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ORDER OF WORSHIP Doxology Opening Hymn Litany Prayer Praise & Worship Pastoral Remarks & Visitor Recognition Offering Sermonic Selection Sermon Invitation Offering Announcements Benediction
Echoes of Empowerment Magazine Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant Publisher & CEO Candance L. Greene Editor-in-Chief
R e g u lar C o n t r i b u t o r s
speak black man
Jan Austin Education & Political Contributor
A Letter from the CEO & Publisher Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant
J.T. Watson Financial, Political & Environmental Contributor
To the House of Empowerment,
G u e s t C o n t r i b u to r s
Derrick D. Greene Moneira Hawkins Rev. Mark Wainwright
P h o t o graph y
Barry Davis Franklin Fitzgerald Rachel Eliza Griffiths Franklin@clearview-dm.com and Rachel Eliza Griffiths rachelelizagriffiths.com Cover Photo Harbinger Communications Dianne Gardner-Young Copyeditor Kerry DeBruce for KLAD Creative kladcreative.com Art Director
Attention Postmaster: Echoes of Empowerment Magazine is an Empowerment Temple AME Church publication, which is a nonprofit organization. To receive a copy of writer’s guidelines, contact Echoes of Empowerment at writeforechoes@empowermenttemple.org. Send comments and Letters to the Editor to Echoes of Empowerment Magazine, 1505 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD., 21217, or via email at echoes@ empowermenttemple.org. Echoes of Empowerment Magazine is a quarterly publication © 2009 by Empowerment Temple AME Church. All rights reserved. All articles, except those identified as having their own authors, are property of Echoes of Empowerment Magazine and cannot be reproduced without written permission.
It’s with great expectation and enthusiasm that I take this privilege to write you. When much of the world is in despair because of disparaging data, I yet have hope. To see how we mobilized around the issue of prayer speaks volumes about a people who still trust God and believe in Him for the extraordinary. After our prayer lock-in, fasting and consecration, it’s no surprise why our ministry remains blessed. In this Men’s Season, expect to see the shift and manifestation of all the intercession that has been lifted. I am believing that 100 new men will join the ministry and enlarge the Kingdom. This month, prepare to see our men take the frontline as Christians, husbands, fathers, brothers and friends. Our theme this year is the Sleeping Giants Have Awakened! On Men’s Day, which is the last Sunday of October, bring every brother you can because the greatness in him will be awakened. Dr. P.M. Smith and Rev. Dr. Lance Watson have something serious to say! You don’t want to miss it. I want to recommend that every man and woman in the house get a copy of my new book, World War Me: How to Win the War I Lost! It’s going to help guide you into making better decisions and choices. In the natural this season is called Fall, but for those of us tapped into the supernatural, God is saying RISE!
Amazed by His grace,
Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant
FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Cover Story Raising Giants: 14 MOVE Celebrates Men’s Month
Features
09 Echoes Gives the RED APPLE Award to our Principals Conversation with BET/CNN Correspondent 16 Jeff Johnson
Special Youth Segment
20 Youth Summer Highlights 21 Meet Tomorrow’s Leaders
In Every Issue
02 Order of Worship/Broadcast Schedule/Service Times Black Man: A Letter from CEO & Publisher, 03 Speak, Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant
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06 Litany 24 ET Remix 27 The Buzz FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
your thoughts LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter of the
Month
True to the power behind the name of this magazine, I find that the approach to connecting Sunday worship to LIFE is explosive! Reading this magazine, I hear the echoes of worship in my daily walk. This empowers my day-to-day praise. Carmen C., Issuu.com subscriber
I just wanted to let you know I think the Echoes of Empowerment is fabulous! I enjoyed reading the article on President Obama’s report card. I can’t wait until the next issue. Carlotta O. Empowerment Temple Member
This magazine is more than just a magazine. This specific issue is what is needed for men, in general! Devon H. Empowerment Temple Facebook Friend
ECHOES wants to hear from YOU! Have something to say about ECHOES? Send your Letters to the Editor to EDITORS@Empowermenttemple.org
Interested in Advertising in ECHOES? Contact us at ECHOESADS@Empowermenttemple.org
Are you a writer who wants to contribute to ECHOES? Email us at WRITEFORECHOES@empowermenttemple.org
The Staff at Echoes wants to thank all of our readers for their comments, and to congratulate Issuu.com subscriber Carmen C. for her heartfelt Letter to the Editor. As this issue’s Reader of the Month, she receives one of Dr. Bryant’s sermon cds!
C O NG R A T U L A T I O N S ! FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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litany Leader
I am established in righteousness and oppression is far from me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment will be condemned because I am part of a Holy nation.
people
The weapons of my warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. I take the shield of faith and I quench every fiery dart of the wicked. I am redeemed from the curse of the law. I am redeemed from poverty. I am redeemed from sickness. I am redeemed from spiritual death. I overcome all because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
Leader
I stand in the evil day having my loins girded about with truth and I have the breastplate of righteousness. My feet are shod with the gospel of peace. I take the shield the faith. I am covered with the helmet of salvation and I use the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
people
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear son. I tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt me. I do not have the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Leader
I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I shall decree a thing and it shall be established in my life. Therefore, I am healed by the stripes of Jesus. I have favor with God and man. I am the head and not the tail. Wealth and riches are in my house. I will be satisfied with long life, and God will show me his salvation.
people
My inner man shall be strengthened by the might of the Spirit of the Lord. I am fortified by my relationship with God through prayer. I am anointed to prophesy, teach, and cast out devils because of the power of the blood of Jesus. I walk in the apostolic authority given to me by the Holy Ghost. Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I decree that it shall come to pass because all things are possible with God! -From Apostle John Eckhardt’s book Prayers that Route Demons
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
Much Ado About
Health Care By Jan
Austin
After a summer of confusing news reports, misconstrued statements, protest marches, pickets and explosive town hall meetings, ECHOES wanted to give you theWho,What, and Whys of President Obama’s Health Care Reform Bill proposal to help you make your own informed decision.
