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SPECIAL HARLEM EDITION MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE

HEALTH FOCUS:

COVID-19 UPDATES SPECIAL SECTION: GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HARLEM HEROES HEALING HARLEM HARLEM’S SECOND RENAISSANCE DIONNE WARWICK THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Harlem Reset

A Community in Crisis Resumes Its Journey

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United Federation of Teachers • A Union of Professionals ••A of United Federation ofNY Teachers • A Union of Professionals United Federation of Teachers A Union ofProfessionals Professionals United Federation of Teachers 52 Broadway, New York, 10004 www.uft.org United Federation of Teachers •212.777.7500 A Union Union of Professionals

• A Union of Professionals United52Federation of New Teachers Broadway, York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org 5252 Broadway, New York, NY NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Broadway, New York, 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Michael Mulgrew 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212.777.7500 www.uft.org Michael Mulgrew

Michael Mulgrew

Michael Mulgrew President Michael Mulgrew Michael Mulgrew President President President President President

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

JUNE

2020

CONTENTS

™

June 2020

$2.95

thepositivecommunity.com

SPECIAL HARLEM EDITION MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE

HEALTH FOCUS:

COVID-19 UPDATES

SECTIONS

SPECIAL SECTION: MONEY ...................................14 GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EDUCATION ............................16

HARLEM HEROES HEALING HARLEM

HEALTH ..................................19

HARLEM’S SECOND RENAISSANCE

CULTURE ................................70

DIONNE WARWICK THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Features NYC First Lady Positive 2020 ....................................10 Solutions: How We Can Breathe Again .......................12

37 Harlem Reset

A Letter to the TPC Family .........................................14 Just Mercy Goes Beyond the Big Screen ...................15 ECC: Creating a Path Amid COVID-19 ........................16

!

de Blasio Visits Jacobi Hospital ................................19 POSITIVEMUSIC MATTERS

COVID-19’s Impact on Mental Health .......................20 SPECIAL SECTION: A Community in Crisis Resumes Its Journey

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Harlem Reset!...................................... 37

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Gender Equity in the Wake of COVID-19 ....................22

Keeping Patients & Healthcare Workers Safe ............26 A Safe Return to Care at St. Joseph’s Health .............29

&also inside

Taylor: Shepherding in a Time of Pandemic ...............30 Handling A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pandemic ..................32 Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color ..........34 Dionne Warwick: The Legend Continues ....................70

Publisher’s Desk ............................... 8

Masjidullah’s 50th Anniversary Celebration ...............72

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

Newark Mayor Leads Peaceful March .......................73 UMBA March for Freedom, Justice, Equality ..............74 Rev. Johnnie Green from The Mecca of Blackness .....77

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The Positive Community June 2020

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he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

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

Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor

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

Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor

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

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

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

Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor

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

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

Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor

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

First Baptist Church of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor

Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor

Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor

First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor

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

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

New Beginnings Agape Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor

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

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

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

First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

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

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor

Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

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

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

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President

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

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

New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Cahoon

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor

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

Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors

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

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

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

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

Saving Our Own Community

H

Advocacy for Positive Community Change!

ow wonderful it is to witness the coming together of diverse communities for leadership, comfort and healing. It was a heartwarming experience to learn that in New York State, it was our churches that were among the first COVID-19 testing sites to open in local neighborhoods.

Special thanks to churches that opened their doors to provide this much needed service. We’re proud to report that on the first weekend of this initiative, five out of eight testing sites I toured in Brooklyn and Queens were monthly bulk subscribers to The Positive Community’s Great Roll Call to Progress. (pg.7) They are: Bethany Baptist Church, Rev. Adolphus C. Lacey, pastor, Christian Cultural Center where Bishop A.R. Bernard is pastor and Pastor David Brawley’s St. Paul Community BC, in Brooklyn. In Queens I visited Greater Allen AME, Reverends Floyd and Elaine Flake co-pastors, and New Jerusalem Worship Center, Dr. Calvin Rice senior pastor (where I received my test).

Harlem Heroes

In this issue we explore outstanding examples of crisis management and compassionate leadership. In these areas the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and its president Dr. Lloyd Williams leads the way!

About eight weeks ago we were invited to join GHCC in a series of weekly conference calls to address the health crisis and other crucial community issues. Present at these meetings were Manhattan Borough President Gayle Brewer, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, representatives from Columbia University, City College, Harlem Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital; from Harlem School of the Arts to the Harlem Arts Alliance to the Apollo Theater; leaders in business, banking, community service, commercial and residential real-estate developers, NAACP, Urban League, One Hundred Black Men and NYPD all serve on this volunteer committee.

Each week this group will define the present challenges, discuss solutions, and report on progress the following week; while planning for the future and the Second Harlem Renaissance. We aptly named this feature and special section Harlem Heroes: Healing Harlem!

In fact, according to 125th St. BID CEO Barbara Askins, recent protests that passed through Harlem were largely peaceful as compared to other areas in Manhattan. The power of prayer and the faith of the people of God along with the determined, coordinated efforts of our Harlem Heroes are attributed to positive outcomes.

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The Positive Community June 2020

Decisive Leadership

In New Jersey, Newark’s Mayor, Hon. Ras J. Baraka and his team led by Municipal Council President Hon. Mildred C. Crump is recognized for their bold, decisive, and courageous response to the pandemic. It should also be of note that absolutely no violent protests came to Newark.

It’s a story of faith, perseverance, teamwork and goodwill!

Special thanks to Rev. Derrick Green, senior aide to NJ Governor Phil Murphy and Rev. Louise Scott Rountree for hosting daily prayer calls and community updates. Rev. Rountree is director of Ecumenical Clergy Affairs for The City of Newark.

Positive Music Matters

Among the graduations, Juneteenth celebrations, family reunions and other traditional summer activities which have been drastically altered or cancelled because of the pandemic, June is also Black Music Month. And what a rich musical legacy we have. Indeed our music is a treasured cultural asset to be much valued, nurtured and celebrated by all generations!

We’re currently in a season of heighted awareness—Black Lives Matters as a result of recent incidents highlighted by the cruel, senseless murder of George Floyd. Today we seek justice: racial, economic and social justice!

But what then must we do to begin to heal from within—our families, our community our culture—our collective soul? Black Lives Matter; Positive Music Matters! The great Civil Rights movement of the mid-20th century had a largely positive music soundtrack to complement the freedom struggles and victories of those who came before us!

