael III graduated from Morehouse in May 2014, and daughter, Jasmyn, is scheduled to graduate Spelman in 2016. As he reflects on his life thus far, Walrond recalls how he handled the struggles of becoming a father while young and still in school and offers some insight. “I never criticized myself or beat myself up or felt deep guilt… I knew that God honored me; He loved me in the midst of any mistake I could make. But I could make a worse mistake and not be a good father.” And with those words I close, hoping that young men in New York, New Jersey, at Morehouse, and everywhere else are inspired and strive to be like Mike September 2015 The Positive Community

Congratulations to MPTCS!

T Dr. Karen Thomas surrounded by her family, friends, and colleagues at her Life & Legacy celebration, in honor of her 60th birthday and the opening of the Marion P. Thomas Charter High School of Culinary & Performing Arts

he students, staff, administrators, and parents of Marion P. Thomas Charter School (MPTCS) have plenty to celebrate. August 28th marked the grand opening of the MPTCS New High School Campus on Sussex Avenue in Newark. It’s been 16 years since MPTCS opened its doors to educate children from kindergarten through second grade. There were 60 students and four classrooms. Dr. Karen Thomas, CEO of MPTCS, co-founded the school that now offers a “crayons to college” educational experience for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for nearly 1,500 budding scholars. The “Life and Legacy” event also served as a birthday celebration for Thomas. —KKD Photos: Karen Waters

Dr. Karen Young-Thomas, co-founder/ CEO of MPTCS

Atlanta pediatrician Dr. Jason Thomas, son of Dr. Thomas

Michele J. Griffen, director of marketing and development, MPTCS

L–R: Rev. Ronald Slaughter, pastor St. James AME Church, Newark and Board Chairman, Marion P. Thomas Charter School; Rev. John Gamble, MPTCS Middle School principal and pastor, Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Newark; Pastor Vincent Rouse, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Newark and MPTCS Board Member L–R: Darren Dowdy, president/CEO, RAZAC; Ernestine Watson, MPTCS Foundation Board Member; Jalil Dowdy, vice president of Sales & Marketing, RAZAC

The Positive Community September 2015

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U N IVER SIT Y | N EWAR K

In Newark, of Newark

Rutgers University-Newark: accessible, affordable, cutting-edge education preparing you to succeed in our rapidly diversifying world. Collaborating locally and globally, innovating to make a difference in New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest city, across the state and nation, and around the world. Bring your talents and join us as we take on the eternal questions and great challenges of our time. Newark College of Arts & Sciences | School of Criminal Justice | Rutgers Law School, Newark | Rutgers Business School Graduate School-Newark | School of Public Affairs and Administration | University College thepositivecommunity.com

www.newark.rutgers.edu

September 2015 The Positive Community

Public Policy Program

he fields of community affairs, local government, political office, public or private administration, human resources and urban planning are ever-growing and thriving especially in the vibrant city of Jersey City. Saint Peter’s University offers degrees that will help advance or prepare an individual for careers in these sectors. The Public Policy program is an innovative program developed for para-professional, entry-level government or social service workers who are also active in community, civic and volunteer organizations. What makes the public policy program stand out is the approach to education. This approach is called “experiential learning,”

which simply means that the starting focus of Saint Peter’s classes is the students’ own personal experiences, coupled with that of the experiences of fellow students and staff. Saint Peter’s examines life conditions in the communities in which the students live and work and the public policies that have shaped them. The addition of the flexible schedule of Saturday and evening classes makes our program desirable for the busy adult learner. Graduates from the public policy program will be prepared for a career in a wide variety of fields including research analysis, program development and planning, human services, business, education and

social science research. Coursework can also be combined with internship and research opportunities. Karen Fuentes, ’14, a Public Policy Program graduate, comments on the value of the program: “The Public Policy Program is great because it is a gateway to see how the community works on a local, state and federal level. The courses challenge you to see society in an unbiased way, to look towards the future of policies, how current political laws need to be changed or why they do not, and how we can help administer a better future for everyone. The Saint Peter’s University Public Policy Program has taught me to think like a leader, and to act like one.”

Saint Peter’s University. Achieve your Dream. Make your Mark. To learn more about the public policy and public administration program, please call the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admission at (201) 761-6470 or visit us www.saintpeters.edu. thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

Columbia University Celebrates

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH DOLORES PRIDA Cuban-American journalist, playwright, activist, and proud East Harlemite. Prida’s plays and poems were largely focused on the Latino experience; many of her characters were Latinas struggling against repressive gender ideologies and racism in the United States. As a journalist, Prida wrote with acuity and wit about the joys and challenges of the U.S. Latino experience and published a popular advice column titled Dolores Dice (Dolores Says) that earned her the title Latina “Dear Abby.” She was part of a group of CubanAmericans who in the 1970s sought to create stronger ties between Cubans on the island and the diaspora. After Prida’s death in January 2013, President Obama wrote in a letter to her family, “With conviction, compassion, and humor, Dolores used her gifts to connect with people across the Latino community and around our country.” Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library will host a panel discussion of her life and work Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. To learn more, visit library.columbia.edu/events.

WHO AM I TO JUDGE:

By Rev. Gregory Carl Chisholm, S.J.

Pope Francis’ Modern Take on the Papacy A Worthy Example

Fr. Chisholm is a member of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. He is pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Charles Borromeo/Resurrection Chapel in the Archdiocese of New York. He is the chairperson of the Manhattan Regional School Board of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York and dean of the Central Harlem region of Roman Catholic parishes.

ope Francis, elected March 13, 2013, recently hosted an on-air virtual Papal audience with groups in Chicago, Los Angeles, and in McAllen, Texas at the border with Mexico. The event was televised by 20/20 on the ABC network and offered a privileged window onto the pastoral persona of this very popular modern pope. Since Pope Francis will be very limited in the extent of his travels during his first journey to the United States, this virtual audience gave him the opportunity to reach the Midwest, the West, and the South of the United States in advance of his arrival. Latino teenagers from Cristo Rey High School in Chicago shared with him the banality of the discrimination they endure even among their own. There were undocumented immigrants in a largely Hispanic and white Catholic church five miles from the Mexican border who spoke to him about their strong aspirations for educational success in a milieu where the citizens in the majority are disinclined to offer a helping hand. Absent was the sea of prosperous, homogenous suburbanites so evident on the current presidential campaign trail. There were no hordes of entitled college cheerleaders, athletes, and fraternity types pumping the air with fists. This pope’s audience, on the contrary, came from the frontiers and the borders of privileged society. They were as surprised to be there as I was to see them there. But these are the people who stand to benefit the most from a church that would embrace the message of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the current Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Positive Community September 2015

Pope Francis, the 266th occupant of the Petrine Chair, was surely at his pastoral best in these settings. He was attentive without being condescending. He was responsive to each situation without in any way appearing mawkish. In many ways he is an outstanding shepherd, a worthy example for any minister. A young black man, who lives in a downtown Los Angeles homeless shelter, rose to his feet during the virtual audience to address Pope Francis. The young man admitted that he was very impressed by the Pope and was thankful for the opportunity to address him, then asked about the Pope’s expectations of his first official visit to the United States. Pope Francis replied that he needed to “draw close to America’s path and history.” This was necessary for him because only then could he understand us and help us along the path! To some this would seem pretentious. How presumptuous, after all, must a modern man be to think that he could assist the most powerful country on earth along its path? Would he not better take the role of dutiful student, friendly companion, or respectful admirer of all things American, rather than tour guide? Is this not everything that the United States has historically feared about the Catholic Church and its Papacy? The 18th and 19th century American anti-Catholic bias, which has only been somewhat tamed since the Kennedy era, feared the ethical subjugation of this country and its laws to Rome. Must the Pope be so assertive and honest in his goals? Although I am disinclined to judge his potential for success in guiding this country, I can say unequivocally that Pope Francis has been without peer in his ability to gather an audience. In only two and a half years he has been effortless in his ability to attract the embarrassed attention of the most ardent capitalists, the most hardened homophobes, the most xenophobic border protectors, the most righteous right-to-lifers, and the most rule-oriented Catholics. Few have been able to gainsay his homiletic utterances. His more extended expressions of thought, like “The Joy of the Gospel” or his recent encyclical on the environment and sustainable development, have en-

“How presumptuous, after all, must a modern man be to think that he could assist the most powerful country on earth along its path?” gaged his contemporaries across the ideological spectrum. In this sense I might dare compare him to the itinerant Jesus of Nazareth traipsing through Palestine comforting those broken in mind and in spirit and in body, while discomforting those convinced of their own invincibility. Indeed, it is sweet to hear the Pope of Rome appealing for mercy toward women suffering through the experience of an

Continued on next page

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WHO AM I TO JUDGE: Pope Francis’ Modern Take on the Papacy Continued from previous page abortion, rather than uttering judgement on them. Or what about our biblical concern for divorce and remarriage, which Jesus himself speaks about so unambiguously? Is mercy again more called for than a judgement that keeps Catholics from the communion so central to their regular worship? The Pope was certainly at his pastoral best when a reporter on a flight home from Brazil in 2013 posed a question regarding samesex attraction and the Pope replied, “Who am I to judge?” in lieu of a condemning response.

Race, Color, and Papal History

All this is well and good. Pope Francis comes across as a genuinely good and holy man. He may, indeed, be saint-material. However, I don’t believe at all that one can help America along its path, which he indicates is his purpose for coming here, if he does not engage the issue of race and color in the history of America. Could anyone teach the English a better way without confronting the issue of class in their society? Could anyone hope to direct the awareness of Nigerians to a higher plane without confronting the tribal issues which divide the most populous nation in Africa? Similarly, the Pope must learn the absolute significance of race and color in this country. The Black Lives Matter movement is but the latest instantiation of protest by people of color against the racism woven so baldly and so subtly through the fabric of America.

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 1, 2015 12:30 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. One Felician Way • Rutherford, NJ

SIGN UP! felician.edu Can’t make it to the Open House? Stop by the Castle at the Rutherford campus for a student-led tour any weekday at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Questions? 201.355.1465 | admissions@felician.edu Felician College is Sponsored by the Felician Sisters

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What began with slave rebellions and religious protests has morphed into political organizations and urban rebellions and now stands, in Black Lives Matter, as a broad cultural critique. The Pope would certainly not be ignorant of these matters.

