Winter 2018

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

â„¢ Winter 2018 thepositivecommunity.com

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Black History Month www.thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

A Korean Tribute to the Life & Legacy of

MLK Winter 2018 The Positive Community

1

Harlem’s Ballet Trailblazer

The first major exhibition devoted to Arthur Mitchell celebrates the life and accomplishments of the New York City Ballet’s first African American star, and the founder and longtime director of Dance Theatre of Harlem.

On display through March 11.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery Columbia’s Lenfest Center for the Arts 615 W. 129th St. (Enter on West 125th Street, just west of Broadway) 212-854-6800 wallach.columbia.edu

Michael D. Harris, Aspirations + Inspiration, 1985. Limited edition print, 30 x 22 inches, detail. Arthur Mitchell Archive, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University.

ARTHUR MITCHELL

presents

F O S D UN

SO

E G N A CH Vernon

ilton

y Ham Anthon

Reid

II

dding I

Otis Re

ew

Ray Ch

Dionne

k Warwic

lly 7

Natura

The music, sights, and words that invigorated a nation, stirred protests, and effected change in the 1960s are celebrated. Folk songs and R&B classics like Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” and “We Shall Overcome”—the anthem of the era—define a time when voices were raised and arms were interlocked in a movement seeking justice and social change.

Monday, February 5 at 8 PM

SOUNDS OF CHANGE Anthony Hamilton | Otis Redding III | Vernon Reid | Dionne Warwick | Naturally 7 | Ray Chew, Music Director Additional artists to be announced Support for The ’60s: The Years that Changed America is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

carnegiehall.org/60s | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Artists, programs, dates, and prices subject to change. © 2018 CHC.

Proud Season Sponsor

WINTER 2018

CONTENTS

SECTIONS HEALTH...................................20 EDUCATION.............................28 CULTURE ................................40

Features Pros & Cons of Legalizing Marijuana ........................ 10

32

GHCC Salutes NYPD ................................................ 16 Nassan’s Place Shares Holiday Joy .......................... 20 Kesse & Bachus Tie the Knot ................................... 24

ON THE COVER: MLK, JR. ABOVE: Our first MLK cover from Jan. 2000.

Every year since then MLK has been our winter cover.

&also inside Guest Editorial ..................................... 8

Shiloh Baptist Recognizes Veterans ......................... 26 Newark Public Lecture Series .................................. 28 Kid’s Corner ............................................................ 30 My Father and MLK ................................................. 34 Reflections upon A Time in South Korea .................. 36 Roll Call to Progress Tour Rolls On! .......................... 38 Shamyah Gets Her Loving Forever Family ................. 40

My View ............................................. 12 Gospel Train ....................................... 50

New UMBA Administration Installed ......................... 44 Brooklyn Is Home to Amazing Cakez ........................ 52

The Way Ahead .................................. 60 Women’s Annual Colgate Games .............................. 54 The Last Word .................................... 62 CUEED Celebrates 10 Years ..................................... 56 4

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Verizon Salutes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.�

Visit Verizon New Jersey on the web at: www.verizon.com/NJ

The United Federation of Teachers proudly celebrates Black History Month as we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MICHAEL MULGREW

MELVYN AARONSON Treasurer

Vice President for Elementary Schools

KAREN ALFORD

CARMEN ALVAREZ Vice President for Special Education

Assistant Secretary

Assistant Treasurer

EVELYN DeJESUS

ANNE GOLDMAN

JANELLA HINDS

RICHARD MANTELL

STERLING ROBERSON

HOWARD SCHOOR

President

Vice President for Education

Vice President for Non-DOE Members

Vice President for High Schools

Vice President for Middle Schools

LeROY BARR

Vice President for Career & Technical Education High Schools

TOM BROWN

Secretary

Because we love our neighborhood schools

Roll Roll Call Call forfor PC_JAN_18.qxp_Roll PC_JAN_18.qxp_Roll Call Call forfor PC PC Document.qxd Document.qxd1/24/18 1/24/187:45 7:45 AM AMPage Page 11

R C

GREAT GREAT

TT

OLL OLL

MAKE MAKETHE THEDIFFERENCE! DIFFERENCE!

ALL ALL

TO TOPROGRESS PROGRESS

heheclergy clergyorganizations, organizations,churches, churches,community communitybusinesses businessesand andinstitutions institutionslisted listedbelow belowhave havecommitted committedtotothe thepurchase purchaseofofatat least least5050magazines magazinesper permonth monthatat$1.50 $1.50each eachororthey theysupport supportthis thispublication publicationthrough throughthe thepurchase purchaseofofadvertising. advertising.Find Findout outmore more bybycalling calling973-233-9200 973-233-9200ororemail emailrollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

Abyssinian Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Calvin Calvin O. O. Butts Butts III, III, Pastor Pastor Abundant Abundant Life Life Fellowship Fellowship COGIC, COGIC, Newark, Newark, NJNJ Supt.

Supt.

Edward Edward Bohannon, Bohannon, Jr,Jr, Pastor Pastor

Convent Convent Avenue Avenue Baptist Baptist Church, Church, New New York, York, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Jesse Jesse T. Willams, T. Willams, Pastor Pastor Ebenezer Ebenezer B.C. B.C. of of Englewood, Englewood, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Jovan Jovan Troy Troy Davis, Davis, Pastor Pastor

Aenon Aenon Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Vauxhall Vauxhall NJNJ RevRev Alphonso Alphonso Williams, Williams, Sr Sr Pastor Pastor

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

Agape Agape Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark Newark NJNJ Rev. Rev. Craig Craig R. R. Jackson, Jackson, Pastor Pastor

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

Antioch Antioch Baptist Baptist Church., Church., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. Robert Robert M.M. Waterman, Waterman, Pastor Pastor

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

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

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

Baptist Baptist Ministers Ministers Conference Conference of of Greater Greater NYNY & Vicinity & Vicinity Rev. Rev. James James Morrison, Morrison, Pastor Pastor

First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, East East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, NYNY RevRev Patrick Patrick Henry Henry Young, Young, Pastor Pastor

Berean Berean B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. Arlee Arlee Griffin Griffin Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor Bethany Bethany B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Adolphus Adolphus C. C. Lacey, Lacey, Sr.Sr. Pastor Pastor Bethany Bethany B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Timothy Timothy E. E. Jones, Jones, Pastor Pastor Bethlehem Bethlehem Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Roselle, Roselle, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Jeffrey Jeffrey Bryan, Bryan, Pastor Pastor Beulah Beulah Bible Bible Cathedral Cathedral Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJNJ Gerald Gerald Lydell Lydell Dickson, Dickson, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Garfield, Garfield, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Calvin Calvin McKinney, McKinney, Pastor Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Morristown, Morristown, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Jerry Jerry M.M. Carter, Carter, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor Canaan Canaan B. B. C. C. of of Christ, Christ, Harlem, Harlem, NYNY Rev. Rev. Thomas Thomas D. D. Johnson, Johnson, Pastor Pastor Canaan Canaan B.C., B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Barry Barry L. L. Graham, Graham, Pastor Pastor Cathedral Cathedral International., International., Perth Perth Amboy, Amboy, NJNJ Bishop Bishop Donald Donald Hilliard, Hilliard, Pastor Pastor Charity Charity Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Bronx, Bronx, NYNY Rev. Rev. Reginald Reginald Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor Christian Christian Cultural Cultural Center, Center, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. A.R. A.R. Barnard, Barnard, Pastor Pastor Clear Clear View View Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Curtis Curtis W.W. Belle, Belle, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor Community Community B.C., B.C., Englewood, Englewood, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Lester Lester Taylor, Taylor, Pastor Pastor Community Community Church Church of of God, God, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Shirley Shirley B. B. Cathie., Cathie., Pastor Pastor Emeritus Emeritus Concord Concord B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Gary Gary V. Simpson, V. Simpson, Pastor Pastor

First First Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Teaneck, Teaneck, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Marilyn Marilyn Monroe Monroe Harris, Harris, Pastor Pastor First First Corinthian Corinthian Baptist Baptist Church, Church, NYNY Rev. Rev. Michael Michael A. A. Walrond, Walrond, Jr.Jr. Senior Senior Pastor Pastor First First Park Park Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Rufus Rufus McClendon, McClendon, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, South South Orange, Orange, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Terry Terry Richardson, Richardson, Pastor Pastor Friendship Friendship Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Rahway, Rahway, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Allen Allen Thompson, Thompson, Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor General General Baptist Baptist Convention, Convention, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Lester Lester W.W. Taylor, Taylor, Jr.,Jr., President President Good Good Neighbor Neighbor Baptist Baptist Church Church Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. George George A. A. Blackwell, Blackwell, III, III, Pastor Pastor

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

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

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

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

Mount Mount Calvary Calvary B.C., B.C., Englewood, Englewood, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Vernon Vernon C. C. Walton, Walton, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor

St.St. John’s John’s B.C., B.C., Scotch Scotch Plains, Plains, NJNJ Rev.Rev. Dr.Dr. Evans Evans L. Spagner, L. Spagner, Interim Interim Senior Senior Pastor Pastor

Mount Mount Calvary Calvary United United Methodist Methodist Church, Church, St.St. Luke Luke Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Harlem, Harlem, NYNY New New York, York, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Johnnie Johnnie McCann, McCann, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Francis Francis Kairson, Kairson, Pastor Pastor St St Luke Luke B.C., B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJNJ Mt.Mt. Neboh Neboh Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Harlem, Harlem, NYNY Rev. Rev. Kenneth Kenneth D.R. D.R. Clayton, Clayton, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Johnnie Johnnie Green Green Jr.,Jr., Pastor Pastor St.St. James James AME AME Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJNJ Mt.Mt. Pisgah Pisgah B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. Ronald Ronald L. L. Slaughter, Slaughter, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Johnny Johnny RayRay Youngblood, Youngblood, Pastor Pastor St.St. Paul Paul Baptist, Baptist, Red Red Bank, Bank, NJNJ Mount Mount Olive Olive Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Rev. Rev. Alexander Alexander Brown, Brown, Pastor Pastor Hackensack, Hackensack, NJNJ St.St. Mark Mark Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Jamaica, Jamaica, NYNY Rev. Rev. Gregory Gregory J. J. Jackson, Jackson, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Owen Owen E. E. Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor Mount Mount Zion Zion Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Westwood, Westwood, NJNJ St.St. Matthew Matthew AME AME Church, Church, Orange, Orange, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Barry Barry R. R. Miller, Miller, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Lanel Lanel D. D. Guyton, Guyton, Pastor Pastor Mt.Mt. Olivet Olivet B.C, B.C, Newark, Newark, NJNJ St.St. Paul's Paul's B.C., B.C., Montclair, Montclair, NJNJ Rev. Rev. André André W.W. Milteer, Milteer, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Bernadette Bernadette Glover, Glover, Pastor Pastor Mt.Mt. Zion Zion AME AME Church, Church, Trenton, Trenton, NJNJ St.St. Paul Paul Community Community B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NYNY Rev. Rev. J. J. Stanley Stanley Justice, Justice, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. David David K. K. Brawley, Brawley, Pastor Pastor New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Metuchen, Metuchen, NJNJ The The New New Hope Hope B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Ronald Ronald L. L. Owens, Owens, Pastor Pastor Rev. Rev. JoeJoe Carter, Carter, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor New New Hope Hope Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJNJ Union Union Baptist Baptist Temple,, Temple,, Bridgeton, Bridgeton, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Frances Frances Manning-Fontaine Manning-Fontaine Rev. Rev. Albert Albert L. L. Morgan, Morgan, Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor Emeritus Emeritus United United Fellowship Fellowship B.C., B.C., Asbury Asbury Park, Park, NJNJ New New Jerusalem Jerusalem Worship Worship Center, Center, Rev. Rev. James James H. H. Brown, Brown, Sr.,Sr., Pastor Pastor Jamaica, Jamaica, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Calvin Calvin Rice, Rice, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor

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

New New Life Life Cathedral, Cathedral, Mt.Mt. Holly, Holly, NJNJ Rev. Rev. EricEric Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor

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

New New Zion Zion B.C., B.C., Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Kevin Kevin James, James, Pastor Pastor

Greater Greater Zion Zion HillHill B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Frank Frank J. J. Blackshear, Blackshear, Pastor Pastor

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

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

Park Park Ave Ave Christian Christian Disciples Disciples of of Christ, Christ, East East Orange, Orange, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Harriet Harriet Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh Shiloh B.C., B.C., Plainfield, Plainfield, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Hodari Hodari K. K. Hamilton, Hamilton, Sr.,Sr., Senior Senior Pastor Pastor

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

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

Walker Walker Memorial Memorial B.C. B.C. Bronx, Bronx, NYNY Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. J. Albert J. Albert Bush Bush Sr.,Sr., Pastor Pastor

Welcome Welcome Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJNJ Rev. Rev. Dr.Dr. Elijah Elijah C.Williams, C.Williams, Pastor Pastor World World Gospel Gospel Music Music Assoc., Assoc., Newark, Newark, NJNJ Dr.Dr. Albert Albert Lewis, Lewis, Founder Founder

Businesses Businesses& &Organizations Organizations 125th 125th St. St. BIDBID CityCity National National Bank Bank Essex Essex County County College, College, NJ NJ Greater Greater Harlem Harlem Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce Marion Marion P. Thomas P. Thomas Charter Charter School School Mildred Mildred Crump, Crump, Newark Newark CityCity Council Council Muslim Muslim American American Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce NAACP NAACP New New Jersey* Jersey* NAACP, NAACP, NY NY State State Conference* Conference* New New Brunswick Brunswick Theological Theological Seminary Seminary New New Jersey Jersey Performing Performing ArtsArts Center Center New New York York Theological Theological Seminary Seminary NobleNNJ NobleNNJ Nubian Nubian Conservatory Conservatory of Music of Music Razac Razac Products Products Co.,Co., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Schomburg Schomburg Center Center for for Research Research TheThe College College of New of New Rochelle Rochelle United United WayWay of Essex of Essex andand West West Hudson Hudson WBGO-88.3FM WBGO-88.3FM West West Harlem Harlem Group Group Assistance, Assistance, Inc.Inc.

“The “ThePositive PositiveCommunity Communitymagazine magazinedoes doesoutstanding outstandingwork workininpromoting promotingthe thegood goodworks worksofofthe theBlack BlackChurch.

Church.

AllAllchurches churches ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community . .Please Pleasesupport supportthis thismagazine, magazine,the theonly onlyone one and andbusinesses businessesshould shouldsubscribe subscribetotoand andadvertise advertiseininThe Rev. Rev. Buster Buster Soaries, Soaries, General General Baptist Baptist Revival, Revival, May May 20,20, 2010 2010 that thatfeatures featuresgood goodnews newsabout aboutthe theblack blackcommunity.”— community.”—

REV. DAVID JEFFERSON GUEST EDITORIAL

Rev. Dr. David Jefferson Sr., Esq. is pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Newark, NJ and chairman of the New Jersey National Action Network.

Growing the New Jersey Economy Through Entrepreneurial Inclusion

A

s the nation has gathered over the last 32 years to celebrate the life and legacy of a renowned Baptist preacher from Atlanta, Georgia, one powerful and phenomenal aspect of what he envisioned and stood for has been lost and unfortunately left in a state of dormancy. I was a teenager, a senior at Webster High School in Minden, Louisiana, when Dr. King was assassinated. As I recall, and it seems just like yesterday, it was one of the darkest, most depressing, and disappointing moments in the history of our school and nation. He was in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting the “least of these,” the sanitation workers. Those who worked hard and tirelessly, picking up the garbage of others, but, received wages that kept them shackled in a state of shameful poverty. Dr. King stood for economic justice, equal pay, fair wages, and the entrepreneurial spirit. However, it is very troubling to see how our nation romanticizes his great speeches and accented his oratorical gifts, but, never mentions that the “evil bullet” that tore open his flesh and took his life struck a spirit of economic equality. We may sing in our churches, give inspiring sermons, and even volunteer to perform acts of service, but that’s not advancing the cause of economic justice. These things are necessary, but not sufficient! Until we have economic justice, we will never make it possible for all to live the American Dream.