WHY Do We Need Health Care Reform? Presently, over 46 million Americans live without health insurance. Under President Obama’s proposal, all U.S. citizens will have quality and affordable health insurance options. For those who presently have health insurance, the proposed health care reform bill will help make insurance more affordable and more secure. In addition, middle-class Americans will receive a health care tax credit, as well as be provided access to a market where they can easily compare health insurance options. Nearly one-third of the uninsured are employees of small businesses. In the past two years, more than half of small business owners that offered coverage stated that, as a result of escalating premiums, they either replaced their coverage with a plan that offered fewer services or higher out-of-pocket costs, or they cut health benefits altogether. With the Obama Health Care Plan, small businesses throughout the country will also be aided by new tax benefits, which mean small business owners will no longer be penalized for providing health coverage for their employees and their families.
WHO Benefits from This New Health Care Plan? YOU. Health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000. High out-of-pocket costs affect millions of American families and impose a large financial burden across income categories. Not surprisingly, women, seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions are most likely to have the highest out-of-pocket expenses. Women are more vulnerable to high health care cost than men. One of the primary reasons is because a woman’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers. Deficient benefits and soaring costs make women more likely than men to experience difficulty accessing health care.
Over 46 Million Americans are living without Health Insurance
Under the President’s health care reform proposal, insurance companies will no longer be able to place an arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage individuals can receive, or charge outrageous out-of-pocket expenses on top of consumer premiums. In addition, the President’s health care reform proposal requires insurance companies to cover routine checkups and preventive care.
WHAT Does Health Care Reform Look Like? A recent report found that more than 12 million Americans were discriminated against by insurance companies because of a pre-existing condition, a medical condition that existed before someone enrolls in or applies for a new health insurance policy. Insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions makes adequate health insurance unavailable to millions of Americans. The President’s health care reform bill will end this type of disparate treatment over the next decade by ending traditionally “big money” deals for insurance companies that do nothing to facilitate better health for anyone. Insurance companies will be required to renew policies as long as the policyholder pays their premiums in a timely fashion. Additionally, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick, or “water down” insurance coverage for those who are, or become ill. Equally important, insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing coverage because of someone’s medical history or proposed health risk.
References:
THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary and www.healthreform.gov
Most of us would agree that health care reform is vital to the American people. From a historical standpoint, whenever America has moved forward on solving our difficult issues, there have always been those who have sought after the preservation of the status quo by causing the American people to panic. “These struggles have always boiled down to a contest between hope and fear,” says President Obama. “It was true when Social Security was born. It was true when Medicare was created and it still holds true now in the present debate.” Health care reform is no longer an option, it’s a necessity, and the time for action to provide this necessity to millions of American citizens is now.
FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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By J.T. Watson
W
ith the election of Barack Obama, the country’s first Even more insidious is the degeneration of respect for the African American President, many Whites think we have Office of the President. This door was opened in the midentered an era of a “post-racial” America, a period of time 90s with the Newt Gingrich/Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski/ in which we have outgrown the gross injustices of our past, Ken Starr face-offs. The tone of politics shifted further and have moved to a period where the playing field between with the Bush versus Gore 2000 Presidential election and the races is now leveled. Many of them have overlooked the subsequent Supreme Court decision that awarded George existence of the structural, systemic, and institutionalized Bush the Presidency. Those seeds bore the fruit we see racism of the day that includes the disproportionate today with the blatant disrespect of the current President incarceration of Blacks and Latinos versus that of Whites, and his office. From Rep. Joe Wilson’s “you lie” outburst, as well as the broad disparity, and ever-increasing divide, of to the nationwide tea parties, to former Alaska Governor wealth between these groups. They also Sarah Palin and her supporters who are The impulse may be to overlook the double unemployment rate organizing to “take America back from write a piece that says of Blacks and Latinos, and the impact of those people,” to those involved with the sub-prime lending practices in Black and Birther Movement—citizens who believe Barack Obama represents Latino communities. President Obama is not a United States “post-racial” politics. citizen and is, therefore, not the legitimate That term I reject because A practical example is the July 16th president, White supremacists will it implies that somehow arrest of Harvard University Professor always do what they can to de-legitimize my campaign represents Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The issue was people of color. Why are we so surprised an easy shortcut to racial not whether Cambridge, MA Sgt. James when they do what they do? reconciliation…issues [of race] Crowley was a racist, but whether he was aren’t solved by electing a participant in the systemic racism often Understanding that power concedes a Black president. practiced by law enforcement. These nothing, we cannot rest on our laurels practices give an indication as to why Sgt. now that a Black man is in the White Then Presidential candidate Obama during Crowley felt the need to lie in his police House. We must remain ever-vigilant an interview at the outset of his Presidential report when he, in the infamous 911 call, and endeavor to educate and empower campaign in Iowa. characterized Dr. Gates as a “black male,” ourselves and our children. We must a characterization that the woman who called to report the push our involvement past election day, and join our suspicious behavior in her neighborhood did not use. It also community associations, attend PTA and school board feeds a legal system relative to who fits the “stereotype” of a meetings, and hold our elected officials accountable. We criminal and criminal behavior, thus attempting to validate must understand that racism has a new face. It is the thread law enforcement’s egregiously unconstitutional behavior. that helped to perpetuate the collapse of the black family, the disintegration of self-respect that makes people think This same subversive racism can also be found in the there is nothing wrong with seeing scantily-clad women confirmation hearings of now Supreme Court Justice Sonya of color on BET, urban school systems that are producing Sotomayor. Leading up to and during Justice Sotomayor’s generations of children who cannot compete with children confirmation hearings, we found the media and members of around the country and the world, young Black men who the G.O.P. intently focused on her “wise Latina” comment. perpetuate more death than any klansman ever could, This comment was purposely taken out of context and was and a Black community that has access to more capital used as an attempt to label her as a racist. It was obvious than ever before, but does not possess any more wealth that this argument overlooked the 3000 cases in which today than we did in 1909. The honeymoon is over. We still Justice Sotomayor consistently proved to be a “thorough have work to do.This isn’t post-racial America. This is our and centrist” jurist. wake-up call.