When all is said and done, the progress of our children and the integrity of our culture mean everything! It’s our claim on the American Dream!

“In Classic Black”

Now more than ever, we must see to it that our music is working in our favor, in our children’s favor! Ideally, each of us is to be an advocate for positive community change!

Introducing TPC’s all new music streaming service, Positive Community Radio, America’s Best, “In Classic Black.” It’s the soundtrack of progress, freedom, good-will, faith, inspiration and wholesome fun! Positive Community Radio gets it right…in the end; it’s all about the future: Our People, Our Music and the Real Power of Soul! “Love will Find a Way!” Listen to the music… Let us know what you think, after all, its your music too! adrian@thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

POSITIVE COMMUNITY RADIO A TOTAL MUSIC EXPEREINCE:

TM

“IN CLASSIC BLACK”

STREAMING LIVE 24/7

Visit our website and click on the radio banner to listen.

.com

Come Join Us Online!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

9

Positive2020

Op-Ed:

BY NEW YORK CITY FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY

O

ur ability to remain positive and come together as a community has been tested in unimaginable ways over the last few months. But we can view the outcry over the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in black and brown neighborhoods and the mass protests against racism and police brutality as opportunities to energize and create communication between governments and communities.

New York City’s Task Force on Racial Inclusion & Equity is an unprecedented cross-agency body, connecting a diverse group of key leaders across 67 city agencies and offices. It has one goal: assist communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Many task force members are people of color, who were born in, worked in, or lived in the neighborhoods targeted for assistance. Those communities were surveyed about their concerns and needs. That led to expedited plans that include expanded access to health care, including mental health; support for restaurants and employees; free meals; and summer opportunities for youth.

These initiatives represent just the beginning of our commitment.

Mental health was the top concern of 28 percent of survey respondents.

Their trauma is multi-layered: COVID-19; economic instability; grief and loss; witnessing abuse and death of

10

The Positive Community June 2020

people of color at the hands of those charged with protecting their communities. This moment has created a perfect storm of distress for black and brown people, who already navigate everyday racism. In response, four months ahead of schedule we are expanding NYC Care — which guarantees health care for all New Yorkers — to Manhattan and Queens, with additional providers for primary health care and more opportunities to connect to mental health services.

The impact of our work will be multiplied many times by training community and faith-based organizations.

They are trusted neighborhood figures and have a wide reach. Working with 270 such organizations, we expect to reach 10,000 people by the end of the year. They will be able to access virtual community sessions on mental health disaster response and coping, as well as interactive sessions incorporating an analysis of structural racism and focus on caring for yourself and loved ones.

“Bring Your Light: Faith and Mental Health in COVID-19,” a virtual event I hosted in late May, also successfully brought together faith leaders, mental health advocates, government leaders, and community leaders and members, locally and nationally. Faith leaders were experiencing anxiety and burn-out as they dealt with the suffering in their communities. The panel discussion focused on finding hope, building resiliency, and sharing resources to cope.

Participants included the Rev. Kyndra Frazier, associate pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church; Kay Warren, a mental health advocate and the co-founder of Saddleback Church (with campuses in California and worldwide); and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Deputy Commissioner Dr. Torian Easterling. A Facebook Live event was a chance for the panel to take questions and offer words of advice and reflections. That

conversation, viewed over 30,000 times, is available online.

I speak out these days as a co-chair of the Task Force and as an activist First Lady. I am not an elected official but I am a public servant in every sense of the word. I am also a black woman who has lived long enough to witness many cycles of racial violence and the official government response that followed.

Tragically, we have endured many such inflection points. The 1955 lynching of Emmett Till; the 1963 slaying of Medgar Evers; the Birmingham, Ala. church bombing that killed four little girls; the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and the 1992 acquittal of the police officers whose beating of Rodney King was captured on film.

This moment in history feels different, for reasons I will leave to historians and other analysts. On top of all the other pain, perhaps the George Floyd cell-phone video was the tipping point in the onslaught of storm-churning videos showing black men and women, boys, and girls, cut down by the police in recent years.

Somehow, our pain has hit home with a broader swath of the American public this time. In 2020, the unprecedented number of people of color in prominent government positions also makes us better situated to draw on our resources, both spiritual and concrete, to make change. Now, advice on enacting such change comes from a former U.S. President who is African-American.

New York City’s Task Force on Racial Inclusion & Equity strives to be a model for how this work can be done.

Government by the people and for the people means that our government leaders take a seat at many tables as we fight the many monsters begat by structural racism. We are the community. The community is us. We are the change we need. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Be Joseph Charleman, CSFA, CRCST, Joseph Charleman, CST,CST, CSFA, CRCST, LPNLPN

grateful

Niurka Pelaez, CST Niurka Pelaez, CST

Berkeley College alumna CertifiedSurgical SurgicalTechnologist, Technologist, College alumna andand Certified Chair, Surgical Technology and Surgical Processing TechnicianBerkeley Chair, Surgical Technology and Surgical Processing Technician Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack University Medical Center programs, Berkeley College of Health Studies programs, Berkeley College SchoolSchool of Health Studies

celebrate first responders WeWe celebrate all all first responders healthcare workers, including andand healthcare workers, including students, alumni, faculty, ourour students, alumni, faculty, staff frontlines andand staff on on thethe frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. of the fight against COVID-19.

Read more Read more at:at: BerkeleyCollege.edu/HealthcareHeroes BerkeleyCollege.edu/HealthcareHeroes

Eva Skuka, M.D., Eva M.D., Ph.D. Ph.D.

Dean, Berkeley College Dean, College School SchoolofofHealth HealthStudies Studies

How We Can Breathe Again: From Protest To Solutions After Minneapolis to Louisville

L

et us be clear: we need law enforcement. That is undeniably true.

Having been abducted at gunpoint and saved by a white police officer myself, I will never deny the need for police. But I also cannot deny that we have a problem that is much larger and deeper than one, two, or even a handful of incidents.