“The Black Lives Matter movement is but the latest instantiation of protest by people of color against the racism woven so baldly and so subtly through the fabric of America.” He is, after all, from Argentina. He would certainly know that black people and dark people and mestizos are not welcome there to live. Pope Francis would surely be aware that the preference for European emigration is enshrined in the Argentinian constitution. Even though one quarter of the country’s population was of African descent in the mid-nineteenth century, the number of blacks has diminished to a few percent, leaving only an intractable racism in their wake. One might actually have found more vocal Catholic popes on the issues of race and color in America during the 19th and early 20th Century. For 40 years from 1887 to 1927, there were fewer than ten black men ordained to the Catholic priesthood. Many more aspired to this service, but American bishops, North and South, were loath to alienate Americans and immigrants who had adjusted comfortably to Jim Crow segregation. A black man simply could not be raised to the dignity of the priesthood, dignity which all Catholics would be naturally compelled to acknowledge. Nevertheless, the Popes pushed the American hierarchy. Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922) pushed the Americans to establish a seminary for the training of black priests in Georgia and a pushed for a bishop who would have authority over them. Pope Pius XI (1922-1939) argued with Americans that the Catholic faith would never find fertile ground among American blacks without a black clergy. He would go on to collaborate with the American Jesuit priest, Rev. John LaFarge, on a Papal encyclical that would have advocated for the unity of all men and women. The encyclical would have placed the Catholic Church squarely against racism in its European and American forms. Pius died before this encyclical could be promulgated. Pope Francis has much to learn to catch up with the Papal activism on racism of earlier generations. There is at least one incident in his history as Pope, nevertheless, which inclines me to think that he is willing to learn this truth about our country, so that he might aim us in the direction of higher ideals. On July 8, 2013, the Pope took a journey from his base in Rome to the island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily. He went there to meet and offer solace, as well as encouragement, to migrating people from Africa who crossed the Mediterranean Sea without the warrant of Italian or European law. The Pope flew there amid the furor over the bravado of migrating Africans and the furor over the resistance of Italy to give them a home. Rather than avoid the conflicting manifestations of hope and defensiveness, of aspiration and fear, the Pope immersed himself in contributing necessary quantities of mercy to combat racism. Perhaps on his visit he will learn to speak the language of mercy in this American context. September 2015 The Positive Community

THE BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITY of the

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

WELCOMES Our Holy Father

POPE FRANCIS to New York September 24-26, 2015

May Christ, our Good Shepard, continue to Order Your Steps and be your guide, and may HIS love continue to strengthen your faith and your service to HIS people—especially those most in need of our love and His mercy!

OFFICE OF BLACK MINISTRY, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF BLACK MINISTRY COMMISSION & COMMITTEES VENERABLE PIERRE TOUSSAINT GUILD PIERRE TOUSSAINT SCHOLARS COLLEGE PIERRE TOUSSAINT—SASSIER, HAITI NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE FOR LIFE FRANCISCAN HANDMAIDS OF MARY

DEANERY OF CENTRAL HARLEM: St. Charles Borromeo Church & School, and Resurrection Chapel St. Aloysius Church & School St. Joseph of the Holy Family Church St. Mark the Evangelist Church & School Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center St. Cecilia-Holy Agony Church, East Harlem

GARIFUNA COMMUNITY

BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF THE BRONX at: Holy Rosary Church Immaculate Conception Church (Gun Hill Rd.) St. Augustine-Our Lady of Victory Church Sts. Philip & James Church & School St. Angela Merici Church St. Luke's Church St. Joseph's Church, Spring Valley

KIDANE MEHERET GE'EZ RITE (ERITREAN) CATHOLIC COMMUNITY at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Manhattan

GHANAIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FRENCH-SPEAKING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IGBO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD CHAPEL & SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA at Solid Ground Franciscan Ministry

Catholic Church ‘Goes Mobile’ USA Catholic Church App Offers Exclusive Coverage of Pope’s U.S. Visit

eadership of the Catholic Church in the United States has introduced its first mobile app: USA Catholic Church. Designed to draw millions of Catholics closer to their faith by providing access to Church information on all screens and devices, this is the only app that brings together information from all Catholic sources: parishes, dioceses, the U.S. bishops, and even the Vatican. Not only will the app include religious news, daily scripture readings and local parish content, it will feature exclusive, in-depth coverage of Pope Francis’ September visit to the United States. “This is the most comprehensive virtual connection to the Catholic faith available,” explains Bishop Christopher Coyne, chair-elect of the Committee on Communications, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which created the app. “We understand many people are

looking for more ways to connect with the Church and incorporate Catholic living into their busy lives—that’s exactly what this app is designed to do.” App content is available in both English and Spanish and lets users: • Follow Pope Francis with the latest news and communications, including videos and photos. • Access unique mobile features: view daily readings, make mobile donations, receive news alerts, get Vatican and Catholic News Service updates, and have the ability to share via social media. Additionally, the USA Catholic Church app will offer up-to-the minute

coverage of Pope Francis addressing a joint meeting of Congress and the United Nations, as well as the public at the World Meeting of Families. The Pope will visit the United States from September 22-27, 2015. In October, new parish and diocese functionality will be released, allowing users to: • Stay in contact with local dioceses and parishes through individual pages with mass and confession times, homilies, events, blog posts, videos and bulletins, and locate local parishes at home or when traveling with a “Church Finder” tool that works by location, city, state, or ZIP code. “This is the first Pope to address Congress and the United Nations,” says Bishop Coyne. “It’s truly a historic moment for the Pope, and the USA Catholic Church app will provide news and coverage that people simply can’t get anywhere else.” The USA Catholic Church app is free to download from your smartphone or tablet device at Google Play, Apple iTunes, or www.USACatholic.church. It is available in English and Spanish.

HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. (HCCI) Salutes

Pope Francis

& CELEBRATES HIS HISTORIC VISIT TO HARLEM REV. CHARLES A. CURTIS, ED.D. HCCI, Chairman of the Board

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To learn about HCCI visit us on line at www.hcci.org.

DEREK E. BROOMES HCCI, President & CEO

September 2015 The Positive Community

YOUR FALL GUIDE TO A HEALTHIER YOU At EmblemHealth, we’re excited to offer you another season packed with health and wellness, right here in the neighborhood. Come join us for:

• • •

Farmers’ markets – Find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables Cooking demos – Learn how to make healthier meals for you & your family Fitness classes – Get fit, stay active, have fun — all for FREE!

And at EmblemHealth we can even help guide you through the health insurance process. Visit us for a FREE face-to-face consultation if you’ve had a qualifying life event, or during Open Enrollment which begins November 15. Learn how we can help you and your family live healthier. Visit smallsteps.emblemhealth.com for a full calendar of FREE events or download our FREE app and take us with you wherever you go!

Group Health Incorporated (GHI), HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), HIP Insurance Company of New York and EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC are EmblemHealth companies. EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC provides administrative services to the EmblemHealth companies. Neighborhood Care is a division of EmblemHealth. ©EmblemHealth Inc. 2015, All Rights Reserved.

Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund Archdiocese of New York ~ Office of Black Ministry

he Archdiocese of New York Office of Black Ministry proudly administers the Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Program, which was established in 1983, with the primary objective of developing the scholarship recipients into the future leaders of our faith communities. It is a program of mentorship and support for college student-leaders of diverse ethnic, cultural, and national backgrounds. For the 2015-16 academic year, the Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund and Program have made a commitment to mentor and support a record number of 50 scholars who attend colleges and universities around the country, including: Fordham University, Manhattan College, New York University, Providence College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Vassar College, University of Pennsylvania, Howard University and Howard Law

School, University of Notre Dame, Cornell University and Cornell Medical College, Macaulay Honors College at The City College of New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Case Western Reserve University. Pierre Toussaint Scholars are currently majoring in various areas of study, including: engineering, education, international relations, pharmacy, dance, economics, premed, pre-law, religious studies, business, medicine, and law. In addition to academic excellence, Pierre Toussaint scholars are actively involved in their parishes and communities. PTSF receives major support from an annual benefit dinner and a grant through the Black & Indian Mission Fund. Other major supporters of the program are Mutual of America, Catholic Charities (our service partner), The College of New Rochelle, and Catholic Health Initiatives.

2015 PIERRE TOUSSAINT SCHOLAR GRADUATES .................................................................................................................................................... Deborah A. graduated from Fordham University with a BS in Psychology & Philosophy. She is now serving as a Jesuit Volunteer in South Dakota with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. “As a PT Scholar I have received the spiritual support that has helped me to grow and develop into the person I am today.” Kevyn M. graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in Architecture. He is now working as a Junior Creative Technologist at Deeplocal, an Advertising/Technology/Innovation Agency, in Pittsburgh. “The Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund has been very beneficial to my college career.” Richard D. graduated from NYU-Poly with a BS in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. He is currently working on a project full-time, while doing research through New York University. “The Pierre Toussaint Scholarship Fund has been one of the most supportive groups I’ve ever been involved in.”

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September 2015 The Positive Community

America Embraces Pope Francis as the Pope Embraces the Issues BY R.L. WITTER

he east Coast is abuzz in anticipation of Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; upcoming visit. New York; Washington, DC; and Philadelphia residents across the religious spectrum are excited to glimpse and possibly meet the man who has transformed the Papacy, returning the Pope to the people of the world with his humility and message of inclusion. The Argentinian born Pope has brought the Papacy into the 21st century through both technology and a refreshingly evolved attitude toward 21st century issues. He has used that technology to tweet Twitter messages of hope to his more than 7 million followers in what is one of the most inclusive actions taken by any spiritual leader, let alone a man in his 70s who presides over all Catholic leaders worldwide and lives at the Vatican, albeit in a guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, because he chooses to live a more modest life of purpose, than one of pomp and circumstance. As the U.S. prepares for the papal visit and the world looks on in anticipation, Pope Francis brings with him a more down-to-earth approach and seemingly open mind

40 The Positive Community

September 2015

as he weighs in on climate change, poverty, interfaith dialogue, and even homosexualityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; subjects that have been largely ignored or dismissed in the past. Regarding interfaith dialogue he has said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dialogue is born from an attitude of respect for the other person, from a conviction that the other person has something good to say. It assumes that there is room in the heart for the person's point of view, opinion, and proposal. Dialogue entails a cordial reception, not a prior condemnation. In order to dialogue it is necessary to know how

The Argentinian born Pope has brought the Papacy into the 21st century through both technology and a refreshingly evolved attitude toward 21st century issues. thepositivecommunity.com

While Pope Francis is not a proponent of gay marriage and still maintains that according to the Bible, homosexuality is immoral, he does take a decidedly more inclusive position than many other religious leaders stating, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” to lower the defenses, open the doors of the house, and offer human warmth.” His words resonate more fully amidst the knowledge that he was key in brokering the recent restoral of full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba after more than fifty years of embargo. Being named after the patron saint of the environment, St. Francis, Pope Francis issued a papal encyclical regarding the environment earlier this year. In it, he voiced his opposition to deforestation and asked that we seek to use renewable energy sources in lieu of conventional fuels. He also cautioned that mankind would need to recognize the difference between our energy needs and desires if renewable energy is to be a viable option. While Pope Francis is not a proponent of gay marriage and still maintains that according to the Bible, homosexuality is immoral, he does take a decidedly more inclusive position than many other religious leaders stating, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” He went on to say, “The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this in a beautiful way, saying … ‘no one should marginalize these people for this, they must be integrated into society.’” His words have inspired and offered comfort and hope to many homosexuals thepositivecommunity.com

who struggle to maintain a faith that historically has preached their condemnation. In a time when it seems that the American middle class is dwindling under the threat of lower wages and outsourcing of jobs, Pope Francis is also passionate about addressing the issue of poverty around the world. He has criticized the unequal treatment of poor and rich people in judiciary matters, stated that “extreme poverty and unjust economic structures that cause great inequalities” are violations of basic human rights, and stated that, “A new tyranny is thus born, invisible and often virtual, which unilaterally and relentlessly imposes its own laws and rules. To all this we can add widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion, which has taken on worldwide dimensions. The thirst for power and possessions knows no limits.” In addition, Pope Francis has been known to sneak out of the Vatican at night to feed the poor. As Pope Francis readies himself to make his way to North America, the American people are filled with faith, excitement, and joy. Though it’s been less than three years since Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina became Pope Francis, thus far he has earned his beloved moniker of “The People’s Pope.” September 2015 The Positive Community