There is a path for us to get there and it began with a moment that took place on January 15, 2018 at 149

8 The Positive Community

Winter 2018

Barnes Global Management

Now our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality. For we know now, that it isn’t enough to integrate lunch counters. What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn’t have enough money to buy a hamburger? What does it profit a man to be able to eat at the swankest integrated restaurant when he doesn’t even earn enough money to take his wife out to dine?—MLK Jr. Memphis 1968

Springfield Ave in Newark, NJ, where more than 1,000 people: entrepreneurs, elected officials, community leaders, and citizens gathered to launch an Economic Justice Movement. This movement is supported by all those who recognize that not only is this the moral thing to do, but, economic justice is the Godly thing to support. “God never intended for one group of people to live in superfluous inordinate wealth while others live in abject deadening poverty.” (Dr. King, Strength to Love, 1963). According to the McKinsey & Company study, New Jersey can expand its economy by more than $150 billion dollars and create more than 250,000 jobs over the next decade through entrepreneurial inclusion. But as a community, we must stick together and hold everyone accountable. We must first do our part and then we must hold elected officials’ and corporations’ feet to the fire. Everything is on the table and we must stay the course. This will not be easy, it’s a marathon and not a sprint.

If you are an entrepreneur, a stakeholder or an interested party and want to be a part of this movement, please go to www.mbcnewarknj.org, look for Economic Justice on the home page, give us your contact information, and let us hear from you. We will be in touch and keep you abreast of what’s going on. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

“The first question the priest and Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’

The good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’ ” MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Rev. Charles Galbreath (Nyack ‘06, ATS ‘09) Senior Pastor of Clarendon Road Church Brooklyn, NY

NYACK.EDU 646.378.6101 2 WASHINGTON STREET NEW YORK, NY 10004

845.675.4401 1 SOUTH BOULEVARD NYACK, NY 10960

16 OF NYACK’S 52 PROGRAMS ARE FULLY ONLINE. STUDY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

Legalizng pros & Marijuana cons Opposing Views from

Rev. Charles Boyer

Prohibition is Pointless

A

s a faith leader I do not support the recreational use of marijuana, but I do support the end of prohibition.

My evolution on this issue came as a result of understanding the fullness and complexity of the prison industrial complex and the atrocity of mass incarceration. Marijuana prohibition must be understood from a moral and racial justice perspective. As an African American faith leader, I have seen firsthand how the war on drugs has disproportionately harmed my community, even though black and white communities use marijuana at similar rates.

This is a moral issue. Policymakers must enact legalization legislation that ensures diversity and inclusion and eliminates barriers that stack the deck against communities of color. By ensuring fair and equitable marijuana reform, New Jersey will create a transparent, diverse, safe, regulated, and accountable industry.

The firsthand collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, which subjects an individual to a system of legal discrimination that can last a lifetime and can make it difficult—or even impossible—to secure employment, housing, student loans, or a driver’s license. Even without a conviction, the consequences of an arrest can include untold stigma and humiliation, the financial burden of a criminal court proceeding and lost hours at work or school. These factors have real-life consequences on families and communities, often perpetuating poverty and serving as barriers to economic mobility and success for New Jerseyans. In addition, marijuana laws have been used to support biased policies like stop and frisk, racial profiling, and the deportation of people of color. As people of faith, we are called to pursue a fairer and more compassionate world. Marijuana legalization is an essential step to realizing this purpose. We must understand clearly that marijuana prohibition started as a means to control and incarcerate African Americans and Mexicans. It has done exactly what it was designed to do.

2 TheThePositive Community Winter 2018 Positive Community Community Winter Winter 2018 2018 10 The Positive

Two Faith Leaders Marijuana prohibition and the failed war on drugs have devastated communities of color. Fair and equitable marijuana legalization in our state can be a first step to repairing some of the harms inflicted on our families and communities by marijuana criminalization. Simple decriminalization still leaves a black market open, which is now more accessible and dangerous for our children. Our children can get marijuana easier than they can get a beer. A tough-on-crime emotional response to legalization is irresponsible and undergirds a system built for a racist end.

Every year in New Jersey, more than 24,000 people are arrested for marijuana possession. These arrests—which, in 2010, made up more than 43 percent of all drug arrests in New Jersey—cost the state more than $140 million dollars.

For decades, marijuana policies have devastated hundreds of thousands of our state’s families and communities. More than fifty years after the War on Drugs was launched, it is time to acknowledge that marijuana prohibition has failed to stem drug use or promote the safety of our communities.

Instead, it has served as a gateway to the criminal justice system and a barrier to opportunity for people in New Jersey and around the country.

Marijuana enforcement and the long-term consequences of an arrest or conviction disproportionately impact communities of color. In New Jersey, African Americans are three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, even though both use marijuana at similar rates. In fact, in six counties in New Jersey, the racial disparities for marijuana arrests are above the national average.

Anecdotal evidence suggests similar disparities for Latinos.

Marijuana legalization is undoubtedly a racial justice issue.

A conviction for marijuana possession can have severe long-term consequences and make it difficult or impossible to secure employment, housing, student loans, or even a driver’s license. Marijuana legalization in New Jersey must address these harms and repair those communities most impacted by our failed marijuana policies.

Last year, I testified in support of marijuana reform before the Senate Judiciary Committee to ensure that racial justice provisions are incorporated. I was joined by a broad coalition of civil rights and social justice groups, including the Drug Policy Alliance, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, the Latino Action Network, New Jersey Parents’ Caucus, New Jersey Policy Perspective, the Unitarian Universalist www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Legislative Ministry of New Jersey, ACLU of New Jersey, and Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey, to name a few. The majority of New Jerseyans also support legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana. We must unite in our commitment to fight for marijuana reform legislation that enriches all our people. Now is the time to demand fairness and equity.

By Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr.

O

Marijuana legalization is about righting the wrongs of the past. It is a public recognition that our marijuana policies are costly, unfair and ineffective. Without the inclusion of the specific elements mentioned above, there will be no fairness or equity in New Jersey’s newly created marijuana market.

Marijuana Legalization in NJ would Hurt Children and Urban Communities

n Martin Luther King Day, I had the opportunity to deliver remarks on the dangers of recreational marijuana legalization. While Governor Murphy views legalization of marijuana as a positive step forward for social justice, I believe it will be just the opposite for the poor and marginalized communities in New Jersey.

Creating a “Big Marijuana” type industry would only further hurt minority communities by bringing more drugs into our neighborhoods and our homes. The marijuana and the alcohol industries routinely target vulnerable communities as its profit centers. We don’t need to add fuel to fire. We have seen the effect of this in states that have already legalized the drug. In Denver, the number of pot shops littering the urban centers is greater than the number of McDonalds and Starbucks combined. Is this what we want for Newark, Trenton, Paterson, Camden and other urban communities?

In states where marijuana use is legal, we’ve seen significant increases in youth pot use, homelessness, and workers failing drug tests. The number of car accidents by those driving under the influence of marijuana has skyrocketed, and the black market is flourishing. Congruently, we must also be concerned about the method used to determine if one is impaired due to marijuana use. Will this result in more traffic stops? What happens when an officer smells marijuana during a stop? How do we protect infants and children from the “contact high” from secondhand marijuana smoke in all communities? This can only add to our problems and further endanger our residents. Is this what we want for our state? Is this the “social justice” we want for our urban communities? Is this what we want for the future of our children?

I am concerned about what will happen to children who mistakenly believe that marijuana is safe and harmless because it’s legal. What will happen to a ten-year-old whose older friend gives him a THC-infused gummy bear or cookie? And where will young adults look for jobs after smoking legal marijuana and failing an employee drug test?

We have a moral responsibility to stand up to the billion-dollar marijuana industry looking to make money off of our kids. If we wouldn’t put a pot shop in the wealthy suburbs, why would we allow one in an urban community? If

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

politicians wouldn’t let their own children smoke pot, then why is it okay for other children to have more access to gateway drugs, marijuana laced snacks, and pot shops in their neighborhoods?

People in legalized states are testing positive for marijuana I agree with Governor Murphy—too many people of color are locked up for low-level drug crimes every year.

But legalization is not the answer and would only make the problem worse. Statistics from the Colorado Department of Public Safety show that in the two years after Colorado legalized marijuana, the number of Hispanic and African American kids arrested for marijuana-related offenses rose 29 and 58 percent. In the same period, the number of white kids being arrested for identical crimes dropped eight percent.

What we need is criminal justice reform, as well as advanced education in training of law enforcement to address the disproportionate arrests of minorities. We need legislation with compassion toward minorities disproportionately affected by drug charges and those suffering from substance abuse disorders. These are all positive steps toward true social justice.

Dr. King would have found it unconscionable to allow the Big Marijuana industry to profit off of our cities and vulnerable communities. Make no mistake, legalizing recreational marijuana is not social justice—it’s social injustice. As a man endeared by urban communities and poised to make New Jersey “stronger and fairer,” I urge Governor Murphy and New Jersey legislators to take a step back and carefully look at what legalizing drugs will do to our children and all communities. There is too much at stake to test this dangerous phenomenon at the expense of our children and most vulnerable residents. In the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Bishop Jethro C. James, Jr., is Senior Pastor of Paradise Baptist Church in Newark, President of the Newark/North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen, Senior Advisor to NJ Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy and a Member of Governor Murphy’s Transition Team.

Winter 2018 The Positive Community 3 11 Winter 2018 2018 The The Positive Positive Community Community 11 Winter

REV. REV. REV. THERESA THERESA THERESA NANCE NANCE NANCE MY VIEW VIEW MY MY VIEW

Rev.Nance Nanceis ispastor pastorof ofThe TheChurch Churchby bythe theSide Sideof of Rev. Rev. Nance is pastor of The Church by the Side of the Road in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk the the Road Road in in Passaic, Passaic, NJ. NJ. She She is is also also aa radio radio talk talk showhost hostand anddocumentary documentaryfilmmaker. filmmaker. show show host and documentary filmmaker.

Year Down Down with with More More to to Go Go One Year

C

an you you believe believeit? it?It’s It’s2018 2018and and2017 2017isisisbut butaaablip blip an an you believe it?

It’s 2018 and 2017 but blip on the psyches of many because the previous year on on the the psyches psyches of of many many because because the the previous previous year year seemed to to whiz whiz by. by. Yet, Yet, the the new newyear yearisisisupon uponus us seemed seemed to whiz by.

Yet, the new year upon us and many are making the usual do-better promises reand and many many are are making making the the usual usual do-better do-better promises promises reregardingweight-control weight-controlor orself-control. self-control. garding or self-control. garding weight-control It’s time time to to reflect reflect on on the the year year when whenAmerica Americavoted voted It’s It’s time to reflect on the year when America voted Donald J. Trump into the highest office in the land and Donald Trump into into the the highest highest office office in in the the land land and and Donald J.J. Trump he apparently thanked them by running the country as he apparentlythanked thankedthem themby byrunning runningthe thecountry countryas asififif heapparently he were president of a chaotic “frat” house. he were president of a chaotic chaotic “frat” “frat” house. house.

Still, we we survived. survived. Black Black Americans, Americans, after after all, all, have have Still, Black Americans, after all, have lived through Jim Crow and James Crow, Esq., commonlived through Jim Crow Crow and and James James Crow, Crow, Esq., Esq., commoncommonly known known to to many manyas as“Up “UpSouth.”

South.”When Whenthere therewas wasmore more ly “Up South.”

When there was more month than money, those resourceful “sistas” marched month than money, those those resourceful resourceful “sistas” “sistas” marched marched themselves to to the the meat meat market marketand andpurchased purchasedchicken chicken themselves meat market and purchased chicken necks, chicken feet, and any kind of neck bones they necks, chicken feet, and and any any kind kind of of neck neck bones bones they they could find.

It was called making the best of a bad situcould find. It was called called making making the the best best of of aa bad bad situsituation.

And, so they shall yet again.

Money is tight— at ation. And, so they shall shall yet yet again. again. Money Money isis tight— tight— at at least for some folks. least for some folks.

Oprah Oprah Oprah Winfrey Winfrey Winfrey

12 12 The The Positive Community Winter 2018 The Positive PositiveCommunity Community Winter Winter2018 2018

Many of of the the programs programsimplemented implementedby byPresident President Many Many of the programs implemented by President Obama have been dismantled by our current president.

Obama Obama have have been been dismantled dismantled by by our our current current president. president.

Callme mecrazy, crazy,but butifififsomeone someonesays saysObama Obamadid didnothing, nothing, Call Call me crazy, but someone says Obama did nothing, knew nothing, and changed nothing, then why doesthe the knew knew nothing, nothing, and and changed changed nothing, nothing, then then why why does does the current president want to tear down everything that has current current president president want want to to tear tear down down everything everything that that has has Obama’sname nameattached attachedto toit? it?Just Justasking. asking.

Obama’s Obama’s name attached to it?

Just asking.

Wewill willsee seesome someinteresting interestingthings thingsthis thisyear, year,this thiswritwritWe We will see some interesting things this year, this writer believes.

What such things are, I cannot say, but we er er believes. believes. What What such such things things are, are, II cannot cannot say, say, but but we we won’t be bored.

Shocked maybe, disgusted perhaps, but won’t won’t be be bored. bored. Shocked Shocked maybe, maybe, disgusted disgusted perhaps, perhaps, but but neverbored. bored.Heck, Heck,we’ve we’vealready alreadyheard heardvulgar, vulgar,racist racist never never bored.

Heck, we’ve already heard vulgar, racist commentsabout aboutAfrica Africaand andHaiti.

Haiti.Oh, Oh,and andthere therewas was comments comments about Africa and Haiti.

Oh, and there was something about an affair with an adult film star and something something about about an an affair affair with with an an adult adult film film star star and and hushmoney moneybeing beingpaid; paid;and andthere’s there’sstill stilltalk talkabout aboutRusRushush hush money being paid; and there’s still talk about Russian collusion. sian sian collusion. collusion.

Atthe theend endof oflast lastyear, year,we weread readthat thatformer formerRepubliRepubliAt At the end of last year, we read that former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s son, Track, can can vice vice presidential presidential candidate candidate Sarah Sarah Palin’s Palin’s son, son, Track, Track, reportedly had an altercation with his father and allegedreportedly reportedlyhad hadan analtercation altercationwith withhis hisfather fatherand andallegedallegedbloodieddad dadup upaaabit. bit.Then, Then,when whenSarah SarahPalin Palinherself herself ly lylybloodied bloodied dad up bit.

Then, when Sarah Palin herself calledthe thepolice, police,her herson, son,apparently apparentlywas wasvery veryaggressive aggressive called called the police, her son, apparently was very aggressive tothe themen menin inblue, blue,supposedly supposedlycalling callingthem them“peasants,” “peasants,” to to the men in blue, supposedly calling them “peasants,” climbingatop atopthe theroof roofof ofhis hisparents’ parents’home homeand andjust justbebeclimbing climbing atop the roof of his parents’ home and just being,well, well,seemingly seeminglyout outof ofcontrol. control. ing, ing, well, seemingly out of control.

Guesswhat? what?The Thepolice policearrested arrestedhim himand andcarted cartedhim him Guess Guess what?

The police arrested him and carted him offto tothe thepolice policestation. station.And, And,you youknow knowwhat? what?Track Tracklived lived off off to the police station.

And, you know what?

Track lived to to tell the story.

Meanwhile, we’ve seen several young, totell tellthe thestory. story.Meanwhile, Meanwhile,we’ve we’veseen seenseveral severalyoung, young, black black people already killed atatthe the hands ofoflaw law enforceblackpeople peoplealready alreadykilled killedat thehands handsof lawenforceenforcement ment during few traffic stops and other seemingly less mentduring duringaaafew fewtraffic trafficstops stopsand andother otherseemingly seeminglyless less tense tense police interactions.

What country! tensepolice policeinteractions. interactions.What Whataaacountry! country!

Women Women took to the streets wearing pink hats and Womentook tookto tothe thestreets streetswearing wearingpink pinkhats hatsand and carrying carrying signs saying “#MeToo” and “#Time’s Up” ininproprocarryingsigns signssaying saying“#MeToo” “#MeToo”and and“#Time’s “#Time’sUp” Up”in protest test of patriarchy and the misogyny ofofthe the current resitestof ofpatriarchy patriarchyand andthe themisogyny misogynyof thecurrent currentresiresident dent of the White House.