What is true is that the legitimate protest that has emerged in response to the death of George Floyd is addressing the same issues that the legendary civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s addressed. What is also true is that in 1968, The President’s National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders—known as the Kerner Commission, released its report, condemning racism as the primary cause of the surge of riots that occurred in the mid-late 1960s. Headed by then Illinois Governor Otto Kerner, the 11-member commission was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in July 1967 to uncover the causes of urban riots and recommend solutions. It is true that the Commission report in 1968, which declared that "our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal," called for expanded aid to African American communities to prevent further racial violence and polarization. Unless drastic and costly remedies were undertaken at once, the report said, there would be a "continuing polarization of the American community and, ultimately, the destruction of basic democratic values." But the Commission report did not awaken America to the awareness that institutionally law enforcement agencies were both the perpetrator and defender of the racism that would cause even economically and

12

The Positive Community June 2020

BY DR. DEFOREST B. SOARIES, JR. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LINCOLN GARDENS, SENIOR PASTOR FORMER NEW JERSEY SECRETARY OF STATE DFREE® FINANCIAL FREEDOM MOVEMENT, CEO & FOUNDER socially successful blacks to live in a perpetual nightmare.

It is true that the election of hundreds of black mayors, county officials, state legislators, congresspersons, and even a black president has not had a measurable impact on this issue. And it is true that the protests occurring right now are likely to fail to result in creating long-term, sustainable change. It is true the protests in response to the Minnesota incident may influence the disposition of the cases that will be brought against the men responsible for the death of George Floyd. But the lack of coherent strategy, the lack of disciplined action, the lack of experienced organization, and the absence of long-term, comprehensive policy initiatives all minimize the sustainable impact that will result from this formidable showing of discontent.

One intelligent, articulate, and passionate 30-year-old activist lamented that he suspects the youthful crowds will return to their normal disconnected lives after a few more days of televised outrage. This is what has happened even in the era of video recordings of beatings and killings. And the sincere, most vulnerable young people that need the change the most will have contributed to the rise in prominence of “celebrity” activists – some new, some old – and will live on without the needed police reforms but also education, jobs, and access to health care. But they will be available for the next protest after a police shooting.

This protest is revealing a unique surge of serious concern among the demographic that seems to normally be preoccupied with fake reality TV and celebrating vulgarity and nudity wrapped in musical genres. As com-

mendable as it is, our current “social uprising” lacks the guidance and the substance needed to know the definition of victory. For the past fifty years, blacks have behaved as if simply putting other blacks in the right positions constituted a victory for all black people. So, it must be excruciatingly painful to their otherwise political saviors when these young protesters seem to sense no substantial difference between their new, diverse political representatives and the former urban, white political machine despots. Many of them are railing against and expressing distrust in cities held by black mayors just as the activists of the sixties expressed no confidence in southern racist sheriffs.

A social movement in America is by definition legitimate only to the extent that its goal is to make America a better democracy. Any other goal is too narrow, shallow, and self-serving to deserve broad sympathy and support And they lack formal, credible, trained leadership. Their base is comprised of fragmented grassroots sympathizers and their fragile organizational infrastructures has allowed them to be infiltrated and at times upstaged by those whose goals are chaos and destruction rather than justice and progress. Organization was a key to civil rights era successes. www.thepositivecommunity.com

A social movement in America is by definition legitimate only to the extent that its goal is to make America a better democracy.

Any other goal is too narrow, shallow, and self-serving to deserve broad sympathy and support. This means the core of a legitimate movement or protest must be the belief that America is worth improving and able to improve. Anything other than that is not much more than group selfies claiming bragging rights for cursing at the enemy government officials with impunity. That kind of movement cannot allow real progress to occur because it needs the problem to justify its existence.

The civil rights movement wanted to work itself out of a job. And its leaders knew what that looked like. Desegregation. Legal rights equal to other Americans. Support to catch up to historic deprival. The policing issue needs similarly concrete goals. And the “movement” for justice needs to define what justice means in the aftermath of the George Floyd moment. It must be more than hashtags, slogans, and periodic marches.

WE NEED A SEVEN-PART AGENDA: We must find diverse communities that exemplify excellent police-community relations. We must study those communities, dissect their strategy to discover why it is working effectively, document the model, and promote it as a best practice.

Communities must be incentivized to tailor the principles for use in their locale and replicate the model. We may want to start with Genesee County, Michigan where Sheriff Chris Swanson marched with protesters in Flint, Michigan this past weekend.

WANT A BETTER FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY?

FILL IT OUT! Better jobs. More support for schools. Fair representation.

Better roads and bridges. More health and social services. So much of New Jersey’s future relies on us all being counted. So, fill out your Census – be sure to count little ones and babies – online, by phone or by mail. All responses are completely confidential and protected by federal law. Your community is counting on you.

We must increase penalties for abusive behavior by law enforcement officials and implement no tolerance practices for police misconduct. This includes lowering the threshold for charging law enforcement officials with violating the civil rights of citizens.

We must create independent commissions that review, evaluate, revise, and monitor the use of training manuals, procedures, and practices in law enforcement agencies.

We must recruit, train, and promote law enforcement personnel who possess the psychological, emotional, and cultural capacity for law enforcement work and assess them every three years to ensure they have maintained that capacity.

We must incentivize law enforcement personnel to breach the “blue wall” of silence even as we motivate communities to oppose the “don’t snitch” culture.

We need a national database of law enforcement who were terminated for misconduct and ban them from working in other law enforcement agencies.

We must elect political representatives who support this agenda and hold them accountable for follow-through.

If the activist energy currently being displayed can be harnessed into support for a concrete agenda, then we may be able to unify our country and start working on the next issue threatening the greatness that we all desire for our country. www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

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M Money

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

buiness, finance + work

149 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07103 (973) 642-2267

An Open Letter to The Positive Community

BY REV. DR. DAVID JEFFERSON, SR., ESQ., PASTOR Dear TPC Family:

I

am Reverend Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., pastor of the historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark. I preside over one of the largest African American congregations in the State of New Jersey. I am also the president of the National Action Network’s New Jersey chapter. I am a former senior executive at Comcast and served as president of AT&T for the Northeast region reporting directly to C. Michael Armstrong. I am a lawyer and received my MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

This letter is not about me, however; a proper introduction is important because I want to convey my deep understanding of the issues supporting the racial and economic injustice that occurs in the State of New Jersey.

The state’s most impoverished zip codes are inhabited

by African Americans. Economic disparities will look worse after the Covid-19 pandemic. In all categories of economic measure, African Americans fare worse than other communities. These disparities are wide due to the State’s racist legacy and there is no will or plan to address the issues.

