March 2023 NY

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ March 2023

NY EDITION

thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

Celebrating Women!

On Business: Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

Shavonda Sumter New Leader of NJ’s Legislative Black Caucus Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook: America’s Chaplin

Sheena L. Wright

African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

Positive Change

NYC First Deputy Mayor

Bob Gore

chris tucker

apr 20

alvin ailey american dance theater

audra mcdonald Sat, Apr 29 @ 7:30PM The most Tony-winning actor of all time, Audra McDonald (Carousel, Ragtime) takes to the stage for this concert event.

trevor noah Off the Record Tour May 24 @ 8PM Emmy Award-winning Daily Show host Trevor Noah is back on tour with “the greatest stand-up show of the year” (The Times). @NJPAC • 1.888.MY.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ

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Fri, May 12 @ 8PM • Prudential Center Ashanti, Fabolous, Ja Rule, Lil Kim, Ma$e, Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, 112 and surprise guests come together for the Mother’s Day Good Music Festival at Prudential Center.

george benson Fri, Jun 2 @ 8PM An evening with jazz guitarist, NEA Jazz Master and 10-time GRAMMY® winner George Benson.

May 12 & 13 @ 8PM; May 14 @ 3PM This elegant, electrifying company celebrates its return to NJPAC with new works and the beloved Revelations.

avery*sunshine Sun, Jun 4 @ 7PM Let Avery*Sunshine melt your blues away with playfully creative lyrics, bright ‘n’ easy grooves and soulful vocals.

The American Song series at NJPAC is presented, in part, through the generous support of the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the David S. Steiner and Sylvia Steiner Charitable Trust, the Joan and Allen Bildner Family Fund, and the Smart Family Foundation/David S. Stone, Esq., Stone & Magnanini.

3/9/23 1:35 PM

This is a special moment.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital is the

FIRST IN NEW JERSEY

to earn the highest level of verification for maternal care.

We’re proud to announce that we’ve been recognized as a Level IV Maternal Care Verified Facility by The Joint Commission.

That means safe, comprehensive care for you and your baby.

From low-risk to high-risk pregnancies, you’ll have everything you need for the months leading up to, during and after delivery.

To learn more about Saint Peter’s University Hospital, call 732.745.8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com/maternity

That’s treating you better...for life. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen March Issue 2023 The Positive Community Saint Peter’s University Hospital is also certified in Perinatal Care by The Joint Commission.

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MARC H I S S U E 2 0 2 3

CONTENTS

26

21

Sheena L. Wright: A NYC “First”

Women Who Shaped Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter

Features

18

How to Manage and Reduce Inflation-Related Stress .. 13 Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce 125th Ann ... 14

Raising the Bar: AACCNJ Circle of Achievement Gala

Rev. Su-Jay Still Inspiring America ............................... 16 AACEO’s Black History Month First Friday Breakfast ..... 20

Money

SECTIONS

Health

Ode To My Brother ................................................. 24 Blue Jacket Fashion Raises Prostate Cancer Awareness..32 The Black Maternal Health Crisis is Real .................. 34 Great American Emancipation Day Awards ................ 41 Vizion Awards Black-Tie Gala ................................... 43 Ramadan Mubarak ................................................. 48

& also inside

12 Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's Annual Black History Month Celebration

Education

Publisher's Desk ............................................. 8 Fitness Doctor ................................................. 35 Bits and Pieces ................................................. 46 The Last Word .................................................... 50 Kings Who Read

4 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

37

29 Networking for Better Health

Culture

40 Newark's Abyssinian Baptist Church Designated a Historic Landmark www.thepositivecommunity.com

1•212•777•3380 FREE HELP WITH HOMEWORK! PARENTS! Get help working with your child.

STUDENTS! Call and get help in: Reading • Math • Writing • Science

A teacher will answer, ready to help.

We also speak: Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog

Call on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m.

United Federation of Teachers (UFT) • 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Department of Education • 52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007 Anthony Harmon - Director, Dial-A-Teacher 2023-0126-3138

6 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

First Baptist Church, New Reid Temple COGIC, South Orange, NJ East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Bishop William Cahoon General Baptist Convention, NJ North Stelton AME Church, Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, President Piscataway, NJ Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Jethro James, Pastor to PROGRESS GREAT Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Greater Mount Zion A.M.E., Christ, East Orange, NJ Trenton, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Rev. Dr. Charles F. Bayer, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor and institutions listed below have committed to the Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 Harlem Congregations for Plainfield, NJ Community Improvement (HCCI) Rev. Tracey Brown, PastorFind out more magazines per monththrough at $1.50the each or theyofsupport this publication through the purchase of advertising. each orleast they 50 support this publication purchase Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President & CEO Shiloh AME Zion Church, by calling advertising.

Find 973-233-9200. out more by calling 973-233-9200.

Imani Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ East Orange, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Mariners’ Temple York, NY Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Pilgrim C., Newark, NJ Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Rev. William DerekB.C., Lee,New Senior Pastor ShilohB. B.C., New Rochelle, NY Newark, NJ Rev. Henrietta Carter, Pastor Clark, NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor It IsDr.Well Living Ministries, Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Clear View Baptist Church, Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Rev. KahlilB.C., Carmichael, Pastor Memorial, New York, NY Convent Avenue Ruth Fellowship Ministries,NJ Plainfield, NJ Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, Newark, B.C., NJ Harlem, NY Newark, NJ Baptist Church, New York, NY Abyssinian Rev. Dr. Renee Baptist Washington Gardner, Rev. Brown,L.Pastor Macedonia Church, Rev.Tracey Dr. Danielle Brown, Pastor Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Senior Pastor NJ Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Lakewood, ShilohAME B.C., Trenton, Shiloh Zion Church,NJ Englewood, NJ Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Cross and Crown Christian Church, Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Rev. Givens, Pastor Rev.John DarellD.Armstrong, Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. James B. Logan, Pastor Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Shiloh St. Anthony Baptist Church, B.C., New Rochelle, NY Abyssinian Baptist Churh Community Church Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastorof God, Rev. Dr.Baptist Henrietta Carter,East Pastor Messiah Church, Orange, NJ Aenon Baptist Brooklyn, NY M. Hentz, Pastor Rev. Dr. DeQuincy Newark, NJChurch, Vauxhall, NJ Plainfield, NJ Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor Rev.Preston AntonioE.Porter, PastorJr., Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Thompson, Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Senior PastorJefferson, Pastor Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor Rev. Dr. David Rev. Craig Baptist R. Jackson, Pastor Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Agape Church, Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Patricia Perkins-Auguste Messiah Baptist St. Darell John Armstrong, Baptist Church, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Church Harlem, NY Antioch Baptist Church, Pastor Brooklyn, NY Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Pastor Camden, NJ Bridgeport, CTJ. Byrd, Pastor Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor Rev. Dr. Malcolm Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor New York, NY Antioch Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. James B. Logan, Pastor St. Baptist Church, Brooklyn, Rev. T. Washington, Pastor Rev.Dr.Dr.Carl Jesse T. Willams, Jr., Pastor St.Anthony John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ NY Brooklyn, of NYNew York Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Archdiocese Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Robert Waterman, Cross and Crown Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Brother Tyrone M. Davis, Office of Pastor Black Ministry East Orange, NJ St. AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. GuyNJ Campbell, Jr., Pastor Orange, St.James Luke Baptist Church Archdiocese New York Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, Baptist MinistersofConference Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor NY Rev. Ronald L.NY Slaughter, Pastor Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor of Harlem, Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ of Brother GreaterTyrone NY & Vicinity Davis, Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Johnnie Pastor NJ St. John Baptist McCann, Church, Camden, Rev. Dr. Elton B.C. T. Byrd Rev. Dr. Charles Curtis, President Office of BlackA.Ministry Ebenezer of Pastor/Founder Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Silas M. Paterson, Townsend, Pastor Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor St Luke B.C., NJ Baptist Ministers Hackensack, NJ First Baptist Church of BCT Partners, Newark,Conference NJ Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Rev. Kenneth Clayton, Pastor Lincoln Gardens, Greater NY &CEO Vicinity Ebenezer B.C.,Somerset Orange,NJNJ St. John B.C., D.R. Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Dr.ofRandal Pinkett, Harlem, NY Rev. R. Quick, PhD, Pastor Rev. T. Wallace, Pastor Rev. Geraldine L. Harris, President Rev.Dante' H. William Rutherford III, Pastor St. Shawn Mark Missionary B.C., Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd,NJPastor Jamaica, NY Church of Harlem, NY First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY BCT Partners, Elizabeth, NJ St. Luke Baptist Rev. W. Baptist Milteer, Pastor Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr.,Newark, Pastor NJ Mt.André Neboh Church, Rev.Dr. Owen E. Williams, Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO Councilwoman-At-Large Rev. Johnnie McCann,Pastor Pastor Harlem, NY Church, Trenton, NJ Mt. Zion AME Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Patricia Perkins-Auguste St. Matthew AME Church, Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev.J.Dr. Johnnie GreenPastor Jr., Pastor Rev. Stanley Justice, Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Orange, NJ Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Empire Missionary Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor Mt.Zion Pisgah Brooklyn, Mt. B.C., B.C., Westwood, NJ NY Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor Baptist Convention Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev.Bernard Dr. Johnny Youngblood, Pastor St. B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Glee,Ray Pastor Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor St.Mark PaulMissionary Baptist Church, Rev. Adolphus C. Lacey, PhD, Pastor Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor Rev. Owen E. NJ Williams, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Montclair, New Beginnings Agape Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Evergreen Baptist Church, Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Hackensack, Christian Center,NJ Freehold, NJ First BaptistNJ of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Orange, Pastor NJ St. Matthew AME Church, Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Palmyra, Rev. Timothy L. Adkns-Jones, PhD, Pastor Rev. Rev.Dr.Dr.Andre JohnMcGuire, O. Page, Pastor Pastor Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor Rev. E. Wilson, Pastor Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor St. Melvin Paul Baptist Church, Beulah Bible Cathedral Church,B.C., Newark, NJ Bethlehem Missionary Mt. Garden Olivet B.C, NJ New StateNewark, Jurisdiction First CorinthianMissionary Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Church, Montclair, NJ St. Paul Baptist Gerald LydellNJ Dickson, Senior Pastor Fellowship B.C.,NY Roselle, COGIC NJ W. Milteer, Pastor Rev. André Rev. MichaelNJ A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor Rev.Dr. Alexander Brown, Pastor Rev. Bernadette Glover, Pastor Newark, Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Bishop William Cahoon Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev.Park Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder St.Paul PaulBaptist Community First Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ St. Church,B.C., Red Bank, NJ Rev. Calvin Bible McKinney, Pastor Church, Beulah Cathedral Rev.Hope J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NYBrown, Pastor Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr.,ofPastor First Baptist Church Rev. Alexander Newark, NJ Church, Morristown, NJ Metuchen, NJ Westwood, NJ Calvary Baptist Mt. Zion B.C., Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Gerald Dickson, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. JerryLydell M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor Rev.Dr.Danté R. Quick, PhD, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Terry Richardson, Pastor Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church ofChristian East Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY New Beginnings Agape Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor First Baptist Church, Orange, East Orange, NJ Garfield, NJ General Baptist Convention, NJ Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ NJ Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Center, Freehold, NJ Pastor East NY The New Hope B.C., Newark, Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Rev. Dr.Elmhurst, J. Michael Sanders, President Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Calvary Baptist Church, New Baptist Church of Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ The NewBaptist, Hope B.C., Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor NewHope Garden State Jurisdiction First Baptist Church Union Bridgeton, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Morristown, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Rev. Carter, Senior Pastor COGIC NJ of Kenilworth, NJ Rev.Joe Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor Cathedral Rev. JerryInternational., M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Bishop William Cahoon Grace B. C., Mt.Bullock Vernon,Jr., NYPastor Perth Amboy, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Union Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ NJ UnionBaptist Baptist Church, Elizabeth, Canaan B. C. of Christ, New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Dr. Baptist Franklyn Church W. Richardson, Pastor NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, PastorHarlem, NY New Baptist Church, Rev. L. Morgan, First of Teaneck, Rev.Albert R. Lenton BuffaloPastor Jr., Pastor Rev. EricHope Wallace, Pastor Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr.Zion Marilyn Harris,NY Pastor Greater Hill Monroe B.C., Harlem, Charity Baptist Bronx, United B.C., Asbury Park, NJ UnitedFellowship Fellowship B.C., Canaan B.C.,Church, Paterson, NJ NY New TempleL. COGIC Rev.Reid Dr. Ronald Owens, Pastor Rev. Dr. Baptist Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Rev. JamesPark, H. Brown, First of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Asbury NJ Sr., Pastor East Orange, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor New Hope Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor Rev. James H. Brown, Pastor Bishop WilliamBaptist Cahoon Church of East Harlem Congregations for Christian LoveInternational, B.C., Irvington, NJ Walker Memorial B.C. Sr., Bronx, NY Cathedral Orange, East Orange, NJ Community Improvement (HCCI) Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor First Central Baptist Church, Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Perth Amboy, NJ North Selton AMEE.Church, Rev. Dr. Vernard Hinton, Pastor Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President & CEO Piscataway, NJ Staten Island, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ New Baptist Church Rev. Dr.Hope Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina, Pastor NJ Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Welcome Church, Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., PastorBronx, NY Rev. Dr. ElijahBaptist C. Williams, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Newark, NJ Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Reginald PastorNJ Community B.C.,Williams, Englewood, Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor World Gospel Assoc., Newark, NJ Michael Walrond, Jr., Senior Rev. Dr. Elijah Music C. Williams, Pastor It Rev. Is Well LivingA.Ministries, Clark, NJPastor Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Rev. Dr. LesterLove Taylor,B.C., Pastor Christian Irvington, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor First Park Baptist Church, World Gospel Music Assoc., Rev. Brandon KeithofWashington, PastorNJ Park Ave Disciples of Christ, Rev.Orange, Eric Christian Wallace, Community Church God, Plainfield, East NJ Pastor Plainfield, NJ Church, Lakewood, NJ Newark, NJ Macedonia Baptist Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor RufusD.McClendon, Jr., Pastor Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Dr.Rev. Edward Harper, Pastor