Oprah Winfrey stood all the dentof ofthe theWhite WhiteHouse.

House.Oprah OprahWinfrey Winfreystood stoodall allthe the way way up with rousing Golden Globes speech and gave wayup upwith withaaarousing rousingGolden GoldenGlobes Globesspeech speechand andgave gave people people something to talk about—a possible presidential peoplesomething somethingto totalk talkabout—a about—apossible possiblepresidential presidential run run in 2020! runin in2020!

2020!

We We are people of great tenacity, determination, and Weare areaaapeople peopleof ofgreat greattenacity, tenacity,determination, determination,and and fortitude. fortitude.

After all, number ofofour our ancestors survived fortitude.After Afterall, all,aaanumber numberof ourancestors ancestorssurvived survived the the Middle Passage.

And, daresay, with God’s help, we theMiddle MiddlePassage.

Passage.And, And,IIIdaresay, daresay,with withGod’s God’shelp, help,we we will will weather the storm, bounce back from our foes, acwillweather weatherthe thestorm, storm,bounce bounceback backfrom fromour ourfoes, foes,acaccept cept the hand we’ve been dealt, and carry on.

It’s who ceptthe thehand handwe’ve we’vebeen beendealt, dealt,and andcarry carryon. on.It’s It’swho who we we are. weare. are. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

“Our Essex County Government Complex is a living tribute to the men and women who have shaped the history of Essex County and our Nation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. and Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver are legends, trailblazers and role models. We are proud to recognize their contributions for equality and justice.�

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

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

Celebrate African American History Month

Rosa Parks Statue

Dedicated October 1, 2014

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue Dedicated October 14, 2015

Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver Conference Center Donald M. Payne Statue Dedicated November 8, 2012

First African American NJ Lt. Governor First African American Female Assembly Speaker Dedicated October 8, 2013

The only lung transplant program in New Jersey.

As the only hospital in the state that performs lung transplants, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center can provide a convenient location so friends and family can spend more time visiting and less time traveling. To learn more about lung transplants, and support services such as pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management and smoking cessation, call 1-888-NJLung1 or visit rwjbh.org/lungtransplant

RWJ-35 Lung_Transplant_8x10_5_Jan2018.indd 1

1/17/18 3:54 PM

Join the Conversation RWJBarnabas Health, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and The Greater Newark Community Advisory Board Present a Film Screening and Community Conversation

FOOD FOR THOUGHT THE PATH TO FOOD SECURITY IN NEWARK, NJ

Food for Thought, The Path to Food Security in Newark, New Jersey “Food for Thought, The Path to Food Security in Newark, NJ” is a compelling 50-minute documentary created by the Greater Newark Community Advisory Board with support from RWJBarnabas Health, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey to address the issue of food insecurity in Newark, NJ, a city classified as a food desert by the United States Department of Agriculture.

A food desert is a region where residents lack access to healthy affordable food. Using the voice of the city’s youth, this documentary connects the dots between food access, healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and community health and showcases the city’s current assets, food resources and food availability.

According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey more than 11 million New Jersey residents, including 300,000 children lack access to healthy food options. Filmed from the perspective of Newark’s youth (ages 12-21), this documentary features interviews with community activists, urban farmers, innovative entrepreneurs, public health experts, city and state elected officials, and local youth ambassadors.

After January 30, Food for Thought will be available on youtube.com/rwjbarnabashealth and community discussions and screenings of the film will be coming to a ward and town near you.

The Greater Newark Community Advisory Board is comprised of an intersection of representatives from health care centers to the public school system to law enforcement, clergy, unions, city and state elected officials, and Newark residents.

NBI_11838_Positive Community Editorial Ad_V3.indd 1

1/12/18 5:07 PM

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Salutes NYPD Photos: Seitu Oronde

Merika Jones and Andre Jackson

L–R: Chamber Board Member Willie Walker, Jessie Walker, and Voza Rivers

L–R: Voza Rivers, Sandy and Bob Tate

T

he Harlem business, cultural, civic, and religious communities recently came together under the leadership of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) at Harlem’s historic Alhambra Ballroom. The reason? To celebrate the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the historic achievements of the city’s police force with 2017 seeing NYC’s lowest crime rate in 60 years.

Hundreds of attendees came out to celebrate the accomplishments and hear from NYC Police Commissioner James O’Neill and First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker along with Manhattan elected officials NYS Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, NYS Assemblyman Al Taylor, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. However, the evening was about the five honorees— current and former commanding officers of Harlem precincts who have built exceptional relationships with the community. Deputy Inspector Chris McIntosh, (28th Precinct), Deputy Inspector Florida Veras (26th Precinct), Captain Seth Lynch (24th Precinct), Deputy Inspector Michael Baker (32nd Precinct), and Inspector Michael Davidson, Former Commanding Officer of the 32nd Precinct all received special awards. courtesy of Metroplus and citations from Congressman Adriano Espaillat, NYS Senator Brian Benjamin, and NYC Councilman Bill Perkins, in addition to citations from the elected officials in attendance.

The evening’s program was part of an ongoing effort by the Public Safety Committees of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and HARLEM WEEK, led by chamber board members, Willie Walker and Dr. John Palmer along with HARLEM WEEK board members, Jackie Rowe Adams and Winston Majette. In February, Black History Month NYPD Youth Explorers will receive awards and encouragement to interface positively with the NYPD.

16

The Positive Community Winter 2018

L–R: Chamber board member Willie Walker, NYC Police Commissioner James O’Neill, and Harlem Week board member Jackie Rowe Adams

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. addresses the audience

L–R: Courtney A. Bennett, executive director, One Hundred Black Men, NY; Lloyd Williams, president, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; Gale Brewer, Man. Borough President; Voza Rivers, CEO and founder, VOZ Entertainment Group; and William T. Hurley of The Greater Harlem Housing Development Corporation

NYPD Honorees from L–R: Dep. Inspector Chris McIntosh, 28th Pct; Inspector Michael Davidson, formerly of 32nd Pct; Dep. Inspector Florida Veras, 26th Pct.; Deputy Inspector Michael Baker, 32nd Pct; and Captain Seth Lynch, 24th Pct. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pick up kids from school Buy Groceries Get Health Care

Sign up in your neighborhood!

Health care has been in the headlines a lot lately. What does it mean to you? At MetroPlus, getting affordable health insurance for your family doesn’t have to be complicated. Thanks to all the new MetroPlus Community Offices, chances are we’re not far from you. We’re everywhere from the Staten Island Mall to Parkchester in the Bronx. Sunset Park in Brooklyn to Skyview Mall in Queens. For a full list of neighborhood locations, visit metroplus.org. Drop in for a visit! And yes, you can bring the kids!

ENROLLMENT ENDS JANUARY 31 MKT 17.183v2

MET2132 Marketplace 2017-2018 Print Ad (Positive Comm) vc.indd 1

12/20/17 11:23 AM

The 38th Annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2018 The Paul Robeson Campus Center Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Newark, New Jersey 07102

MARION THOMPSON WRIGHT SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS: Stefon Harris

Vibraphonist, composer, educator

Farah Jasmine Griffin Columbia University

Daphne Brooks Yale University

Alexis Morrast

Vocalist & song writer

THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES:

the social life of music in black history The Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series is made possible by funds and support from Prudential Financial; the New Jersey Council for the Humanities; the New Jersey Historical Commission, Department of State; and the Rutgers Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes.

New Jersey CouNCil For The humaNiTies

Presented by the Clement A. Price Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience; the Federated Department of History, Rutgers UniversityNewark/New Jersey Institute of Technology; and the Department of African American and African Studies.

IMAGE CREDIT: Jazz, screen print, ŠJoseph Holston, 1990, courtesy of the artist

For more information, visit http://ethnicity.rutgers.edu or call 973-353-3891

IECME

@49bleeker

IECME

Photos: Karen Waters

Health ideas for wellness

Bountiful Holiday Joy At Nassan’s Place

L–R: City of Orange Captain Brown and Keith Russell

A

s the mother of Nassan, a 13 year old living with autism, Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr founded Nassan's Place in 2012 because affordable educational and recreational programs, social outings, and other resources for children and families affected by autism were unavailable in and around under-served inner-city communities. Over the last five years, Nassan’s Place has brought help, hope, acceptance, and opportunities for hundreds of these families. Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr says that a zip code should not be the reason a child or adult affected by autism must go without the resources to help them reach their full potential and become productive citizens in their community.

One such resource is the Annual Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive. On Saturday, December 16th, the fifth year the event has been held, it was a fun-filled day of food; music by kid DJ Annie Red; a Gingerbread station where children decorated their very own gingerbread cookies with the help of volunteers from Ramapo High School; face-painting; balloons; visits from United Healthcare

United Healthcare Reps, L–R: La-Kisa Hines, Diana Rivera, and Charlotte Kinsey

Community Plan’s mascot, Dr. Healthy Hound; and Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Each child went home with a bag of holiday goodies and toys. Everyone at Nassan's Place is truly grateful to the donors: United Healthcare Community Plan, Montclair Drifters, USI Insurance, Lemcor Inc., Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, The Women's Coalition for Murphy and Oliver, and many others.

L–R: Portia Lowery, Marguerite Foster, Jamelle Straker, Monique Jenkins, Sharnette Vidal, Nassan’s father Hassan Arbubakrr Nassan; President and Founder of NP, Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr; Gerald Murphy; Teeya Monroe (Mrs. Claus); Damon Farms; United Healthcare Reps. Lakeitha, Diana Rivera, Charlotte Kinsey; NP Board Members Catherine Cruz, Tikeisha Drake and Gloria Jones

20

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

New Jersey residents, learn how you can get

MORE BENEFITS THAN ORIGINAL MEDICARE. If you live in New Jersey and have both Medicare and full Medicaid, you may qualify for the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO SNP) plan. It’s a plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, including: Health Products Catalog Up to $900 in credits to buy things you may need.

Personal Emergency Response System No cost for monthly monitoring.

Health Products Debit Card Up to $800 in credits to buy things you may need.

Meal Program Up to 84 meals in 28 days delivered to you with $0 copay.

If you have both NJ FamilyCare and Medicare, you may qualify for more benefits. Call us to learn more.

1-888-834-3721, TTY 711

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

UHCCommunityPlan.com/NJ Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums are covered for enrollees of UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete ONE (HMO SNP). Members must use network plan providers, pharmacies, and DME (Durable Medical Equipment) suppliers. Members will be enrolled into Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage under the plan and will be automatically disenrolled from any other Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. UnitedHealthcare does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you

communicate with us, such as letters in other languages or large print. You can also ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call the toll-free member phone number listed on your health plan member ID card, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su

disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-941-4647, TTY 711.

1-800-941-4647, TTY 711.

Y0066_161213_104149 Accepted H3113-005_CST17522

HEARTTO-HEART

Taking a Proactive Role in Your Cardiac Health

Y

ou may know cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. But did you know that according to the American Heart Association, African-Americans are more likely to be affected by high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes—conditions that significantly increase the chances of developing heart disease and having a stroke?

While you can’t change family history, adjusting your daily life can help you beat the odds. The AHA affirms that 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events may be preventable through education, lifestyle changes, and risk-factor modification.

In recognition of American Heart Month this February, we sat down with Samuel Suede, MD, chief of cardiology at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, to find out the best ways to prioritize heart health.

Q: For those looking to get serious about heart health, but not sure where to start, what simple lifestyle changes would you recommend?

A: When you face a higher risk of obesity and diabetes, start with diet modification. Include a wider variety of “color” in your foods. Consume unprocessed healthy foods rich in nutrients and vitamins, such as green leafy vegetables, fresh berries and fruits, fish, lean meats, and whole grains.

22

The Positive Community Winter 2018

Limit foods high in carbohydrates, like pasta and rice. According to the AHA, AfricanAmericans may be more sensitive to salt, so read labels and cut back. Replace sugary drinks with water, milk, or unsweetened tea; indulge in healthy snacks—crunchy veggies, fat-free yogurt, and canned or frozen fruits— instead of sweets.

Q: Diet aside, what habits can people change to be heart-smart?

A: According to the AHA, high blood pressure is common in the African-American community, and can cause permanent damage to the heart before you notice symptoms. Regular moderate-intensity exercise can reduce that risk by strengthening the cardiovascular system and burning calories. Aim for 30 minutes of activity, five days a week. Take longer walks—try laps outdoors, and park further from the entrance when shopping at the mall or grocery store.

Sign up for chair yoga or gentle movement classes at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s Graf Center for Integrative Medicine or your community center. It’s time to quit smoking, even casually! And limit alcohol intake to one drink per day.

Q: How does stress affect the heart, and how can we better manage it?

A: Stress can cause and aggravate hypertension. It can also lead to unhealthy coping

mechanisms such as smoking, excessive drinking, overeating, and physical inactivity, causing high blood pressure and cholesterol—both increasing the risk of heart disease.

So relax more. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress—a hobby, a new exercise routine, time with family and friends. Our Graf Center also offers massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Reiki, nutritional counseling, and various other services to help relax the mind and body. Meditation is especially helpful for improving relaxation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stress.

Q: What are the key takeaways, and how can we track our progress?

A: Focus on managing and preventing risk factors through proper nutrition, exercise, medication (if necessary), and regular follow-up visits with your physician. Know your numbers. What are your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels? Ask for printouts of your lab work or make use of your physician’s online portal. Take steps to reduce these levels, if elevated. Note your activity and behavior changes between visits, as well as any resultant changes in your levels. Most important, don’t ignore the warning signs. If you develop new chest discomfort or experience difficulty breathing, palpitations, lightheadedness, or feeling faint, be sure to reach out to your doctor immediately, as these could be symptoms of heart disease. www.thepositivecommunity.com

National leaders.

Local address.

To find a specialist, call 866-980-3462

EHMC_NLLA_H&V_7x9.5_REV.indd 1

englewoodhealth.org

1/24/18 3:18 PM

Abyssinian Senior Pastor Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III (center) (L–R) Brittany Kesse and Rev. Reginald Lee Bachus

Brittany Kesse and Rev. Reginald Lee Bachus Wed

I

n a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and tears, Brittany Kesse and Reginald Lee Bachus took their wedding vows in the sanctuary of Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church. Church members filled the sanctuary to witness the marriage of their associate pastor, Rev. Bachus and the new Lady Bachus on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Standing ovations greeted first the handsome groom, then the beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle. Abyssinian Senior Pastor Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III officiated performing the rituals with both spirituality and humor.

Cheering and loud applause rose to the rafters as Rev. and Mrs. Reginald L. Bachus jumped the broom to affirm their marriage in the African American cultural tradition. A reception followed in the fellowship hall, which had been transformed—draped in white satin, with white paper lanterns, black and white photos of the couple, white draped high boy tables, cake, and pink cider served in champagne glasses.

A private ceremony and reception for family and close friends at the Tides Estate in North Haledon, NJ continued the celebration and dancing the night away in a room filled with love and laughter as the happy couple began their new life together.

Congratulations Lady Brittany and Rev. Reginald L. Bachus.

24

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Healthfirst proudly celebrates

Black History Month Recognizing the legacy of African American community’s, past, present and future For more information about our health plans, call 1-888-974-9901 (TTY 1-888-542-3821), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, or visit www.HFhealthplan.org.

Plans are offered by affiliates of Healthfirst, Inc. © 2018 HF Management Services, LLC

2653-17

INA17_05

Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton Recognition of Veterans Rev. Dr. Darrell L. Armstrong Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Rev. Dr. Darrell L. Armstrong; Edwin Taylor, NJ Veterans Services Rep.; Deacon Lester Harris; Dr. Tilson Sills; Rev. William Coleman; Deacon Willie Hood; Deacon George Poole, Sr.; Herb Bolden; and Sylvia Nelson

S

hiloh Baptist Church in Trenton New Jersey (SBC), pays homage to veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces at three services every November.

SBC honors and celebrates veterans in its congregation and those in the community at a Veterans’ Day Worship Service held on the Friday closest to Veterans’ Day, as well as during its Sunday Morning Worship Services on or near November 11th to acknowledge the service of these individuals, highlighting their contributions, which because they are African Americans, might have been overlooked or diminished as has often been the case in the past. Shiloh’s 2017 Veterans’ Day service was Sunday, November 12.