F E D E R AT I O N O F P R O T E S TA N T W E L FA R E A G E N C I E S F E D E R AT I O N O F P R O T E S TA N T W E L FA R E A G E N C I E S

Accepting The Moral Challenge Of Fighting Poverty Accepting The Moral Challenge Of Fighting Poverty With A Purpose And A Reason With A Purpose And A Reason

LNL N

ew York City has the greatest disparity in wealth and income We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but we do have to invest. In in the country, with nearly half of its residents struggling to make New $12.7 the billion is spent annually ew York City has the greatest disparity in wealth and income WeYork don’tCity havealone, to reinvent wheel, but we do havefortosafety invest.net In ends in meet. With a new of citywide leadership us, FPWA programs, are aimed poverty relief, but not poverty the country, withera nearly half of its residents upon struggling to make New Yorkwhich City alone, $12.7atbillion is spent annually foron safety net further understands purpose; strive to narrow the economic eradication. ends meet. Withits a new era ofto citywide leadership upon us, FPWA programs, which are aimed at poverty relief, but not on poverty dividefurther in ourunderstands City and toits ensure that resources and opportunities purpose; to strive to narrow the economic eradication. Understanding the central role faith leaders and institutions play for success provided With that this resources purpose inand mind, FPWA divide inare our City andtotoall.ensure opportunities in Understanding addressing thethe emergent needs of leaders their communities, FPWA central role faith and institutions play moved a neware strategic direction and this launched aninoverarching forinsuccess provided to all. With purpose mind, FPWA launched in partnership with the New York Theological Seminary, in addressing the emergent needs of their communities, FPWA campaign, City of Equal Opportunity”, focuses moved“Building in a new astrategic direction and launchedwhich an overarching thelaunched Faith in and Justice Fellowship. year-long Fellowship partnership with the New The York Theological Seminary, on policies and“Building programsa City that ofreduce advance upward campaign, Equal poverty, Opportunity”, which focuses program equips leaders with the tools to Fellowship effectively the Faith andfaith Justice Fellowship. The needed year-long mobility and create prosperity. on policies andshared programs that reduce poverty, advance upward advocate thosefaith in need in their and programfor equips leaders with neighborhoods the tools needed tobeyond. effectively mobility and create shared prosperity. We understand the reason. At a time when the challenges advocate for those in need in their neighborhoods and beyond. In addition to our faith-based work, FPWA leads several We understand theoften reason. time when of supporting a family leadsAttoa further debt the andchallenges less In addition to ourtofaith-based FPWAdivide leads inseveral campaigns narrow thework, economic New of supporting a family often leads to further debt and less opportunity, now more than ever we find ourselves at a campaigns to narrow the economic divide in New York City. FPWA led the Worker Cooperative opportunity, now more than ever we find ourselves at a critical point of addressing inequality. More needs York City. FPWA led thethat Worker Cooperative Coalitiom in a campaign secured the first of addressing inequality. to becritical done point to press for policies, programsMore and needs Psalms 27, verse 13: Coalitiom in a campaign that secured first to be done press foropportunities policies, programs ever investment of City funds inthe worker Psalms 27, verse 13: legislation that toincrease for and ever investment of City– afunds in worker legislation that increase opportunities for cooperative businesses business model upward mobility. With a rich and impactful cooperative businesses a business model upward mobility. With a New rich and impactful in which the workers– are also owners history of serving vulnerable Yorker’s, in which the workers are also owners history of serving the vulnerable Newwith Yorker’s, and share in the profits. This funding FPWA has embraced challenge a and share in the profits. This funding FPWA embraced the challenge with a and initiative have supported 920 purpose andhas reason. and initiative have supported 920 purpose and reason. cooperative entrepreneurs, and seeded cooperative entrepreneurs, and seeded In the spring of 2013, FPWA, Catholic 295 new jobs. In the spring of 2013, FPWA, Catholic 295 new jobs. Charities of the Archdiocese of New Charities of the Archdiocese of New Another effort led by FPWA, in York, and UJA-Federation came together Another effort led by FPWA, in York, and UJA-Federation came together partnership with the Fiscal Policy as three faith-based human partnership with the Fiscal Policy as three faith-based humanservices services Institute was met this past past institutions to not ensure a safety net,net, Institute was met with with success success this institutions to only not only ensure a safety May. A recent campaign to increase the but tobut also moral voicevoice for upward mobility May. A recent campaign to increase the to be alsoa be a moral for upward mobility wages for the lowest-paid nonprofit social and economic prosperity. wages for the lowest-paid nonprofit social and economic prosperity. services Mayor de de services employees employees was was included included in in Mayor Accepting our shared values and and interests in creating Blasio’s an $11.50 $11.50 Accepting our shared values interests in creating Blasio’sExecutive ExecutiveBudget. Budget. The The creation creation of of an a justa and caring society, we we studied andand identified a core setset wage services, just and caring society, studied identified a core wagefloor floorfor forthe thelowest lowestpaid paid City-contracted City-contracted social social services, of policies that that if bundled and and adequately funded, have thethe realreal nonprofit total. of policies if bundled adequately funded, have nonprofitworkers workerswill willraise raisewages wagesfor for35,000 35,000 people people in in total. potential to reduce poverty in New YorkYork City. potential to reduce poverty in New City. AsAsweweseek fighting seektotocontinuously continuously embrace embrace the the challenge challenge of fighting Just this spring, the the results of our commissioned study were Just past this past spring, results of our commissioned study were poverty people of of povertywith witha apurpose purposeand andaareason, reason, we we encourage encourage all people released the report, “How Much Could Policy Changes Reduce released in theinreport, “How Much Could Policy Changes Reduce faith thesame. same. faith totododothe Poverty in New City?” Poverty in New YorkYork City?” Psalms27, 27,verse verse13: 13: Psalms we learned significant points of information: WhatWhat we learned werewere significant points of information: I would havelost lostheart, heart,unless unlessIIhad hadbelieved believed that that I would see “I “would have see the the goodnessofofThe TheLord Lordininthe theland landof ofthe theliving. living.”” • Inone just year, one year, if adequately funded, individual policies could goodness • In just if adequately funded, individual policies could reduce poverty to 26%. reduce poverty up toup26%. Forthose thoseofofususwho whodesire desireaabetter better life life for for everyone, everyone, we For we must must • But when combined, the material impact is that much greater, • But when combined, the material impact is that much greater, always remember Psalm 27:13. reducing poverty as much as 69%. always remember Psalm 27:13. reducing poverty by asbymuch as 69%.

““I would I wouldhave havelost lost

heart, heart,unless unlessI Ihad had believed believedthat thatI Iwould wouldsee see the thegoodness goodnessofofThe The Lord Lordininthe theland landofof the theliving. living.””

hundreds of thousands, even a million New Yorkers That’sThat’s liftinglifting hundreds of thousands, even a million New Yorkers out of poverty. Policies that truly support and reinforce work out of poverty. Policies that truly support and reinforce work have the greatest impact on poverty reduction and eradication. have the greatest impact on poverty reduction and eradication.

ourgood goodworks worksstand standeternal eternaland andadvance advance our our society society toward LetLetour toward the goodness of the Lord. Let this be our purpose and the goodness of the Lord. Let this be our purpose and our our reason. reason.

FPWA Welcomes Pope Francis to New York City! FPWA Welcomes Pope Francis to New York City! FPWA Welcomes Pope Francis to New York City!

We are inspired by your life’s work of spreading We are inspired by your life’s work of spreading message hope andwork humanity. We aretheinspired by of your life’s of spreading the message of hope and humanity. the message of hope and humanity.

The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) promotes the social and economic The Federation of Protestant Welfare (FPWA) promotesforthe andpolicies economic well-being of greater New York’s mostAgencies vulnerable by advocating justsocial public and The Federation of Protestant Welfare (FPWA) promotes the social economic well-being of greater New York’s mostAgencies vulnerable byinformation, advocating for just publicand policies and strengthening human service organizations. For more visit www.fpwa.org. well-being of greater New York’s most vulnerable by advocating for just public policies and strengthening human service organizations. For more information, visit www.fpwa.org. strengthening human service organizations. For more information, visit www.fpwa.org.

Bem-vindo à América

Holy Father,

Benvenuti in America 歡迎來到美國

Witamy w Ameryce

Welcome to America

Bienvenue en Amérique (Chinese)

Maligayang pagdating sa America

Font is MS Gothic

미국에 오신 것을 환영합니다 Sveiki atvykę į Ameriką

(Korean)

Font is Gulim

െവൽക് േടാ അേമരിക

(Mayalam/Kerala) (India)

Font is Kartika

Mmadụ Bịa ka America Salve ad Americam

歡迎來到美國 Dobro došli u Ameriku Font is MS Gothic

(Chinese)

Bienvenido a América

미국에 오신 것을Byenveni 환영합니다 (Korean) nan Amerik Font is Gulim

െവൽക് േടാ അേമരിക

歡迎來到美國

(Chines

Font is MS Gothic

Ласкаво просимо в Америку

(Mayalam/Kerala) (India)

Vitajte v Amerike 미국에 오신 것을 환영합니다

Chào mừng bạn đến Mỹ

Font is Kartika

Karibu Font is Gulim

Amerika

െവൽക് േടാ അേമരിക Font is Kartika

The Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark welcome you to America in the languages we use every week to celebrate the Eucharist!

✠ The Most Reverend John J. Myers Archbishop of Newark

✠ The Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark

150 Immigrants and Refugees in New York Will Meet Pope By: Beth Griffin, Catholic News Service

he fabric of New York is stronger because those on the margins have been given safe shelter, a decent meal and a route out of crisis by the Catholic Church, according to the director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Msgr. Kevin Sullivan. When Pope Francis visits New York, he will meet representatives of a Catholic community whose identity is tied to the biblical injunction to welcome the stranger. Specifically, he will greet 150 immigrants and refugees at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem on September 25. They hail from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia; and all benefit from Catholic Charities programs. Msgr. Sullivan said East Harlem is the Pope’s most important stop and is the perfect place to see the embodiment of his often-articulated message that the church is for the poor. Speaking at St. Cecilia’s in Harlem on Sept. 3, Msgr. Sullivan introduced men, women, and children chosen to receive the Pope’s blessing. He said they include those fleeing religious persecution, unaccompanied youth, children raised and educated in the United States who are seeking citizenship, immigrant mothers, and the blind and visually challenged. “We’re not about groups. We’re about each individual made in the image and likeness of God,” Msgr. Sullivan said. “We need to be inclusive and value diversity.” The Holy Father’s visit will “highlight what we have achieved by welcoming people not welcome in other parts of the world,” he said. Pope Francis will be shown that Catholic Charities, through its compassionate, effective work, is fulfilling the Pope’s desire to have a church that is for the poor, he said. According to the organization’s 2013 annual report, Catholic Charities devoted $17 million to services for 36,000 immigrants and refugees. Mario Russell, director of immigrant and refugee services for Catholic Charities, told Catholic News Service the assistance is multi-faceted. The agency resettles refugees and victims of persecution and trafficking, provides access to housing, school, benefits, skills and language training, and jobs. Catholic Charities Legal Services staff help people obtain legal status, and run a vigorous program for the assistance and defense of unaccompanied children.