References: The Michael Eric Dyson show August 12, 2009 “A Conversation on Race in the Summer of 2009”;The Root.com: A Summer of Race Talk Gone Bad by Univ. of Law Professor Sherrilyn Ifill, Renegade:The Making of a President by Richard Wolfe; GlenBeck.com The Glen Beck Program. Powernomics by Dr. Claude Anderson; Black Labor,White Wealth by Dr. Claude Anderson.
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
These are a few adjectives that describe school Principals. These fearless men and women are charged with the hefty task of motivating their faculty and staff, pressing greatness out of their students and inspiring parents to believe in their goals for the school year. ECHOES took time to sit down with a few of Empowerment Temple’s own principals who were gracious enough to share their wisdom, their pride about the schools in which they lead and share insight on why being a principal is their passion. By Candance L. Greeene
Turn the page to meet our 2009 Red Apple Award Winners. FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Carolyn Smith Empowerment Academy been a teacher stranger to education. She has Principal Carolyn Smith is no out of e four decades. In 2004, she cam and administrator for nearly which was ool, sch erment Academy. The semi-retirement to head Empow n of ctio dire the er und lic School System charted by Baltimore City Pub in ools sch ful cess suc t mos the , is one of Empowerment Temple Church the city. m provides a racy Through the Arts progra Empowerment Academy’s Lite to fuse skills them ws allo it students because unique learning opportunity for technology. art, dance, drama, music and learned in the classroom with and interactive f for creating such a positive Principal Smith credits her staf y go above and The . best hers are some of the learning environment. “My teac s.” way tive rmative and crea beyond to teach our kids in info ments since the ents have made many achieve Empowerment Academy stud rly Progress addition to making Annual Yea school was charted in 2001. In essments, Ass e Stat d e standards on Marylan (AYP) and scoring above stat ership lead in ated ticip par poetry contests, students have: won city-wide s, won fair ring inee eng lege -col pre ., attended programs in Washington, D.C the and ter Cen all, danced at the Kennedy Steve a third place trophy for basketb n ma ther wea with ference, have appeared Maryland Charter School Con and bor Har er Inn the at ed Show, perform Fertig on the FOX 45 Morning Program. Hopkins Talent Development ns Joh the in d epte have been acc to find out the 2010-2011 school year, or To receive an application for school at the tact erment Academy, con more information about Empow 443.984.2381.
. Academy The Jamal-Harrison Bryant H.O.P.E traveled to Monrovia Liberia In February 2009, Pastor Bryant rment Temple Liberia, owe to visit our sister church, Emp break ground on the church’s er Coop rah Ketu and to help Pastor arrison Bryant H.O.P.E. Academy. new elementary school, the Jamal-H won, along with Principal Belinda S. Yah On September 21st, Pastor Cooper, -1st PreK in school’s eleven students officially opened the doors to the offer Campaign, Pastor Cooper plans to et Stre the Off grade. Through the t mee to ce stan assi l ncia fina students the families of over 60 prospective a as ol year. “We see our first year the cost of tuition for the next scho craft goals,” says Pastor Cooper, “and our pen shar necessary pilot to help us n.” tutio educational insti a strategy for building a first-class nt Temple Liberia and the Jamal Brya Learn more about Empowerment our in er talks to Pastor Keturah Coop H.O.P.E. Academy when ECHOES next issue.
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
Beverly Manigo Inner Harbor East Academy for Young Scholars Steward Beverly Manigo has been an educator for 15 years. Before becoming a teacher and administrator in South Carolina, this Baltimore City Public Schools graduate spent 10 years in the United States Military. In 2006, Manigo returned to Baltimore and served as a coordinator for grad es K-8 in the Baltimore City Public School System before she became prin cipal of the Inner Harbor East Academy for Young Scholars. The Inner Harbor East Academ y for Young Scholars was charted as a “collaborative partnership” betw een Sojourner Douglass College and the East Baltimore Community Cor poration to provide “quality edu cation” for children in the East Baltimore area. “We believe in a wholistic approach,” says Manigo, “one that incorpor ates caring for the mind, body and soul of the entire family.” Parental involvement is a mus t at the PreK-12 school. In fact , it is not uncommon to find parents answering office phones, voluntee ring in classrooms or otherwise assistin g Principal Manigo during the scho ol day. Last year, parents at the Inner Harbor East were awarded the 2008-2009 Maryland State Parent-Teacher Association Award. Want to enroll your child at the Inner Harbor East Academy for Young Scholars? Call 410.537.5890 to lear n how.