26

Lt. Col. Yvonne D. Harris-Johnson, (Ret), MSC, USAF, is first black female in the state of NJ to reach the rank of Lt. Col. in the New Jersey Air National Guard and a deaconess at SBC

The Positive Community Winter 2018

L–R: 1.Tabia Richardson (tallest girl, glasses) 2. Youth choir guest 3. Youth choir guest 4. Zuri Williams 5. Melania Frances 6. Janiyah Freeman 7. Eric Smith 8. Richard Hollis 9. Reginald Bropleh 10. Elon Henderson 11. Shiloh Henderson 12. Youth choir guest 13.

Youth choir guest

www.thepositivecommunity.com

SPH-1845 Positive Community CyberPros 8X10.5 MECH_SPH-1845 Positive Community CyberPros 8X10.5 MECH 1/24/18 3:39 PM Page 1

Fight prostate cancer in just 5 treatments instead of 40.

CYBERKNIFE.®

THE ULTIMATE WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER AT SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. Imagine fighting prostate cancer in just five treatments. CyberKnife at Saint Peter’s University Hospital is a nonsurgical alternative to traditional prostate cancer treatments. Using pinpoint radiation beams, CyberKnife attacks prostate tumors with submillimeter precision, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues and fewer side effects.

It’s pain-free, and requires no incisions or hospital stay, allowing men to quickly return to their normal lifestyles.

For details, call toll-free 866.702.2737 or visit saintpetershcs.com/cyberknife

254 EASTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901

■

732.745.8600

■

saintpetershcs.com

Accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer ■ Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen CyberKnife is a registered trademark of Accuray Incorporated and is used with permission.

Take quiz to AVENUE, discover important informationNJ about prostate cancer that can help■ yousaintpetershcs.com recognize symptoms.

■ 254our EASTON NEW BRUNSWICK, 08901 732.745.8600 saintpetershcs.com/prostatehealth

buiness, finance + work

Education the art + science of learning

Living Spiritually— A Public Lecture Series

Newark, Spirituality, and the Future

P

rofound changes occurring in 21st-century life—particularly regarding demographics, technology, the nature of work, the role of youth, the changing culture, and conflict and confusion about God, spirituality, and faith—require serious conversation to help determine how we go forward understanding the complexity of this new world and how to negotiate it.

Joining forces to meet the needs of a diverse society and to reach out to a more culturally and politically textured community, The Positive Community (TPC) and the Newark School of Theology (NST) are hosting a public lecture series in Newark that will focus on questions of spirituality informed by the great faith traditions and modern science and technology designed to encourage inquiry and discourse on the meaning of life among spiritual seekers of all faiths.

The series, free and open to the public, will feature distinguished clergy, theologians, public leaders, jurists, captains of industry, lawmakers, and scholars—all seekers of a more just, more merciful, and more humane society.

All programs and events are designed to allow both the speaker and audience to participate in well-formed question and answer sessions following all presentations. These may take the form of lectures, interviews, and discussions.

To facilitate learning, lectures will be published and circulated to institutions and individuals and regularly archived at thepositivecommunity.com and the NST Library. Desired outcomes include creating a video series, coursework as part of a seminar, and ultimately the creation of a center for the study of spirituality and democracy designed to help students and citizens interested in the faith journey and in promoting and participating in conversations around contemporary issues related to faith and spirituality in the nation.

28

The Positive Community Winter 2018

Founder, trustees, faculty, alumni, and friends of NST

What to Discuss?

With notions of spirituality seemingly reserved for the church and academia, some argue that faith and the concept of a GOD who loves the whole world may be disintegrating before our eyes. Church attendance is dwindling, and churches are closing as a result. Millions languish in prisons with no opportunity to develop themselves morally or academically to become productive citizens. Government demonstrates a lack of unity and connectedness. Tolerance, compassion, and the ability to offer a welcoming heart to others are no longer valued. Television, the internet, and other media convey ideas that are gobbled up by the masses without thought or consideration of their veracity.

How can we think of ourselves as spiritual beings in the midst of so many differences and categorizations involving race, class, position, income, education, occupation, and wealth?

Vigorous discourse on all of these issues can help determine what role the church, faith, and spiritual values can play in today’s democracy. Join us on Thursday, February 8th at The Newark Public Library at 6pm sharp for our inaugural lecture featuring Newark Mayor Hon. Ras J. Baraka.

Special thanks to community partners: Verizon, Pillar College, Newark Public Library, and Newark Clergy Alliance.

Celebrating 20 years of academic excellence, the Newark School of Theology is a non-sectarian educational ministry. It provides high-quality education to persons who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study advanced courses in theology. www. Newarkschooloftheology. org—Rev. Dr. R. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D. founder and president. Trustee Board Co-Chairs: Marcia Wilson Brown, Esq., vice chancellor Rutgers University-Newark; Adrian A. Council, Sr., publisher The Positive Community.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Public Lecture Series

Kid’s Corner Positive Music Matters

Five Year Old Drummer: Winston D. Nelson, Jr.

F

ive year-old Winston D. Nelson, Jr. comes from a long line of musicians and keeps the tradition intact. The son of Shante and Winston Nelson, Sr. and the big brother of Winter, young Winston has played the drums since before he could walk. Through his late great-grandmother Emma Bush, his grandmother Johnetta Bush, and his father, he has inherited a strong musical gene. Pots and pans from the family kitchen became his first instruments. Eventually a set of real drums replaced the pots and pans and at the age of three, Winston became the drummer for the Celestial Choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church. He also plays drums for his grandmother, Johnetta Bush, at St. John’s Baptist Church. Aside from his musical acumen, Winston, Jr. loves school and enjoys his tutoring sessions at home with his mother, Shante. Last year he was awarded Student of the Month for October because of his excellent grades, positive attitude, and being a great classmate. Winston’s hobbies include playing videos games, flag football, basketball, and spending time with his family.

Rev. H. William Rutherford, lll is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Orange, and Rev. Shawn T. Wallace pastors St. John’s Baptist Church in Scotch Plains. —JNW Photos: Lem Peterkin

Kendall Cooper makes a large donation

Sydney’s Winter Wonderland

“I

t is better to give than to receive.” It’s a lesson oneyear-old Sydney Madison doesn’t understand yet, but in future years, she surely will. On her first birthday, Saturday, December 16, 2017, her parents, Dominique and Michael Dubinsky of Brooklyn, NY, dedicated to combating child poverty, hosted a birthday for her and invited several underprivileged children the opportunity enjoy the magical time of the year.

"We watched her play with so many toys throughout the year and the excitement only lasted for about two

30

The Positive Community Winter 2018

seconds,” the Dubinskys explained. “We knew that her first birthday would bring more toys, so the decision was clear. We would celebrate her first year spreading holiday cheer. She will outgrow toys, but the memories she creates will last for a lifetime."

The party, which they called “Sydney’s Winter Wonderland,” featured, games, gifts, a collection for Toys for Tots, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Dominique and Michael look forward to hosting Sydney’s Winter Wonderland annually for children in need, and inspiring others to do the same. www.thepositivecommunity.com

remembering my uncle martin

By R.L. Witter

A

s a child of the 1970s, I wasn’t born when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was leading the Civil Rights movement. Despite the fact that several family members and acquaintances knew the man personally, he casts a long shadow and exists in my memory like a long-lost uncle.

Early Memories

While nowhere near eidetic, I’ve always possessed an uncannily vivid memory—able to recall incidents from toddlerhood, down to people’s names and clothes they wore.

Perhaps my impossible familiarity is due to the pictures of MLK I saw throughout my childhood. My first conscious memory of Dr. King stems from warm, summer Sundays.

We worshipped in a COGIC church and a couple of times each year made the trek to “MaMa’s” house in Greensboro, NC to visit family. The discomfort of the heat and humidity was matched only by my fascination with the people I encountered. Their words were different. Syllables seemed stretched and drawls dangled in the ay-uh when they spoke.

Conversation was slower and while filled with “ain’ts” and words that somehow lost the “gs” from their “ings” and “ers” that became “ahs,” it was inexplicably more formal.

I was always referred to as “Miss Rachel” and learned quickly to address elders as “Sir” and “Ma’am.” The differences between women and ladies became very clear, and it

Me with my Black History coloring book.

32 32

The Positive Community Winter 2018 The Positive Community Winter 2018

was those ladies who mesmerized me with their sweet, lilting voices, and their ability to wear huge hats, pantyhose, and gloves to Sunday Service in stifling heat. I marveled at their ability to remain cool while getting on the occasional good foot when the Holy Spirit took hold of them. And then, my youthful mind realized their secret—southern church ladies had Dr. King to thank for that! His face adorned most of the church fans that waved back and forth in small flicks of the ladies’ wrists, providing just enough of a breeze for them to remain ladies.

By five or six years old I can recall receiving a huge Black History coloring book, practically as tall as I was. Inside were outlines of Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, George Washington Carver and other people I could color with my brown crayon while reading about their bravery and ingenuity. Within those pages and adorning the cover of that coloring book was my imaginary Uncle Martin.

While I could choose a color for Harriet’s clothes, I knew to color his suit with the black crayon because I had seen color photos and film footage of him.

In elementary school we studied MLK during Black History Month and on the rare occasion of a chapter on civil rights. I found it odd that he wasn’t just my uncle, but seemingly every other black child’s, too. We all knew him.

And during birthday parties and afterschool visits to their homes, they had the same photos of him. Some even had his face on plates hung upon dining room walls, beside Jesus and John F. Kennedy.

In sixth grade I recall my cousin, Cheryll, singing a different version of “Happy Birthday” at a family party. It was a new soulful, up-tempo version that Stevie Wonder had written for Uncle Martin, in an effort to get a holiday in his name. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

History Comes Alive

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Theodora Lacey, one of my teachers, escorted her friend, Rosa Parks, into our school’s auditorium. We were studying the Civil Rights Movement and Mrs. Parks’ arrival at our school made history come alive. She shared photos and stories from her days in Alabama and her work with the NAACP, as well as her thoughts on the Civil Rights Movement and her part in it.

We sat in awe listening to Mrs. Rosa Parks. It seemed that she had stepped out of our textbooks and both she and Dr. Lacey repeatedly mentioned “Martin.” I realized they were talking about my Uncle Martin. Looking closely at her, I pondered the possibility of Mrs. Parks being another long-lost relative. Perhaps I should begin calling her “Auntie Rosa?”

She would have seamlessly blended into one of our family photos. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to ask her, “Where are your people from?” as I had so often heard on those southern trips.

Over the following year or so I came to the sad realization that Dr. King was not, in fact, my uncle. It dawned on me while playing with my cousins one day when I thought to myself, “Where is Bernice?” The youngest of Dr. King’s children was quite a bit older than me, so while she wouldn’t have been my playmate, shouldn’t she have babysat her younger cousin at some point? I always wondered especially about Bernice because while the rest of the world had opinions on “Dr. King,” “The Reverend,” and “Uncle Martin,” she knew him simply as “Daddy.” His baby girl, she was robbed of the opportunity to have more than a handful of memories of her father when an assassin’s bullet rang out in the Memphis sky on that fateful April day. I wondered who had comforted her when she heard noises at night, whose steely gaze burned into the boys who showed up to take her out on dates? Who would walk her down the aisle when she married? I won-

dered if she knew how many “play cousins” she had across the country and the world. Did she know her daddy was my Uncle Martin?

Living the Dream

I can recall a feeling of excitement, a palpable buzz among the black students at our high school when we heard America would celebrate Martin Luther King Day for the very first time. Every church seemed to be holding a special service the Sunday prior and for whatever reason, that January day seemed more like spring. A group of us purchased black sweatshirts with white cursive writing commemorating the special day. We wore them to school both the Friday before AND the Tuesday after the holiday. At the time my oldest brother was finishing his degree at Morehouse; my other brother would be starting there in August.

I don’t think there was a day in college when someone didn’t invoke the name or words of Dr. King. At Howard we wore t-shirts reading “Martin, Malcolm, Mandela & ME” —proclaiming our intent to make history and change the world. His words rolled off our tongues with the ease of well-known nursery rhymes or even the ABCs. We had been raised on his words and his actions, and studied his ideology.

We proclaimed ourselves his dream and set out to live lives that would’ve made him proud.

Years later, I can reflect on all of the history I’ve witnessed personally, right up to the election and re-election of America’s first black president, Barack Obama. I can look back on November 4, 2008 and remember the joy and pride I felt that night that was only made possible by the hard work, determination, and sacrifices of MLK and his family. And while I am proud of and grateful for all that Dr. King did to assure a better future for millions of people worldwide, I do feel pangs of lament and loss when I imagine what more might have been accomplished had he lived on and continued his work, instead of dying almost two years to the day before I was born.

He and I never shared a breath of air. And yet, my Uncle Martin’s life and work indelibly shaped and molded my life.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

33 33

Memories of My Father on the Memories Memories of of My My Father Father on on the the Birthday of Martin Luther King Birthday Birthday of of Martin Martin Luther Luther King King

BY CHRIS KIM BY BY BYCHRIS CHRIS CHRIS KIM KIM KIM of New York City Presbytery Chris Kim is an elder of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and an Former Moderator Former Former Former Moderator Moderator Moderator of of ofNew New New York York YorkCity City CityPresbytery Presbytery Presbytery Chris Chris ChrisKim Kim Kimisisisan an anelder elder elderof of ofGood Good Good Shepherd ShepherdPresbyterian Presbyterian Presbyterian Church Church Churchand and andan an an Inc. advisor for the Historical Commission of Presbyterian Churches Korea.

He isShepherd president of Special Products Service advisor advisor advisorfor for forthe the theHistorical Historical HistoricalCommission Commission Commissionof of ofPresbyterian Presbyterian PresbyterianChurches Churches ChurchesKorea.

Korea.

Korea.He He Heisisispresident president presidentof of ofSpecial Special SpecialProducts Products ProductsService Service ServiceInc. Inc. Inc.

FFF

ifty years ago, the assassination of Martin Luther ifty ifty iftyyears years years ago, ago, ago, the theassassination assassination assassination of of Martin Martin Luther Luther Luther King, Jr. was a the shock to everyoneof inMartin the world, esKing, King, King, Jr. Jr. Jr. was was was a a a shock shock shock to to to everyone everyone everyone in in in the the the world, world, world, esesespecially those who loved peace. In his work aiding pecially pecially pecially those those those who who who loved loved loved peace. peace. peace.

In In In his his his work work work aiding aiding aiding the poor and disenfranchised, Dr. King showed everythe the thepoor poor and and and disenfranchised, disenfranchised, Dr. Dr. Dr.King King King showed showed everyeveryeveryone apoor vision ofdisenfranchised, hope and what seemed toshowed be a tangible one one one a a a vision vision vision of of of hope hope hope and and and what what what seemed seemed seemed to to to be be be a a a tangible tangible tangible dream for the world. He stood up for black people who dream dream dream for for forrobbed the the theworld. world. world.

He He Hestood stood stoodup up upfor for forblack black blackpeople people people who who who had been of their freedom for centuries under a had had had been been been robbed robbed robbed of of of their their their freedom freedom freedom for for for centuries centuries centuries under under under aaa system of racial bias and discrimination; his death broke system system system of of ofracial racial racial bias bias biasand and anddiscrimination; discrimination; discrimination;his his hisdeath death deathbroke broke broke the hearts of millions. the the the hearts hearts hearts of of of millions. millions. millions.

Dr. King believed the law should be equal to everyDr. Dr. Dr. King King King believed believed believed the the the law law lawshould should should be be beequal equal equal to to to everyeveryeveryone, and basic human rights and freedom were for not one, one, one, and and and basic basic basic human human human rights rights rights and and and freedom freedom freedom were were were for for for not not not just some, but all. His call for human rights, freedom, just just just some, some, some, but but but all. all. all.