“New York is a place where transformation is possible. New York understands it is a city of immigrants, and stays true to that...”

“We visit 12 detention facilities in the New York area and help 1,800 kids a year,” he said. Many are fleeing violence, abuse, and poverty in Central America. Catholic Charities provides court representation for children ages 4-18. “This program is the tip of the spear,” Russell said. The organization collaborates with local and national Catholic groups to strengthen laws against fraud against immi-

Photo: Shahid Khan

grants, including wage theft and green card schemes. “Helping immigrants is always a process of advocating,” he said. Catholic Charities provides services similar to secular groups, Russell said, but differs from them “in how we understand it as offering a compassionate presence in the world. Because of who we are, we’re not going to go away. We’ve been doing this for a long time and that adds value you can see and feel through the generations. “New York is a place where transformation is possible. New York understands it is a city of immigrants, and stays true to that,” he said. Russell said the people at the Our Lady Queen of Angels event will “help create a portrait of the migrant experience in America.” Many will wear the traditional clothing of their homelands. Several will present gifts. Continued on next page

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September 2015 The Positive Community

150 immigrants and refugees in New York will meet pope Continued from previous page In selecting participants, Russell said staffers sought “people who would find it interesting, exciting, and meaningful -- and who could afford to take the day off.” Pakistani immigrant Shahid Khan will be there. Russell, an attorney, helped him win asylum in the United States. Khan, a Muslim, worked as a Natural Family Planning trainer for the Catholic diocese of Lahore, Pakistan. His wife was also an NFP trainer and his children attended Catholic school. Because of his connection with the church and his local activism on behalf of interfaith understanding, Khan told CNS he was threatened and attacked by extremists. Colleagues in the diocese of Lake Charles, Louisiana helped Kahn flee to the United States in 2010. He made his way to the Pakistani community in Brooklyn and sought help from Catholic Charities in New York after unsuccessfully representing himself in an asylum hearing. Khan has worked in construction, a gas station, and a grocery store, but his primary skill is organizing people. “My passion, my work and my soul is for my community,” Khan said. He founded a youth program in Pakistan and has developed two nonprofit organizations in New York to help preserve language and culture for Pakistani immigrant children. With the help of Catholic Charities, Khan’s wife and

The Positive Community September 2015

children joined him in 2014. “I believe I am one of the luckiest persons, in that I have the services of Catholic Charities,” he said. Darlenys Nunez arrived in New York from the Dominican Republic just over a year ago. She came with her father and brother, joining her mother and another brother who immigrated earlier. Nunez is a senior at the High School for Media and Communications in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. She also attends programs at Catholic Charities Alianza Division, which provides services to children and teens. Through a translator, Nunez told CNS Alianza helped her become a stronger person, both academically and personally. During the summer, she helped with the Alianza youth program, tutoring children and giving orientation to newcomers to New York. She said she’s excited to meet someone who is so important to the dominant Catholic culture of the Dominican Republic. If she had an opportunity to address the Pope directly, Nunez said she would thank him for his visit and the support he is giving to Hispanic culture. At the briefing at St. Cecilia’s, Msgr. Sullivan invited people to visit CharityHasNoBounds.org, to post a greeting to the Holy Father. “We don’t want to limit his welcome to a brief time in the afternoon,” Msgr. Sullivan said. Copyright ©2015 Catholic News Service www.CatholicNews.com Reprinted with permission of CNS.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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9.5

Celebrating community spirit

Friends, family, neighbors and local business owners are the backbone of this community. Our vibrant spirit comes alive at events like these. We are proud to be part of this special occasion.

How good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity! THE NEWARK SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY WELCOMES

POPE FRANCIS!!! We give thanks for the Holy Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership in the Universal Church and his strong defense of Universal Human Rights

CELEBRATING EIGHTEEN YEARS OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY www.newarkschooloftheology.org 973-297-0505 thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

He Walks & Talks Faith BY GLENDA CADOGAN

Rev. Karim Camara

hroughout his life, Rev. Karim Camara has been exposed to the virtues of community service and giving back to humanity. He has done so handsomely during the 10 years he spent as a New York State legislator and in his life as a church leader and pastor. Now he has been given an expansive platform to bolster that work. In his capacity as executive director of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s newly formed Office of FaithBased Community Development Services, Rev. Camara, pastor of the Abundant Life Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, is travelling throughout the state informing faith leaders about grants and other available resources. Rev. Camara was appointed by the Governor on February 20th of this year and accepted the position at great personal sacrifice, giving up his seat in the New York State Assembly and his influential position as head of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus. “Certainly my career as a state legislator was on an upward trajectory and I was quite pleased with serving the people of this great state and especially those who live in the 43rd Assembly District,” he told me. “But when I heard about the Governor’s plan to create this new office, it was very intriguing to me because it incorporated both areas of my life’s work. I envisioned it as a great opportunity to work with faith leaders across the state on issues that I have been involved with all my life.” So despite having been named by City & State (the leading political insider publication) one of the 100 Most Powerful Elected Officials In New York State, Rev. Camara gave up his assembly seat in order to take a stand for community transformation. Faith-based organizations offer the potential to be sources of housing assistance and community development for the state’s highest poverty areas. Rev. Camara meets with faith leaders to tell them about the $50 million for grants that the Governor announced when he created the Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services.

The Positive Community September 2015

The grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with priority given to nonprofits with state contracts that provide direct services in high-need communities, particularly smaller nonprofits and nonprofits that lack access to other capital funding opportunities. In making the announcement of the creation of the new office and Camara’s appointment, Cuomo said: “New York can be an example to the rest of the nation of what true success is.” Further, he called Camara the “perfect” choice to spearhead the initiative. Another aspect of the program is helping faith-based institutions with capacity building and establishing nonprofits for those who have not already done so. According to Camara, a well-established fact is that the state cannot give funding to religious institutions. “But we can to a separate non-profit community development institution,” he explained. “Hence our aim is to help faith-based organizations establish such institutions so they can receive government funding.” Another mandate of the office is coalition building, Camara explained: “The aim here is to inspire faith leaders to work together to solve some of the most intractable problems faced in their communities.” One of the most promising aspects of the new initiative comes from a pilot program in Rochester called Youth Empowerment Zone. In this program, which falls directly under the aegis of Camara’s office, faith leaders were asked to identify 50 young people from a very poor and troubled zip code. “We then worked with the Department of Labor in finding employers willing to hire them,” he said. “We also recognized [that] many of these young people come from homes where there are no employable role models and therefore will need help in keeping a job. So we identified 50 mentors who will help them stay employed and teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rochester to provide the necessary training.” According to Camara, the program has been encouraging. “We believe that this program has the potential to become a national model and fulfill the Governor’s commitment to finding ways in which government can deal with local problems.” In the first six months in office, Camara has spoken to more than 1,500 faith leaders across the state from varied religious institutions, informing them about the new office and promoting an opportunity agenda, which in the Governor’s words is aimed at: “…raising people at the bottom up.” thepositivecommunity.com

thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

GETTING HELP IN COLLEGE GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START

here’s no doubt that college can be daunting. But there’s also no shame in reaching out for help and, at Touro College’s New York School of Career and Applied Studies (NYSCAS), help can arrive even before you are enrolled. When you stop into one of our 7 citywide sites, from the moment you arrive you’ll become the responsibility of a group of professional student services counselors with a common mission: to listen to you, provide information, and get you on the right track. First, you’ll meet with an admissions counselor who has indepth knowledge of the College’s programs, which include fields such as Business Administration, Human Services, Computer Science, Liberal Arts, Early Childhood Education, and much more. Together, you’ll spend as much time as necessary exploring your interests and goals, and considering what major fields of study might be right for you.

Finally, an academic advisor will help you plan your sequence of courses, making sure you will have satisfied necessary prerequisites before you register for each new semester and guiding you as you work to complete your degree requirements. All of this starts before the first day of classes and continues until you graduate.

cators whose one-on-one approach has proven to be most helpful to the students who have sought them out. Consider the cost of hiring private tutors and we think you’ll agree that the NYSCAS system is a budgetfriendly alternative.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The help doesn’t stop there. NYSCAS has established an online tutoring service to supplement the other resources that the College offers. Students can submit papers online, ask questions 24/7, and have their work critiqued by professional tutors.

Next, a financial aid counselor will discuss with you the best ways to pay for your education, and help determine your eligibility for a wide range of aid, including Federal, New York State, and internal Touro grants and scholarships.

Reinforcement and personal attention are specialties at NYSCAS. For that reason, the College has established a policy whereby every student is entitled to one hour of free tutoring per week in every course! Our tutors are all professional edu-

The Positive Community September 2015

At NYSCAS that help comes in many different forms: The first links in the “chain of assistance” are your instructors, who are committed to helping you in any way they can. Many can make individual appointments with you if their regular office hours do not fit your schedule. Communicating with them by email adds an extra measure of flexibility. Don’t hesitate to turn to your instructors for help! Be assured that they won’t think less of you if you don’t grasp everything right off the bat. In fact, they will respect you more because you asked for help.

AND THERE’S MORE!

COME MEET WITH US! Each of our sites is close to mass transportation, and with morning, afternoon and evening classes, we can arrange class schedules around busy lives which often include fulltime jobs and families to raise. Give us a call at (212) 463-0400 ext.5500 to make an appointment, or just come right in and talk to us. We’re ‘The College with the Personal Touch’ and from day 1, you’ll certainly see why! Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit www.touro.edu thepositivecommunity.com

facebook.com/nyscasTouro @nyscasTouro

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Other PrOfessiOnal OPPOrtunities • Pre-Law • Pre-Medical • Pre-Dental

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BrOOKlYn: Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Flatbush, Kings Highway, Starrett City

Manhattan: 27-33 West 23rd Street, Admissions Office Wednesdays, 12 noon-5 pm Brooklyn: 1870 Stillwell Avenue, Admissions Office

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Touro is an equal opportunity institution For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please visit www.touro.edu

HIGHER GROUND

Rev. Dr. Kirk W. Morton Pastor-elect of Community Church of God in Plainfield, New Jersey

r. Morton is an ordained minister and former member of Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ, where he served on the ministerial staff alongside Bishop Donald Hilliard, II, senior pastor. There he had a strong ministry working with both men and youth. A graduate of Montclair High School; Dr. Morton earned his Bachelor’s Degree for Secondary Education in 1978 from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. He has earned both a Master of Divinity in 1988 and a Doctoral Degree of Divinity in May 2004, both from Drew University. Dr. Morton has been employed with the Newark Public Schools for the past 28 years as a Health, Physical Education, TEEN PEP, and Driver Education instructor. Currently, he teaches Health and Physical Education at Bard High School Early College Experience, a collabo-

ration of Bard College and Newark Public Schools. Students who complete the program Rev. Dr. Kirk W. Morton graduate with an Associate Bachelor’s Degree along with the HS diploma. Dr. Morton is a man of strong faith and understands that “a life without God just doesn’t make sense.” He values discipline, his faith and his family and is an advocate of education. He believes that each of these domains is extremely imperative to help a person become disciplined and achieve one’s dreams, goals, and aspirations in life. He is an avid reader and enjoys athletic activities and events at all levels. His philosophy on life is “to give back in service, time, and talents to others and help them to achieve their goals and to realize their purpose in life as they continue to grow in Christ.”