Principal Loren McCaskill Dr. Bernard Ha yes Elementary Loren McCaski ll’s road to beco ming a principal Originally, the was unique. Empowerment Temple Stewar to pursue educat d was a banker ion. A career sh with no desire ift to the classr mind when she oom still did no lost her bankin t cross her g job . during one of Em It was not until she stood at the powerment Tem altar ple’s services at she realized Go Coppin State Co d wanted her to llege that change course. McCaskill tackle d the task of be coming a teache “I was never on r with grace an e to run from a d gusto. challenge.” says After teaching Principal McCas at Robert W. Co kill. leman Elementa principal at Breh ry and serving ms Lane Elemen as assistant tary, she becam competitive New e a fellow in th Leaders for New e highly Schools program New Leaders fo . Once completin r New School tr aining, McCaski g the of Dr. Bernard ll was awarded Hayes Elementa principalship ry. Dr. Bernard Ha yes Elementary services over 57 in Pre-K-5th gr 0 Baltimore City ade. With a supp students ortive faculty an McCaskill is wo d staff, Princip rking to help cr al Loren eate a generatio to equal, but to n of youth who excel.” “strive not For more inform ation about Dr. Bernard Hayes please contact 41 Elementary Scho 0.396.6461. ol,
FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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A. Brooks Rev. Kevin demy Success Aca
for and advocate cial activist le so ng a si en g, be in s k ard-wor as alway d son of a h A. Brooks h to an in ly , ev on ve K t ti . no na ev R port is, TN was his pass The Memph ader and at education education. th this avid re , on lt y su rl re ea a d s to A ne . ar fe le li cl , way of uating ass mother h school grad so to a better finity ig al af h t is an bu h d , in pe cy e lo litera oks deve black mal ro ly B . on ev e s R th cu e, ing Stat ture. Mar scholar, was e at Grambl s and litera il er h artin ad W M le e. r. eg D an ll . ic and Rev attend co an Amer X ic fr lm A co d al an M ican cy and oodson, for great Afr oted in litera Carter G. W ro n, as so w y: er s ob es R cc l ’s philosoph hom su Garvey, Pau eate his life great men w cr l al to ., im Jr h g, d Luther Kin s and enable ucated Brook individual.” education, ed as ts with the ar st ip ary degrees, h rs “Leade obtain second e to th in on t r te en is w Brooks ined min e, da eg or ll co an g e in m et beco Upon compl ty school to pleted divini . ch ur h C well as com opal or hodist Episc er assistant African Met rved as eith se hool as Sc h h s ig ok H brook Sr. e, Rev. Bro al or W m l, ti oo al h B Sc g to tary r. Andreas Since movin Bend Elemen hool CEO D Sc th y or it N C e at l or demy, an , Baltim head principa Success Aca my. In 2008 of de l ca pa A my, ci e in im ccess Acade be the pr and Marit . Brooks to students. Su l ev R oo e City’s h or ed sc m pp h ti ig ta al Alonso dle and h rves as B id se m s, r er fo l rt oo ua sch ion. eadq alternative ity School h total expuls Baltimore C e-step from e on th e in ar d o h se w hou ents s” r many stud m the heart and transfor last resort fo ds in h m it e w th g them on to “save by embracin ness is on a missi s Academy es r and bitter cc ge Rev. Brooks Su an nd of te ls at el o w h r w ts have found h harbo of the studen in which they y of the yout ns an io M at . tu s” si it e m ur job here y and th “love and li cademy. “O r communit A ei s th es em cc y, il Su m arrive at to connect th against fa e time they s, “in order th ok n gi ro by B be s l es il lv ay w they sue, “s themse core of the is purpose, then ked e r or ei th w th e to t w av h ge no f k is to d his staf hen they an W s e. ok os to ro rp in B d pu power.” ctrinate with their to use their e, once indo er ow h t h w an t nd w en ta “I vironm d lead. to unders te a school en e motivated to learn an ea e cr av h to do ly they diligent ts becom r mistakes, e , the studen rdless of thei munities. W ga m re the program co , r at ei th th d nd ta an rs s ie de il un m fa my kids to selves, their lity to them .” ns io pt a responsibi ce ex ess here. No expect succ ooks, ra Br he m a T r. r, embe gist D cholo 8. In Sept . y s P D al a, Clinic 10 and Ju timore, M nd of al i, a f B b o s n K i u h s, hurch roud ghter the p l dau ne AME C s u i f i s t 100. u k ema 642.2 Broo f two bea . s . 3 h v 4 t e 4 e R G o ct astor conta ather and f igned to p emy, d a c s s ss A was a Succe bout a e r o arn m To le
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
Men’s Season
2009
Men.
God placed them on earth to be protectors and providers. Though some abandoned their responsibilities, many other unsung heroes have been there, honoring God, loving their families and building communities. These “shining princes” withstand criticism, humiliation, and being stereotyped. They have been dehumanized by the media and made to be seen as monsters, brutes and animals who care only for themselves. But, we know men who are quite the opposite. Men who love the Lord, give of themselves and stand when it’s time. ECHOES honors the Men of Empowerment Temple this Men’s Season, and we bring you growth with an in-depth look at MOVE, Empowerment Temple’s Men’s Ministry, and their objectives for 2010. We bring you healing from Rev. Mark Wainwright who wants to open the door to real relationships. And we seek to inspire you through our conversation with BET/CNN, and former Empowerment Temple Youth Minister, Jeff Johnson.
It is time for us to show our men respect because by honoring them we, “honor the best in ourselves.” *quotations from The Eulogy of Malcolm X delivered by Ossie Davis. February 1965.