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ROLL CALLOLL

GREAT

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

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TO PROGRESS

“The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Black Church. All churches 12/13/22 4:53 PM one and businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Positive Community. Please support this magazine, the only that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries

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ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

The African American Cultural Narrative:

Cultural Literacy and Positive Change— A New Language of Freedom!

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n behalf of all of us at The Positive Community (TPC), “thank you!” Yes, much appreciation to and gratitude for those who thought it not robbery to fellowship in celebration of achievement and positive change. It was TPC’s 4th annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet. Theme: The Dawn of Freedom, 160 Years of the Emancipation Proclamation 1863–2063.

Congratulations to all the wonderful honorees and dear sponsors! (See page 41).

The response to the issue featuring Dr. Calvin O. Butts III has been wholly unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed in our 22 years in publishing! Tributes from local and national leaders continue to pour in. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Butts family, and the mighty Abyssinian Church family, for entrusting our media company to put into perspective the legacy of this beloved Harlem Pastor.

Scores of forward-thinking individuals, churches, schools, businesses and institutions came together to support this edition. Reflections continue on page 24.

The progress of our children and the integrity and dignity of our African American culture, values, and traditions—our collective soul— mean everything! As a people, we must commit to raising a culturally literate generation. Teach the Cultural Narrative; forecast a wholesome and prosperous destiny; teach appreciation and gratitude!

Our American Story

Moving forward, with all of the energy we can muster, the future of Black History in public schools and colleges in some southern states must urgently be addressed! And it begins with group analysis and critique: Who are we; and where do we go from here? At the end of the day, we would all agree: African American History is American History. The story of this great nation can hardly be told without including the immense contributions of the African American people. Public education in this country is funded by taxpayer dollars. Is it democratic to erase Black History from curriculums or to ban certain books by Black authors from libraries?

The Cultural Narrative was first written in May 2012 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Study it for yourselves. What was first published over 10 years ago is as true today as it will be even 50 years from now!

The enduring Cultural Narrative is about who we really are: Beloved, liberated sons and daughters of The Most High God; mighty descendants of the Great American Emancipation—1863. And that is our story—a narrative to be shared among all races, ethnicities and communities across this land!

Learning the narrative is progress. This document is designed to inspire within the souls of our young people a real hunger for truth, and an unquenchable thirst for righteousness!

Two questions for open debate: 1) Should the Cultural Narrative be taught to children; 2) who then would be responsible for teaching it?

What if we were to set a tangible goal for ourselves?

What if we were to see to it that every single child in our communities, by their thirteenth birthday, would be able to read, write, speak, comprehend, and commit to memory, the African American Cultural Narrative: A new language of freedom?

Resiliency and Triumph

Divine Right; Patriotic Duty

Public Education

The African American people must now take full and complete responsibility for teaching our children about their American heritage—our group personality and collective experience. Our history is not a matter to be volleyed about between Liberals and Conservatives or among political parties. Our people’s history along with their enormous achievements is forever the people’s claim on the American Dream!

The Great African American Cultural Narrative is a story of resiliency and triumph; creativity, courage, faith and hope! And this is what our children must be taught— in our homes, our houses of worship and community institutions—everywhere. This is the commitment needed to advance the race!

8 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to our ancestors, and to our Heavenly Father—“Thou who has brought us thus far along the way.” Never forget: it is our absolute, divine right and our patriotic duty to preserve and protect and promote our very best—America’s best! Indeed, the only way we can ever be denied of our own collective gifts, talents and blessings is if we deny them for ourselves!

Encourage the children to learn and to recite aloud the Cultural Narrative— at the dinner table, in the classroom, in church, at social events and family gatherings. Cultural literacy will fortify and ensure the progress of future generations as we embrace and advance the positive, community-building ideals of self-acceptance, selfreliance and self-respect—Positive Change! www.thepositivecommunity.com

America’s Best Music; a World-Class Sound!

Streaming Live 24/7: “In Classic Black”

Positive Community Radio As Seen in:

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he Positive Community has introduced a big deal playlist that roars with good music; there are no categories or distinctions between their flow: Doowop, bebop, hip hop are family members of the Black Diaspora sharing a cultural, historical and spiritual lineage of music. “We want to play all the music old and new,” said COO and co-founder Jean Nash Wells.

“We want our music to influence younger people to broaden their musical palate and get excited about Black music in its many creative forms, as well as older listeners hearing other genres of Black music they wouldn’t ordinarily listen to.” It is a similar concept to Inner-City Broadcasting early on when it owned and operated WBLS-FM known as “The Total Black Experience in Sound,” a catchphrase used by its program director Frankie Crocker. The radio station WWRL-AM was known as The Sound of Soul/Progressive Radio.”

Ron Scott

Music Critic, NY Amsterdam News

Go to: thepositivecommunity.com and click on the RADIO banner to listen and enjoy!

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Our American Story IN CLASSIC BLACK

R E A D I T, S P E A K I T, T E A C H I T, O W N I T

T O D AY !

The Great African American Cultural Narrative

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The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years).

On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.

One hundred years later, in August, 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.”

Forty years after Martin Luther King’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elects its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).

In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching; enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

This is our story—the cultural narrative— a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill!

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…! —Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Teach the Truth! Teach the children their American story in just 281 words! . . .

And may they commit this very narrative to memory,and pass it along.

Affirm the positive—our claim on the American Dream! Own this beautiful 25x19 poster with a rich, majestic, presidential blue background color in large print; which includes images of two American presidents, alongside images of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, poet Maya Angolu and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Frame this poster and proudly display it on the walls of your home, office, places of business; in the classrooms and your houses of worship; in barbershops, beauty salons and restaurants. Your $10.00 investment will pay dividends one thousand fold when you teach it to a young child and in return, they speak it back to you. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Order your copy today for only $10.00; 2 for $15.00.

Become a valued contributor to The Story about Our Future—today!

Special Rates for Bulk Purchases.

Include $7.60 for priority shipping and handling. Tax included.

Send Check or money order to: The Positive Community Corporation, 133 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 PayPal and Credit Card accepted Order by phone 973 233 9200

Order online: www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's Annual Black History Month Celebration

Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy

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L-R: National Grid NYC Community Director Renee McClure and Weeksville Heritage Center President Raymond Codrington

L-R: Con Edison Gov. and Community Affairs Manager Juliet Lewis; Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Peers; NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud; Nubian Conservatory of Music President Edward Gordon; Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse; The Gentlemen's Factory CEO Jeff Lindor; Black Entrepreneur NYC Exec Dir. and CDO, T. Kenneth Ebie

udos to the organizers of the 2023 Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Black History Month celebration! Brooklynites gathered at the Weeksville Heritage Center on February 27th to enjoy food from local sources and music by the Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy. There could not have been a more appropriate place to commemorate the richness of Black history. The center in Central Brooklyn uses education, arts, and a social justice lens to preserve, document, and inspire engagement with the history of Weeksville—one the largest communities built by free Black people before the Civil War.

empowerment; and when you can partner together, it’s really powerful.”