Episcopal Church Elects Michael Curry as Presiding Bishop Episcopal News Service – Salt Lake City, Utah

he Episcopal Church’s General Convention made history on June 27 when it chose Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry to be its 27th presiding bishop. Curry, 62, was elected by the House of Bishops from a slate of four nominees on the first ballot. He received 121 votes of a total 174 cast. The number of votes needed for election was 89. Curry will succeed current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. He will become the first person of color to hold that position. A liturgy marking the beginning of Curry’s nine-year term as presiding bishop and primate will be celebrated at Washington National Cathedral on November 1, 2015, All Saints Day. “It really is a blessing and privilege to serve our church and to serve our Lord in this way,” he said. “I treasure this church, this house, the House of Bishops, all of us. We are God’s children,” Curry said. The Episcopal Church is “the church where I learned about Jesus. This is a good and wonderful church and we are good and wonderful people and I thank God to be one of the baptized among you,” he continued, adding, “My heart is really full.

The Positive Community September 2015

We’ve got a society where there are challenges before us and there are crises all around us. And the church has challenges before it,” he said. “We’ve got a God and there really is a Jesus, and we are part of the Jesus Movement. Nothing can stop the movement of God’s love in this world.” The election of Michael Curry provided other firsts for the Episcopal Church — the first time a presiding bishop was chosen on the first ballot and the second time in a row that the General Convention made history with its election of a presiding bishop. In 2006, Jefferts Schori became the first woman ever elected presiding bishop thepositivecommunity.com

HIGHER GROUND

Continued from previous page of The Episcopal Church. She was also the first female among the primates or ordained leaders of the Anglican Communion’s 38 provinces, a distinction she still holds.

will need the “skills and wisdom for leading complex and democratic systems through a time of significant change.” Curry, to all appearances, fits the bill.

The roles of the presiding bishop

Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry’s past ministry

The presiding bishop is primate and chief pastor of the church, chair of the Executive Council, and president of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (the legal and canonical name under which The Episcopal Church is incorporated, conducts business, and carries out missions). Curry’s election comes near the start of a meeting of General Convention that is considering a number of proposals to change some aspects of the governance and management of the church-wide structure and, hence, the roles and responsibilities of the presiding bishop. In its “Call to Discernment and Profile,” the joint nominating committee said the 27th presiding bishop would need to be “comfortable in the midst of ambiguity and able to lead the church in the rich, temporal space between the ‘now,’ and the ‘yet to come.’” The person discerned and elected by the church would need to “delight” in the diversity of a “multi-national, multilingual, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational church.” And, because “our polity has many components and complexities,” the 27th presiding bishop

Are you interested in Theological Education and Ministry Training? Join us for our Information Sessions

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 13, 1953, Curry attended public schools in Buffalo, NY, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in Geneva, NY, and a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. He has also studied at the College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies. In his three parish ministries, Curry was active in the founding of ecumenical summer day camps for children, the creation of networks of family day care providers and educational centers, and the brokering of millions of dollars of investment in inner city neighborhoods. Throughout his ministry, he has been active in issues of social justice, speaking out on immigration policy and marriage equality and has a national preaching and teaching ministry. His book of sermons, Crazy Christians, came out in August 2013. Curry and his wife, Sharon, have two adult daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm New Jersey Campus: New Brunswick Theological Seminary 35 Seminary Place New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 RSVP to Jeffrey Rogers (732) 247-5241 ext. 320 or jrogers@nbts.edu

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm New York Campus: St. John's University St John's Hall - Room B36 8000 Utopia Parkway Jamaica, New York 11439 RSVP RSV to Faye Taylor (718) 990-6000 or ftaylor@nbts.edu Currently Offering: Master of Divinity (MDiv); Master of Arts (MA); Doctor of Ministry (DMin); Certificate Program in English, Korean & Spanish (NJ only) Part-time/Full-time, Day, Evening and Weekend Classes www.nbts.edu 732-247-5241 thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

BY ROBIN VERGES

100 Black Men Give $100K 51 College-Bound Graduates Receive Scholarships

L–R: Aldrin Enis, first vice president of 100 Black Men; Brian Hardy, scholarship recipient; Kevin Bracey, member of 100 Black Men, Inc. of New York.

Shazif Shaikh receives his scholarship award from Michael Garner, president of 100 Black Men, Inc. of New York

100

Black Men, Inc. of New York (OHBM) awarded $100,000 in college scholarships to 51 talented graduating students from a dozen New York City public high schools at a ceremony earlier this summer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “As founders of The Eagle Academy for Young Men eleven years ago, The 100 Black Men of New York today continues its work to mentor and empower young men and women not only with scholarships, but also by operating education and community programs that transform lives. These initiatives include our Robotics Summer Camps, Entrepreneurship Workshops, Economic Empowerment Summits and ‘Learn To Swim’ Initiatives,” said OHBM President Michael J. Garner. Chief Audience Development Officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Donna Williams, welcomed the assembled students, parents, members, and supporters of the OHBM. Following her address, Reginald Pittman and Gregory Worrell, co-chairs of the Education & Scholarship Committee, presented the program and introduced Rev. Jacques Andre De Graff, who delivered a keynote address at the awards ceremony. For more than twenty years, 100 Black Men, Inc. has provided scholarships based on academic performance, community service, and financial need to seniors in New

The Positive Community September 2015

York City public schools who have been accepted to an accredited college or university. As the founder and initial sponsor of the Eagle Academy for Young Men, scholarships are given to Eagle Academy graduates. The Eagle Academy was opened in the Bronx in 2004 as New York City’s first single-gender public school in more than thirty years. Schools are also open in Brooklyn, Harlem, and Queens, each with a focus on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. 100 Black Men, Inc. of New York was founded in 1963 when a group of successful African-American men came together to pool their resources to positively impact the black community. 100 Black Men, Inc.’s service projects focus on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. The organization has a successful history of working with its corporate and non-profit partners to improve communities and transform lives. A celebrated example is the establishment of The Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx, with a focus on academic excellence, leadership, and character development and more recently, Eagle Academies have opened in Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, Staten Island, and Newark, NJ. Proceeds from annual fundraisers support the programs of the 100 Black Men, Inc. of New York. For additional information call 212-777-7070. thepositivecommunity.com

Althea Gibson receiving congratulations from her opponent, Darlene Hard, for winning the Wimbledon singles finals, 1957.

ALTHEA

Culture L I F E , M U S I C , A R T & L I T E R AT U R E

Althea Gibson Documentary previewed at Schomburg

t a special preview on Tuesday, August 25, excerpts from the documentary ALTHEA were shown at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, followed by a panel discussion and reception. The film is part of the PBS American Masters series that aired on September 4, on WNET Channel 13. Neal Shapiro, president & CEO WNET and Michael Kantor, executive producer, American Masters gave remarks. Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated ten-

nis world in the 1950s. Bringing a fierce athleticism to the game, she was the first African-American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Gibson’s life and achievements transcend sports The documentary explores her roots as a sharecropper’s daughter, her family’s migration north to Harlem in the 30s, and her mentoring from boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and others. Interviewees in the film include Dinkins, Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt, and Billie Jean

King, who also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. A talkback after the screening featured Leslie Allen, former ATA, NCAA & WTA Champion; David Dinkins, 106th Mayor of the City of New York; Art Carrington, former ATA National Champion and longtime friend of Althea Gibson; and tennis historian Rex Miller, the film’s director/producer. If you missed the on-air showing, join Channel Thirteen online and you will be able to view this wonderful film about this African American icon as well many other interesting and informative programming. Photo: Lem Peterkin

L–R: Claude Johnson, vice president of development and communications for WNET; Art Carrington, former National Tennis Association Champion, tennis historian, and longtime friend of Althea Gibson; Rex Miller, director/producer of ALTHEA; David N. Dinkins, 106th mayor, City of New York; Leslie Allen, former ATA, NCAA and WTA champion; John Amos, co-executive producer of ALTHEA; Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, director of Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and Michael Kantor, executive producer, American Masters.

thepositivecommunity.com

September 2015 The Positive Community

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MORE TO LOVE ABOUT THE FALL! Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Dianne Reeves and Christian McBride Saturday, November 14 at 8pm

Sharon Jones

Diana Ross

Mystic India

Russell Peters

Almost Famous World Tour

Mariza

The Price Is Right Live!

Wednesday, September 16 at 7:30pm

Friday, September 18 at 8pm

Saturday, September 19 at 8pm Sunday, September 20 at 8pm

Sunday, October 25 at 7pm

Friday, October 30 at 8pm

featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue

MythBusters

Neil deGrasse Tyson Mini Series

Romeo & Juliet State Ballet Theatre of Russia

The Hip Hop Nutcracker with special guest MC Kurtis Blow

Sunday, November 1 at 7:30pm

Sunday, November 22 at 7pm

An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies

Sunday, December 6 at 3pm

Saturday, December 19 at 3pm

In the Name of Love Tour

UB40

The World Tour

Jamie’s Farewell Tour

Wednesday, December 2 at 8pm

Adventures in Science Literacy Thursday, December 3 at 8pm

For tickets and a full schedule visit njpac.org or call 1.888.GO.NJPAC • Groups: 973.297.5804 NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • One Center Street, Newark, NJ World Music Series sponsored by American Express

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#NJPAC

September 2015 The Positive Community

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SPECIAL EVENT

3/1/13 1:43 PM

FESTIVAL OF COLOR & LIGHT Saturday, October 17, noon-9 pm

THE

Programs for all ages: Conversation with Gabriel Dawe, “Red, Blue and Yellow” Gallery Tours, Experimental Visual Music Films, Tie-Dying & Weaving Workshops, Experience the Aurora planetarium show, Kaleidoscope-making, and other family-friendly activities. After-hours programs: DJ Music & Dancing, Experimental Nonprofit Organization Visual Music Films, Experience the U.S. Postage Aurora planetarium show, Colorful PAID Cocktails & Collage—a paint & NJ sip Newark, Permit No.hunt. 2803 event, and a gallery scavenger

SHAPE OF LIGHT 49 washington street newark, nj 07102-3176

This event is part of Newark Arts Council Open Doors, a city-wide arts festival and community event, and Newark’s 350th Anniversary Kick-off. Festival of Color & Light is sponsored by Marie and Joe Melone.