His His His call call call for for for human human human rights, rights, rights, freedom, freedom, freedom, and equality through his ideology of non-violence and and and andequality equality equalitythrough through through his his his ideology ideology ideology of of ofnon-violence non-violence non-violence and and and non-resistance inspired and empowered people worldnon-resistance non-resistance non-resistance inspired inspired inspired and and and empowered empowered empowered people people people worldworldworldwide, much in the way his assassination angered and sadwide, wide, wide,much much much in in inthe the theway way wayhis his hisassassination assassination assassination angered angered and and andsadsadsaddened hopeful people from all cornersangered of the world. dened dened dened hopeful hopeful hopeful people people people from from from all all all corners corners corners of of of the the the world. world. world.

Korea was no exception. My father, Elder Byung Sup Korea Korea Korea was wasno no no exception. exception.

My My Myfather, father, father, Elder Elder Elder Byung Byung Byung Sup Sup Sup Kim, was was born inexception.

North Korea.

A christian he was jailed Kim, Kim, Kim, was was was born born born in in in North North North Korea.

Korea.

Korea.

A A A christian christian christian he he he was was was jailed jailed jailed as a young man for protests against communism. He fled as as asaSouth aayoung young young man man manfor for for protests protests protests against against against communism. communism. communism.

He He Hefled fled fled to Korea at age 31, seeking religious freedom and to to toSouth South SouthKorea Korea Koreaatatatage age age31, 31, 31,seeking seeking seekingreligious religious religiousfreedom freedom freedomand and and

Elder Byung Elder Elder Elder Byung Byung Byung Sup Kim Sup Sup SupKim Kim Kim

34 The Positive Community Winter 2018 34 34 34The The ThePositive Positive PositiveCommunity Community CommunityWinter Winter Winter2018 2018 2018 34 The Positive Community Winter 2018

As a Christian, journalist, and social As As AsaaaChristian, Christian, Christian,journalist, journalist, journalist,and and andsocial social social activist, he carried out Dr. King’s ideas activist, activist, activist,he he hecarried carried carriedout out outDr. Dr. Dr.King’s King’s King’sideas ideas ideas in action. After leaving Korea and immiin in inaction. action. action.After After Afterleaving leaving leavingKorea Korea Koreaand and andimmiimmiimmigrating to the USA in 1977, he worked grating grating gratingto to tothe the theUSA USA USAin in in1977, 1977, 1977,he he heworked worked worked and fought for equality and rights of and and andfought fought foughtfor for forequality equality equalityand and andrights rights rightsof of of minorities among Korean community. minorities minorities minoritiesamong among amongKorean Korean Koreancommunity. community. community.

worked as a newspaper and magazine publisher and worked worked workedas as asaaanewspaper newspaper newspaper and and andan magazine magazine magazine publisher publisher publisher and and and teacher.

There, he remained activist and led protests teacher. teacher. teacher.

There, There, There, he he he remained remained remained an an an activist activist activist and and and led led led protests protests protests when North Korea seized the Navy spy ship USS Pueblo when when when North North North Korea Korea Korea seized seized seized the the Navy Navy spy spy ship ship shipUSS USS USS Pueblo Pueblo in January 1968 and tookthe theNavy crewspy hostage.

MyPueblo father in in in January January January 1968 1968 1968 and and and took took took the the the crew crew crew hostage. hostage. hostage.

My My My father father father studied Dr. King’s ideology and philosophy and he, as a studied studied studied Dr. Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s ideology ideology ideology and and and philosophy philosophy philosophy and and and he, he, he, as asaaa Christian leader, founded a magazine for freedom as and Christian Christian Christian leader, leader, leader, founded founded founded a a a magazine magazine magazine for for for freedom freedom freedom and and and peace. The death of Dr. King was a shocking event for peace. peace. peace.

The The death death of of ofDr. Dr. Dr. King King Kingwas was was aaashocking shocking shocking event event event for for for him, soThe he death and other Christian leaders in Korea orgahim, him, him, so so so he he he and and and other other other Christian Christian Christian leaders leaders leaders in in in Korea Korea Korea orgaorgaorganized the first memorial service for Dr. King in Asia. nized nized nized the thefirst first firstideology memorial memorial memorial service service service for for forDr. Dr. Dr.King King Kingin in Asia.

Asia.

Asia.

Dr.the King’s and philosophy had ain profound Dr. Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s ideology ideology ideology and and and philosophy philosophy philosophy had had had a a a profound profound profound effect on my father’s life. As a Christian, journalist, and effect effect effecton on onmy my myfather’s father’s father’s life. life. life.As As AsaaDr. aChristian, Christian, Christian, journalist, journalist, journalist, and and and social activist, he carried out King’s ideas in action. social social social activist, activist, activist, he he he carried carried carried out out out Dr. Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s ideas ideas ideas in in in action. action. action.

After leaving Korea and immigrating to the USA in 1977, After After After leaving leaving leaving Korea Korea Korea and and and immigrating immigrating immigrating to to tothe the theUSA USA USA in in1977, 1977, 1977, he worked and fought for equality and rights ofin minorihe he he worked worked worked and and and fought fought fought for for for equality equality equality and and and rights rights rights of of of minoriminoriminorities among the Korean community. Influenced by Dr. ties ties tiesamong among among the the theKorean Korean Korean community. community. community.

Influenced Influenced Influenced by by byDr. Dr. Dr. King’s ideology and philosophy, he worked tirelessly to King’s King’s King’s ideology ideology ideology and and and philosophy, philosophy, philosophy, he he he worked worked worked tirelessly tirelessly tirelessly to to to instill the same vision and dream for minorities in his instill instill instill the the the same same same vision vision vision and and and dream dream dream for for for minorities minorities minorities in in in his his his community, especially for Koreans. community, community, community, especially especially for for foractions Koreans.

Koreans.

Koreans.

Dr. King’sespecially beliefs and are needed more now Dr. Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s beliefs beliefs beliefs and and and actions actions actions are are areneeded needed needed more more more now now now than at any other time I can remember.

We’re seeing than than than at at at any any any other other other time time time I I I can can can remember. remember. remember.

We’re We’re We’re seeing seeing seeing a resurgence of racial division, discrimination, religious aconflicts, aaresurgence resurgence resurgence of ofracial racial racialdivision, division, division, discrimination, discrimination, discrimination, religious religious andof violence and some world leaders religious are seekconflicts, conflicts, conflicts, and and and violence violence violence and and and some some some world world world leaders leaders leaders are are are seekseeking selfish ambition and benefits, rather than what’sseekbest ing ing ing selfish selfish selfish ambition ambition ambition and and and benefits, benefits, benefits, rather rather rather than than than what’s what’s what’s best best best for the majority. We need to return to Dr. King’s philosfor for for the the the majority. majority. majority.

We We We need need need to to to return return return to to to Dr. Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s philosphilosphilosophy that we all rise and fall together as one. I truly beophy ophy ophywhen that that thatwe we weall all allrise rise rise and and and fall fall falltogether together together as as asone. one. one.IIItruly truly trulybebebelieve we have such leaders and personally embrace lieve lieve lieve when when when we we we have have have such such such leaders leaders leaders and and and personally personally personally embrace embrace embrace and practice Dr. King’s beliefs, this world and our society and and andpractice practice practice Dr. Dr. Dr.King’s King’s King’sbeliefs, beliefs, beliefs,this this thisworld world worldand and andour our oursociety society society will be transformed. will will will be be be transformed. transformed. transformed.

Jesus says in the Bible if you have faith, you can move Jesus Jesus Jesussays says saysDr. in in inthe the theBible Bible Bible you you have have have faith, faith,you you youcan can canmove move move mountains.

King wasififif ayou man of faith, faith who began to mountains. mountains. mountains.

Dr. Dr. Dr. King King King was was was a a a man man man of of of faith faith faith who who who began began began to to to move the mountain; now it’s our turn to lean in and finmove move move the the the mountain; mountain; mountain; now now now it’s it’s it’s our our our turn turn turn to to to lean lean lean in in in and and and finfinfinish the job. ish ish ishthe the thejob. job. job.

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

ThursdaY, march 22, 2018 maNdariN orieNTal New York 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street New York, NY 10023

Reception - 6:00 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM THE 15TH ANNUAL URBAN ANGEL AWARDS GALA

The Board of TrusTees of

New York Theological semiNarY are honored and pleased to present the

2018 urBaN aNgel awardees

Kimberly Davis Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs National Hockey League

Mi Kyung Jasmine Je Executive Director Asian Women’s Christian Association (AWCA) Teaneck, NJ

For additional information, visit www.nyts.edu/gala or contact Sontaia Briggs at 212-870-1257; or e-mail: sbriggs@nyts.edu

NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500, New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

Reflections Reflections Upon a a Time Time Upon in South South Korea Korea in By Rev. Cornell A. Edmonds By Rev. A. By Rev. Cornell A. Edmonds By By Rev. Rev. Cornell Cornell Cornell A. A. Edmonds Edmonds Edmonds Church of the Covent, New York City Church of the Covent, Church of the Covent, New York City Church Church of of the the Covent, Covent, New New New York York York City City City

Cornell and and Barbara Barbara with with their their friend, friend, Cornell Cornell and and Barbara Barbara with with their their friend, friend, Cornell Cornell and with their friend, Chris Kim Kim inBarbara South Korea Korea Chris in South Chris Kim in South Korea Chris Chris Kim Kim in in South South Korea Korea

I

n his his 1958 book, The Measure of aaa Man, Man, Rev. Dr. Marn 1958 The Measure of Rev. Dr. Marhis 1958 book, The Measure Man, Rev. Dr. Marnn n his his 1958 1958 book, book, book,Jr. The The Measure Measure ofof of aa Man, Man,that Rev. Rev.we Dr. Dr. MarMartin Luther King, wrote, “Everything see isaaa tin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Everything that we see is tin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Everything that we see tin tin Luther Luther King, King, Jr. Jr. wrote, wrote, “Everything “Everything that that we we see see isis isaa shadow cast by that which we do not see.” shadow cast by that which we do not see.” shadow cast by that which we do not see.” shadow shadow cast cast by by that that which which we we do do not not see.” see.”

Dr. King’s words came to mind recently after a Dr. words came to recently after Dr. King’s words came to mind recently after Dr. Dr. King’s King’s King’s words words came came to to mind mind mind recently recently after after aaaa conversation with a Korean friend and my recollections conversation aaaa Korean friend and my recollections conversation with with Korean friend and my recollections conversation conversation with with Korean Korean friend friend and and my my recollections recollections of my visit to South Korea with my wife in 2016; and it of my visit to South Korea with my wife in 2016; and it of my visit to South Korea with my wife in 2016; and of of my my visit visit to to South South Korea Korea with with my my wife wife in in 2016; 2016; and and itit it occurred to me that the anniversary of Dr. King’s birth occurred me that the anniversary of Dr. King’s birth occurred to to me that the anniversary of Dr. King’s birth occurred occurred to to me me that that the the anniversary anniversary of of Dr. Dr. King’s King’s birth birth would be great opportunity to highlight some things would aaaaa great would be be great opportunity to highlight some things would would be be great great opportunity opportunity opportunity to to to highlight highlight highlight some some some things things things “we do not see.” “we do not see.” “we do not see.” “we “weIn do dothe not notwake see.” see.” of the Los Angeles riots, following the In wake of Los riots, following the In the wake of the Los Angeles riots, following the In In the the theKing wake wake of of the the theand Los Losa Angeles Angeles Angeles riots, riots, following following the the Rodney verdict few tragic incidents in stores Rodney King verdict and a few tragic incidents in stores Rodney King verdict and a few tragic incidents in stores Rodney Rodney King King verdict verdict and and a a few few tragic tragic incidents incidents in in stores stores owned by Koreans and patronized by African Americans, owned by owned by

by Koreans Koreans and and patronized by African Americans, owned by Koreans and patronized by African Americans, owned by Koreans and patronized patronized

by African African Americans, Americans, relationships between the two communities have been relationships between the two communities have relationships between the two communities have been relationships between the two communities have been relationships between the two communities have been been strained, belying the positivity that exists. strained, belying the positivity that exists. strained, belying the positivity that exists. strained, strained, belying belying the the positivity positivity that that exists. exists.

The English cleric, Charles Caleb Colton, is famously famously The cleric, Caleb Colton, is The English cleric, Charles Caleb Colton, famously The The English English English cleric, cleric, Charles Charles Charles Caleb Caleb Colton, Colton, isis is famously famously known for the quote, “Imitation is the sincerest [form] known for the quote, “Imitation is the sincerest [form] known for the quote, “Imitation is the sincerest [form] known known for for the the quote, quote, “Imitation “Imitation is is the the sincerest sincerest [form] [form] of flattery.”

I hope to illuminate a hidden positive aspect of flattery.”

I hope to illuminate a hidden positive of flattery.”

I hope to illuminate a hidden positive aspect of of flattery.” flattery.” II hope hope to to illuminate illuminate aa hidden hidden positive positive aspect aspect aspect

Hip Hop Hop Hip Hip Hop Hop Hip Hip Hop Dancers Dancers Dancers Dancers Dancers

36 The Positive Positive Community Community 36 36 The The Positive Community 36 The The Positive Positive Community Community 36 The Positive Community

Winter 2018 2018 Winter Winter 2018 Winter Winter 2018 2018 Winter 2018

of African African American American and and Korean Korean relations, relations, which which on on the the of of African American and Korean relations, which on the of of African African American American and and Korean Korean relations, relations, which whichcultural on on the the surface, might otherwise be dismissed as simple surface, might otherwise be dismissed as simple cultural surface, might otherwise be dismissed as simple cultural surface, surface, might might otherwise otherwise be be dismissed dismissed as as simple simple cultural cultural appropriation. appropriation. appropriation. appropriation. appropriation.

My friend, friend, Chris Chris Kim, Kim, who who isis is from from South South Korea, Korea, prepreMy My friend, Chris Kim, who South Korea, preMy My over friend, friend, Chris Chris Kim, Kim, who who isis from from from South South Korea, Korea, prepresided my ordination in 2006.

It was during that time sided over my ordination in 2006.

It was during that time sided over my ordination in 2006.

It was during that time sided sided over over my my ordination ordination in in 2006.

2006.

It It was was during during that that time time he first first shared shared with with me me that that following following Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther he he first shared with me that following Dr. Martin Luther he he first first shared shared with with me me that that following following Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther King’s assassination his father, Elder Byung Sup Kim, King’s assassination his father, Elder Byung Sup Kim, King’s assassination his father, Elder Byung Sup Kim, King’s King’s assassination assassination his his father, father, Elder Elder Byung Byung Sup Sup Kim, Kim, a Korean activist, organized a memorial service for Dr. aaaa Korean activist, organized aaaa memorial service for Dr. Korean activist, organized memorial service for Dr. Korean Korean activist, activist, organized organized memorial memorial service service for for Dr. Dr. King in Korea.

He also introduced the work and theology King in Korea.

He also introduced the work and theology King in Korea.

He also introduced the work and theology King King in in Korea.

Korea.

He He also also introduced introduced the the work work and and theology theology of Dr. Dr. King King to to that that country. country. At At Chris’ Chris’ urging, urging, my my wife wife and and of of Dr. King to that country.

At Chris’ urging, my wife and of of Dr. Dr. King Kingwith to to that that country. country.

At AtSouth Chris’ Chris’Korea. urging, urging, my my wife wife and and I travelled him to Seoul, IIII travelled with him to Seoul, South Korea. travelled with him to Seoul, South Korea. travelled travelled with with him him to to Seoul, Seoul, South South Korea.

Korea.

While there, there, we we visited visited aaa traditional traditional Korean Korean folk folk vilvilWhile While there, we visited traditional Korean folk vilWhile While there, there, we we visited visited aa traditional traditional Korean Korean folk folk vilvillage.

It was there we witnessed, to our amazement, a huge lage.

It was there we witnessed, to our amazement, aaaahuge lage.

It was there we witnessed, to our amazement, huge lage. lage.

It It was was there there we we witnessed, witnessed, to to our our amazement, amazement, huge huge crowd of of almost almost exclusively exclusively Korean Korean people. people. All All ages, ages, they they crowd crowd of almost exclusively Korean people.

All ages, they crowd of almost exclusively Korean people.

All they crowd oflooked almostupon exclusively Korean people.