These community leaders use their energy and knowledge to focus on improving the lives of not only their fellow Brooklynites, but also citizens within the city, state, and nationwide. As Councilmember Narcisse stated when accepting her award, “Black communities, we’ve been through so much; but we’re always fighting for better— to be the leaders representing our communities with integrity and sincerity. I am honored to be in this space.”

Kudos as well to the four honorees: • Kenneth Ebie, executive director and CDO for the Black Entrepreneurs of NYC: Community Leader Award.

• Jeff Lindor, founder of the Gentlemen’s Factory: Samuel L. Dunston Award for Business Excellence.

• Edward Gordon, owner of the Nubian Conservatory of Music: Small Business Leader Award.

• Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, (District 46), Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Hospitals: Public Service Award.

Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Chamber said, “It’s really a special kind of night now. We’re getting to see and celebrate in person. We’ve got four incredible honorees, truly an extraordinary line up. When we talk about partnership, this is what it’s about. That’s

12 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

L-R: Honoree The Gentlemen's Factory CEO Jeff Lindor; Investors Bank SVP Ana Oliveira; Brooklyn Councilmember and Honoree Mercedes Narcisse; and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Peers www.thepositivecommunity.com

How to Manage and Reduce Inflation-Related Stress

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nflation may continue to show signs of slowing, however businesses nationwide are still grappling with increasing expenses, passing costs onto consumers, while over half (68%) have raised prices on select or all products and services, according to JPMorgan Chase’s 2023 annual Business Leaders Outlook. Nearly all small business leaders (94%) say inflation has impacted expenses, with almost four in 10 noting that expenses have increased by more than 10% in the last 12 months.

While you may already be cutting back on spending due to rising costs and an uncertain economic environment, it’s important to evaluate your financial situation and consider implementing these lifestyle changes to help reduce inflation-related stress.

1. Save for an emergency fund. Getting in a habit of saving is key, and how much you should save for an emergency fund will depend on your income and spending habits. Setting aside cash—ideally between three and six months of living expenses —will help prepare you for unexpected expenses.

Consider anticipated expenses like rent, utilities, debts and food. Having an emergency fund will help ease stressful situations that can arise without warning.

2. Spend with intention. Instability in the market can make your finances feel equally unstable, so it’s important to set a budget and identify where your money is going each month. Financial tracking tools like a monthly budget worksheet or digital tools like Budget, in the Chase Mobile® app, will www.thepositivecommunity.com

help track your spending, allowing you to review and adjust your budget as needed. You also can set alerts to determine how you’re doing throughout the month. Having a deeper level of insight will also show you where to consider cutting unnecessary expenses or allocate additional funds.

3. Search for investments with better returns. The uncertain global economy has created pronounced peaks and valleys in the market over the last year.

Now is a good time to reevaluate your asset mix and search for options that can protect your wealth from inflation. Consider consulting a financial advisor to create a personalized financial strategy that may include investments in things like savings bonds and commodities.

4. Take advantage of credit card rewards. Many credit cards offer new cardmember bonuses, cash back and rewards that can help you earn more for spending on everyday items like groceries and travel. Look for credit cards that essentially pay you back by earning more when you spend on eligible categories, including gas, groceries and utilities.

Visit chase.com/personal/financial-goals to learn more about how JPMorgan Chase can help you combat inflationrelated stress.

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March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 13

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 125th Anniversary at a historic gala during Black History Month at The City College of New York.

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1. Uptown Dance Academy gives dance salute to the Cotton Club at the gala. 2. Lloyd Williams Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, President being interview by PIX11. 3. Tabitha Williams, Host of “What's Eating Harlem” TV Show, interviews Gala Honoree Dr. Hazel Dukes. 4. Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Board Members look great. 5. [C] Former NY State Governor David Paterson, with [L] his wife Mary Paterson and [R] former Congressmember Carolyn Maloney at the gala. 6. Congressman Adriano Espaillat gives tribute to the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary. 7. NYC Public Ad Advocate Jumaane Williams being interviewed by Tabitha Williams. 8. NYS Senator Robert Jackson and his wife Faika looking great at the Gala.

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9. The three gala historic honorees, left to right, Dr. Lee Bollinger, President, Columbia University, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President, NYS NAACP, and Hon Charles B. Rangel, Congress Member (retired) 10. The Great Hall looking fabulous for the gala. 11. Hon. Gale Brewer (former Manhattan Borough President), current NY City Council member being interviewed at the gala. 12. Fred Dixon, President, NYC & Company with Winston Majette, Chamber Executive Director. 13. Rev. Dennis Dillon, publisher, New York Christian Times, (Chamber Board Member) welcomes the audience. 14. Former Congress Members Hon. Carolyn Maloney and Hon. Charles Rangel with Louis Katsos [C], event honoree, and former Governor Hon. David Paterson [R] 15. Dr. Vincent Boudreau, President, The City College of New York (Chamber Board Member) at the gala.

Gov 16. Hon. H Carl McCall (Chamber Board Member) and Daughter, Marci, enjoying themselves.

STILL INSPIRING AMERICA: America’s Chaplain’s Lunch Hour of Power turns 40!

by Jean Nash Wells

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here do Wall Street execs, mayors, and police brass gather for 30 minutes, returning to their workplaces inspired and refreshed, helping to build and rebuild their city?

The Lunch Hour of Power.

40 years ago, the Mariners Temple Baptist Church, a Black church in New York’s Chinatown, elected the first Black, female, senior pastor in its 200-year history. The 26-year-old pastor had a daunting task as the church’s membership had dwindled to 15 in

Hour of Power and Wonderful Wall Street Wednesday worship services—complete with box lunches—became standing room-only services frequented by participants from throughout the city. I was one of those who trekked downtown weekly to hear her uplifting, hopeful, and inspiring messages.

After her 13-year tenure at Mariner’s Temple, Cook founded and served as senior pastor of the Bronx Fellowship Christian Church. Several career moves and firsts followed. In 1990, David Dinkins appointed her chaplain to the New York Police Department—the The Lunch Hour of Power and first woman; elected president of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference—the first woman; Wonderful Wall Street Wednesday US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious in the Obama administration—first faith worship services—complete with box Freedom leader and woman to hold that position; and first of The Positive Community magazine in lunches—became standing room-only cover September, 2000.

Pastor Cook taught, ordained, and installed Rev. services frequented by participants Herietta Carter as her successor, a capacity in which Rev. Carter still serves. from throughout the city.

Cook is CEO of Women on the Worldstage a building built for over 1,100. They prayed for help (WoW) Inc, and the REAL Black Women in Ministry and found it in Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook.

Initiative for The Lilly Endowment. Next month, 30 Cook said she learned about engaging local of the women she mentored (who are now mentoring communities while working on her brother’s campaign others) will be inducted into the MLK International for election to the New York State Assembly. She used Chapel at Morehouse College, and Rev. Johnson Cook’s that experience handing out flyers; meeting people portrait will be hung alongside the many luminaries at subway stops; and in their workplaces—on Wall represented in the Hall of Portraits at the Martin Street, at City Hall, and at Police Headquarters to Luther King Jr. International Chapel. A well-deserved promote her concept for Mariner Temple. The Lunch honor, indeed.

16 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

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March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 17

L-R: AACCNJ Founder/CEO Dr. John E. Harmon Sr.; U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn; The Ross Dulan Group Founder Brenda RossDulan; Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr; Johnson & Johnson Senior Counsel and Garden State Bar Association President Natalya G. Johnson Esq.; Professional Golf Association Tour Advocates CEO Kenneth Bentley; AACCNJ Board Chair and JCP&L R External Affairs Consultant Stanley Prater.

Raising the Bar AACCNJ Circle of Achievement Gala

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman thanks Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn for his protection during the Jan. 6 riots

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The Dunns celebrate their cousin Honoree Harry Dunn. L-R Jeff Dunn, John Harmon, Guy and Kevin Dunn

18 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

L-R: Danny Dunn, Dr. Joy Hamilton and Penn Dunn

ore than 600 movers and shakers in business, politics, education, community service, sports, and entertainment filled the beautiful Venetian in Garfield, NJ with excitement during the annual Circle of Achievement Awards presented by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) during Black History Month.

The event brought together, “....a distinguished group of honorees representing the best in class in their respective fields, and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States,” declared AACCNJ President and CEO John E. Harmon Sr. At the gala, ACCNJ honored African Americans who have attained a significant level of accomplishment in their respective fields. Recognizing the accomplishments and contributions made by individuals and businesses within the African American community, Harmon remarked, “They are the embodiment of this year’s gala theme, Raising the Bar.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Father and son, Justin and John Harmon with AACCNJ's Jacqueline E. Baptiste

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March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 19

AACEO Modern Day Historians

AACEO’s Black History Month First Friday Breakfast

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embers of The African American Clergy and Elected Officials Coalition greeted February’s cohosts, House Democratic Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and NY S Senator Zellnor Myrie.

In commemoration of Black History Month, twenty prominent community leaders and officials received recognition as AACEO Modern Day Historians.

Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump received a special salute for his ongoing community work.

L-R: AACEO COO Dee Bailey and President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman with House Democratic Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and NYC Schools Chancellor David C. Banks

L-R: AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, AACEO COO Dee Bailey, and Rev. Al Sharpton

20 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

L-R: AACEO COO Dee Bailey, NYPD Sergeant Patrick Gordon, House Democratic Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and AACEO President Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sheena L. Wright: A New York City “First” in Nonprofit and Government Leadership

By Fern Gillespie

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heena L. Wright believes in smashing glass ceilings. A woman and historymaking “first” in both New York City nonprofits and in government, Wright was the first woman named president and CEO of United Way of New York City.

Currently, she serves as First Deputy Mayor of New York City, the first Black woman to hold that position.

Her impact landed her on New York’s top influential lists from Crain’s New York to City & State magazine. It’s made her a role model for many New York City women climbing the nonprofit and government careers ladders.