Doing NOTHING about these issues is the root cause of the anger and frustration demonstrated throughout the nation. A knee on the neck of a human being is nothing shy of a public lynching.

Brothers and sisters in commerce, we do not need another blue-ribbon task force, panel or committee. We need immediate action that addresses injustices and provides the ingredients for our businesses and communities to right themselves. I remind you, economic power is never conceded based on begging and complaining – we need a more effective strategy. Elections are coming.

They must have consequences for those who fail to see our truth and do something about it.

I have heard from many businesses having trouble getting access to capital and government contracts. The CEO of Blueprint tells of the horrible injustices his firm experienced for four years at the hands of the State Divithepositivecommunity.com

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The Positive Community June 2020

Leon Ellis

sion of Investment. Randall Pickett, whose firm has been located in New Jersey for 12 years, has yet to be awarded a government contract. Sister Patricia Auguste spoke publicly to the Governor about minority businesses struggling to get significant contracts with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

As Fannie Lou Hammer famously said, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I plan to beat the drum for economic justice starting with Blueprint. To quote Senator Ronald Rice, what occurred to Blueprint is a akin to “an economic lynching and a black eye for the State of New Jersey.” Their plight is symbolic of the attitudes and arrogance that exist in Trenton. I have been privy to a mountain of evidence that paints a rather disturbing narrative of how a promising minorityowned firm fell victim to “the old boys network” that has become entrenched at the New Jersey Division of Investment. It is the most blatant economic injustice committed against a black-owned business our state has ever seen.

I ask that you continue to stand and that we stand together. If we do, we will be victorious. Selling out is not an option and certainly bowing down and accepting injustice is not in our ancestor’s DNA. Blueprint is our modern day “Rosa Parks” and when they ultimately taste victory against economic oppression, we all know too well, it will be a win By for Glenda us all. Many of our commuCadogan nities are reliant on your businesses for job and wealth creation. The State of New Jersey has an awful legacy of mistreating black-owned businesses and just as Rosa Parks decided that she was not going tolerate maltreatment, we, too must take a stand now and be prepared to impact elections if we do not get our fair share and treated more fairly …And having done all to stand, stand!

Ephesians 6:13 If you have experiences and frustrations to share, I encourage you to reach out to me.

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

Summer 2017 The Positive Community

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

BY LATA REDDY SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & IMPACT AT PRUDENTIAL

Just Mercy Creates Ripples Far Beyond The Big Screen My experience at the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee gave me a sense of purpose— To eliminate systemic barriers and help level the playing field.

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powerful film, Just Mercy, tells the story of Walter McMillian, who was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. The film is based on a memoir written by the man who represented Mr. McMillian—the renowned public interest attorney and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson.

In reading the book and now watching the film, I was taken back to my experience as a legal intern representing death row inmates in the deep South.

At the time, I was a law student and had taken an internship with a public interest law firm called Southern Prisoners Defense Committee. Bryan Stevenson was my supervisor.

During my three years of interning with the committee, I made many trips to the federal prison in Talladega, Alabama. There I sat across from our clients, the men on death row. Each one told story after story tracking a similar pattern that led to being wrongfully convicted or denied a fair trial. Most of the men I met were African American, the result of a criminal justice system built on a legacy of racial injustice.

Their searing stories made a lasting impact on me. They influenced my career and how I try to live my life. The experience also built on lessons my father taught me, like about how too many people are being sidelined by a system intended to hold them back.

My father, Nallapu Reddy, grew up in extreme poverty in rural India. From that humble beginning, he would distinguish himself, becoming a professor of economics and chairing the Ecowww.thepositivecommunity.com

nomics Department at the University of Michigan-Flint. It was there he spent his career educating first-generation college-goers like himself.

Growing up as he did, in a society where being poor meant being marginalized, my father could easily have gone down a different path. He credited many people who extended help at critical moments with enabling him to pursue his dream of an education, which he knew would open doors of opportunity. There was the family friend who helped my father transition from his village school, which stopped at fourth grade, to the school in the next town over; the big city university official who agreed to provide him with room and board in exchange for tutoring services for his children, allowing him to further continue his studies.

There was the friend of an acquaintance who drove my father to work every day when he didn’t have the means for his own transportation.

My father taught me what it’s like to face systemic barriers and what it takes to overcome them. It takes hard work, sure, but it also requires people who believe in you and recognize your humanity. My father was fortunate.

People like Walter McMillian and the men I met on death row were not so lucky. They were caught in a web of racial bias and discrimination against the poor with devastating outcomes.

My experience at the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee reinforced this lesson and gave me a sense of purpose—to eliminate systemic barriers and help level the playing field.

This is what eventually drew me to Prudential, a company that was founded on the principle of equity. More than 140 years ago, we were the first U.S. company to make life insurance affordable to working-class families.

We have strived since then to live our values. We affirmatively chose to stay in our hometown and headquarters city of Newark, New Jersey, following the civil unrest of 1967 and have been committed to revitalizing this great city.

More than 10 years ago, we were an early adopter of a “ban the box” policy. And more recently, we committed $180 million to help young people around the globe secure quality jobs.

These are just some examples of how we are building equity into our business practices.

As a legacy company, we have seen firsthand how America’s complicated history plays out. There were times when we lost our way, caught up in prevailing views of the moment. But we acknowledge it and most importantly we changed. I am proud that today we recognize the importance of confronting injustice in all its forms.

Just Mercy is a call to action to each of us to address racial and economic inequity. It’s a call to action I learned from my father’s stories and one that is reinforced every day whether it’s in conversations I have with Newark residents or with young people in the favelas of Brazil. There is endless potential that resides in all of us— sometimes it just needs someone to open the door of opportunity.

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Education the art + science of learning

BY DR. ANTHONY E. MUNROE PRESIDENT, ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE

Essex County College: Creating a Student First Path Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic

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s president of Essex County College, one of the largest in New Jersey, I have long known that the institution played a key role in the life of the communities we serve, especially in the city of Newark, the most populous in the state. Last year, nearly 20,000 credit and non-credit students took advantage of 70 degree and certificate programs as well as numerous offerings leading to professional, career, vocational, and personal improvement. In addition, the businesses of Essex County have come to rely on the College for customized training. All of this at a tuition rate far below that charged at most colleges and universities.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended nearly all aspects of our society, the higher education sector must adapt to meet the changing needs of our communities. And, we need to do it with significantly reduced resources since we are expecting greatly diminished enrollment in the summer and fall as well as a sharp cut in state appropriations. No sector in higher education is better situated to do that than are the community colleges - our basic mission is to meet the education and training needs of our neighbors.