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MOVE: On a Mission to Raise Giants By Candance L. Greeene
Under community leader and armor bearer Al Watson’s helm, MOVE has established itself as a ministry with a heart for the community. The men work tirelessly conducting outreach activities throughout Baltimore City, establishing partnerships with neighborhood associations, providing learning opportunities for our youth, and honoring the women of Empowerment Temple. However, MOVE has a new goal in mind for 2010. “Our mission,” says Watson, “is to help men rebuild their lives so they will be more be productive Christian citizens.” Watson plans to do this by initiating a three-step plan to help men eliminate the obstacles that stop them from maximizing their potential.
STEP 1: Reconcile MOVE’s first goal is to help men reconcile with their pasts. Whether that be through a counselor or the State’s Attorney’s office, they plan to help men deal with the issues from which they have been running. “If we provide an opportunity for men to liberate themselves from past mistakes, then we help to create men who are ready for growth.”
STEP 2: Reconnect Their second objective is to reconnect men with their families, specifically their children. “The community is always asked to create a mentorship program for youth to do the job their fathers should be doing. By encouraging men to reconnect with their families, we are providing them an opportunity to step back into their role,” restabilizing not only that father-child relationship, but the community, as well.
STEP 3: Reinvent The final goal is to provide opportunities for men to use education to reinvent themselves. By obtaining a G.E.D., taking college courses or enrolling in a workforce development program, these men will be empowered because they will make time to “create a variety of employment options for themselves which will make them better providers for their families, and more productive members of society.” There is no doubt that this initiative will help raise an army of men who are ready to allow God to change their lives. There is also no doubt that the Men of Valor and Empowerment will be committed to helping their brothers become better men, better fathers, and better servants for Christ.
For more information about MOVE, contact Al Watson at move@empowermenttemple.org
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
Selah (sé-lah) “To pause and reflect” on the Word of God
Building Real Relationships Rev. Mark Wainwright
While reading the 11 Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without by Leonard
Sweet, I realized the core issue that is destroying many of our men. The problem is the lack of real relationships. Men are created to be “builders, conquerors and hunters,” however, we fail to build on a firm foundation, conquer our demons, and hunt within self to get beyond meaningless fellowship. The lack of real relationship stunts our growth at all levels. Leonard Sweet argues that every human being needs eleven relationships in order to live a purpose-filled life. He uses biblical characters, along with the admirable qualities they possess, as examples to prove his relationship theory, including: Nathan, an editor; Jonathan, a true friend; Jethro, a butt-kicker; Timothy, a protégé; Barnabas, an encourager; Peter/Paul, a Yoda; Deborah, a back-coverer; Zacchaeus, a reject; Rhoda, a “little one”; Lydia and Lazarus, the VIPs; and Jerusalem, which is a sacred place. Sweet also includes the twelfth friend, the Holy Spirit, without which nothing can be accomplished. 11 Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without by Leonard Sweet
Most men’s relationships are linear and lack depth because we are afraid to dig deep. Too often, we identify our friends as “my main man,” “my dog” or “my homie” because we consider that brother to be our “best friend,” but not necessarily a “true friend”. True friendship starts at the appearance level, then moves deeper to acquaintance, then to friendship, and finally to intimacy. As conquerors, we never tend to move to deeper levels of friendship because doing so places us in a vulnerable state. As long as we are on equal footing, we are able to see the surface issues, however, pain and dysfunction are not always seen. Those wounds are quite often revealed by moving to a deeper level of friendship. We need “ride or die” friends, ones that do not mind sacrificing for our well-being, and ones for whom we are willing to sacrifice for theirs. We need healthy and holy relationships that establish depth and build upon it. More importantly, we need to be connected to God, who is the only source that keeps us connected to the Holy of Holies. Rev. Mark A. Wainwright is a husband, father, preacher, teacher and lecturer. He currently teaches the Ministers In Training II course at Empowerment Temple Church, is a member of the ministerial staff and the CEO of M.A.W. Ministries.
FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Passport to Power: Taking a Trip to
Jeff
Johnson’s
Nation Derrick D. Greene
Perhaps you have seen his show The Truth with Jeff Johnson on BET, watched him on CNN or listened to his commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. You may have read his analysis on TheRoot.com or in the Huffington Post. Maybe he spoke on your college campus, or, if you’re really old school, you remember him when he was the Youth Pastor at Empowerment Temple Church. Whether the topic is Hip-Hop, politics or God, this sometimes controversial social-activist, author, CEO, husband and father always leaves you informed.
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
ECHOES sat down with awardwinning journalist, Jeff Johnson, to discuss how to develop a new generation of leaders, his work in Iraq, and his new book Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am: Discovering Your Personal Best.
ECHOES: You have spoken on many occasions about leaders and leadership. You yourself were president of the student government in college, the National Director for the Youth & College Division of the NAACP, Senior Advisor for Media and Youth Outreach for People for the American Way, and the list goes on. Talk a little bit about the transition you made from being a college campus activist to being a leader and activist around the nation and the world.
defend themselves. I think that as we attempt to remove ourselves from Iraq, we have to make sure the Kurds continue to be protected. They fought alongside American soldiers against Saddam [during Operation Desert Storm], and now have a more peaceful region of the country than the central government in Bagdad. I felt it was a story that needed to be told, and one I wanted to be responsible to help tell.