But, who is Wright’s role model, a woman who holds bachelor’s and law degrees from Columbia University?

Wright will tell you her role model is Debra FraserHowze, founding president and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, who just happens to be her mom. “The role model of all role models is my mother. She was actually a teenage mom.

She had my older sister when she was 15 and me when she was 17. What was so special about my mother was that even though she was a teenage parent in the Bronx with very young kids, she did not allow anyone to determine what her outcome would be,” Wright said. Debra FraserHowze was determined to better her life and the lives of her children. “She went to a high school for teenage girls and then to Hunter College, sometimes taking me and my sister when a babysitter was not available.

I remember being in the back of the class raising my www.thepositivecommunity.com

hand. I thought I was a student. My mother finagled us to better schools. We were able to get scholarships to go to boarding school for high school. She was always right there making sure we had what we needed.”

Not satisfied with a bachelor’s degree, Howze earned a master’s degree and worked with Harriet Michel at the New York Urban League, mentoring teenage girls. “It was the 1980s and teenage girls were cont’d on next page

Sheena reads to Mott Haven Academy students, Bronx, NY. March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 21

SHEENA WRIGHT

having unprotected sex with their male partners and contracting HIV. It was ripping through the community in a very devastating way,” recalled Wright. “Then my mother worked with churches and started the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, bringing awareness and resources to the Black community as related to HIV. It became a national organization responsible for billions of dollars of resources and policy changes on health equity as it relates to the Black community. She was on President Clinton’s Advisory Council on AIDS, President Bush asked her to consider continuing to serve. She is a public health legend.”

When Howze retired from the National Commission on AIDS, she passed the baton to C. Virginia fields. It’s now the Black Leadership Commission on Health. She created another initiative called Choose Healthy Life and it’s in 50 cities and hundreds of churches around the country. Initially focused on testing and vaccinations for COVID-19, it now focuses on healthcare and chronic diseases that significantly impact Black people. Rev. Al Sharpton is one of the co-chairs; the late Rev. Calvin Butts III was the other.

Wright spent five years as a corporate lawyer. She then decided to transition into nonprofit advocacy, like her mother. “I was practicing law at a corporate firm and felt it wasn’t speaking to me through my soul. I felt like I was called to spend my life doing something else,” she explained. “I was a member of Abyssinian and an opportunity to lead the Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) came my way. Building affordable housing, commercial development, schools, and social services for seniors and homeless families—the whole gamut. It was wonderful.”

Wright spent five years as a corporate lawyer. She then decided to transition into nonprofit advocacy, like her mother.

“I was practicing law at a corporate firm and felt it wasn’t speaking to me through my soul. I felt like I was called to spend my life doing something else,” she explained.

22 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

cont’d from previous page

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Student at the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, Marian Wright Edelman, and Sheena Wright in 2010.

Rev. Calvin Butts was her boss and mentor. “I learned so much from him about leadership—about standing in your faith and about being determined in the face of obstacles,” she said. “He was brilliant at problem-solving, bringing together the community, and working with the government. I really saw and lived this cross-sector collaboration of corporate, government, and nonprofit and how it all had to come together in an aligned, coordinated way.”

After 10 years at ADC, “I wanted the opportunity to have a broader impact,” Wright recalled. The United Way of New York City (UWNYC) fulfilled that desire.

She became the first woman to hold the position of president and CEO in the organization’s history and the most visible Black woman executive leading a major New York City nonprofit. “United Way works across the city in every borough. There were more corporate partners, and they worked closely with the government.”

She started Read NYC, a citywide campaign helping third-graders read at grade level. Research reveals that third-grade reading is the biggest predictor of whether a student will graduate from high school.

“Prison planners can look at third-grade test scores and determine how many jails they’re going to need,” Wright explained. “We can look at inmates right now at Rikers and approximately 60% of them are dyslexic or have other learning disabilities.”

Following Eric Adams’ win as Mayor of New York City, he tapped Wright to chair his transition committee.

She headed a team that hired 70 commissioners and leaders. “I knew Eric Adams and his career trajectory.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Wright left United Way to join the Mayor’s Office as deputy mayor for Strategic Initiatives. Her initiatives included childcare and education, clearing vouchers so 36,000 children could apply for low-cost, high-quality child care.

In 1990, Sheena Wright graduated from Columbia College and in 1994, she completed her studies at Columbia Law School. In March 2012, Wright was elected as a trustee of Columbia University.

He was always about getting stuff done and really had some impressive results when he was a police officer, state senator, and borough president.”

Wright left United Way to join the Mayor’s Office as deputy mayor for Strategic Initiatives. Her initiatives included childcare and education, clearing vouchers so 36,000 children could apply for low-cost, highquality child care. She co-led the Joint Taskforce to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time, unlocking more than $4.2 billion in contractual dollars for over 460 large and small organizations. She also co-led the city’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, forging the way for

Rev. Calvin Butts was her boss and mentor. “I learned so much from him

New York City’s summer youth employment program offering jobs to 100,000 young people.

In December 2022, still shattering that glass, Wright accepted the position offered to her by Mayor Adams—first deputy mayor of the City of New York.

“I’m determined, focused, and goal-oriented,” she said.

“I understand the way we get things done is through collaborations and breaking down the silos between agencies in order to get things done.”

New York City’s major nonprofit leadership has been notoriously segregated for decades. Wright observed an increase in hiring Black women in top leadership roles in recent years at the major New York nonprofits. “People look for very strong leadership.

When you are a Black woman, you deal with biases and barriers just because of who you are. I think Black women have to push through and persevere with a level of strength and tenacity. That is being realized in many ways for the first time,” she said. “Quite frankly, Black women get it done.”

about leadership—about standing in your faith and about being determined in the face of obstacles,” she said.

“He was brilliant at problem-solving, bringing together the community, and working with the government.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 23

REFLECTIONS

ODE TO MY BROTHER

By Imam Dr. Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid, Senior Imam The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood Inc. rior to viewing the remains of Rev. Dr. Calvin with humor.

With conviction, love, and compassion, Rev. Butts O. Butts III, I last visited the Abyssinian Baptist Church—Harlem’s historic house of Christian challenged people of faith to transform New York City for worship—approximately three months before the the better in service to the Almighty God and humanity. It COVID-19 pandemic struck New York. I was among was a shining moment amongst many during a ministerial the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders of A career of distinction that spanned decades. At its Partnership of Faith, who had gathered at Abyssinian conclusion, Rev. Dr. Butts, Rev. Stephen Bauman of Christ for an interfaith service commemorating the 1619-2019 Church, Rabbi Josh Davidson of Temple Emanuel, and struggle of Americans of African descent against 400 I locked arms in faith, hope, and solidarity. At the center years of oppression. of that powerful, New York City image stood Rev. Butts. It Joined by worshippers of different faiths and ethnicities was the last time I saw him alive, in person. from around the city, we stood together as voices of To this day I am comforted by the knowledge that conscience, reflecting the lessons of an American past my brother, friend, and colleague and I shared pulpits both known and unknown to many Americans. The several times in service to the God of mercy, kindness, gathering was somber and reverent, filled with homily, and compassion—Who, on the Judgement Day, will music, and reflection. The height of the service was a weigh every atom’s weight of good and evil of our powerful, inspirational sermon delivered by Rev. Butts individual, earthly lives. Our hope for eternal salvation in his eloquent, erudite, and intense style, sprinkled rests with Him.

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GOOD N EWS FR OM THE CHURC

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Rev. Dr. C

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alvin O. B

February 25, 2022: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka honored the Choose Healthy Life leadership team for their efforts in the fight against COVID. The event took place at the Willing Heart Community Care Center in Newark, NJ, L-R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Debra Fraser-Howse, and Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III

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n behalf of the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (“HCCI”) and its coalition of Houses of Worship we remember the Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, as steward of our beloved community of Harlem. He was our brother faith-leader, a civil rights advocate, a teacher, and respected brother of our fraternities, as well as a former Board member of HCCI. His loss will have a profound impact on the work of revitalization and the spiritual health of our communities.

We remember the sage words illustrative of Rev. Dr. Butts’s

24 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

1949–2022 TPC_FEB_202

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utts III

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Bob Gore

2/18/23 4:36 PM

love and commitment to all of humanity, and particularly, of our community. “Education and faith are the Tigris and the Euphrates of our liberation: twin rivers at the source of our redemption.” --The Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III.

Dr. Malcolm A. Punter President & CEO Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) www.thepositivecommunity.com

Reasons for recovery...

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Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Women Who Shaped Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter

by A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, SHE Wins Inc. Founder and CEO and Newark Board of Education Member

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ho could have imagined an invitation from her friend Michelle to the community meeting in the basement of Canaan Baptist Church would lead to more than a decade of public service. No one, not even Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter herself, knew then the seeds planted that evening would bloom for a lifetime.

26 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Their neighborhoods teeming with factories, leading to poor air quality causing high asthma rates for residents, the Paterson Interfaith Community Organization (PICO) organized community members to ensure their voices were heard. “There’s something we can do about this?

We don’t have to live this way? That was an aha moment for me,” said Sumter. So she did something. As a young organizer, Shavonda began helping with PICO’s petitions, drives, uplifting people’s stories, and equipping them with the tools to make their voices heard. At the age of 17, Shavonda was already doing more than the average teenager. She was a leader in the student council and volunteered at local organizations, a life made possible by the hard work of women in her family. Women like her mother, who worked multiple jobs to put her and her brother through college; and her grandmother, a domestic worker who raised three girls on her own after the death of her husband. Her godmother, none other than Elease Evans, a pioneering political powerhouse, community advocate, and assemblywoman of the 35th Legislative District, nurtured Shavonda as a young leader.

“I did not know so many seeds would be poured into me,” she reflected. “The hands that were upon me, the prayers spoken over me to keep me covered…serving in my community was the training.”

When Assemblywoman Evans experienced health challenges and chose not to pursue elected office again, she tapped Shavonda to run for the seat. In a sea of more than half a dozen male candidates, all currently in elected office and vying for the position, Shavonda stood out and secured the nomination. In her historic win in 2012, she became only the 2nd African American woman in history to serve as assemblywoman for the 35th Legislative District in New Jersey.

At the age of 17, Shavonda was already doing more than the average teenager. She was a leader in the student council and volunteered at local organizations, a life made possible by the hard work of women in her family.