You’re Invited

For additional information, including related exhibitions: Outside the Lines: Color Across the Collections and Chromatic: Minimalism and Color Field Experiments, visit our website.

Members’ Reception Friday, February 27, 2015

SEP. 19, 2015—JAN. 10, 2016 The Shape of Light: Gabriel Dawe is sponsored by the Newark Museum Volunteer Organization and members of the Newark Museum Board of Trustees. Image: Gabriel Dawe, Plexus no. 13 (detail), 2012. Photo © Matthieu Kavyrchine Follow us on:

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newarkmuseum.org 49 washington street, newark, nj newarkmuseum.org 973.596.6550 711 711 TTY 973.596.6550 Follow us on:

The Newark Museum, a not-for-profit museum of art, science and education, receives operating support from the City of Newark, the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State — a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, the Prudential Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Victoria Foundation, the Wallace Foundation, and other corporations, foundations and individuals. Funds for acquisitions and activities other than operations are provided by members and other contributors.

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Exhibitions made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Building Kingdom Builders

BY KAYLYN KENDAL DYNES

North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association Session

“B

uilding Kingdom Builders” was the theme for the 102nd Annual Session of the North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association hosted by Union Baptist Church in Passaic. The week-long session, from July 19 to 26, brought together 45 churches within the association. Rev. Ralph Branch, pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, is now in his second year of a four-year term as moderator of the association. Each night throughout the week, a different auxiliary attended a session followed by a worship service. This was a time of renewal for the Congress of Christian Education, Women’s Auxiliary, Music, Liturgical Dance, Ushers, and other ministries. Children and youth came together on the weekend for a Youth Explosion and barbeque. Step and praise dance performances gave young people a chance to express themselves. Eight-year-old Chelsea Branch received rousing applause when she introduced her father, Moderator Branch. “The annual session gave me the opportunity to challenge our churches, pastors, and members to equip ourselves to bring the Kingdom of God to this present age,” said Branch in his remarks. “We do that through ministry and service to the community. I pray that everyone who was present returns home committed to doing the work of the Lord.”

Chelsea Branch introduces her father

The procession

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Lady Tammi Branch, Chelsea Branch, and Moderator Rev. Ralph M. Branch Jr. thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Rev Vincent Rouse, Rev. Roger Harris, Rev. Andre Coffee, Dr. Marilyn Harris, Dr. Bernadette Glover, Rev. Brian Evans, Rev. Ray Frazier, Rev. Antonio Porter, Moderator Rev. Ralph M. Branch Jr., Rev. John Gamble Jr., Rev. Wayne Stackhouse September 2015 The Positive Community

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Casey J Tells “THE TRUTH” Grace & Peace But the hour has come and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. —John 4:23

here is a movement to do the will of God; it’s a sincere desire to know God in the power of His might and to believe that there is only one true and living God. I’m convinced, how about you? Well, Casey J is doing the obvious and singing her heart’s desire on her latest CD on the Marquis Boone Enterprises/Tyscot Label, The Truth. Recorded live at Fresh Start Church in the Atlanta, GA area. This native is simply pouring out her heart, exemplifying and incorporating a worship experience by loving our Savior with a powerful sound along with melodic sounds of praise. Her song is played consistently on the airwaves and after 14 weeks at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart earlier this year, “Fill Me Up” is practically an anthem for the true worshipper at heart. This former Atlanta, GA elementary school teacher decided one day after consistent prayer, fasting, and wait processing, to step out on faith when the Lord said it was time. Casey J’s unique acoustic soul approach was invited to churches, street outreaches, and other venues where people were intrigued by the effect she had to unite people of all races and nationalities to the Love of God and His presence. Now, showcasing her ability to make room for your gift, Ms. Casey J is enjoying the life of a indemand artist that is moving like a rollercoaster ride. Writing most of the songs on her #1 best selling debut album, her new single, “I’m Yours,” has at this moment bounced into the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. A rousing mid-tempo declaration singing directly to God telling Him that “You can have all of me, ‘cause I’m Yours,” she enlightens us on how this song came to her. “That song really came out of a simple prayer I had with the Lord” Casey J recalls. “I was talking to Him and telling Him during the time ‘Fill Me Up’ was being played all over the world, that no matter what, I wanted

62 The Positive Community

September 2015

Him to know He could have all of me. So I was lying on the sofa one night and I just started to sing that prayer to Him ‘You can have all of me, have all of me, I’m yours.” She continued, “So I started to record it on my phone and the words just kept flowing and I saved it and sent it to my manager, Marquis Boone, and he instantly texted back and said ‘That’s it!’” When Casey J got with guitarist Korey Bowie, who composed the music and produced the heartening song, the flow was just destined. “So in writing the music, I wanted the melodic motif to be just as simple and sincere…” Bowie states and continues to explain, “Writing with Casey J is always easy because of our mutual desires for simple, yet introspective songs are one in the same. So when we sat down to write ‘I’m Yours’ it was almost effortless. The words and music flowed from our hearts to God’s.” This is evident not only in this song, but every song resonates like powerful confessions and passionate affirmations from her heart to God’s — filling the atmosphere with a freedom of worship and she’s having fun doing it (which is what a worship leader is supposed to do). It is a consistent theme all over the 12 track project. One of my favorites is a love song on the CD she collaborated on with Bishop Jason Nelson, “Have Your Way.” We give love and congrats to this recent Dove Nominated Artist for Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year for “Fill Me Up,” and Worship Album of the Year, The Truth. This CD is a must have for the true worshipper in heart. We salute you Casey J, keep building The Kingdom! thepositivecommunity.com

NAACP Celebrates 104th Anniversary at 103rd Annual Freedom Fund Gala

“NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING!” ABC TV

“INSPIRATIONAL. BEAUTIFUL. EMOTIONAL. EXHILARATING.” ASSOCIATED PRESS

“ELICITS WIDESPREAD GASPS AND CHEERING FROM THE AUDIENCE!”

he New York Branch of the NAACP celebrated their 104th Anniversary on June 10, 2015 at the New York Hilton Hotel. The honorees at the 103rd annual Freedom Fund Gala were: George Gresham, president 1199 SEIU; Janella Hinds, secretary treasurer New York City Central Labor Council; and Henry Garrido, executive director DC 37. Nearly 300 NAACP supporters joined the celebration.

THE WASHINGTON POST

“A LAVISH HISTORICAL EPIC.” NEWSDAY

L–R: Michael Mulgrew, president United Federation of Teachers; Honoree George Gresham; Anthony Harmon, president New York Branch NAACP

L–R: Valentin Colon, president local 1930 DC 37; Carmen Charles, president local 420 DC 37; Honoree Henry Garrido, executive director DC 37

“A sweeping historical musical, set in England, Africa and the Caribbean, about John Newton, a British slave trader born in the 18th century who, after briefly being enslaved himself in Africa, had a religious conversion, became an abolitionist and wrote the words for the hymn from which the show takes its name.”

PHOTOS: JOAN MARCUS

-The New York Times

New York Branch NAACP President Anthony Harmon greets audience of nearly 300 participants reminding them that “. . .those who believe in freedom cannot rest.”

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FOR TICKETS VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM

Learn more at AmazingGraceMusical.com Nederlander Theatre 208 W. 41st St., btwn 7th & 8th Aves.

September 2015 The Positive Community

Fiction and Reality Meet in Novel by Dick Barnett Former NY Knick at Book Signing STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEM PETERKIN Dr. Dick Barnett, author and former NBA Star

Dr. Barnett signs Don Donaldson’s book

n August 10, 2015, basketball fans who remember the good old days of the New York Knicks were treated to a special book signing for The Athlete Negro: The Awakening written by legendary hometown hero, NY Knickerbocker and NBA Champion Dr. Dick Barnett. The event was part of “Changing The Game,” a series of programs presented by former NBA basketball player Royal Ivey’s Defending Your Dream, Inc. and Arts Horizons LeRoy Neiman Art Center. It’s about dealing with the off-court pursuits of AfricanAmerican athletes. The evening began with reflections about the author by world renowned poet and spoken word artist, Abiodun Oyewole, of the original Last Poets. Dr. Barnett followed with a some revealing memories before the audience viewed a documentary focusing on his athletic and educational accomplishments. Dr. Barnett then wove together the premise and prophetic philosophy of his novel: athletes coming together to address personal concerns and a system out of control. The evening ended with the book signing, networking and refreshments. —JNW

Winner 2015 Phyllis Wheatley Book Award

L–R Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Anthony Dunn, Rod Ivey, and Rev. Ennis Bennett

Abiodun Oyewole of the original Last Poets

On Sale in Bookstores Everywhere barnesandnoble.com • amazon.com www.alightshinesharlem.com

The Positive Community September 2015

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OCTOBER IS POETRY MONTH IN NEWARK onoBrn 7TH 1s THE BIRTHDAY oF AM1R1 BARAKA

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Richard Wesley

� �� Iqua Colson, Adegoke Steve Colson, Leon Denmark, Woodie King, Jr. & Richard Wesley (Program Subject to Change)

Join us for an evening of Poetry, Music and an excerpt from Baraka's "The Most Dangerous Man In America" performed by Art McFarland, former ABC new personality

Newark Arts High Jazz Ban Pheeroan AkLaff Adegoke Steve Colson Iqua Colson Craig Harris Oliver Lake & others

Felipe Luciano Jasmine Mans Jessica Care Moore James Mtume Ntozake Shange Quincy Troupe & Mayor Ras J. Baraka

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE@ NEWARK SYMPHONY HALL BOX OFFICE, 1030 BROAD ST. NEWARK. NJ 07102, 973.643.8014

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Bergen County Community College Jazz Festival

Sherry Winston

Engelwood Hospital team

I O.T. Wells, Jr., wife Angela, and son Nazir (left)Joe Baatan

Photos: Karen Waters

Dr. Ursula Daniels, BCC, Sherry Winston, and Dr. Walters

t was a beautiful Sunday afternoon of jazz music at its best on the campus of Bergen Community College (BCC), Paramus, NJ. Families and friends came together bringing their lawn chairs, umbrellas and love of music. The event headlined Grammy Award-winner Patti Austin, Pieces of a Dream, Sherry Winston, and Latin music legend Joe Bataan. Under the leadership of Bergen Community College President Dr. B. Kaye Walter, the school continues to lead in its outreach efforts, promoting academic excellence in continuing education, and diversity in cultural experiences!