All ages, ages, they joyfully a group of young Korean men and joyfully looked upon aaaa group of young Korean men and joyfully looked upon group of young Korean men and joyfully looked upon group of young Korean men and joyfully looked upon group of young Korean men and women dressed in track suits, sneakers, and hats turned women dressed in track suits, sneakers, and hats turned women dressed in track suits, sneakers, and hats turned women dressed in track suits, sneakers, and hats turned women dressed in track suits, sneakers, and hats turned backwards, dancing dancing to to hip hip hop hop music. music. The The following following backwards, backwards, dancing to hip hop music.

The following backwards, dancing hip music.

The following backwards, dancing to to hip hop hop music.The The following Sunday, we attended a worship service. church had Sunday, we attended aaaa worship service.

The church had Sunday, we attended worship service.

The church had Sunday, we attended worship service.

The church had Sunday, we attended worship service.

The church had a gospel choir with hundreds of participants.

I was overaaaa gospel choir with hundreds of participants.

IIII was overgospel choir with hundreds of participants. was overgospel choir with hundreds of participants. was overgospel choir with hundreds of participants. was overwhelmed witnessing witnessing aaa Korean Korean choir choir singing, singing, as as best best III rerewhelmed whelmed witnessing Korean choir singing, as best rewhelmed witnessing aa Korean choir singing, as II rewhelmed witnessing Korean choirthe singing, asofbest best recall, “Deep River” and embracing music African call, “Deep River” and embracing the music of African call, “Deep River” and embracing the music of African call, “Deep River” and embracing the music of African call, “Deep River” and embracing the music of African Americanculture. culture.Even Eventhough thoughIIIcould couldnot notunderstand understandaaa American American culture.

Even though could not understand American American culture. culture.

Even Even though though IIcould couldthe not notmusic understand understand aa word of the Korean language service, gave me me word of the Korean language service, the music gave word of the Korean language service, the music gave me word word of of the the Korean Korean language language service, service, the the music music gave gave me me sense of of warmth warmth and and joy joy so so familiar familiar in in our our traditional traditional aaaaa sense sense of warmth and joy so familiar in our traditional sense sense of of warmth warmth and and joy joy so so familiar familiar in in our our traditional traditional black churches. black churches. black churches. black black churches. churches.

While in in South South Korea Korea we we experienced experienced numerous numerous exexWhile While in South Korea we experienced numerous exWhile Whileofin inthe South South Korea Koreaofwe weblack experienced experienced numerous numerous exexamples embrace culture, from dress, to amples of the embrace of black culture, from dress, to amples of the embrace of black culture, from dress, to amples amples of of the the embrace embrace of of black black culture, culture, from from dress, dress, to to speech, to dance, to music, to food.

I had similar experispeech, speech, to dance, to music, to food. had similar experispeech, speech, to to to dance, dance, dance, to to to music, music, music, to to to food. food. food. IIII had had had similar similar similar experiexperiexperiences in in Japan, Japan, which which left left me me to to ponder, ponder, what what other other posiposiences ences in Japan, which left me to ponder, what other posiences ences in in Japan, Japan, which which left left me me to to ponder, ponder, what what other other posipositive things are people seeing about us and imitating that tive things are people seeing about us and imitating that tive things are people seeing about us and imitating that tive things are people seeing about us and imitating that tive things are people seeing about us and imitating that we are not embracing ourselves? we not embracing ourselves? we are not embracing ourselves? we are not embracing ourselves? we are are not embracing ourselves?

A YouTube YouTube video video entitled, entitled, The The N-Word’s N-Word’s Multi-layered Multi-layered A YouTube video entitled, The N-Word’s Multi-layered AA A YouTube YouTube video video entitled, entitled, The The N-Word’s N-Word’s Multi-layered Multi-layered Power Structure exposes how “green-lighters” in the the enenPower Power Structure exposes how “green-lighters” in the enPower Structure exposes how “green-lighters” in Power Structure Structure exposes exposes how how “green-lighters” “green-lighters” in in the the enentertainment industry intentionally use the N-Word to obtertainment industry intentionally use the N-Word to obtertainment industry intentionally use the N-Word to obtertainment industry intentionally use the N-Word to obtertainment industry intentionally use the N-Word to obscure affirmative affirmative aspects aspects of of black black culture. culture. IfIf If black black culture culture scure scure affirmative aspects of black culture. culture scure affirmative aspects of culture.

IfIf black black scure affirmative aspects of black black culture. black culture culture is denigrated in this fashion, will we fail to recognize the is denigrated in this fashion, will we fail to recognize the isis denigrated in this fashion, will we fail to recognize the is denigrated denigrated in in this this fashion, fashion, will will we we fail fail to to recognize recognize the the value of our own culture? value of our own culture? value of our own culture? value of our own culture? value of our own culture?

Like Chris Chris Kim’s Kim’s father, father, we we must must take take special special heed heed to to Like Like Chris Kim’s father, we must take special heed to Like Chris Kim’s we special heed to Like Chris Kim’s father, father, we must must take take special heed to Dr. King’s wisdom.

The challenges we see in our comDr. King’s wisdom.

The challenges we see in our comDr. King’s wisdom.

The challenges we see in our comDr. King’s wisdom.

The challenges we see in our comDr. King’s wisdom.

The challenges we see in our communities may may very very well well be be aaa shadow shadow cast cast when when we we don’t don’t munities munities may very well be shadow cast when we don’t munities may very be cast when don’t munities mayculture very well well be aa shadow shadow cast when we we don’t see how our is embraced and flattered by imitasee see how our culture embraced and flattered by imitasee how our culture isis embraced and flattered by imitasee how how our our culture culture is is embraced embraced and and flattered flattered by by imitaimitation in in other other communities communities throughout throughout the the world. world. III had had tion tion in other communities throughout the world. had tion in other throughout the world.

II had tion inimportant other communities communities throughout the world. had some learnings about myself and my culture some important learnings about myself and my culture some important learnings about myself and my culture some important learnings about myself and my culture some important learnings about myself and my culture in South South Korea.

Korea. Through Through the the eyes eyes of of others, others, III saw saw beauty, beauty, in in South Korea.

Through the eyes of others, saw beauty, in in South South Korea.

Korea. Through Through the the eyes eyes of of others, others, II saw saw beauty, beauty, virtue and inspiration in the full embrace of black culvirtue and inspiration in the full embrace of black culvirtue and inspiration in the full embrace of black culvirtue and inspiration in the full embrace of black culvirtue and inspiration in the full embrace of black culture hidden in plain sight.

From that experience I am ture hidden in plain sight.

From that experience IIII am ture hidden in plain sight.

From that experience am ture hidden in plain sight.

From that experience am ture hidden in plain sight.

From that experience am even more encouraged that African American and Koeven more encouraged that African American and Koeven more encouraged that African American and Koeven more encouraged that African American and Koeven more encouraged that African American and Korean relations relations will will heal heal and and prosper. prosper. III pray pray that that we we will will rean rean relations will heal and prosper. pray that we will rean relations will and II pray we will rean relations will heal healrelationship and prosper. prosper. pray that that we Kim will rediscover the positive trajectory Elder rediscover rediscover the positive relationship trajectory Elder Kim rediscover the positive relationship trajectory Elder Kim rediscover the the positive positive relationship relationship trajectory trajectory Elder Elder Kim Kim started nearly nearly fifty fifty years years ago ago and and those those inspired inspired by

by Elder Elder started started nearly fifty years ago and those inspired by Elder started nearly fifty years ago and inspired by started nearly fiftyhere years agoabroad, and those those inspired bytoElder Elder Byung Sup Kim, and will continue seek Byung Sup Kim, here and abroad, will continue to seek Byung Sup Kim, here and abroad, will continue to seek Byung Sup Kim, here and abroad, will continue to seek Byung Sup Kim, here and abroad, will continue to seek inspiration from the beauty of black culture and the wisinspiration inspiration from the beauty of black culture and the wisinspiration from the beauty of black culture and the wisinspiration from from the the beauty beauty of of black black culture culture and and the the wiswisdom of Dr. King.

In so doing, the very things we do not dom of Dr. King.

In so doing, the very things we do not dom of Dr. King.

In so doing, the very things we do not dom of Dr. King.

In so doing, the very things we do not dom of Dr. King.

In so doing, the very things we do not see will come into clear focus, and animus between our see will come into clear focus, and animus between our see will come into clear focus, and animus between our see will come into clear focus, and animus between our see will come into clear focus, and animus between our communities will will be be aaa thing thing of of the the past. past. communities communities will be thing of the past. communities communities will will be be aa thing thing of of the the past. past. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION!

Experience a Free Class February 5th, 6pm Complete your Bachelor’s Degree, One NIght a Week, One Class at a Time

RSVP: INFO.PILLAR.EDU/LEAD/RSVP

January 31st, and Feb. 1st, 6pm Complete an Associates Degree in your spanish native language while learning english.

Pil lar

RSVP: INFO.PILLAR.EDU/BLEND/RSVP

C O L L E G E Truth in Education

TM

1-800-234-9305 | PILLAR.EDU PILLAR COLLEGE 60 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102

1/24/18 3:20 PM

GE TA

Co Op 3 mp en su le m to te m de up er gr se to ee ss on & io e ns no ye ar nav de of ai gr la stu bl ee dy e s in tu de th re n ts e mo Ca M nt lc ic hs ul ro us b An Ch at em iolo om gy is try y Ph & ys Ph ic y s si & ol M og or y e

HE AD -S TA RT TH IS SU MM ER

Positive Community_Jan/Feb.indd 1

NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

CITY TECH www.thepositivecommunity.com

718.260.5500 WWW.CITYTECH.CUNY.EDU/SUMMER

300 Jay Street Downtown Brooklyn facebook.com/citytech • @citytechnews

www.citytech.cuny.edu

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

37

Role Call to Progress Church Tour Photos: Karen Waters

New Jerusalem Worship Center

Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, pastor

T

TPC Publisher, Adrian A. Council, Sr.

38

The Positive Community Winter 2018

he Positive Community (TPC) Church Tour rolled into the mighty New Jerusalem Worship Center in Queens Village, NYC to fellowship and share appreciation for Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice’s leadership and the congregation’s prayers, support, and membership in TPC’s Great Roll Call to Progress (see page 7). In his remarks, publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. spoke about the need to establish a future upon a solid foundation of community-building ideals: self-acceptance, self-reliance, and self-respect.

A very special “thank you” to all who welcomed TPC’s Obama Commemorative Edition keepsake issue into their lives, families, and homes. –JNW

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pulpit Staff at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and the originator of Jedediah’s Porch

Associate Pastor of Ministries First Baptist Church Burlington, NC

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 212 Tompkins Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 ~ Website: mountpisgahny.com ~ Facebook: facebook.com/mtpisgahbk

Culture

music, art + literature

Shamyah Gets A Forever Family LaShawn, Shamyah, and Keith Johnson

A

fter more than two and a half years (923 days) in foster care, one little girl found a forever home with the Johnson family. On August 21, 2017 in a courtroom in Newark filled with tears, love, family, and friends, the legal adoption was finalized. Keith and LaShawn Johnson became Shamyah’s legal parents.

The adoption of their new daughter, Shamyah, was celebrated fittingly, during National Adoption Awareness Month at their home church, Mt. Olivet B.C. in Newark, NJ. On Saturday, November 18, family and friends came from near and far to welcome the guest of honor. On Sunday, Pastor Milteer officiated her christening/dedication witnessed by congregants, family, and friends. –JNW Photos: Maniyah Richardson

40

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION

MAKING HARLEM STRONG Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation provides outstanding short-term rehabilitation programs and an array of customized treatment programs designed to get you back on your feet after a hospital stay.

A We bring together the region’s foremost rehabilitative physicians, nurses, therapists, and clinicians to offer superior rehabilitation care, providing you with individualized therapy using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Harlem Center

FOR NURSING AND REHABILITATION

An Allure Facility

30 W. 138th Street New York, NY 10037 (212) 690-7400 WWW.HARLEMCENTERREHAB.COM

42

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE FUTURE LOOKS

EMPOWERING This year’s McDonald’s® 365 Black® honorees are a living testament to the power of inspiration.

With every personal victory, they’ve used their success to lift their community to new heights.

To learn more about the achievements and contributions of this group of extraordinary women, visit 365Black.com

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chasity Hale, Sanya Richards-Ross, Margaret “Marty” Gillis, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Tichina Arnold © 2017 McDonald’s

New UMBA Administration Installed

T

he people gathered in Harlem at historic Convent Ave B.C. to usher in a new era of religious leadership in NYC. Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, pastor of Mt. Carmel B.C., Bronx, NY will lead the United Missionary Baptist Association into a future of hope, opportunity, unwavering courage and faith. Moderator Lowe’s administration will also be led by First Vice Moderator Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington-Gardner, senior pastor, Memorial B.C. in Harlem. Rev. Lowe continues to lead in the spirit of his predecessor, Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr., pastor of New Mount Zion B.C. in Harlem who was recently elected president of Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of New York, a statewide organization.

The installation and convocation event was highlighted by celebration preacher, Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Jr. pastor of Community B.C., Englewood, NJ and president of the General Baptist Convention of NJ. UMBA represents 161 churches in Manhattan, Bronx and lower Westchester. –AAC Photos: Bruce Moore

L–R: Rev. Dr. Lee Arrington; Rev. Jesse Williams; Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr., keynote speaker; Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington Jr.; Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington-Gardner; Rev. Dr. John L. Scott; Moderator, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe; Rev. Nelson C. Dukes, Jr.; and Rev. Dr. Issac B. Graham

Governor Phil Murphy Photo: Risasi Dais

L–R: Rev Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr., New Mount Zion B.C., Harlem, NY; Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., Community B.C. Englewood, NJ; Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, St. John’s B.C., Harlem, NY;

L–R: Newly appointed Moderator, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe; Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington-Gardner; Rev. Dr. Joe Albert Bush, Walker Memorial B.C., Bronx, NY L–R: Dr. Jefferson, Rev. Bartley, Rev. Sharpton, Hon. Phil Murphy, and Rabbi Abraham Friedman

F

resh from election victory, NJ Governor-elect Phil Murphy along with Rev. Al Sharpton, president National Action Network (NAN); and Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., NJ state chair, NAN were welcomed as special guests at New Hope Memorial Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ. Rev. Dr. Steffie Bartley is New Hope senior pastor and state director, NAN New Jersey.

44

The Positive Community Winter 2018

2018 UMBA administration being installed www.thepositivecommunity.com

-5 noon

pm

) m o D ( e e r F e l y St 018 2 , 1 1 ry

|

a Febru

Featuring Hip-hop pioneers

Presentation starts at 1 pm

Roxanne Shanté and

Kool Kyle

the Original Starchild

Explore personal and artistic freedom in black history across our collection and through various forms of creative self-expression done free(dom) style.

Also, don’t miss: Live in-gallery beatbox and jazz pop-up performances, DJ scratching lessons, and a freestyle dance class.

Official Airline

For more details: newarkmuseum.org

FREE admission

ate

(includes two drink tickets)

hursdays at the

Newark Museum

This month’s theme:

Mediterranean Nights February 15, 2018

Doors open 5 pm | program 6-9 pm

Reinvent your Thursday evenings. www.thepositivecommunity.com

18 to enter; 21 to drink.

Light refreshments will be served.

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

45

Jubilation Christmas Celebration

o op pp pO O

KRAWEN | KRAWEN |

I

x xE E Kim Nesbitt, Nesbitt Funeral Home

YTISREVINU YTISREVINU

n the tradition of giving back and bringing holiday cheer to uplift, inspire, and encourage, Rev. Stef and the Jubilation Choir held a Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the historic Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. The celebration included a concert, praise dancing, and a special presentation by the Silver Steppers of East Orange, NJ, a line dancing troupe of senior citizens. Always on hand to lend support, ShopRite Supermarket provided holiday gift bags to concert goers.