“I have known Shavonda Sumter since she was a teenager. Neither of us would have ever imagine the paths that our lives have taken as adults.

Her body of work as a legislator clearly reflects her understanding that government must serve people and government must empower people.

In addition to being a supportive wife and a loving mother, she is a faithful disciple at the St. Luke Baptist Church of Paterson. I am honored to be her pastor and blessed to be her friend and honorary big brother.

—Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St Luke Baptist Church An historic time for African American women in politics in New Jersey, Sumter’s House Chambers were led by then Speaker—now New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, and resounded with the words of leadership of fearless legislators like now Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

As a voice of the voiceless, Shavonda continues to honor that legacy. She recently organized the first roundtable of Democratic women of the State Senate and Assembly to strategize around key issues affecting women in New Jersey, i.e. reproductive rights, education, child tax credits, equitable housing, and accountable policing.

While her city of Paterson mourns the tragic death of Najee Seabrooks—a well-known anti-violence advocate and organizer who died at the hands of police while suffering a mental health crisis—Sumter remains steadfast in prioritizing the voice of her community. “Because of legislation I helped create, whenever there’s a loss of life at the hands of law enforcement, it goes directly to the cont’d on next page

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 27

SHAVONDA SUMTER cont’d from previous page

As a voice of the voiceless, Shavonda recently organized the first roundtable of Democratic women of the State Senate and Assembly to strategize around key issues affecting women in New Jersey, i.e., reproductive rights, education, child tax credits, equitable housing, and accountable policing.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus, Assemblywomen Shavonda Sumter, left and Britnee Timberlake; Sen. Ron Rice is at the podium.

attorney general’s office, not the local police department.”

Additionally, Sumter serves as a proud sponsor of legislation that, when passed, will invest in crisis response teams and seek to reduce violent encounters with law enforcement.

When she’s not in the State House or serving as the president and CEO of a leading non-profit agency, Children’s Aid and Family Services, Assemblywoman Sumter makes time for joy. Be it spending time with her two sons, reading a new book, going to church on Sunday, or spending time with her husband on Friday for date night, she finds ways to nurture the light within and around her.

Jonathan McReynolds’ “Grace” is her song for this season. “I deal with a lot of intense issues and challenges.

This song gives me a lot of resolve.” Resolve is key to the great work Assemblywoman Sumter has been called to do, and she seeks to inspire that resolve in the next generation of leaders.

28 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

As a young woman entering politics in the city of Newark, I personally have been inspired and encouraged

by Assemblywoman Sumter. From notes of encouragement on social media to warm conversations at community events, her humility and support have directly impacted my own journey, a spirit that has characterized her work throughout the state of New Jersey.

“The people of Paterson, we are real, we are hardworking, and we love hard.” For Assemblywoman Sumter, this love bears deep roots, stretching from her mother’s faith-filled home to the basement of Canaan Baptist Church, a fierce love Sumter uses to nourish seeds of sisterhood and service across New Jersey today.

Celebrating Women’s History Month, Assemblywoman Sumter reminds us of the power of women uplifting other women, and using our seats at the table to empower our communities.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A

Health Networking for Better Health ideas for wellness

merigroup NJ hosted its second Together Towards Tomorrow Community Partner Networking event at the Sheraton Hotel, Eatontown, NJ on Friday December 2, 2022.

100F.Monmouth, Ocean, and The Mount SinaiOver Robert Smith surrounding county community partners from health care, Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit buiness, finance + work schools, faith-based

By Jean Nash Wells and community-based organizations, and others serving those with special needs and older adults joined Amerigroup for the event. Keynote speaker,

Money

Saving lives

Education

NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Director Mark Dinglasan, spoke on ways to improve community health, including access to healthier foods. Monmouth County Commissioner Susan Kiley detailed actions taken to improve food security to county residents. Attendees participated in a care bagging station and the collection of 100 Care Bags to be delivered to The Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, Asbury Park NJ.

the art + science of learning

A

s men age, the cells in the prostate gland can beBut there is good news; with early detection, prostate come cancerous. Every year in the United States, cancer can be treated successfully and thanks to billionmore than 30,000 men die from prostate cancer, sec- aire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the ond only to skin cancer. About one in eight men in Amer- lives of more Black men in New York City can be saved. ica will develop the condition at some point in their lives, The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer and about one in 40 will die from it. Age is the greatest risk Screening Unit, a state-of-the-art mobile facility equipped factor for prostate cancer. While only one in 10,000 men with advanced scanning and trained staff, enables early deunder age 40 will be diagnosed, that number leaps to one in tection of prostate cancer for at-risk Black men. The mobile 14 for those ages 60 to 69. About 60 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and 97 Black men have a 70 percent higher percent occur in men 50 years of age and older.

All of these facts are reasons for concern, but Black men rate of developing high-risk prostate must be particularly vigilant. Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are cancer, and are more than twice as more twice as Araujo likely to die fromPam it. Prostate cancer preparing usuL-R: than Charine and Jenkins backpack donations. ally has no noticeable symptoms. The first sign of disease is likely to die from it. often found during a routine screening exam. This is why screening is important.

L-R: Interfaith Neighbors Community Outreach Specialist Diane Shelton; VNAC Patient Navigator Shereise Brinson; VNAC Marketing Outreach Manager Raven Gates; Triumphant Life Church Community Outreach Specialist Pam Jenkins; Asbury Park Housing Authority Housing Manager Shemea Marshall; and Melia Bloom Founder, Lifestyle Coach, and Author Pamela A. Major. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Keynote Speaker NJ State Office of the Food Security Advocate Director Mark Dinglasan

Rev. Dr. Patricia Stauffer Medley, retired pastor of ELCA Lutheran Church in Freehold, NJ March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 29

You’re only 45. You still need a colon cancer screening.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Along with eating healthy and regular exercise, your best bet for good colon health is to get NCI Designated a colon cancer screening. Individuals at Comprehensive Cancer Center average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. Individuals at higher risk should speak to their doctor about getting screened sooner. Regular screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer in its earliest stages, which is when the cancer is most treatable. Should your screening indicate the need for treatment, we offer the latest options, from complex surgical procedures and radiation therapy to clinical trials and precision medicine. The best screening is the one that gets completed, so schedule yours now at rwjbh.org/colonscreening

Let’s beat Let’s beat cancer cancertogether. together.

What women need to know about heart health Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women causing one in three deaths in the United States every year, higher than all forms of cancer deaths in women combined.

According to the American Heart Association, women are severely underrepresented in research and clinical trials with women making up only 38% of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials. The warning signs of a heart condition present differently and more subtly in women than in men which is why it is so important women understand the risk factors, signs and symptoms unique to them. To mark American Heart Month this February, Dr. Rachana A. Kulkarni, MD, FACC, MBA, CPE outlines how common signs and symptoms for women present, how to reduce the risk of heart disease and the best time to address heart health with your doctor.

1. When women should start to worry about heart health It is important to take care of your heart while you are young to reduce the risk of heart problems later in life, but postmenopausal women should take extra care. After menopause women lose estrogen which can help keep plaque from building in the arteries, increasing the chance of cardiovascular problems.

It is a good idea to get your heart checked and talk with your cardiologist about how to keep your heart healthy after menopause. If you have a family history of heart problems or have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoke, live a sedentary lifestyle, or are overweight it is important to get checked now and to not wait until after menopause.

2. How women can reduce their risk of heart disease with a healthy lifestyle “The BMI (Body Mass Index) in America is at an all-time high. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle plays a key role in heart health, especially for women. I know it can be difficult to fill your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables and ditch salty, fatty fast food, but it is so important to have a colorful plate for a healthy heart,” Dr. Kulkarni urges.

In addition to eating healthy Dr. Kulkarni recommends: • Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, five times a week • Maintaining a healthy weight • Avoid smoking and stay away from second hand smoke • Limit alcohol intake • Keep up with yearly physicals and appointments with your primary care provider or cardiologist to get necessary screenings and tests • Minimize stress and workload as much as possible “Knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps women can take for their heart health,” commented Dr. Kulkarni. She urges women 40 and older to keep track of blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol numbers as well as being well informed of family heart health history because it could very well save your life.

For more information or to make an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiologists or cardiac surgeons, visit rwjbh.org/heart or call 1-888-724-7123.

Keep the Faith Cancer Support Group in Collaboration with IMPACT Men Presents

RWJBH-CORP Positive Community Editorial March 2023_8.25x6_m1.indd 1

Men It’s time to

Talk that Talk About Prostate Cancer/Health Saturday, April 8, 2023, 8:30am, breakfast served 9am Lecture with Questions & Answers Location: Community Baptist Church of Englewood 224 First Street, Englewood, NJ 07631

Speaker: Dr. George Johnson, Urologist ALL MEN ARE INVITED TO COME!!

Register in the Fellowship Hall after service.

Brothers tell another Brother!

Community Baptist Church of Englewood

224 First Street, Englewood, NJ 07631

Ph: 201-568-6369 ~ Fax: 201-568-3512 | www.cbcofe.org Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., Senior Pastor | Min. Gayle Taylor, First Lady

Katrina James, Ministry Leader 3/6/23 4:05 PM Keep the Faith Cancer Support Group KTF@cbcofe.org Chester Brown, Ministry Leader IMPACT Men CBCIMPACTMen@cbcofe.org

The Blue Jacket Prostate Cancer

S

hining a megawatt light on the importance of prostate cancer screening—particularly to the Black community—is the mission of the annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show. Founded by fashion designer Frederick Anderson and marketer Laura Miller and now in its seventh y e a r, t h e e v e n t t o o k p l a c e a t Moonlight Studios in Tribeca. Notable New Yorkers walked the runway in support of prostate awareness.

Though all American men face the possibility of this deadly disease, Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than others.

The priority is to encourage men to stay healthy, get annual check-ups, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

Fashion Show Raises Awareness For the first time as part of this event, community members, event participants, and guests were screened for prostate cancer with a quick and easy prostate-specific antigen test sponsored by Carver Federal Savings Bank and provided by Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Morning screenings were held outside of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and then again at Moonlight Studios ahead of the show.

“Far too many men in communities of color are not getting this necessary cancer screening that saves lives,” said President and CEO of Carver Federal Savings Bank Michael T. Pugh.

“Indeed, bringing these critical resources to Upper Manhattan residents will stimulate greater healthcare equity in the Greater Harlem area.” “ You or someone you care about should be getting screened annually. It takes a village to inspire action.