Essex County College knows very well that its neighbors are among those hardest hit by the pandemic since it very much mirrors the communities it serves: It is a Predominantly Black Institution as well as a Hispanic Serving Institution (the only public college in New Jersey to have that dual designation) with 45% and 26% of its student body self-identifying as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino, respectively. To provide all of the support possible, the College offers top STEM

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programs, was the first college in New Jersey to be part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Program, and has made a large investment in a virtual dissection table for our biology, health science, and premed students. The results are evidenced by the fact that our students have won more Jack Kent Cooke scholarships than any other community college in the region.

Even Ivy League universities (with their multi-billiondollar endowments) are unsure of how to plan for an uncertain future. Our community colleges, well known as efficient and adaptable institutions, are developing initiatives for the "new normal," while seeking to cut expenses to keep our offerings affordable for all. The county is being ravaged by unemployment, especially among women and people of color. Essex County College is working with the County Workforce Development Board to identify what will be the top in-demand jobs and is modifying existing programs and creating new ones to meet that demand.

It will manage to present these even while recognizing its need to further the development of its community. It is inviting the essential workers in the county, our modern-day heroes, to attend without adding to their economic stress. For those with qualifying income levels, and after applying for available financial aid, the College will make up any shortfall that exists. All of the faculty, staff, and administration have joined together to meet the changing needs of the community and I am so proud that I get to be the face of a community college seen as a remarkable resource and pledged to be available to all. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Universal values.

Personal attention.

The students at Touro NYSCAS come from all walks of life, but share the same inner drive—and we’re here to help. No matter your background or intended future, we’ll give you the support you need to turn your goals into real achievements.

Learn more at NYSCAS.Touro.edu 212.463.0400 x55500 Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, visit www.touro.edu

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oin Rutgers University’s Office of University–Community Partnership’s Advocates for Healthy Living (AHLI) and our Greater Newark Community Partners for five weeks of virtual sessions geared towards living your best life during COVID19.

Living Your Best Life during COVID19 REGISTRATION REQUIRED Full Schedule Available on Registration Site

Register at—

oucp.newark.rutgers.edu/AHLI-2020

Living Your Best Life

Virtually

Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy Get fit, stay in shape, meditate, eat great, enjoy your favorite oldies but goodies, and performances by awardwinning jazz artists, all in the comfort of your own home.

Mon., Wed., Fri., July 6–August 7, 2020 (session times may vary) Meditation, Motivation & Music Mondays

Wellness Workshop Wednesdays

Fun, Fitness & Food Fridays

• Guided Meditation • Motivation/Inspirational Talks • Music Therapy • Musical Entertainment provided by: Antoinette Montague and Leisa, the One Woman Band

• Panel Discussion with Medical and Research Experts • Diabetes Prevention & Education • Ask the Doctor • A Conversation with University Hospital Medical Specialists & CEO

• Sit & Fit and Zumba

by Crystal Gaynor • Cooking Tips from the American Heart Association, Rutgers–Newark Gourmet Dining, and ScreenNJ • Therapeutic Gardening

Greater Newark Community Partners American Heart Association; City of Newark-Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services; East Orange Senior Services; Essex County Division of Senior Services; Greater Newark Conservancy; Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition; Hillside Senior Services; Mental Health Association in New Jersey; New Community Corporation; New Hope Baptist Church; North Jersey Black Clergy; Rotary Club of NJ; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; Rutgers Global Health Institute; Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research; Rutgers–Newark Gourmet Dining; Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School; Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration; ScreenNJ; The Positive Community Magazine; University Hospital; Urban Healthcare Initiative Program; West Ward Community Coalition; Woman in Media-Newark, Caresparc Consulting, Inc.

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Health ideas for wellness

Mayor Bill de Blasio Visits Jacobi Hospital NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio

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ayor Bill de Blasio thanked the medical staff at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx for a great job serving the community. The Mayor stopped by Jacobi Hospital to congratulate and show gratitude to workers at Jacobi saying, “You were saving lives before this crisis we wish we never had.” Spotting two servicemen in the group, he asked where they were from. “St. Lake,” said one; “Minnesota,” said the other. Mayor de Blasio thanked them for their service and for helping New York City in the greatest time of need.

Jacobi Healthcare workers take a break

Mayor de Blasio leads the Jacobi Hospital workers in the city-wide 7 PM “Clap Because We Care” for healthcare workers. www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Anxiety, Loneliness, and Hopelessness COVID-19 and its Impact on Mental Health of Teens and Young Adults

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BY ROBERT L. JOHNSON, MD, FAAP THE SHARON AND JOSEPH L. MUSCARELLE ENDOWED DEAN PROFESSOR, PEDIATRICS DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MEDICINE RUTGERS NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL INTERIM DEAN RUTGERS ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL

ince the emergence of COVID-19, our way of life has been upended. More than one million people in the United States, alone, have been infected by the virus, with tens of thousands dying from it. Tens of millions of Americans have filed for unemployment benefits to pay their bills and stave off financial ruin. And political leaders, for the sake of “flattening the curve,” have implemented strict guidelines that promote “social distancing” and staying home.

With the uncertainty, stress, and social restrictions that have accompanied COVID-19, it is no wonder that teenagers and young adults—who have endured school closures, rescinded job offers, and isolation from their friends—are expressing feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness.

In fact, in a recent SurveyMonkey poll, 80 percent of teens said they were following news about the coronavirus closely and their concern is high. In addition, 61 percent of the teens surveyed expressed fear that they or someone in their family will be exposed to the virus, while 63 percent are concerned about the effect the virus will have on their family’s ability to earn money. The survey also revealed that 42 percent of teens reported feeling “more lonely than usual.” Furthermore, teenagers of color are more likely to say they are worried that they or someone in their family will be exposed to the virus and about the potential economic effect on their family, the survey showed. Hispanic teenagers are especially concerned about the financial effect with nearly nine in 10 Hispanic respondents saying

they are worried about the impact on their family’s ability to make a living, the survey stated.