ECHOES: Your book, Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am: Discovering Your Personal Best was just published. What made you write on this particular topic? JEFF JOHNSON: We are
JEFF JOHNSON: I think it’s interesting that people always try to put labels on activists. While what you mobilize for may change and evolve, at the end of the day, either you’re an activist or you’re not. I’m an activist. I believe, if we are going to be angry about something, that we have a responsibility to provide a solution on how it gets better, and I think that’s what activists believe. My activism has evolved from doing things on campus, to doing things in the community, to doing them on a national level, to doing them internationally. I hope that I continue to remain consistent, and identify and address the issue that I’m passionate about. I hope I am always able to provide or assist in providing some sort of practical, pragmatic solution-based activism as opposed to rhetorical activism.
ECHOES: Your activism recently led you to travel to Iraq. Why did you have the urge to go, and what did you find when you got there? JEFF JOHNSON: I was in Kurdistan, which is in the northern region of Iraq, but primarily in Arbil, which is the capital of Kurdistan, working on a documentary on the Iraqi Kurds. For those that don’t know, the Kurds were bombed and gassed by Saddam Hussein in 1991. Of 4,000 villages that the Kurds had, 3,500 of them were destroyed by Saddam. These were people that decided to fight him before we got there [for the first Gulf War], not necessarily to overthrow the government, but to
why they believe that way, they can actually give a pragmatic, scientific answer, not just an emotional one. Critical thinking is one of the things that we are lacking most, and the reason, I believe, we don’t have a number of solutions. People feel a certain way, but they’re not trying and testing the things they believe. Those are skills I think we need to teach young people because they are necessary for them to become leaders.
Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am: Discovering Your Personal Best By Jeff Johnson
ECHOES: I’ve heard you speak here at Empowerment Temple, and you always focus on solutions. How do we go about nurturing the youth of today to come into their own form of leadership? JEFF JOHNSON: I think we must have a real firm definition of what leadership means and what it is. We’ve convinced, in some cases, a nation of young people that leadership means filling a position or holding a title, but leadership has nothing to do with that. First and foremost, we have to redefine for young people that leadership is not just those who give a speech. It’s those who are able to provide direction to a place that we need to go. And whether that means you have a thousand people following you or two people following you, it means that you have to be able to be connected to the people. You can’t provide leadership for people with which you don’t commune. Leadership is about teaching people to be critical thinkers. And by that, teaching them to challenge even the ideas with which they agree. Teaching them to challenge even what makes sense to them, to dive beyond it so that when somebody asks them
encouraged so often to only be our best in one area of our lives. What I’ve learned through my own experiences, and through my own mistakes, is we never become our personal best until we acknowledge our whole self. And so, who I am as a parent, as much as who I am as a journalist, as much as who I am as a son, as much as who I am as a friend all define me at my best. We see people all the time receiving these huge accolades and awards for stuff that they do, while other parts of their lives are an absolute mess. We won’t ever become our personal best until we acknowledge all of the parts of who we are and begin to create systems to address how to get better as a husband even as I am operating in my best as a journalist, or as preacher, or as a business person. Writing this book was as a result of me experiencing it myself, realizing that I was a horrible husband, that I wasn’t the father that I needed to be, and that my life wasn’t fulfilled. Becoming and discovering your personal best is a never-ending process, but if you don’t begin the process, you will never get to the place where you understand the fulfillment that comes with being a whole person. To learn more about Jeff Johnson, read his blog or find out where to purchase his book, log on to www.jeffsnation.com. Derrick D. Greene is a political commentator and consultant. He is the former host of the internationally broadcasted Power Radio Week in Review.
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PASTOR’S PICKS Over the years, God has blessed me to have accumulated thousands of miles around the world preaching the word of God. Along the way, I’ve come to depend on 10 things that must be with me every time I step on a plane. For this Men’s Season, I wanted to share those things with you.
01
NIV Study Bible “I never go anywhere without the NIV Study Bible!” Find it at any bookstore
02
iPhone www.apple.com/iphone/
03
Apple Mac computer www.apple.com
04
Kindle Electronic Book “The Kindle electronic book is one of the best inventions of the 21st Century. I can have any book, magazine or newspaper sent to me wirelessly in less than 60 seconds!” www.amazon.com
05
Henri Bendel Vanilla Bean Candle www.henribendel.com
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
06
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanilla Cologne Find it at any major department store
07
GNC Mega MEn Vitamins www.gnc.com
08
The Perfect Pushup
“Create what works for you!”
09
Valeo Weighted Jump Rope “The Valeo Weighted Jump Rope is just the tool I need to kick my on-the-road workouts to the next level! Find one at any sporting goods store”
10
American Express www.americanexpress.com
Special
youth section
youth.
2009 has seen it’s share of turbulent events
for youth. In the winter, the incident between R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna brought the discussion of teen domestic violence to the forefront, and in the fall, the nation was stunned to learn of the brutal death of Derrion Albert at the hands of his peers. BUT Empowerment Temple’s youth continue to be the beacon through with the light of God shines. In this special YOUTH section, ECHOES highlights Empowerment Temple’s youth including the lowdown on how our youth spent the spring and summer, an architectural engineer in the making, and a social-political activist determined to heal the nation by eradicating “n” word. FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Youth Summer Highlights Youth Congress
Youth Congress This year the 2009 AME Youth Congress was held in Hampton, VA. Empowerment Temple’s youth joined the over 1,500 young attendees. The four day Congress included various workshops, seminars and church services, as well as opportunities to sight-see. So many activities were offered that that youth had no time to be bored. -M. Hawkins Sisters with Power
Empowerment Liberia’s Sisters With Power This summer marked the 3rd Annual Sisters with Power Rites of Passage Program (SWP) for girls at Empowerment Temple Liberia. Each year, the young ladies participate in programs that empower them spiritually, emotionally and physically. Each year, the girls crown one of their sisters Miss SWP.