L-R: Fashion Designer and Co-Founder The Blue Jacket Fashion Show Frederick Anderson with the Carver Bank Team: AVP Branch Manager Fernando Carcamo, Personal Banker Jonathan Munroe, President/ CEO Michael Pugh, Carver Community Development Corp. Exec.

Director Lloyd Doaman, SVP Chief Lending Officer Thomas Knierim

L-R: Mount Sinai Urology Mobile Unit PA-C Physician Assistant Ian Haas; The Blue Jacket Fashion Show Co-Founder Frederick Anderson; Carver Bank President and CEO Michael Pugh; from ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer: National Chapters Director Renee Haney, and Health Equity Community Organizer and Engagement Director Kris Bennett

Team ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer

The Mount Sinai Team

32 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Black Maternal Health Crisis is Real, Here’s What We Can Do About It Keisha Daniels,

MetroPlusHealth Manager, Brand Partnerships & Experiential Marketing

B

lack communities have long been disproportionately affected by severe health challenges. One of the most alarming is the Black maternal mortality crisis. Black mothers are two-to-three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women.

We know the disparities that face Black birthing parents are not solitary incidents, but a result of generations of systemic racism. To improve the Black maternal health crisis in America, we need to address a broad range of areas including access to health care, nutrition and paid leave. There are a few steps we can take today to improve outcomes.

Engage in Conversations Before the Positive Result First, and before starting the process of getting pregnant, it is recommended that intended birthing parents have a preconception checkup. Having early discussions about pregnancy can help ease concerns and initiate the vetting process of a birthing team.

During these discussions, providers should get a sense of medical conditions and social factors that may impact the process such as high blood pressure, depression, and imbalanced nutrition. An informed patient is one that can most effectively advocate for themselves and their baby.

This early knowledge can help mitigate issues further down the road.

Ongoing Education is Key Although the birthing process has evolved and improved due to medical and technological advances, circumstances continue to exist that can adversely impact the experiences of birthing parents. On top of the systemic racism that has created vast health disparities within Black communities, the pandemic further exacerbated the issue. According to the United States Government Accountability Office’s analysis of CDC data, Black (not Hispanic or Latina) women experienced maternal death at a rate more than 2.5 times higher during the pandemic.

Providers should seek ongoing education on the factors that impact severe adverse maternal outcomes (SAMO) for patients of color to have necessary conversations early and often to prevent complications like eclampsia,

34 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or ICU admission.

Healthcare providers who have increased awareness of social factors impacting patients such as unstable housing, transportation access and food insecurity, can improve the quality of their birthing and early parenting experience.

A Diversified Care Team Makes a Difference Where possible, a diverse informed health care team can serve as a remedy for addressing the racial and ethnic disparities that put Black birthing parents at higher risks of severe adverse maternal outcomes. Many expecting parents find solace in a team that looks like them, but even if this is not possible—a birthing parent should select providers whom they are comfortable advocating for themselves with. According to a recent study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, giving birth in states with the highest nurse diversity was associated with a 20% reduced risk of SAMO for Black mothers.

Another element includes having providers who speak diverse languages. At MetroPlusHealth, we reflect the communities that we serve and speak more than 40 languages. Finding a provider that speaks your native language can alleviate confusion during unexpected emergencies.

Developing an ongoing health care and social support system that can aid before, during, and after pregnancy may help mitigate potential pregnancy-related complications such as postpartum depression. When selecting a team, birthing parents should consider the type of experience they seek and their safety. Whether the team includes an OB/GYN, midwife or other alternatives, the birthing parent and their designated support person should feel comfortable working with them.

We know there is more to be done across the industry to achieve equitable health care, but these actionable steps can help many Black birthing parents who have no time to wait for new policies and legislation. Learn more about MetroPlusHealth at www.metroplus.org.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

DOCTOR KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Love of Self

H Love of Self Forgive And Live H

ow important is love? We discuss it a lot during the month of February, and the most powerful form of love is agape: love of mankind. Agape is the love God shares with us—free of judgement and conditions.

This is the love we model back when we love God and other people.

Did you know are supposed to love ow important is love?

Weyou discuss it a lot during the yourself, tooall (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)?

Let’s discuss! month of February, andbest the most powerful form Don’t we want to live our lives?

Helping people wemission, Step one is Lives accepting is show agape:love loveof ofself? mankind.

Agape is the can love liveHow wellofdo islove my one that I take seriously. yourself exactly as youbetter are.

Domaking this assignment: stand God shares withfor us—free of judgement and conditions. be transformed the by correct choices. in front of mirror nude and look at yourself.

Can you This is the we model back when we love God and I believe thealove pathway to health and wellness begins in the love person with artificial covering pretense? other people.

Did younoknow are supposed towith love heartthis and mind.

Forgiveness ofyou yourself andor others Accepting yourself are is NIV)? apart powerful way to begin yourself, too (Matthew 22:37-39 discuss! your whole heart isas anyou essential ofLet’s the journey.

We honoring No self-acceptance, How doself. weto show lovesucceed of self?

Step one is accepting must forgive beefforts forgiven, andwithout we also must learn to an honest acknowledgement of all your attributes,stand both yourself exactly as(Luke you are.

Do this assignment: forgive ourselves.

6:37 NIV) Let’s discuss. positive and negative.

From here you can build in front a mirror nude andyourself, look at yourself.

Can selfyou Whenof you are harsh with putting yourself esteem self-love, which your mind love person with or pretense? downthis forand dropping theno ballartificial yetaffect again,covering this isconscious unforgiveness. and your choices.

You will choose to live way welland your Accepting yourself as you are is understanding a powerful toinbegin Please show yourself grace and give mind, spirit, honoring self.and Nobody! efforts succeed without self-acceptance, yourself the room to begin again.

Forgive yourself for infailures the mind minimizes stress and an honest acknowledgement of allthem your attributes, both anySelf-love perceived and remove from youranxiety. mind.

Toxic of stress and anxiety prevalent in selfthe positive negative.

From here are you can build Today levels is and a new day! This forgiveness will allow you to African American and canconscious contribute to esteem and self-love, which affect your mind effectively take stepscommunity that strengthen and help your body manyhelp health problems as high blood heart and your choices.

Yousuch will looming choose to well in your free you from the risklive ofpressure, heart attack, disease, obesity, diabetes, and and decreased performance mind, spirit, and body! high cholesterol, sleeplessness, other conditions. levels.

Self-love and gratefulness add a annual positive spin and Self-love in the mind minimizes andcheckup. anxiety.

I encourage all readers to have anstress help youofjoy.

Joy just make us feel it Toxic levels stress and anxiety are prevalent in the Thesegive evaluations by adoesn’t medical professional can better, identify improves our health.

It helps usand make better choices— African community can contribute to negative American trends before they become problematic chronic eat healthier, be more active, and blood sleep better.

Because many health problems such as high pressure, heart conditions.

Annual visits to your OB/GYN, primary happiness leads healthier behaviors, lessen the disease, obesity, diabetes, and decreased performance physician, and to dentist can alert you ittocan developing risk of Self-love high such blood excess fat, stroke, levels. and gratefulness addbody a positive spinpreand conditions aspressure, high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease. help give and you many joy.

Joy doesn’t us feel better, it diabetes, others.

Bejust alertmake to ward off negative LoveHeart ofour selfdisease will lead you to doctor’s office.

It’s improves health. helps us the make better choices— trends. isItthe leading cause of death in the early inStates the year, please schedule checkups your eat healthier, be more active, sleep better.with Because United and nearly 48% ofand African Americans have primary physician, dentist, behaviors, OB/GYN, Annual happiness leads healthier canal!lessen the some form of it, to exacerbated by obesity. it et physical evaluations by a medical professional identify risk of high blood pressure, body fat,it can stroke, and After being evaluated byexcess your doctor, is time to troubling trends before theywith become chronic conditions. cardiovascular disease. increase physical activity exercise.

Performing Get checked and know your numbers—be Love of selfannually will you to theyour doctor’s office.and It’s aerobic activities helplead to strengthen pulmonary proactive regarding your health. early insystems. the year, please schedule checkups with your cardiac Your circulatory system will also be revved your physical, askare your doctoret about primary physician, dentist, OB/GYN, al! starting Annual upDuring as oxygen and nutrients pumped to your entire to exercise.

Start with home exercises and build physical evaluations by a medical professional can identify body.

Walking is theslow best aerobic exercise to start with and up Tryatmy workout it based your troubling trends before theyand become conditions. canspeed. be done the best speed formodify you.chronic Workout aton home Get checked annually and know your numbers—be proactive regarding your health.

During your physical, ask your doctor about starting to exercise. Start slow with home exercises and build up speed. Try TPC_FEB_2023_WF2b.indd 11 my workout and modify it based on your www.thepositivecommunity.com

or anywhere with my workout and modify it to fit your needs: https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ Any moderate activity that increases your activity is probably the right needs: Invest inyour some thing tohttps://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ do, so walk, run, hula hoop, and jump rope barbells and Invest develop exercise routines to your favorite way to fitness. in some barbells and create a routine song with arm curls, lunges, leg raises, planks, to your favorite songssplit withsquats, arm curls, triceps extensions, and stretches.

Don’t forget to to walk; walking is aerobic, squats, and more.

Don’t forget stretch to release the low impact, and muscle strengthens bones. your It’s a range great of way tightness of your fasciayour to increase to ease https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ back into exercise. needs: Invest in some motion.

Love of self will cause some routines diet changes.

Wefavorite will all barbells and develop exercise to your Forgive yourself for eating unhealthily and move makewith decisions about what works for usleg individually, but song curls, split squats, lunges, raises, planks, forward to arm a diet filled primarily with whole, unprocessed the main principle isvegetables increase unprocessed foods; and stretches.

Don’t forget towhole, walk;lean walking is aerobic, food like leafy, green and proteins.

Work eliminate and junk foods.

They junk low impact,sugar and strengthens your It’s ado great way to eliminate excess sugar and toxicbones. fillersare thatcalled silent foods reason; they fillkidneys you with toxins, potentially to easefor back intocholesterol, exercise. damage to ayour and liver. Research leading cholesterol, kidney disease, Love to of high self will cause some dietdamage, changes.