The Positive Community September 2015

Patti Austin

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Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre

“IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND” -OPRAH

The Positive Community September 2015

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

Back-to-School Health Note

managing

earing up for another school year involves much more than picking out a new pencil case and backpack. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15 and one of the main reasons that students miss school due to illness, with more than 10 million lost school days every year. With better asthma management, children are able to feel healthy and safe, and are ready to learn! To get ready for a successful school year, the American Lung Association recommends this back-to-school checklist: Take an asthma refresher. Even the most knowledgeable of parents and kids need a refresher. Take advantage of the American Lung Association’s free asthma educational programs—with different audiences in mind for each: • Asthma Basics is a one-hour interactive online learning module ideal for all adults—from parents and school nurses, those suffering from asthma themselves, and even healthcare professionals. In this self-paced learning tool, Asthma Basics covers asthma triggers and how to identify and reduce them, action plans when flareups do happen, how to respond to a breathing emergency, asthma medication tutorials, and an asthma management plan template. • Open Airways for Schools is a school-based curriculum that educates and empowers children ages 8–11 to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid asthma triggers and make decisions about their health. Taught by a trained instructor, Open Airways consists of six 40-minute group lessons and incorporates an interactive teaching approach utilizing group discussion, stories, games and role play.

The Positive Community September 2015

asthma • Lungtropolis is a web game for children ages 5–10 that teaches them tips on how to control their asthma while playing a game. The city of Lungtropolis is under attack, and it’s up to the asthma control agents to conquer the mucus mob! • Develop an Asthma Action Plan with your health care provider. Children with asthma should visit their health care provider at least once a year. This yearly checkup is a good time to check the effectiveness of asthma medication and dosage, as well as to create or revise an Asthma Action Plan. Tailored to each individual, this written worksheet includes a list of asthma triggers and symptoms, medications and dosages, and the steps to take to manage an asthma episode and a breathing emergency. These plans are good for babysitters and family members, teachers and school nurses. • Assess your child’s readiness to self-carry medication. All 50 states have laws that allow children to self-carry and use their asthma inhalers at school. The American Lung Association has created a Self-Carry Assessment Tool for school nurses and parents to use in gauging the readiness of their child, which can help with emergency visits to the school nurse. • Talk to your school nurse and teachers. Whether by phone or in-person, this is a good time to go over your updated Asthma Action Plan, the school’s self-carry policies, what medication should be at the school, and any required medical forms.

More information on asthma resources for parents can be accessed through the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA or online at www.Lung.org/Asthma. Continued on page 76 thepositivecommunity.com

Saint Michael’s: A Strong History, A Stronger Future

Saint Strong A Future Established theHistory, Franciscan of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael's M Saint Michael’s: Michael’s: AAby Strong History, A Stronger Stronger Sisters Future Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael's Medical Center remains rooted to its founding mission to Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael's Medical Center remains rooted to its founding mission to provide excellence in healthcare to thein communities it serves integrating principles of inclusion, educating theserves next generation of provide excellence healthcare to the communities integrating pr provide excellence in healthcare to the communities it serves integrating principles of inclusion, educatingit the next generation of healthcare providers, and focusing on treating all persons in the Franciscan tradition of compassion, dignity, respect, and healthcare providers, and focusing on treating all persons in the Franciscan tradition of compassion, dignity, respect, and commitment to poor and marginalized persons. healthcare providers, and focusing on treating all persons in the Franciscan commitment to poor and marginalized persons. Today, the 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching hospital located in Newark, New Today, the 357-bed regional teachingmarginalized hospital located in Newark,persons. New commitment totertiary-care, poor and Jersey, continues to combine state-of-the-art technology with the latest diagnostic Jersey, continues to combine state-of-the-art technology with the latest diagnostic and of highly highly qualified qualified andtherapeutic therapeuticprocedures, procedures, leading-edge leading-edge research, research, and and aa network network of physicians, physicians,nurses, nurses, and and allied allied health health professionals, professionals, to to provide provide top-quality, top-quality, compassionate compassionatehealthcare healthcare services services to to the the members members of of the the Greater Greater Newark Newark community and beyond. community and beyond.

Today, the 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching hospital located in New Jersey, continues to combine state-of-the-art technology with the latest dia The specialties, Themedical medicalcenter center offers offers aa comprehensive comprehensive range range of of primary primary and and acute-care acute-care specialties, such The Clinic, The Cancer Cancer research, and a network of highl and therapeutic procedures, leading-edge suchas asThe TheHeart Heart and and Vascular Vascular Institute, Institute, The Peter Peter Ho Ho Memorial Memorial Clinic, The Center, The Connie Dwyer Breast Center, The Metabolic and Bariatric Center, The Liver Liver Center, The Connie Dwyer Breast Center, The Metabolic and Bariatric Center, The Center, Center, Primary and Care and its its state-of-art state-of-art Emergency Emergency Department. Thetop-quality, physicians, nurses, health professionals, to Department. provide Center,Diabetes DiabetesManagement Management Center,and Primaryallied and Specialty Specialty Care Center, Center, and The Department of Surgery performs the most complex surgeries as well as minimally invasive surgeries using the Da Vinci® robotic Department of Surgery performs the most complex surgeries as well as minimally invasive surgeries using the Da Vinci® robotic surgical system. Additional services include Behavioral Health, Infectious Disease, the Blood Research Institute, Medical Imaging compassionate healthcare services to the members of the Greater Newark surgical system. Additional services include Behavioral Health, Infectious Disease, the Blood Research Institute, Medical Imaging Pathology, Women’s Health Services, Rehabilitative Medicine, Wound Care and Pain Management. Pathology, Women’s Health Services, Rehabilitative Medicine, Wound Care and Pain Management. community and beyond. With legacy of of providing providing the the most most innovative innovative and and advanced advanced Withits itsmission missionin inmind, mind, Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s Medical Medical Center Center continues continues its its legacy services pillar in in the the Newark Newark community, community, today, today, as as itit has hasbeen been for for servicesin incare careto toits its patients. patients. Come Come see see what what makes makes Saint Saint Michael’s Michael’s aa pillar nearly nearly150 150years. years. Find Find out out more more at at www.smmcnj.org. www.smmcnj.org.

The medical center offers a comprehensive range of primary and acute-car such as The Heart and Vascular Institute, The Peter Ho Memorial Clinic, The Center, The Connie Dwyer Breast Center, The Metabolic and Bariatric Cente Center, Diabetes Management Center, Primary and Specialty Care Center, a Department of Surgery performs the most complex surgeries as well as min surgical system. Additional services include Behavioral Health, Infectious Di Pathology, Women’s Health Services, Rehabilitative Medicine, Wound Care

SAINT MICHAEL’S MEDICAL CENTER: With its mission in mind, Saint Michael’s Medical continues its legac YOUR HOSPITAL,Center YOUR CHOICE At Saint Michael’s Medical Center, our team services in care to its patients. Come see what makes SaintandMichael’s a pilla of dedicated physicians staff deliver high-quality, compassionate nearly 150 years. Find out more at www.smmcnj.org. healthcare. We offer the most

Having Healthcare Choice

IS MY PRIORITY

Providing care he deserves

IS MY MISSION

Saint Michael’s thepositivecommunity.com

innovative and most advanced services in care because we believe our patients deserve the best. And we constantly strive to meet the ever-changing needs of our patients by upgrading our technologies and facilities. Come see what makes Saint Michael’s a pillar in the Newark community, today, as it has been for nearly 150 years.

Find out more at smmcnj.org.

IS OUR HOSPITAL

September 2015 The Positive Community

Community Rallies Support

Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center BY EULENE INNISS

undraising plays a major role in the continued operation and service to the community provided by the Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center (BSFHC). So it was especially gratifying that on Saturday August 29, 2015, a silent auction charity event was a huge success. With artwork from many local artists for sale, and curated by Che Baraka from the Center for Arts and Culture at Restoration Plaza in Bed–Stuy, the artists and buyers were engaged as he introduced pieces, answered questions, described the work, and reflected on the history of the artists. His pieces, titled, “Who am I” and the “Blue Madonna,” represent nurturing and support. Among the artists whose work was showcased are: Yvonne Williams, Alex Castro, Xia Gordan, and Dr. Myrah Brown-Green, a former Medgar Evers College professor, whose black and white paintings depicted “Sweetness” and “In meditation." Shoppers browsed and made their bids, while listening to the melodious steel pan rhythms of Wilfred Kieal, captain of Metro Steel Orchestra. It was an evening spent in a patient-friendly environment, where staff, clients, and guests mingled freely.

Curator Che Baraka

For many years, Bed-Stuy residents had to travel outside the community in search of quality health care, but with the state-of–the-art Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center on Fulton Street, community residents are more relaxed, knowing the health needs for their families can be met at one location. The center opened three years ago and with new leaders at its helm: Patricia Fernandez, CEO; Daniel Desire, CFO; Craig E. Pogue, COO and Dr. Pascale Kersaint, medical director. Ms. Fernandez has moved the center through a difficult financial stage, but the center is now operating smoothly. The staff of professionals is so dedicated to the community that they voluntarily took a reduction in salary to ensure that Bed-Stuy residents continued to receive exceptional healthcare. This family oriented facility offers a wide range of wellness services for children and adults: HIV/AIDS testing; treatment and care for diabetes; pediatrics; cardiology and much more. BSFHC depends on its ongoing fundraising, which includes a Donor Tree. Donations to the center are worthy investments with high returns that benefit the entire community. Photos: Lem Peterkin

Daniel Desire, CFO; Patricia Fernandez, CEO; Jean Black, board chair; Wilma Maynard, board member and Craig E. Pogue, COO

The Positive Community September 2015

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“Amida Care stands on their word, they are here to help me.” –LINDA H. Member, Amida Care Live Life Advantage

Medicare Advantage health plans for you.

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Amida Care (HMO) is a not-for-profit health plan with a Medicare Contract. Enrollment in Amida Care depends on contract renewal. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our member service number at 888-963-7092 or TTY 711, 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday (every day October to February). Esta información se encuentra disponible en forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Por favor llame a nuestro número de atención a los miembros al 888-963-7092 o TTY 711, de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m., de lunes a viernes (todos los días de octubre a febrero). H6745_4002_2015GeneralAd_Linda Accepted 08/17/15

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

The Enemy Within henever we attempt to make significant changes within our lives, we will inevitably face some form of opposition or resistance. As a Fitness Doctor and spiritual advisor, I often meet people who are trying to make significant changes within their lives. Whether it is an individual trying to change his or her perception and connection to God from a religious experience to that of a relational and restorative experience, or the person trying to improve physical fitness and health through one of my exercise programs I’ve designed. There will always be resistance and opposition from an adversary. Especially from the adversary or enemy who lives on the inside of those who desire to make positive changes. Don’t get me wrong. There are external forces and events that bring resistance and opposition to keep us from reaching our goals and making positive changes within our lives. But I must admit, in my almost twenty years of serving as the Fitness Doctor, and 8 plus years of ministry, I have witnessed people fail to make positive changes that would enhance their lives greatly, simply because they could not overcome the enemy that resides within. There is an African proverb that states, “Where there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” I agree. Whenever someone has made up their mind to get fit, lose some weight, or improve their health, the individual will do something to sabotage their commitment to change. Take one of my clients, Balla (not her real name). Balla has decided to create positive change and improve her health by exercising regularly and eating healthier under the supervision of yours truly. But every weekend, Balla sabotages herself by putting herself in situations that are not conducive to eating healthier and reaching her goals. Thank God her sessions with me (at The Fitness Doctor), have allowed her to create a caloric deficit and offset some of the binge eating through an intense but safe workout. I often tell Balla, “You are doing great, but imagine where you would be and how you would look and feel if you made better food choices and used portion control.” Although Balla makes excuses for her behavior and attributes her lack of discipline to external circumstances, I lovingly remind her that the real enemy is within her. We all have an enemy within us feeding our subconscious mind and telling us that we are not worthy or unable