Southern States College Tour This spring, 30 Empowerment Temple youth traveled South for the Southern States College Tour. The youth visited several colleges and universities including Bethune-Cookmen University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Georgia State University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A & T State University and Spelman College. They also toured the MLK Center for Nonviolence and Social Change, as well as other Civil Rights historical sites.
ur
es College To
Southern Stat
Youth Explosion
Youth Explosion The last Sunday is August, Empowerment youth showed up and showed out! Our youth welcomed the Holy Ghost through dance and song for the 9:30 and 11:30 services. If you missed it, don’t worry. They’re gonna do it again on Sunday, November 29th!
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Youth Explosion
FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
Tomorrow’s Leader:
Kortneigh McCoy
By Moneira Hawkins
Seventeen-year-old Kortneigh McCoy is one of Empowerment Temple’s brightest teens. While many of her peers were either traveling or hanging out over the summer, this Baltimore Polytechnic Institute senior participated in a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University where she studied Engineering Innovation. The course was a three-part college-level lecture that included the study of calculus, dimensional reasoning and physics. The Hopkins program hosted students from various backgrounds, and Kortneigh took pleasure in meeting many of them, including some foreign exchange students who traveled to the United States in order to take part in the program.
Kortneigh learned three very valuable lessons while participating in the Engineering Innovation’s program.
1. Procrastination is a self-hindrance that will steal time and progress from you if you allow it.
2. How to work as a team player with people who
come from different cultures, social and economic environments who were all trying to reach the same goal that she was.
3. How to appreciate when her professor bluntly
told the class, “If you choose not to complete an assignment, then you fail that assignment.” The reality of that statement made her appreciate when one of her high school teachers disciplined her after she failed to turn in a homework assignment. “This program made me aware that once I graduate from high school, the world will consider me to be an adult. I now understand that irresponsibility is not an option.”
One of Kortneigh’s Johns Hopkins professors is also her Engineering Practicum instructor at Poly. She gathered esteem knowing that what she learned over the summer is paving the way for her future. Kortneigh McCoy has dreams and goals to conquer and is determined to reach them. She plans to study to become an architectural engineer at either Philadelphia University or Appalachian State. She truly understands that failure is not an option, and that, with God, she will persevere.
Moneira Hawkins is a creative writer as well as a public speaker who conducts a mentoring program for teen girls. She is also speaks monthly at local detention facilities. Moneira is an active member of the New Members Ministry.
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Tomorrow’s Leader:
Jonathan McCoy
By Candance L. Greene
WE understood the gravity of 11-year-old Jonathan McCoy’s speech “A New Petition” when we heard it during MOVE’s 2nd Annual Oratory Contest. He stood before us sharing the rich history of African Americans, and explained how many of us taint our own legacy by using the “n” word. Days later, he performed the speech again, this time before the 11:30 a.m. congregation and Governor Martin O’Malley. That performance has since been viewed by over one million people on YouTube. Jonathan’s desire to eradicate the “n” word goes deeper than just words on paper. In February, he created a space online where people could actually go to sign his petition to end the use of the word. In September, Jonathan and his rousing speech were featured on CNN with Don Lemon, The CBS Evening Show with Katie Couric, The Michael Baisden Show, AOL.com’s homepage, and countless other newspapers and online publications. Jonathan McCoy granted ECHOES permission to reprint the speech for this special youth section. Don’t miss this opportunity to share it with others.
A New Petition By Jonathan E. McCoy Negro, African American, Noir, Nero, Mahogany, Ebony, Nubian, Black. All of these words have the same meaning. Negro is a Spanish noun and descendant of the word ‘niger’ meaning -‘black’. Though somewhere in history it was translated “the ‘n’ word” by those who refer to us as economically, politically, or socially disenfranchised instead of the kings and queens, princes and princesses we really are. We are descendants of the Continent of Africa. Countries like Niger and Nigeria hold our rich heritage. Unfortunately, this misinterpretation of our heritage is perpetuated among our own race. Rather than obliterate this disrespectful term we have adapted it as a cultural phrase. You’ve heard it, “What’s up my ‘N’ word?” or maybe you’ve said it; “Get outta ma face ‘N’ word!” So why as a people do we use it in our everyday language to communicate to or about ourselves. Let me dispel the myth. As a people we are neither economically, politically, nor socially disenfranchised. Fifty-six years after the Emancipation Proclamation there was an emergence of Blacks who capitalized on their God-given talents. Embodied with the character of selfdedication they were inspired to start this movement. It was termed the New Negro Movement to be exact. If that name doesn’t ring a bell then you might be more familiar with the Harlem Renaissance. A band of writers, artists, musicians, poets, and inventors came together for a new beginning. This explains Renaissance, which means reborn.
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Gov. O’Malley congratulates Jonathan McCoy.