Wemakes will all suggests African Americans may carry a gene liver that dental cavities, and more—and have littleblood to but no make decisions about what works they for individually, them more salt-sensitive, increasing the us risk of high nutritional value.

Please value yourself increasing the mainand principle is increase whole, unprocessed foods; pressure heart disease, so salt should beby limited too. leafybody greens, vegetables, leanThey proteins.

Strivejunk for eliminate sugar andyou. junkand foods. are called Your will thank improvement, not to perfection. foods forcontinue a reason; they Let us seekfill ouryou verywith besttoxins, lives, topotentially live well Live well and prosper. leading to high cholesterol, kidney damage, liver disease, and prosper! dental cavities, and more—and they have little to no nutritional value. Please value yourself by increasing training is available the LiveStrive Well for leafyFitness greens, vegetables, and through lean proteins.

Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness improvement, not perfection.

Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please Live well and prosper.

call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.

Fitness training is available through the Live Well Disclaimer: The information contained in this Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness column of a general nature.New YouJersey. shouldPlease consult Doctor is Studio in Somerset, your physician or health care professional before call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule beginning any exercise program or changing your a free assessment. dietary regimen.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.

2/18/23 4:36 PM

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 35

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Education the art + science of learning

Newark Councilman Kelly L Dupree

Roseville Student Fathers

Kings Who Read

M

Roseville Community Charter School Executive Director and Superintendent Dr. Dionne Ledford and Students

using on how to reinforce in her scholars a true love of reading, an idea entered the brilliant mind of Executive Director and Superintendent of the Roseville Community Charter School Dr. Dionne Ledford —Kings Who Read. Why not celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an avid reader, by having men who are special in her scholars’ lives read to them?

That was four years ago, and participation in Kings Who Read keeps growing. Fathers, father-figures, and men from all walks of life eagerly await their turns to demonstrate the importance of reading and solidify for the students that real “kings” READ! Dr. Ledford's musing became a vision and then a reality.

In addition to the kings from the community, RCCS scholars enthusiastically participated. The Student Council presented all “mystery king readers" with name badges and certificates upon arrival, the C.H.E.E.R.leaders

greeted every "king reader" with a school cheer, the safety patrol served as escorts to classes, and the peer leaders made sure everyone knew their class assignments.

Each mystery king reader received a crown before sitting down to read a book about Dr. King or a favorite childhood book to a class of young scholars. Following their readings, the kings happily answered questions about the book they chose to read and about themselves.

The special kings reading in the program on January 27, 2023 are: Superintendent of Newark Public School Roger Leon, PSEG Senior VP Rick Thigpen, The Positive Community Account Executive Marc Williams, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson, Newark West Ward Councilman Dupre L. Kelly, East Orange Third Ward Councilman Leneus Bergson, NJPCSA President Harry Lee, RCCS Board Members Cesar Vizcairo and Khalil Nassiruddinr, Restore Ministries Foundation CEO Linwood Bagby, and RCCS Principal Kenya Moncur.

Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson

Roseville Welcoming Cheerleaders

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 37

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Culture

music, art + literature

!

Health survival ideas for wellness

By James Frazier Newark News & Story Collaborative

Black Theater Companies Pivot, Present | In-person Theatre is Back

F

Money

L-R: Anniversary Chairperson Patricia Falks, and Co-Chair Deacon Rev. Johnny M. Caldwell Jr. Pastor, New Born Baptist Church, Stanley Weeks Newark, NJ rustrated with the lack of diversity in AmerChurch on Henry ican theater, Ricardo Mohamed Khan and Street. Many performL. Kenneth Richardson conceptualized ers benefited from earthe Crossroads Theatre Company. Since its ly successes on NFT’s founding in 1978, Crossroads has produced stage—the late Chadover 100 works, many of them premiere wick Boseman, Debbie productions by African and African American artists, Allen, Morgan Freeincluding The Colored Museum and Spunk by George C. man, Phylicia Rashad, Wolfe, Jitney by August Wilson, Sheila’s Day by South AfDenzel Washington, rican writer Duma, Ndlovu and many more. Crossroads LaTanya Richardson received the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding RegionJackson, Samuel L. al Theatre in the United States in recognition of its 22Jackson, Issa Rae, and Ricardo Kahn year history of artistic accomplishment and excellence. many more. Woodie “My father’s heritage is East Indian; my mother is Crossroads Theatre Company King Jr. retired from African-American and so they were bringing together leadership of the illustwo cultures,” said Kahn. “That’s ethically as well as trious theater at the end of June. geographically. Growing up, there was never a sense “During the first part of the pandemic, March 2020, L-R: First Logistics Chair Deacon Lee Shingles, Chairperson and that weCounty were solely identified by being Black kids in I had beenNewark thinking about retiring,” King revealed.

Essex President Freeholder Researcher Mary L. Harris, Landmark Parliamentarian Mark Camden, New Jersey. Yes, we were BlackW. inGordon, Camden, increased in time. offices Wayne Richardson Congressman Donald Payne Jr. and “Then Secondthe Vicepandemic Logistics Chair Deacon DerickThe Spencer but our roots are global. What I’ve always wanted to closed down. Then people needed to have shots. I tell people through Crossroads is that it’s about our said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go back to work. roots. As Black people in this country we should not I’m 83 years old. So, what should I do?’ I thought, I forget or even allow people to think this is all of who we needed a young person to run it. And that person was are.” He continued, “There’s much more! The sense Elizabeth Van Dyke, our artistic director. She’s experiof a connecting, having a theater like Crossroads that enced and understands how to communicate with this connects to many different communities in this coun- generation. And getting that younger person to run it try around the world is in order for us to redefine and work with me over the last year and five months, ByandJacqueline Andrews who we are on a larger level.” solidified it for me.”

Council President LaMonica McIver, hrough tribulations toils to triumph, Across the Hudson River, oneand of the pioneering insti- Abyssinian As millions Councilmembers. of people quarantined last year, thetutions Baptist integrating artists of and women into the aters around the world temporarily closed their doorsRamos, Luis Quintana, Rev. Louise Rountree, Anibal Church incolor Newark, NJ celebrated its 106th mainstream American theater, Woodie King Jr.’s New and we were forced to stay at home without live enanniversary with a service and dedication of Lawrence Crump, Carlos Gonzalez, and Dupre Kelly Federal Theater (NFT), faces major changes. Found- tertainment. For the first time, the theater found the joined County President Wayne an historical place during ed in 1970, NFT landmark began as an plaque. outgrowth Taking of a theatre need to compete with Essex social media and Freeholder streaming whodeciding presented Black History Month onfor Sunday, February 5, 2023, theNFTRichardson, program called Mobilization Youth. The theatre’s platforms. embraced change, to shift a proclamation that first season opened the more basement of St. Augustine’s theater to the digital space with pre-recorded will be displayed at the and Hallliveof Records. Letters of ceremony was allinthe poignant.

buiness, finance + work

Education the art + science of learning

Newark's Abyssinian Baptist Church Designated a Historic Landmark

T

Constructed in the classical revival style in 1901 by Newark-born Nathan Myers, the building at 224 West Kinney Street originally housed a synagogue. In 1917, former members of Hopewell Baptist Church organized Abyssinian Baptist Church and purchased the building in 1947. To meet the congregation’s needs, the interior saw upgrades, but the façade remains the same. Mary L. Harris, chair of the landmark dedication ceremony who researched the church’s history, has worshiped at Abyssinian for 62 years. “I love this church and its people,” Harris said.

In attendance were U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Newark City

40 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

commendation came from NJ Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver.

Created by the Newark Landmark Committee, the plaque cites the visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in March 1968, eight days before his assassination. The Victoria Foundation and Newark Landmarks funded the cost of the plaque placed in the church’s beautiful sanctuary. The guest celebrant of the 106th church anniversary, Rev. Johnny M. Caldwell, pastor of New Born Baptist Church in Newark; based his sermon on Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Words to live by, indeed. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Positive Music Matters:

Great American Emancipation Day Awards

T

he Positive Community's 4th annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet on Februar y 25 drew over 400 guests to Newark’s historic Robert Treat Hotel. Our theme: The Dawn of Freedom, 160 Years of The Emancipation Proclamation 1863-2063.

In addition to great food, fellowship and deserving honorees, guests were treated to great music from

world renowned Gospel artist, Joshua Nelson, the McDonald's Gospel Choir led by A.Curtis Farrow, and classic jazz songstress Alexis Morrast. Visit thepositivecommunity.com sights and sounds from the event.

Music legends Dionne Warwick and Rober t "Kool" Bell of Kool and the Gang were among this year's honorees.

Alexis Morrast (center) with family, L-R: Uncle Fredrick Morrast, Grandparents Robert and Eucelyn Morrast Joshua Nelson

A. Curtis Farrow lead McDonald's Gospel Choir

Host Rev. Jacques DeGraff Miss Newark 2023 LaShae Eaddy

Visit thepositivecommunity.com to view videos presented at the Banquet: Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts Video Tribute

-The Inaugural, Pre-Watch Night Prayer Walk in Newark - The Cultural Narrative video -The Cultural Literacy video - Duke Ellington: My People -Whitney Houston; Star Spangled Banner - Linda Caldwell Epps, PhD,: The Dawn of Freedom

Full event wrap-up in April edition.

Emancipation Day Awards Video Recap

PRAYER AND WORSHIP SERVICE

SATURDAYS 11:00 – 11:45 AM

CALL LINE 727-731-1201 The Upper Room Ministries is a national call-in ministry housed in New Jersey and dedicated to promoting the spiritual life of believers through worship, prayer and featuring ministers bringing the WORD.

42 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

www.thepositivecommunity.com

2023 Excellence in Broadcasting and Communications Recipient Evening Gala Co-Hosts Pastor David Neicy Tribbett and her brother Joe and Lady Geneatha Wright.

2023 Legacy In Ministry Award Belton Recipient Bishop William T. Cahoon 2023 Virtuous Woman Award Recipient Dr. Odessa McNeil

Vizion Foundation Chairman Bishop-Designate Vincent M. Rouse

Bishop Ronald L. Owens, recipient 2023 Pastor of The Year Award

L-R: 2023 Excellence in Journalism Award Recipient Dr. Teresa Hairston and Elder Julia A. Feacher

2023 Survivor of The Year Award Recipient Hassan McMillan L-R: Caryl Lucas and Dr. Teresa Hairston

Vizion Awards Black-Tie Gala

Newark Councilwoman At-Large Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree

T

he 5th Annual Vizion Foundation’s Scholarship Dinner & Gala convened at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ. This year’s theme, “Graced For This,” celebrated the honorees for their accomplishments and life’s work; for unselfishly giving of their time, while exemplifying excellence and making a significant impact and contribution in their respective churches, communities, marketplaces, governments, or careers.