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to make or sustain positive changes in our lives. So what do we do? We fight back by strengthening our inner man with positive thought conditioners. This is a concept created by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale who believed if we changed our thoughts, we would change our lives. The enemy of our soul wages war on our minds by feeding us negative thoughts. It is these negative thoughts that often cause us to abort the process of positive change. Perhaps Balla truly believes that she will not be able to reach her fitness goals, thus sabotaging the process by overeating and not being fully committed to change. For Balla (and many of us),reaching our goals(fitness or otherwise), is a matter of replacing negative thoughts about ourselves while renewing and retraining our minds to truly believe that we can achieve positive change and transformation. Here are some suggestions to battle the enemy within and overcome negative thought patterns which will create sustained and lasting change: 1.) Declare—Speak the words within the Bible and positively declare God’s truth as it pertains to you. Recite words and phrases of affirmation such as,” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”’ or “I am fearless and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139) 2.) Decide—Make a decision that you will overcome the negative voices in your head telling you that you cannot achieve positive change and transformation that lasts. 3.) Desire—Be determined to follow what you truly desire and not what offers temporary gratification. The bible tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind.” (Romans 12:1) A renewed mind is a choice weapon for helping us reach our goals (fitness or otherwise) and conquering the enemy within. Amen If you’re interested in a free consultation or more information on FitCare, call 732-921-3746 or email thefitnessdoctor@aol.com. Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. thepositivecommunity.com

Pictured above: Craigh Bryan, MD, Internal Medicine; Asit Shah, MD, Orthopedic Surgery; Bryan Ho, MD, Otolaryngology; Robert Simon, MD, Urology; Frank Moore, MD, Neurosurgery.

With you every step of the way. Hitting the gym. Meeting tight deadlines. Coaching your kid’s soccer team – and making it home through rush hour. We get it. We’re dads, sons, brothers and husbands, too. Which is why we know how important it is to keep you going. Because it’s not just about you anymore – and you can’t just walk it off. Highly trained, board-certified physicians who have your back – one more reason to make Englewood Hospital and Medical Center your hospital for life.

englewoodhealth.org

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8/20/15 2:54 PM

ASTHMA

Continued from page 70

Facts about Asthma

Corrections Last Issue

Treating asthma costs approximately $50.1 billion; indirect costs (e.g. lost productivity) add another $5.9 billion, for a total of $56.0 billion dollars. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Secondhand smoke can cause serious harm to children. Many children with asthma have their condition worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke. Asthma currently affects an estimated 7.1 million children under 18 years old. An asthma episode is a series of events. The airway lining swells, muscles tighten, and secretion of mucus increases. The narrowed airway is responsible for the difficulty in breathing with the familiar “wheeze.” Asthma is a sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Triggers range from viral infections to allergies, to irritating gases and particles in the air. Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma, including: • respiratory infections and colds • cigarette smoke • exercise • allergic reactions to such allergens as pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust, food, and cockroaches

Page 60 Willing Heart Community Care, Inc. scholarship event: First Lady of Metropolitan Baptist Church is Dr. Linda Jefferson. L-R: NJ State Senator Theresa Ruiz, Metropolitan BC First Lady Linda Jefferson; Pastor David Jefferson; Kimberly Baxter McClain, president/CEO, The Foundation for Newark's Future; David Banks president/CEO the Eagle Academy Foundation.

• indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including ozone and particle pollution • exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change • excitement/stress

OPEN IN HARLEM! Page 62 UNCF Brendon Berger, VP the Berger Organization with his wife, Mara and Calvin West (center)

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The Positive Community September 2015

Page 40: The names of Kiburi Tucker and Linda Jumah, principals of Elite Strategies LLC, were misspelled. They created and organized the Mayor’s Ball celebrating the completion of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s first year in office.

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Pray and Work for Ongoing Peace in South Sudan Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” —Matthew 5:9 (New American Standard Bible)

opefully, by the time you read this, lasting peace will have come to South Sudan.

At the time I am writing, late August 2015, President Barack Obama of the United States is reported to have said that President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has assured that he will sign an agreement to end the civil war that has raged for approximately 20 months in South Sudan. Riek Machar, head of the opposing army, signed the agreement during the prior week. At first, President Kiir had refused to sign the agreement. A South Sudan government official reportedly had called the peace accord a “sell-out.” Following Kiir’s refusal, the U.S. government warned that the U.S. would call for a United Nations arms embargo and further sanctions against South Sudan, unless President Kiir signed the peace agreement. The African Union (AU) also urged that the peace agreement be signed. AU official Nkosazana DlaminiZuma reportedly warned, “Deadlock in the peace process can only spell further disaster for South Sudan and its people, with far reaching implications for regional security and stability.” South Sudan’s civil war erupted in December 2013, following a dispute between President Kiir and his then deputy, Riek Machar. That dispute quickly evolved into a violent conflict between the Dinka and Nuer peoples, the ethnic groups to which Kiir and Machar, respectively, belong. I’ve also read that the war, at some point, threatened to become a 3-way struggle when a sub-leader of one of the armies went on his own. The civil war impacted South Sudanese peoples very negatively. According to allAfrica.com, the fighting forced some 200,000 people from their homes. The same news outlet reported that 70 per cent of South Sudan’s population faced food shortages as of August 2015. According to the New York Times, “South Sudanese soldiers raped children, burned people alive in their homes and hunted others for days in swamps…”

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It is ironic that South Sudan is the location where such violence has occurred, especially inflicted on South Sudanese by other South Sudanese. Before South Sudan became an independent nation-state, southern Sudan was considered the Christian part of Sudan. Northern and western Sudan were (and remain) predominantly Muslim. Many in northern Sudan identify themselves as “Arabs,” although they look more like Africans than like Saudi princes. Years ago, the northern Sudanese rulers’ oppression of Darfur, located in western Sudan, received much attention in United States news media, while northern Sudan’s persecution of southern Sudanese people received considerably less media coverage. Yet, shortly after South Sudan achieved political independence from Sudan overall, South Sudan appears to have become the most violence-dominated portion of Sudan. The irony is perhaps further enhanced if we dig back to the first millennium A.D., when the area south of Egypt that we now call Sudan included the Christian nations of Alwa, Makuria, and Nobatia. Given space limitations, I’ll save that history lesson for a future column. For right now, let’s concentrate on conforming to Jesus Christ’s advocacy of peacemaking, as the opening scripture indicates. It was prophesized (Isaiah 9.6) that Christ would be called “Prince of Peace.” Moreover, Jesus encourages us (Matthew 5:21-26), to reconcile with those with whom we are in dispute. In recent years, Christianity has reportedly spread more rapidly in Africa than in many parts of the earth. As followers of the Prince of Peace, African Christians should set a peaceful example for Africa, which has repeatedly been plagued by mass violence, from the history of the slave trade through current events within Somalia, northern Kenya, northeastern Nigeria, and elsewhere. Hopefully, a peace agreement effectively carried out in South Sudan will encourage new Christian converts to take the peace aspect of Christianity seriously. So let’s pray for the success of such peace initiatives, as well as do whatever we can, however small the effort initially seems, to bring lasting peace to South Sudan, to Africa generally, and even to urban America. September 2015 The Positive Community

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com September 2015

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Vol. 15, No. 8

BY R.L. WITTER

ARE YOU MAKING THE GRADE?

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter

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

Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Doris Young Boyer Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Brian Branch Price Karen Waters Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp. 133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, september 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.

78 The Positive Community

The Last Word

September 2015

t’s September! Fall is almost here, the weather is cooling off, and kids have gone back to school (Hallelujah!). As I spy school supplies, I am reminded of the days when my biggest dilemmas were what I would wear to school the next day, how I would style my hair, and whether or not the cafeteria would serve anything remotely edible. Of course, grades mattered—quite a bit. But I didn’t worry. I always looked forward to receiving my report cards because I paid attention in class and diligently studied and completed the assigned homework. I also had a support system, my parents and older siblings. They made clear their expectations and held me accountable for my grades. That got me thinking… As adults, many of us think we no longer have homework or assignments. We work daily and complete whatever task is necessary to earn a paycheck so we can pay bills, purchase things, save for the future, and get through life. But we actually have assignments and especially homework every single day. I sometimes wonder what our report cards might look like if we received them. As believers—regardless of religious affiliation or denomination—we are tasked daily with embracing and embodying the tenets of our faith. We are given assignments that manifest themselves in the opportunity to help someone or offer comfort to a struggling friend or relative. They are the moments when we decide whether or not to return a smile, to exchange a kind word, or simply acknowledge another person’s humanity. Tests also have weight in determining our grades. Yes, we’re all tested. Tested by the ethical decision of whether or not to speak up for the unpopular but morally correct decision. Tested by how we choose to han-

dle inconvenience or disappointment, especially in stressful situations. Tested by our honesty in how we view others, and more importantly, ourselves. Do we attempt to paint ourselves in the most positive light and turn a blind eye to our faults and shortcomings? Or do we search our souls for the truth in ourselves and pray for Divine grace and mercy while we strive to better ourselves? Both Pope Francis and Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. appear in this month’s issue, and both men preach and stress the importance of expressing our faith more through our actions than our words or our images. They champion the challenge of not just having the ability to read and quote scripture, but of endeavoring to truly heed the teachings of Christ and be more Christ-like in our daily interactions and decisions. “Sometimes we forget,” remarked Rev. Walrond, “that we are called to transform our communities… Jesus said, ‘I was hungry and you did not feed me… I was in prison and you didn’t visit me…’ We forget that part of the walk and the mission.” Pope Francis reiterated this in saying, “Inconsistency on the part of pastors and the faithful between what they say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the Church's credibility.” So as students buckle down to master their studies in hopes of making the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, or becoming a “straight A” student, I’m applying myself in an effort to not just speak, but live my faith. My joy, hope, and light should not just fill me, but be evident to others in how I greet them, speak with them, and embrace them. I know I’m not likely to get perfect grades, but I’m working toward a report card of which my Father will be proud.

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Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders

Celebrating the Passion and Promise

in our PubliC sChools

Invite you to the Following Dedications

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue Wednesday, October 14, 2015 12 Noon Essex County Hall of Records Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

Cephas Bowles Plaque

WBGO President/CEO & Jazz Advocate Wednesday, October 7, 2015 12 Noon Historic Essex County Courthouse Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Plaza 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102

For more information, call 973-621-4400 All events will be held RAIN or SHINE.

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A Light in Harlem Sisulu-Walker Charter School Girls Who Code 100 Black Men give $100K in Scholarships Rev. Michael Walrond, Jr. Faith, Family and Fortitude

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