People like Jasbo Brown; the name synonymous with the introduction of jazz, Duke Ellington, a jazz musician, Marcus Garvey, a Civil Rights Activist and Langston Hughes, Poet Laureate. So who you calling the ‘N’ word? We have held some of the most coveted offices, positions and jobs in the history of this nation and Affirmative Action had nothing to do with it. According to the definition, an ‘N’ word will never be a lawyer, a doctor or a teacher, yet many of us thrive in these industries. Neither can they hold such esteemed offices as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission like Michael Powell, Joint Chiefs of Staff like his father, Colin Powell, Secretary of State, like Condoleezza Rice and Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America like President Barack Obama. Oprah Winfrey would never have the success she’s experienced, or the distinction of being one of the richest women in America if she had allowed a termination from her job to economically disenfranchise her. Instead, her presence is requested in the most elite social and political domains. So, I’m sending a message to everyone who knowingly or ignorantly uses that term to describe our people. Rather you’re a gangsta rapper who uses it to communicate with your boys, or someone who looks down on those of us who haven’t got a college education; whatever the case its time to discontinue
Jonathan reciting his speech during service.
use of the word. It is implausible that 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination that we still use a word that holds no worth in our lives, our families or our future. So I’m petitioning you to join me in deleting the ‘N’ word from our vocabulary as a people, as a nation, and the world. I’d like to add a stanza to James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice”
Lift every voice and cry Till the ‘N’ word has died Let us cry out and proclaim our dignity Although we may be free, gloom still hangs over we Who use the word that made our fathers sigh Sing a song that doesn’t dishonor the mothers who bore us Sing a song absent of negative words in the chorus It’s now 2009, leave the ‘N’ word behind Choose words that speak, purpose and not defeat
My name is Jonathan Emile McCoy and I approve this message.
What can you do the help? Log on to www.petitionspot.com/endthenwordnow to sign Jonathan McCoy’s petition to stop the use of the “n” word and share this site with everyone you know.
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et remix The Power Summit The Power Summit was a three-day conference that set the spirit world ablaze. Dr. Bryant invited some of the most dynamic speakers to Empowerment Temple who brought life-changing word to the body of Christ. But our Baltimore congregation was not the only group to enjoy the conference. Thousands of our cyber members participated with us by watching the streaming broadcast online. 1. Empowerment Members and guests
praise God during the Power Summit.
2. Bishop McKissick, Bishop Paige and Dr. Bryant
1
4
corral around Bishop George Bloomer during his teaching on spiritual warfare.
3. Pastor Bryant laying hands during his
evening sermon.
4. Pastor Bryant preaching during
Power Summit.
5. Bishop Liston Paige gets during his
2
session at the Power Summit.
6. Pastor John Gunns preaching about
authentic friendship.
7. Bishop Rudolph McKissick brings
Pastor Bryant to his feet during his evening sermon.
3
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7
july aug sept 1
1
2
2
1
2
3
3
3 1. Married couples enjoying the summer
Marriage Ministry Cookout.
2. Wives still got it at the Marriage
Ministry picnic.
3. Beyond the Walls work to recruit new
members during the MInistry Pep Rally.
1. Pastor and ET Youth strike a pose on
2. Children enjoying the Moon Bouce. 3. Members happy to participate on
1. COPS Ministry Annual Crab Feast.
Friends and Family Day.
Friends and Family.
2. Youth line up to receive supplies
from the Back to School Store.
3. Young member at the Back to
School Store. Over 300 children received supplies.
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member spotlight By Candance L. Greene
Kwame Kuadey
Greg Adams
You may have seen Empowerment Temple member Kwame Kuadey around church leading economic empowerment courses, or teaching Parents on Wheels financial literacy classes, but what you may not know is that this Ghanaian native is a very successful businessman. This entrepreneur is the Founder and CEO of Giftcardrescue. com, an “online marketplace where visitors can buy, sell or exchange unused gift cards.” His company has been featured everything from the Wall Street Journal, to CNBC, to Forbes.com.
In 2008, Greg Adams’s life fell apart. His 20-year marriage ended, the real estate industry, in which he had been highly successful, collapsed, and his home was foreclosed. Depressed, he reached out to family who, instead of offering help, ridiculed him. The only thing Adams had was a journal in which he wrote his conversations with God. Soon, those discussions evolved into the book From Bankruptcy to Bounty. “This book was born out of my mess,” says Adams. “God needed me to be able to speak to people’s issues, but I had to be transparent enough to share my own with them first.”
This past summer, Kuadey appeared as a contestant on the ABC reality show The Shark Tank, where he convinced a panel of five multi-millionaires to invest $200,000 into his company. Kuadey attributes his success on the show to hard work, preparation and sacrifice.
Actually writing the book was difficult for Adams. Three editors told him to abandon the project, but he persevered. Through the writing process, God also revealed his secondary plan—motivational speaking. Adams plans to use From Bankruptcy to Bounty as a springboard to speaking with individuals and groups to help them find financial freedom, and relationship with God in the process. “God never abandoned me when things were rough. He just told me to keep on moving. Now, I can use those experiences to help other people understand that losing it all may not be a bad thing because God just may have a new, and more rewarding plan for their lives.”
To learn more about Kwame Kuadey and his business, visit his website at www.giftcardrescue.com
To learn more about Greg Adams’s book, visit www.frombank2bounty.com. To purchase a copy, contact him at 443.829.8572.
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FALL 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
the buzz November 1-December 13 WAR Ministry Entertainment Book Fundraiser Contact war@empowermenttemple.org for more information.
in the
next issue
1
It’s a celebration! Empowerment Temple is turning 10!
25 3rd Annual Give Love Give Food Thanksgiving Food Market 4217 Primrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 9am-5pm *We need volunteers. Call 410.225.3494 for more information
Find out why you should care about the 2010 Census.
26 Thanksgiving Day Service 4217 Primrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 10am
29 Youth Sunday 4217 Primrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 9:30am and 11:30am services
December 25
A Conversation with Empowerment Temple Liberia’s Pastor Keturah Cooper
ECHOES Cause of the Year: Christian Persecution.
Christmas Day Services 4217 Primrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 10am
31 New Year’s Eve Service 4217 Primrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 7pm and 10pm
Look for the
WINTER issue in DECEMBER!
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