“Social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 can be especially hard for teens, who may feel cut off from their friends,” notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Many also face big letdowns as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits, and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed.”

Young adults are also voicing their concerns about the impact COVID-19 is having on their lives. In a recent BuzzFeed article entitled “Generation Free Fall,” twentysomethings expressed hopelessness about their future, frustration over the added burden of helping parents and siblings, and worry about being “stuck in limbo,” among other things.

It is important to note that these are all valid and understandable responses to this life-altering event.

Here are some tips by the AAP for parents to help their teens and young adults through this difficult time: • Share information about what is happening in a calm and factual way to help ease concerns about the virus.

• Stress that staying home saves lives.

• Watch for signs that your teen may need more support. Teens who feel sad, depressed, hopeless, nervous, or angry, during the COVID-19 pandemic may need more support. Ask your pediatrician if your teen’s social and emotional health can be screened in an e-visit.

• Stay safely connected. Allow your teen to stay connected to friends and loved ones during social distancing by phone, text, video chat, or social media.

• Find ways to keep their minds and bodies healthy, such as encouraging them to read a book or visit the library online; do video workouts; watch movies or television shows as a family or virtually with friends; and get plenty of sleep.

For more tips, visit https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Teens-and-COVID-19.aspx.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

REQUEST YOUR TELEHEALTH REQUEST YOUR TELEHEALTH VISIT TODAY! VISIT TODAY!

OUR OURDOCTORS DOCTORS ARE AREAVAILABLE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLINE To To help contain thethe spread of of help contain spread COVID-19 and keep patients COVID-19 and keep patients healthy, Rutgers New Jersey healthy, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Medical School and University Hospital now offer video and Hospital now offer video and telehealth visits with doctors. telehealth visits with doctors.

Learn More Learn More bit.ly/njmstelehealth bit.ly/njmstelehealth Call to Request Call to Request Your Appointment Your Appointment 973-972-6709 973-972-6709

If we do not specifically address the economic impact of COVID-19 on women, and especially women of color, our economy will never effectively rebound.

BY MICHELLENE DAVIS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER RJW BARNABAS HEALTH

Gender Equity in the Wake of COVID-19

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ast year, women of color accounted for 89% of the more than 1,800 new women-owned businesses started every day in the U.S., employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenues of $1.9 trillion.

Today, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have gone largely ignored, with many in the hardest-hit communities still awaiting small business dollars from federal relief packages, or joining the unemployed, of which 60% already are women.

Others continue to risk their lives and the health of their families by working in low-paying jobs now deemed “essential” to survive. In fact, women now represent more than 65 percent of frontline workers – a statistic many black and brown communities already are familiar with, as most discussions of women in the workforce largely ignore the fact that women of color entered in advance of their white sisters.

Still, research continues to show that, on average, women earn less than 82% of what white men do in the same roles despite similar backgrounds. If black, that number drops to 68%, and if Latina, 62%.

Add in COVID-19 and the resulting high rates of economic insecurity become disastrous. Due to the racial and class disparities already present in both the testing and treatment of this virus, attention must also be brought to gender inequity as having a compounding effect on the outcomes, especially within black and brown communities.

With more than 60 percent of jobs in the U.S. paying less than $20 an hour, nearly 40 percent of the population already is at or below the ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, based on the minimum costs of housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare nationwide.

Furthermore, it is women – 40 percent of whom are non-white – that make up two-thirds of the nearly 23.8 million workers in the 40 lowest paying jobs in America, including “essential” roles such as childcare and social services (85%), cashiers (72%), and fast food and restaurant counter workers (67%).

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This, no doubt, contributes to the fact that nearly 79 percent of single, female-headed households with children are at or below the ALICE threshold, in comparison to nearly 60 percent of single, maleheaded households with children, and just 21% of married households.

Moreover, the wage gap for mothers is larger than for women overall, with mothers working in full-time, yearround jobs with even white women earning just 71 cents on average for every dollar paid to fathers.

Because 80 percent of black mothers and more than half of Latina mothers work as the main breadwinners for their households, this further impacts their families’ abilities to afford necessities, let alone consider the costs to their overall health and well-being.

Today, women comprise 75 percent of health care practitioners, 87 percent of health care support staff, and 90 percent of nurses, with countless others cleaning hospital rooms, working in warehouses to deliver necessary supplies, and operating public transit to get essential employees to work.

These are women directly in contact with and working to overcome COVID-19.

Yet, nationally, 47 percent of nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides do not earn paid sick leave, and a million front-line health care workers lack their own health coverage.

These compounding factors are devastating enough.

Then, there is the extreme reality that not only is the fatality rate of COVID-19 for men nearly double that of women, but also that in areas of this country in which black and brown communities are the minority, the overall fatality rate is nearly more than half for AfricanAmericans alone.

Imagine needing to concurrently navigate both the financial and psychological impacts of losing a partner, a father, a son, and an important piece of one’s family foundation. www.thepositivecommunity.com

How many more homes in black and brown communities will now be newly female led? What will it take to address the severe wage gaps driven largely in part by continued job segregation, implicit bias, and lack of workplace policies that support women and families? How much more do they need to be exacerbated by crisis?

I would love to say there is simply a lack of understanding of what is required to ensure an equitable society, but unfortunately, I cannot. The statistics are straightforward and widely disseminated.

Instead, we continue to fail to acknowledge and change the systems and structures that have been created to further the proliferation of a permanent underclass.

Speaking truth to power requires us to not be okay with that, with or without a pandemic.

However, while ensuring women receive equal pay for equal work should be neither controversial nor negotiable, perhaps this final statement may help to amplify the issue: If we do not specifically address the economic impact of COVID-19 on women, and especially women of color, our economy will never effectively rebound.

Lest our society be set back decades in terms of gender parity, economic recovery efforts must be designed to be inclusive of the disparate status affecting women, and especially, black and brown women.

These conversations must include but not be limited to discussions on enforcing livable wages, paid parental

Today, women comprise 75 percent of health care practitioners, 87 percent of health care support staff, and 90 percent of nurses, with countless others cleaning hospital rooms, working in warehouses to deliver necessary supplies, and operating public transit to get essential employees to work. and sick leave policies, increased flexibility for working families, and more equitable hiring and promotional practices within corporate America.