Stellar & Grammy Nominated Gospel Recording Artists Pastor David and Lady Geneatha Wright, pastors of New Grace Tabernacle Christian Center, Brooklyn, NY, served as co-hosts.

The Dias celebrating one another www.thepositivecommunity.com

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 43

44 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Kamala Saara and Kouadio Davis. Photo by Theik Smith.

VIRGINIA JOHNSON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

NEW YORK SEASON TICKETS START AT $35

NYCITYCENTER.ORG 212.581.1212 | 131 W 55TH STREET DANCETHEATREOFHARLEM.ORG

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Save 20% when you buy two or more performances Groups of 10 or more save big!

Email groupsales@dancetheatreofharlem.org Call 212.690.2800 ext. 404

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 45

Bits and Pieces current news + topics

Collected by Leslie Nash

The One and Only Female Buffalo Soldier

Harriet Tubman Monument Unveiled In downtown Newark, NJ, a new monument honoring Harriet Tubman stands tall. The multisensory exhibit—created in partnership with Audible and the city of Newark—offers audio, visual, and tactile experiences. It replaces a statue of Christopher Columbus removed by the city in 2020. The artist, Nina Cooke John, chosen for the project after a nationwide search, created a work to be heard and touched, as well as seen.

Spearheaded by Arts and Cultural Affairs Director at the City of Newark, fayemi shakur, the abstract “Shadow of a Face” installation features a 25-foot-tall statue representing Tubman. Community-

made tiles decorate a learning wall of educational text with narrations from Newark citizens.

“People should be able to see themselves in the art around them.

And most of our monuments, you know, are of white men or of times of war, very few women figures, very few Black people, people of color, and so this was an opportune time for us to think, really intentionally about how we could reimagine public art,” shakur said.

According to legend, Tubman led runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad to nearby First Presbyterian Church, the oldest church still standing in Newark.

You know about the Buffalo Soldiers, the all-Black units of soldiers sent out west to protect the western frontier after the Civil War. You may also have heard of Mulan as told by Disney, the fictitious Chinese woman who dressed as a man and went to war. But have you heard the story of a real, female, Buffalo Soldier?

Cathay Williams, formerly enslaved, changed her name, disguised herself, and dressed as a man enlisted in the U.S. Army. Now mind you, the year is 1866, 80 years before President Truman signed acts for integration of race and gender in the armed forces.

Using the name William Cathay, Williams served two years on the Missouri frontier before being discovered and discharged. In an interview she said, “Only two persons—a cousin and a particular friend—members of the regiment, knew that I was a woman. They never blowed on me. They were partly the cause of my joining the army. Another reason was I wanted to make my own living and not be dependent on relations or friends.”

This trailblazer should be remembered for her courage, determination, strength, and dignity.

The First Black Female Chef Instructor at Culinary Institute of America The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is widely recognized as the world’s premier culinary college. The Institute was started in 1946 by two women who shared a daring vision and built the first and only school of its kind in the United States for returning World War II veterans.

The PWI (predominately white institution) saw its first Black male chef instructor in 1970. But it would take another 50 years (2020) until the CIA hired its first Black female chef instructor. That chef is U.S. Army Veteran and Food Network Chopped Champion Roshara Sanders.

The 33-year-old CIA graduate and native of Bridgeport

46 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

CT teaches culinary fundamentals, and is proud to be the “first” at CIA after 75 years. Her love of cooking began at home and in high school she chose culinary as her trade. After high school, she was accepted to the CIA, but was financially unable to attend. She entered the Army, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The school reached out to her and offered a scholarship to attend in 2011. Although Sanders only had one Black male instructor as a student, she says she sees a change in the school's efforts to be more diverse.

The CIA will debut a semester-long bachelor’s degree concentration in the Cuisines of Africa and its Diaspora in the Americas in 2023. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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CONTACT US: Wendell Collins (973) 573-1612 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Departure: Weequahic Park, Elizabeth Ave. between Chancellor Ave. and Wilber Ave, Newark, NJ @ 8 am March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 47

Ramadan Mubarak Muslims Commemorate Ramadan

By Leslie Nash

O

ne of the holiest months of the year for Muslims around the world, Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the 12-month lunar calendar. The start of Ramadan varies every year. Each lunar month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts either 29 or 30 days. Historically, the beginning of each lunar month was calculated by the naked eye, but now, technology and telescopes are used for accuracy. This year Ramadan begins on March 22nd and ends on the evening of April 21st.

An important aspect of Ramadan is fasting during daylight hours. Muslims have an early morning meal

48 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

before sunrise called suhoor or sehri. During the day, Muslims do not drink or eat anything (not even water) until after sunset when they break their fast with a meal called iftar or futoor. Ramadan ends on the first day of the new month, known as Eid, and the “Eid al-Fitr” or “festival of breaking the fast” begins after the sighting of the new moon.

During Ramadan, reciting the Quran, giving to charity, showing kindness and patience, and strengthening Muslims’ relationship with God are encouraged. To wish someone well during this time, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates as “Generous Ramadan.”

www.thepositivecommunity.com

From 2016 Positive Music Matters Commemorative Calendar Each of us is entrusted with and responsible for the survival and safe-passage of values from this generation to the next. Music, cultural literacy is essential to the ideal of a quality education.

—Positive Music Matters®

Kojo Roney, the 12 year-old dynamic jazz drummer performing at the 2015 Vision Festival in NYC. (Photo by Risasi Dais © 2015)

Samuel C. Arnold-Manager-Licence #3180 Elizabeth T. Perry-Tisdale-Asst. Manager-Licence # 5073 www.thepositivecommunity.com

March Issue 2023 The Positive Community 49

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

March 2023

Vol. 23 No. 02

Publisher

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Executive Assistant Leslie Nash

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams Satori MPR Cheryl Saunders Austin Fenner

Contributing Writers Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie

Contributing Photographers

Vincent Bryant Ryan Council Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Brian Branch Price Karen Waters

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Raymond Hagans

Community & Government Affairs Wayne Smith

The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation.

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

50 The Positive Community March Issue 2023

THE BEAUTY OF WOMEN, STRENGTH, AND THE VILLAGE

W

omen make history daily, but March is the month when our accomplishments, discoveries, and contributions are celebrated. In the third decade of the 21st century, women are striving and thriving to reach new heights and receive the accolades that were once only dreams.

For some, like Vice President Kamala Harris, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and many others, dreams took them to Washington, DC and the halls of power. For others, like Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, and Angela Bassett, Broadway and Hollywood have called upon them to make us laugh and cry while telling our stories.

Many of our dreams have been formed by the strength, tenacity, and sacrifice of others—those who came before us. These women are the trailblazers who lay paths for the rest of us to follow and give us the inspiration and courage to forge our own paths.

Without Oprah Winfrey, there’d be no Tamron Hall. Without Josephine Baker, there’d be no Beyoncé. Without Althea Gibson, there’d be neither Venus nor Serena. Sure, these people would still exist, but they likely would not have become the celebrated icons they are today.

There are countless other Black women whose names are unfamiliar to us, but whose labors and accomplishments are no less important or impressive. These are the teachers, doctors, lawyers, inventors, writers, griots,

and chefs who add knowledge, health, justice, technology, history, and flavor to our everyday lives. And of course, we mustn’t forget our mothers, aunts, cousins, and sisters.

I was blessed to be born into a family of accomplished women. My mother has worked in media for most of my life; first in children’s educational television, then later in radio and journalism. I have aunts that run the gamut from a beauty queen to a poet, and a talk show host and artist. One cousin founded a line of Black greeting cards and another forged the path for three generations to attend Howard University. I’ve seen the example set of women who have labored to have 50-year marriages, and the courage of women who struck out on their own when their marriages were no longer the best situation for themselves and their children.

In 2023, women are showing the strength, beauty, education, and love needed to advance ourselves and future generations. I ask that we also show ourselves and others grace as we navigate uncharted waters and seek new and exciting adventures in business, sports, government, education, motherhood, and every other field that has been opened and made available for us to strive, thrive, and succeed.

Thank you to my mother, aunts, cousins, nieces, sisters, friends, and every other woman who is working every day to make her own history and create a more beautiful, peaceful, and loving world for everyone. It takes a village… and every one of us is needed. www.thepositivecommunity.com

ESSEX COUNT Y B R A N C H B R O O K PA R K

Cherry Blossom Festival April 1-16, 2023

Festival Events Saturday, April 1 ~ 7am-1pm Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race Oval, Northern Division Sunday, April 2 ~ 10am start Cherry Blossom 10k Run Cherry Blossom Welcome Center Fields Saturday, April 15 ~ 10am start 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Prudential Concert Grove, Southern Division Saturday, April 15 ~ 11am-3pm Essex County Family Day Prudential Concert Grove, Southern Division Sunday, April 16 ~ 11am-5pm Bloomfest!

Oval, Northern Division

Visit our website for more details and information WWW. ESSEXCOUNTYNJ.ORG

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

You’re Invited to...

Essex County Branch Brook Park to enjoy the most diverse collection of Cherry Blossom trees, even larger than the national display in Washington, DC. The blossoming trees create a picturesque setting that transforms the park into a stunning spring fantasyland. We invite you and your family to come out and experience this natural wonder.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive and the Board of County Commissioners

Cherry Blossom Talks

Join us every Wednesday in April at 11am for Cherry Blossom Talks! These 30 minute talks will discuss the history of cherry blossom trees in the United States, how cherry blossom trees grow, and the history of Essex County Branch Brook Park’s cherry blossoms. Talks will be held at the Essex County Belleville Park Senior Center. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and interesting topics.

Celebrate the Historic Collection

Historic Cell Phone Tours. Available ALL Season This free self-guided historic walking tour can be accessed by cell phone or smart phone. Spend the day exploring all 72 tour stops or pick and choose your favorites. One phone call unlocks a world of park history and horticultural information. !Ahora ofrecida en espanol! 973.433.9047