ABOVE; L–R: Tom Clanton, Shop Rite representative; Rev. Stefanie Minatee; and Jubilation Choir member Bobby Wise

Baraka & Friends Bring Holiday Cheer

N

ewark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and a few of his friends brought a bit of holiday cheer to Newark’s homeless K resiR A W E N fo , K R A W E N ni N O I T U T I T S N I R O H C N A K Ra A W E N fo , K R A W E N ni N O I T U T I T S N I R O H C N A dents. Over 300 people received SMARGORP CIMEDACA DESAB-HCRAESER hot home-cooked meal served by the SMARGORP CIMEDACA DESAB-HCRAESER L L A B O L G dna Y L L A C O L , G N I N R A E L L A I T N E I R E P X E mayor along with GrammyYAwardY L L A B O L G dna Y L L A C O L , G N I N R A E L L A I T N E I R E P X E winning hip hop artist Common, Y T I N U M M O C Y T L U C A F dna T N E D U T S E S R E V I D rapper Fabolous, and Power 105.1 Y T I N U M M O C Y T L U C A F dna T N E D U T S E S R E V I D NOITACUDE ELBADROFFA radio personalities Charlemagne NOITACUDE ELBADROFFA Tha God and DJ Envy. Joined by volunteers from the Homeless Coalition and others in the gymnasium of Weequahic High School, health screenings were also available for residents, UDE.SREGTUR.KRAWEN who thoroughly enjoyed meeting the UDE.SREGTUR.KRAWEN mayor and his celebrity helpers.

..y yllp pp pA A ..e erro oM Mn nrra ae eL L ..s sU U ttiis siiV V

Photo: Risasi Dais

46

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K R - BS A D TAI O CN A DinE M M ES W A R K AE NSCEHAOR RC H IN T SI TE U N IECW PARROKG , RofA N RESEARCH-BASED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS E L SLEEDA R LL and RX EP SE ER A IRECNHT -I BAA AN C IANDGE, ML IOCC A PR OYG R A MGSL O B A L L Y E X P E R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G , L O C A L L Y and G L O B A L L Y D IV FA C LOYM and MUN I TOYB A L L Y EX PE ER R SI EE NSTTIU AD L ELNE TA Rand NIN GC, UL L OTCYA L GL D I V E R S E S T U D E N T and F A C U L T Y C O M M U N I T Y A ATF IO D IFVF EORRSDE ASBTLUED EE D NU T Cand AN CULTY COMMUNITY AFFORDABLE EDUCATION AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

Visit Us. Learn More.

Apply.

Visit Us. Learn More.

Visit Us. Learn More. Apply.

Apply.

NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU

Where Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Meets Meets Meets Excellence Excellence Excellence

You Are Not Alone Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Visits Hurricane-Ravaged Virgin Islands

P

residing Bishop Michael Curry hugs and greets Episcopalians after leading a packed Eucharist service Jan. 11 at All Saints Cathedral on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The service and following reception were part of his pastoral visit to provide encouragement to those affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September. The church is committed to helping throughout the long-term recovery process, Curry said. On Sept. 6, Hurricane Irma hit the Virgin Islands, and on Sept. 20, Maria gave the islands a second beating, both as Category 5 tropical cyclones. Irma pummeled St. Thomas and St. John the most. Then Maria targeted St. Croix, the largest of all the Virgin Islands.

Four months later, cruise ships have returned, but some buildings still sit faceless with no walls and exposed beams, and corrugated metal roofs remain rolled up, evidence of the storms’ ferocious winds. Much of the Virgin Islands remains in disrepair with blue tarps coloring the landscape, although 90 percent of power has been restored.

Bishop Curry of Episcopal Church

Photo: Amy Sowder/Episcopal News Service

The Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands consists of 14 congregations across five islands, some governed by the United States, some by Great Britain. The U.S. islands with Episcopal churches include St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Diocesan Bishop Ambrose Gumbs, the only full-time person on staff, leads four services in three locations every Sunday. The British islands have Anglican churches on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

“You are not alone,” Curry told residents dealing with long-term stress and recovery. “If you follow Jesus, you are not alone. It’s easy to forget that when life has a way of overwhelming you.” –ENS

Baptist Ministers’ Conference Of Greater NY & Vicinity L–R: Geraldine Harris, second VP, pastor, Greater File Chapel B.C, NY; Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, president, pastor, Mt. Olivet B.C., NY; and Rev. Dr. Johnnie G. McCann, Sr., 1st VP, pastor, St. Luke B.C., NY Photos: Bruce Moore

I

n November, the clergy leadership organization Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity (BMCGNY&V) installed their new administration at Harlem’s historic Convent Avenue Baptist Church.

The theme of the new administration is “Fulfilling the Dream, continuing the ministry of those who came before us.” The organization will focus on making businesses and elected officials accountable and responsible for all that impacts the lives in the community. –AAC

48

The Positive Community Winter 2018

Installation of new cabinet officers. www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

49

PATRICIA BALDWIN

50 Year Anniversary of the Death of Dr. MLK, Jr. and His Connecting Song Grace & Peace and Happy New Year Family! ou know I usually do the Stellar Awards update at the top of the year, but since it’s been pushed to March in Las Vegas again, I’m going to save that for later. With that being said, in the spirit of honoring our gospel music family, I want to acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although we celebrate his life and all that it meant to generations past, present, and future, we can never forget that moment in Memphis, TN when he gave his last speech and had his good friend sing an old hymn that would be a signature sound from before and now again for his time.

That good friend of Dr. King, who was a fellow freedom fighter and the Queen of Gospel Music, was Mahalia Jackson. Now just a little history, Martin and Mahalia went back several years. Not only did Mother Mahalia provide the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement, she inspired Dr. King in the moment that birthed his legendary I Have A Dream speech with a cry of “Tell them about the dream, Martin! Tell them about the dream!” during what was originally supposed to be a speech about a bad check.

Dr. King requested that when the time came, Ms. Jackson would sing at his funeral. He didn’t care to reflect upon the awards and honors he received. Instead, he wanted people to remember he tried to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, be right on the (Vietnam) war question, and love and serve humanity.” Honoring the request of her dear friend, Mother Mahalia honored him with a hymn for all in need of help from God, for the strength and wisdom of God to be shown how to get through life’s challenges, transitions, trials, and tribulations.

I guess you can say the song was more like a heart-driven prayer with simple, poignant lyrics. Mahalia’s vocals amplified the lyrics, transforming the moment into one of shared grief, pain, and hope when she sang:

Y

50 The Positive Community

Winter 2018

Mahalia Jackson

Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand precious Lord, Lead me home You can’t help but feel the earnest plea to God through those words. There is something about a hymn that our ancestors sang as slaves—our great-great grandmothers and fathers hummed as they were beaten and sold. The soul-wrenching cry from Mahalia Jackson’s voice clearly made a distinct connection to Dr. M. L. King, Jr. that nobody else could deliver. The song is fatefully linked to King’s life and legacy. Before he was assassinated by a racist on a Memphis balcony, King called out to saxophonist Ben Branch to “play it real pretty.” Aretha Franklin sang the hymn at Dr. King’s memorial service, as well.

That song encapsulated how gospel music can rise and interpret the thoughts of a moment in time. It was this song that would be connected not just to Dr. King, but so many other artists that would sing at storefront churches, cathedrals, and concerts. It even inspired secular artist Elvis Presley to record it on five of his albums.

The original author of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was none other than the great hymn maker Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey, who created this song to soothe his own pain and pray to God after losing his wife and child during childbirth. I don’t know what God will allow you to create during this year, whether it’s through your struggles or through your triumph, remember to never let go of His promises to you. Let His word comfort and inspire your faith to rise. As Dr, King said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Stay Focused and stay on track because we are Kingdom Builders! www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

valentine’s all-star comedy feb 10

travis wall’s shaping sound Sun, Jan 28 @ 6PM This electrifying, highly theatrical dance company returns with an allnew production starring Travis Wall and featuring So You Think You Can Dance winner Lex Ishimoto.

aretha franklin Sun, Mar 25 @ 7:30PM The reigning “Queen of Soul” and 18-time GRAMMY winner, known simply by her first name, celebrates her birthday at NJPAC!

the sleeping beauty

ain’t misbehavin’ Feb 1-4 Experience the glory of the Harlem Renaissance in a musical production directed and choreographed by Tony nominee André De Shields.

Sun, Feb 18 @ 7PM Guitar superstar Joe Satriani’s G3 2018 tour welcomes Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and Def Leppard’s Phil Collen.

Russian National Ballet Sat, Apr 7 @ 8PM Direct from Moscow, this company of over 50 dancers brings a traditional staging of Tchaikovsky’s classic fairy tale.

ja rule ashanti lloyd & lil’ mo The History of Hip Hop Tour Fri, Feb 23 @ 8PM Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, EPMD, N.O.R.E., Big Daddy Kane, Onyx, Mr. Cheeks, Brand Nubian, and Roxanne Shanté.

dec_NJPAC_ad_positive_community.indd 1

Fri, Mar 2 @ 8PM All-star hip-hop and R&B with Ja Rule (Pain Is Love), Ashanti (Foolish), Lloyd (Southside) and Lil’ Mo (Superwoman).

alvin ailey american dance theater Sat, Mar 3 @ 7:30PM Full-length feature film with the thrilling score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros.

Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros.

Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

Michael Jackson Jr. photo by: Andrew Eccles

Co-production with Crossroads Theatre Company.

May 11–13 This elegant, electrifying company returns with new works and the beloved Revelations.

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ 1/8/18 12:07 PM

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Simply AMAZINGCAKEZ

Haydee Flores

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

H

aydee Flores is a professional cake maker. Others in her profession may have spent hours of training in formal classes pursuing their dreams, Flores spent one evening experimenting and landed what she calls a “dream career.” “I am convinced that it is a gift from God,” she says. “There is no other way to explain it. Growing up, there was not even an inkling of trying anything like baking, much less cake designing. In my mind it seems as though one day I did not know anything about baking and the next day I was creating these amazing cakes.” The experiment became a business, AmazingCakez, which has been in operation since 2012.

A native of Panama, Haydee and her family immigrated to New York City when she was 11 years old. Like countless other immigrants, Haydee aggressively pursued the American dream. Her doorway into the world of entrepreneurship opened in 2011 when she and a friend decided to experiment with making a birthday cake for her goddaughter. “We had no idea what we were doing,” she says laughing. “The birthday party had a punk rock theme, so with the help of a YouTube video, we decided to make a guitar cake.” They managed to make something that looked somewhat like a guitar. Since no one expired in the experiment, Haydee decided to keep trying her hand at cake making with the help of online tutorials.

A year and a half later, AmazingCakez was born.“I absolutely love what I’m doing right now,” said the 42-year-old Brooklyn resident. “It is so rewarding to use this precious gift that God has given to me and see it bring such smiles and joy into people’s lives.”

The mother of two teenage daughters, Haydee has made AmazingCakez a family endeavor with expert

52

The Positive Community Winter 2018

help from both girls. “My 16-year-old has shown a lot of initiative in creating the cake toppings.“She has the right mindset for such an intricate undertaking. My oldest daughter helps with the actual baking.” To date the family team has created all-occasion specialty cakes ranging in designs from jewelry to cartoon characters, handbags, phones, bibles, and sporting items; but, her wedding cakes are the real showstoppers.

Haydee’s favorite cake is her naked cake. “This is a cake with a very thin layer of icing and decorated with lots of flowers and chocolate drippings,” she explained.

“I love making designs with lots of details.” The naked cake is one of the most frequently ordered items.

Using Facebook and Instagram to maximum effect, Haydee attracts customers from all over the Tri-State area. Yet she believes that “word of mouth” is her most effective marketing tool. “We make a lot of connections through Facebook and Instagram, but mostly people get to experience our cakes by hearing about us from a friend or family member.”

Another amazing thing about AmazingCakez is that no two cakes are alike. “In my opinion, every cake I make is a first,” says the amazing Haydee. “Once an order is placed, I sketch out a design and together with the client we work out the details.” Now that Haydee’s AmazingCakez is the talk of the “tongue,” she has shifted her focus to what’s next. This she says is to open a Sweet Lounge & Bakery. “My vision is to have a place where people can come in and enjoy a slice of cake with ice cream, coffee, or their favorite tea. And of course make the establishment the home of the most AmazingCakez in Brooklyn.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

We cordially invite you TO THE

Eighth Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala Hosted by: The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Thursday, February 15, 2018 | Open bar & hors d'oeuvres begin at 5:00 PM The Venetian | Garfield, NJ

Special Guest

Actor & Producer HARRY LENNIX

of "Blacklist", "Ray", and "24"

Event Honorees

Community Service Award Laura Wooten Election Poll Worker for over 70 years

Political Award Senator Sandra B. Cunningham Senator, New Jersey State Senate Deputy Majority Leader

Business Award Obie McKenzie Managing Director at BlackRock

Black Tie

Political Award Sheriff Mildred Scott Sheriff of Middlesex County

Community Service Award Louise Calloway Historian & Founder of the Underground Railroad Educational Center

For more information or to register, visit www.aaccnj.com or call 609-571-1620.

Opening of 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games Track and Field Series Returning Champions and Rising Stars Set Fast Pace Avery Lewis 55m Run

Peyton Rollins 55 meter Hurdles

My'Khiyah Williams HS High Jump Jasmine Douglas Grant 400 meters

54

A

number of personal best performances marked an exceptional early start to the indoor track season as east coast athletes from Boston to Virginia competed in one of the largest preliminary meets of the 44th annual Colgate Women’s Games.

The Colgate Women’s Games stand among the nation’s premiere proving grounds for track and field talent. The Games have produced hundreds of national champions, and with last summer’s six alumnae on Olympic Team USA, 26 former Olympians, and in four decades, countless changed lives.

“The Colgate Women’s Games are primarily about helping girls and young women build self-esteem,” says director Cheryl Toussaint.

“Competitive athletics help girls of all abilities discover and improve their skills; and learning they can meet and exceed personal goals are lessons that help women find and expect excellence throughout their lives.”

Participation in the Colgate Women’s Games is completely free. Girls and young women compete within their own age/grade division for ribbons, medals, and points. Events include 55 meters, 55-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 Meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, high jump, and shot put. Four preliminary meets and a semi-final at Pratt Institute will determine who will compete at the finals at the New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, New York on Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grantsin-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each division.

The Positive Community Winter 2018

Athletes, parents, and coaches can follow scores throughout the series and find more information about the program at http://www.colgategames.com/ Athing Mu 800 and 1500 meters

Photos: Lem Peterkin

Brianna Brown 200 meters

Courtesy Send2Press.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sign Up For the new DIANNE REEVES FEB 9–10, 8PM • ROSE THEATER

Go to: thepositive community.com

FEB 14, 7:30PM & 9:30PM • DIZZY’S CLUB COCA-COLA

RAGS, STRIDES & HABANERAS MAR 2–3, 7PM & 9:30PM • THE APPEL ROOM

frederick p. rose hall • broadway at 60th st. centercharge: 212-721-6500 • JAZZ.ORG/HARLEM

SATURDAYS 12PM

SUNDAYS 1:30PM

BEATLES BRUNCH

GOSPEL BRUNCH

STRAWBERRY FIELDS

HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR

thu feb

8

fri feb

9

RAKIM

w/ FUNKMASTER FLEX

tue feb

13

GEORGE CLINTON

fri feb

GOSPEL BRUNCH

EVERY SUNDAY ~ALL YOU CAN EAT BRUNCH~

evening concerts february 10 + march 30

16

14

VALENTINE’S WITH

MAYSA

sat feb

MELANIE FIONA

fri feb

23

JEFFREY OSBORNE

wed feb

6TH ANNUAL FUNKY FAT TUESDAY

& PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC

BBKINGBLUES.COM

BRIANNA THOMPSON BY FRANK STEWART

Newsletter

SONGS WE LOVE FEATURING VUYO SOTASHE AND BRIANNA THOMPSON

17

ERIC ROBERSON

fri mar

SILK

25th Anniversary

/BBKINGBLUESNYC

2

KOOL & THE GANG

/BBKINGBLUESCLUBNYC

PRIVATE EVENTS & GROUPS OF 10+ CONTACT: EVENTS@BBKINGBLUES.COM | 237 WEST 42 STREET | (212)997-4144 | TICKETMASTER.COM (800)745-3000 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

55

Photos: Raymond Hagans

L–R: Tomas Porturas, VP, Community Relations, Wells Fargo; District Manager Sherkera Green, Wells Fargo Metro North Jersey; and CUEED Executive Director Lenir Richardson

L–R: Kay Lucas, CEO, Media sense and James D. Brown, CPA

Center for Urban Entrepreneurship And Economic Development (CUEED)

CEED Sponsor

T

he Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) is the first center of its kind in the nation to integrate scholarly works with private capital, government, and non-profit sectors to develop citywide resources and bring renewed economic growth and vitality through urban entrepreneurship.