I have yet to hear one logical reason against making such actions immediate business imperatives, but the time has come and gone for debate – with COVID-19 in our world, gender equality is simply now or never.

AACC Celebrates Ten Years of Excellence L–R: AACCNJ Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer John E. Harmon, IOM, AACCNJ Board of Directors; Hosea Johnson, Johnson Associate Systems; and AACCNJ Chairman of the Board of Directors Stan Prater

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he African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ held their Circle of Achievement Awards Gala at The Palace at Somerset Park on February 6, 2020. The celebration of ten years of excellence featured keynote speaker Dr. E. Lance McCarthy and honored Yla Eason, Lawrence Hamm, Jay Morrison, and The Honorable Shirley Turner in recognition of their continued community service.

For more photos go to thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Their Their courage courage and and compassion compassion inspire inspire us us all. all.

One morning, a message written in chalk appeared in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

One morning, a message written in chalk appeared in front an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

The words couldn’t have been simpler, or more soulof stirring, or more accurate.

The words couldn’t have been simpler, or more soul stirring, or more accurate.

“Heroes work here.”

“Heroes work here.”

Three words of gratitude and encouragement that capture the courage Threeand words of gratitude and encouragement thatacross capture the courage compassion of health workers here and America. and compassion of health workers here and across America.

To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund, visit rwjbh.org/heroes To share your thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund, visit rwjbh.org/heroes And please, for them, stay home and safe.

And please, for them, stay home and safe.

Staying safe from Coronavirus If you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, diabetes/high blood sugar, obesity, asthma or other breathing disorders, heart disease or kidney disease, you are at a greater risk of experiencing more serious symptoms if you catch COVID-19.

You need to:

1

Avoid crowded places

Wear a mask

Stay 6 feet away from others

High blood pressure

Do not touch your face with unwashed hands

Avoid contact with others

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

Kidney disease

Be extra-careful to stay safe from the virus.

2

If you experience any of the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 in adults, including difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips/face and/or difficulty waking up, call 911 and advise medical personnel you are experiencing symptoms of and/or have been exposed to COVID-19.

Obesity

Heart disease

3

Make sure to tell healthcare providers about ALL of your health conditions and symptoms so you can get the care and treatment you need to fight the virus.

Diabetes

Asthma

rwjbh.org/covid19

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Continuing to Keep Patients and Healthcare Workers Safe

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t Saint Peter’s University Hospital, we salute our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other healthcare heroes who have been busy caring for patients with COVID-19. We are now in the process of re-opening services for essential nonCOVID care, with specific protocols to ensure the safety of patients, as well as staff. During the crisis, our Emergency Department (ED) has remained operational, yet patients have often delayed or avoided access to care due to fear of exposure to the virus.

According to Borislav Stoev, DO, FACEP, chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, “More than ever, we want to remind the public that certain emergency medical conditions can’t wait, because left unattended, they too can become life-threatening. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve followed strict protocols to screen all patients that come through our hospital doors, and this includes those coming to the ED. Anyone who is presenting with symptoms is immediately isolated.”

According to Dr. Stoev, symptoms, which, if ignored, could potentially result in life-threatening situations include: Chest pains Slurred speech Numbness on one side Trouble breathing A head injury or seizure Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy Broken bone or dislocated joint Severe cut or pain COVID-19 protocols remain in place at Saint Peter’s and will continue indefinitely. These protocols include screening all persons entering the hospital, requiring them to wear masks and practicing social distancing, respiratory etiquette and hand washing practices. This also includes mandatory sanitizing procedures and restricted visitor policies.

Saint Peter’s has two distinct Emergency Departments, one designated for adults and the other for children. We are en-

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couraging adults and children to come to the Emergency Department under the same circumstances they would have prior to the pandemic. Dr. Stoev advises, “Be smart and safe, remember that emergencies can’t wait!”

As we transition from COVID-19 care to essential non-COVID care, Saint Peter’s will gradually expand the opportunity for patients to schedule elective surgeries and other procedures which were previously curtailed. We will also continue caring for our patients with

cancer and for those requiring surgeries and treatments which left untreated, could become escalate to life-threatening conditions.

Saint Peter’s will continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, recognizing that COVID-19 may not be wholly eliminated for some time to come. For the immediate future, we will continue to implement COVID-19 screnings to protect our patients, as well as our staff. For more information, visit www.saintpetershcs.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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A Safe Return to Care at St. Joseph’s Health As the community and state recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the doctors’ offices, hospitals, and services at St. Joseph’s Health are safe, open, and available to treat all patients.

“We recognize that you might have delayed regular medical appointments or elective procedures over the last few months, and we want to assure you that you are able to safely receive the care that you need,” said Joseph Duffy, MD, Chief Medical Officer.

“Through telemedicine or in-person appointments, we are seeing patients within our doctors’ offices and we’re also scheduling the procedures and services that you need within our facilities for expert diagnosis and treatment.”

Measures have been put in place in St. Joseph’s doctors’ offices and throughout every facility so that patients are seen in a safe and clean environment. Several of these measures include: • Screening: All patients, staff, and visitors will be screened with a temperature reading and symptom check upon entry.

• Complimentary Protective Masks: Masks are required of all patients and support persons. Masks are required of all staff members.

• Convenient Hygiene Stations: Masks, hand sanitizer and precaution information are available at all entrances.

• Social Distancing: Redesign and designation of public entrances to ensure a protective flow, along with adherence to distancing requirements in all areas.

• Ultra-Clean Environment: All St. Joseph’s facilities are cleaned and disinfected continuously, following strict procedures and guidelines for high-touch areas.

• Appropriate Testing: Testing is required and will be provided for hospital inpatients and for patients scheduled for procedures.

Whether you require a surgical procedure, imaging services or testing, contact your physician to avoid a delay in care. www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

29

Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Jr.: Shepherding in A Time of Pandemic

By R.L. Witter

I

t took some time to get an interview with Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Jr. As senior pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood (CBCofE) in Englewood, NJ, Rev. Dr. Taylor has always been a busy man of purpose and substance, but these last several months have tried his physical and mental stamina like nothing ever before. “We’re grappling with the enormity of death,” he said quietly via speakerphone. After texting back and forth we had finally settled on this particular afternoon for our conversation. Rev. Dr. Taylor’s mornings are almost always full these days performing funerals for his congregants and others. “It’s overwhelming,” he sighed. “Our local funeral director has done the volume in six to eight weeks they would normally do in a year.