CUEED Executive Director Lyneir Richardson hosted 40 key influencers, potential sponsors and partners to a private dinner in the newly renovated Hayne & Co. Building in Newark as a precursor to CUEED’s 10th anniversary year-long celebration beginning in Spring 2018. At the December 7th event, Richardson outlined CUEED’s mission and strategic goals­–all designed to increase and support urban entrepreneurs not only at Rutgers, but in urban universities throughout the country.

The exquisite meal was catered by Tené Nicole Marketing & PR. For more information or to become involved contact D. Lyneir Richardson at lrichardson@business.rutgers.edu

L–R: Barbara George Johnson, executive director, John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy; Craig Ewer, Uber New Jersey; and Kaylyn Kendell Dines.

Nikkia McClain, CEO, Tené Nicole Marketing & PR

L–R: Talisha Johnson, administrative coordinator, Rutgers Express Newark with CUEED Executive Director Lyneir Richardson

56

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Women to Watch in 2018!

Spotlight on Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver And Other Women Making a Positive Impact In NY/NJ Metro Region.

March Issue 2018

Reserve your advertising space now.

Call 973-233-9200 or rsvp@thepositivecommunity.com #womenrule

•

#empowering women

•

#amazing

Website

Go online & give the gift of a subscription !

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

57

BROADWAY PREVIEWS START NOVEMBER 9

“A 90-MINUTE

CARIBBEAN FAIRY TALE. Everyone will dance down the street! ” - THE NEW YORK TIMES

Princeton Theological Seminary presents Princeton Princeton Theological Theological Seminary Seminary presents presents The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The The Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther King King Jr. Jr. Lecture Lecture Lecture

#STAYWOKE #STAYWOKE #STAYWOKE 7 7p.m. | |Thursday, February 15 February 15 7 p.m. p.m.Chapel | Thursday, Thursday, February 15 Miller (reception to follow) Miller Chapel (reception to follow) Miller Chapel (reception to follow) 64 Mercer St., Princeton 64 64 Mercer Mercer St., St., Princeton Princeton The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III The The Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Otis Otis Moss Moss III III senior pastor, Trinity United Church senior pastor, Trinity United senior pastor, Trinity United Church Church ofofChrist, Chicago, Illinois Christ, Chicago, Illinois of Christ, Chicago, Illinois

Free Freeand andopen opento tothe thepublic. public.

Free and open to the public.

Hosted Hostedby bythe theAssociation Association Hosted by the Association ofofBlack BlackSeminarians.

Seminarians. of Black Seminarians. ptsem.edu/events ptsem.edu/events ptsem.edu/events

FEATURING

LEA SALONGA

ALEX NEWELL

MERLE DANDRIDGE

QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON

TONY AWARD ® WINNER

(“GREENLEAF”)

(“GLEE”)

(CATS)

TICKETS FROM $59.50!

USE CODE: ISLANDDW

BROADWAY’S ONLY BEST PRICE GUARANTEE OnceOnThisIsland.com • 212-947-8844 Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th Street

58

The Positive Community Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

When Praises Go Up! The 7th Annual Gospel Showcase Photos: Clifford Smith

Rev. Louise Rountree and the group Fire

Host and curator Dr. Albert Lewis

A

gospel music showcase on December 17th, at Newark Symphony Hall, honored Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Dr. Albert Lewis, president and founder, World Gospel Music Association, served as co-host with Pastor David Wright, son of the late gospel legend Rev. Dr. Timothy Wright. Special performances by the group Fire and Mighty Men of Valor delighted gospel music fans in attendance.

I V F H E S I F LOAVES O W T TwoFishFiveLoaves.com • 908-227-9065 Mother’s Day Celebration Catering For All Occasions

ineing L• c Weddings • Dan ily Fam • Bar-B-Ques • ! n u F

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Tr a Graduation Parties • Birthdays t MOeM to All Special Events! • SweetFDa16's bulao inne us HELD AT r

Celebrate Mother's Day on May 13, 2018

CLINTON BANQUETS

Open Buffet • Entertainment • Family Fun

2735 Route 22 West • Union, 07083 Log onto Eventbrite.com and search for Two Fish NJ Five Loaves All-You-Can-Eat

www.thepositivecommunity.com

SHRIMP Featuring

2

Winter 2018 The Positive Community

59

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

2017 in Retrospect

T

he year 2017 was interesting within the United States of America and the world at large, to say the least. The center of that interest was the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency of the United States of America. His primary areas of focus, his emphases, and his style differed significantly from those of his immediate predecessor, President Barack Obama.

For example, President Obama pursued international peace initiatives, such as rapprochement (i.e. reestablishment of harmonious relations) between the United States and Cuba, and peace talks between Israel and Palestinians in the Middle East. As a Christian, Obama even coalesced with the Pope in the Cuba initiative, although Obama is not Catholic.

President Trump, on the other hand, has threatened rival leaders (“sold wolf tickets” as we’d say on the street).

He has exchanged threats and insults with North Korea’s chief of state, such as calling him “Rocket Man.” In the Middle East, President Trump has abruptly announced that the American embassy in Israel will be moved to Jerusalem, which has sparked unrest among Palestinians.

Jesus Christ teaches us: “Blessed are peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”—Matthew 5:9 (NRSB) The Book of Matthew quotes Jesus Christ making the previous statement as part of the Beatitudes, which opened the Sermon on the Mount. I consider it significant that Jesus specified “peacemakers,” not just peaceful people. Jesus calls his followers to make peace, apparently in situations that would otherwise be less than peaceful.

Another significant difference in presidential emphasis in 2017 vs. the preceding eight years was the turning away from helping people in need. An example is the presidentially-backed moves during 2017 to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. As early as the 1970s, civic groups had pushed for a system to enable people who lacked excess cash to, nonetheless, access quality healthcare.

Ultimately, the Affordable Care Act implemented such a system. The Trump administration and its allies, however, have struggled to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, denigrating it as “Obamacare.”

But Christ urges us to help people in need, as exemplified in His following teaching: Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed of my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the cre-

60

The Positive Community Winter 2018

ation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.—Matthew 25:34-40 New International Version During 2018, let’s follow Jesus Christ’s commands by pursuing world peace and helping people in need. If we can do so through local, state, and national government, fantastic! But whether or not that succeeds, let’s help people as individuals and through the Church, trusting God through Jesus Christ for victory.

May our 2018 be blessed and joyous!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

John B. Houston Funeral Home, Inc.

“When you want the best for your loved ones’’ • Professional Pallbearers On Demand • Honorary Casket Guards • White Glove Services • Superior Restorative Art

John B. Houston Executive Director

“Serving with Excellence”

Cushnie-Houston

JOHN B. HOUSTON

102 Sanford Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07018 Voice 973.678.1790 Fax 973.678.8023

236 Ellison Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501 Voice 973.881.8200 Fax 973.881.8207

FUNER AL HOME

FUN ER A L H OM E

Triboro Funeral Home

2274 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., New York, New York 10030 Phone: 718-335-5613 Fax: 973.678.8023

W W W. JOH N B HO U S TON F U N E R A L H OM E . C OM

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

™

™

™ Winter 2018 Vol. 18, No. 1 ™ thepositivecommunity.com

Winter 2018

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Publisher Editor-in-Chief Adrian A. Council, Jean Nash Wells Sr. Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Jean Nash Wells R. L. Witter Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales

Vol. 18, No. 1

BY R.L. WITTER REVISITING DR. KING’S PROPHETIC WORDS REVISITING DR. WORDS s we approach the 50thKING’S anniversary PROPHETIC “Nothing in all the world is more

A A

Angela Ridenour Sales Council, Jr. Adrian Angela Ridenour NGS Communications, Inc. AdrianMPR Council, Jr. Satori NGS Inc. MarcCommunications, Williams Satori MPR Marc Williams Writers Contributing Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Contributing Writers g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Patricia Baldwin g.r. mattox Rev. Theresa Nance Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Rev. Theresa Helene Fox Nance Glenda Rev. Dr. Cadogan Joanne Noel Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Photographers Wali A. Muhammad Bob SeituGore Oronde Wali Dr. A. Muhammad Rev. William L. Watkins, Jr. Seitu DarrylOronde Hall Rev. Dr. Bryant William L. Watkins, Jr. Vincent Darryl Hall Hubert Williams Vincent BryantPrice Brian Branch HubertWaters Williams Karen Brian Branch Price Karen Waters & Layout Art Direction Penguin Design Group Art Direction & Layout Martin Maishman Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman Production Assistant April Davis Production Assistant April Davis Intern Esther Paul Intern Esther Paul Community Corp.

The Positive 133 Glenridge Avenue The Positive Community Corp.

Montclair, NJ 07042 133 Glenridge Avenue 973-233-9200 Montclair, NJ 07042 Fax: 973-233-9201 973-233-9200 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Fax: 973-233-9201 Website: thepositivecommunity.com Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com All Website: contents thepositivecommunity.com © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, maycontents not be reproduced, stored in a computerized other All © The Positve Community Corporation.orAll retrieval system, or transmitted in any form,ororinbypart, any Rights Reserved.

This publication, in whole means whatsoever without the prior written permission of may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other The Positive Community Corporation. opinions retrieval system, or transmitted in anyAny form, or by any expressed herein are solely the the prior opinions of the writer(s) of means whatsoever without written permission CommunityTM, and not necessarily thoseCorporation. of The Positive The Positive Community Any opinions its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) reserves the right to retain allThe materials does not TM, Positiveand Community and not necessarily those of assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

The Positive CommunityTM its management or staff. reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

62 The The Positive Positive Community Community 62 62 The Positive Community

The Last Word The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER of Dr. King’s death, let’s look not at s we approach the 50th anniversary his past, but to the future his writof Dr. King’s death, let’s look not at ings and speeches seemingly predicted. It his past, but to the future his writwasn’t a good place. And sadly, the future ings and speeches seemingly predicted. It is now. wasn’t a good place. And sadly, the future “A nation that continues year after is now. year to spend more money on mil“A nation that continues year after itary defense than on programs of year to spend more money on milsocial uplift is approaching spiriitary defense than on programs of tual doom.”—Beyond Vietnam, social uplift is approaching spiriRiverside Church, April 4, 1967 tual doom.”—Beyond Vietnam, Recent tax reform legislation gave Riverside Church, April 4, 1967 sweeping tax cuts to the wealthiest Recent tax reform legislation gave American people and corporations while sweeping tax cuts to the wealthiest cutting social safety nets and public educaAmerican people and corporations while tion. They also laid the groundwork to cutting social safety nets and public educafinally repeal the Affordable Care Act, tion. They also laid the groundwork to which provided healthcare coverage to the finally repeal the Affordable Care Act, most vulnerable Americans, fulfilling a goal which provided healthcare coverage to the sought after by American politicians and most vulnerable Americans, fulfilling a goal legislators for more than 50 years. sought after by American politicians and Meanwhile, despite having the world’s most legislators for more than 50 years. powerful military force, the current adminMeanwhile, despite having the world’s most istration continues to espouse the imporpowerful military force, the current admintance of increasing military spending. istration continues to espouse the impor“It may well be that we will have to tance of increasing military spending. repent in this generation. Not “It may well be that we will have to merely for the vitriolic words and repent in this generation. Not the violent actions of the bad peomerely for the vitriolic words and ple, but for the appalling silence the violent actions of the bad peoand indifference of the good people, but for the appalling silence ple who sit around and say, ‘Wait and indifference of the good peoon time.’”—Speech at Illinois ple who sit around and say, ‘Wait Wesleyan University, February 2, 1966 on time.’”—Speech at Illinois As the shock of the 2016 presidential Wesleyan University, February 2, 1966 election subsided, marginalized people As the shock of the 2016 presidential and communities began expressing conelection subsided, marginalized people cern and fear of what seemed to be the rise and communities began expressing conof an authoritarian, fascist dictator intent cern and fear of what seemed to be the rise upon lining his and his friends’ pockets of an authoritarian, fascist dictator intent while rolling back hard-won civil rights and upon lining his and his friends’ pockets social gains. Their unease was met with while rolling back hard-won civil rights and replies of, “Wait and see; give the new pressocial gains. Their unease was met with ident a chance.” One year later, the conreplies of, “Wait and see; give the new prescerns are still growing as white supremaident a chance.” One year later, the concists are openly marching, religious cerns are still growing as white supremaminorities are discriminated against, and cists are openly marching, religious brown and black people—called minorities are discriminated against, and “Dreamers”—are being incarcerated and brown and black people—called deported in record numbers.

“Dreamers”—are being incarcerated and deported in record numbers.

dangerous than sincere ignorance “Nothing in all the world is more and conscientious stupidity.” dangerous than sincere ignorance —Strength to Love, 1963 and conscientious stupidity.”

Our government was designed with —Strength to Love, 1963 checks and balances to prevent the rise of Our government was designed with dictators and autocrats, as well as laws to checks and balances to prevent the rise of prevent personal enrichment by our leaddictators and autocrats, as well as laws to ers. Yet, our current administration is prevent personal enrichment by our leadfilled with businesspeople who are now ers. Yet, our current administration is presiding over departments and bureaus filled with businesspeople who are now that not only determine the protections presiding over departments and bureaus and fates of millions of American citizens, that not only determine the protections but also directly affect their own personal and fates of millions of American citizens, wealth. These people seem to be turning but also directly affect their own personal blind eyes to the emoluments clause and wealth. These people seem to be turning anything resembling ethics. blind eyes to the emoluments clause and “The only weapon that we have in anything resembling ethics. our hands this evening is the “The only weapon that we have in weapon of protest. That's all.” our hands this evening is the —Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955 weapon of protest. That's all.”

The day after the inauguration of the —Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955 current president we saw millions of The day after the inauguration of the women around the world protest an current president we saw millions of admitted sexual predator and misogynist women around the world protest an being sworn in as the leader of the free admitted sexual predator and misogynist world. One year later, they resumed the being sworn in as the leader of the free protests, joined by men and people from world. One year later, they resumed the and descended from places the president protests, joined by men and people from has insulted, offended, and in the case of and descended from places the president Puerto Rico, neglected. has insulted, offended, and in the case of “The hottest place in Hell is Puerto Rico, neglected. reserved for those who remain “The hottest place in Hell is neutral in times of great moral reserved for those who remain conflict.”—Speech at Ebenezer neutral in times of great moral Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA, conflict.”—Speech at Ebenezer April 30, 1967 Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA,

As people of faith, we must recognize April 30, 1967 our moral responsibility to God, ourAs people of faith, we must recognize selves, and one another. Students of histoour moral responsibility to God, ourry can point to how people’s indifference selves, and one another. Students of histoand inaction led directly to the rise of ry can point to how people’s indifference Nazi Germany and the atrocities that and inaction led directly to the rise of ensued. Dr. King reminded us in his 1963 Nazi Germany and the atrocities that Letter from Birmingham Jail, “The time is ensued. Dr. King reminded us in his 1963 always right to do what is right.” In that Letter from Birmingham Jail, “The time is same writing he summed up the differalways right to do what is right.” In that ence between “legal” and “right” or “just”: same writing he summed up the differ“Never forget that everything Hitler did ence between “legal” and “right” or “just”: in Germany was legal.”

“Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.”

December 2018 Winter 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

December 2018

thepositivecommunity.com

B:8.25” T:8” S:7.75”

THE WAY HE RESPONDED TO CHALLENGES LIFTED A NATION.

© 2017. Prudential Financial, Inc., Newark, NJ, USA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

0271537-00003-00

2_MLK_PositiveComm_8x10.5.indd 1

1/9/18 12:15 PM

T:10.5”

Only by tapping the richness of ideas that come from a diversity of people and perspectives can we tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

B:10.75”

S:10.15”

As we remember Martin Luther King’s legacy, we are reminded anew that the challenge of building a better America is a shared responsibility.