Our church had lost around 15 people by the end of May.” It’s Personal

Taylor’s experiences are not purely professional; COVID-19 touched his family. “The day my mother-in-law died we lost two other people,” he explained. His mother-in-law, Charlotte Green, was in an assisted living facility when she tested positive for the virus in late March. A two-time lung cancer survivor and diabetic, the 89-year-old succumbed to COVID-19 shortly thereafter. “We cannot honor the deceased in traditional fashion,” Rev. Taylor lamented. “We can’t do home or hospital visits, and can’t go to the bedside when someone is transitioning.” On April 8, 2020, a memorial service was held in the CBCofE parking lot where friends and loved ones had gathered in their cars to pay their respects as Mother Green’s hearse drove by.

“All ages are impacted; some didn’t have pre-existing conditions. Thank God some recovered,” said Taylor. “I was comforting one woman who was upset she couldn’t be with her mother and was wondering if anyone had been with her, if they really took care of her mother or just let her lie there and die.” He talked about the emotional toll of the pandemic on survivors and loved ones. “We’re people of gathering, so the first thing we do is go to the home or the hospital to have a prayer or bring a dish — none of that, no consola-

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The Positive Community June 2020

tion. It’s going to require a lot of counseling when this pandemic eases because people are spiraling from this.”

These strange times have forced Rev. Taylor and his fellow clergy and faith leaders to think on their feet and reimagine how people worship when they cannot come to the church, temple, or other edifice as usual. Knowing church is the center of socialization for many older congregants, Taylor and the CBCofE team have organized online bible studies and worships, as well as video messages of encouragement and hope. He knows the physical isolation coupled with loss and grief can be devastating. “The human tragedy obviously is the loss, the death toll, the rate of infection; but there’s another tragedy called life and what I mean by that is once someone passes on, the family members are in a time warp, just stuck in that moment because all around you life is going on as though nothing happened.” He continued, “Those who are grieving are still in a fog while everyone else seems to go about their business. It’s the deafening volume of silence.”

With the COVID-19 related restrictions and precautions around funeral and memorial services in the area, Taylor often finds himself with only one or two people graveside while others attend online. “I’ve discovered regardless of how brief it might be, it’s still significant and impacting and families are very appreciative; it’s heartwarming,” he said.

Looking Ahead

“I think this novel coronavirus is just the first of many pandemics we will experience in the future. And I believe what cont’d on page NA

As president of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey (GBCNJ), Taylor is considering protocols for churches going forward so that congregants may worship safely once the doors to the physical church have reopened.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

has come out of this is a real awareness of how we need to practice good hygiene and social distancing,” Taylor said. As president of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey (GBCNJ), Taylor is considering protocols for churches going forward so that congregants may worship safely once the doors to the physical church have reopened.

“We’ll open in phases. For example, we’ll only focus on worship so there won’t be any in-person auxiliary meetings or that sort of thing, because we’ve managed those well via social media, Zoom, Microsoft Team, and the like. We might have to add an additional worship service to accommodate social distancing.” He also mentioned things like pre-registering to attend services and converting church facilities to touchfree. “We are now investigating the cost to convert all restroom equipment over to touch-free,” meaning faucets, toilets urinals, etc. He’s already planning to have specific people designated to open and close doors, thus minimalizing the spread of germs.

As he continues to shepherd his flock, Rev. Taylor is well aware of the toll these last few months have taken on him and other clergy members. He urges them to make time to practice self-care. “It may be a walk in the park, a bike ride, or a Sunday drive,” he said. “But it’s something to restore and replenish the body, the psyche, and the physicality of a minister to stay balanced and healthy.” That advice is good for the rest of us, too. In closing, Rev. Taylor stressed the importance of practicing what we know as people of faith, kindness, service, and humanity. “Worship is no substitute for service,” he said. “Our worship is unto God, but our service is unto humanity.”

I think this novel coronavirus is just the first of many pandemics we will experience in the future.

And I believe what has come out of this is a real awareness of how we need to practice good hygiene and social distancing.

For photos go to thepositivecommunity.com

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June 2020 The Positive Community

31

A Look at how N.J.'s only Public Health Hospital is Handling This Once-In-A-Lifetime Crisis

BY SHEREEF ELNAHAL

P

ublic hospitals are poised to be key assets in all states of emergency – especially global pandemics. Yours is no exception.

New Jersey has only one public health hospital: Newark-based University Hospital.

Our EMS team assisted New York City in responding to the September 11th tragedy.

Our hospital and trauma center were at the ready for folks impacted by Hurricane Sandy. We became northern New Jersey’s Ebola evaluation center, servicing Newark airport.

And yet, University Hospital has stepped up to meet this global pandemic’s impact on our state perhaps like no other crisis.

The hospital’s chronic financial strains, caused by years of underfunding and infrastructure needs, cannot be addressed as quickly as we would like, and have also contributed to our historical lag in quality scores against hospitals with easier access to capital and staff.

All that aside, with this unprecedented-in-our-lifetime pandemic, the value, necessity, and crisis leadership that we have offered from the beginning of this pandemic has made a compelling case for continued, public support for University Hospital. We are also poised to play an invigorating role in the conversation around greater public health protections that is sure to come out of this period.

Our hospital averaged more than 200 coronavirus patients daily during the peak in April. And during the height of this crisis, we were within the top 10 New Jersey hospitals for admitted coronavirus patients.

The pandemic has hit Newark particularly hard. Population density is high.

Economically vulnerable households make staying home from work less practical.

More of our service area is essential, frontline workers, making work from home an option for fewer people. Barriers to physical distancing occur on multiple levels due

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The Positive Community June 2020

to complex, socio-cultural factors.

In addition, the city’s population already has a high prevalence of underlying medical conditions that stem from health inequities born out of a legacy of structural racism. This makes outcomes worse for those who contract coronavirus in Newark, and across communities of color. Despite these challenges, University Hospital has risen to serve our public obligation to meet the needs of as many residents in New Jersey as possible.

First, we collaborated with the Department of Health, National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers to set up the Meadowlands Field Medical Station (FMS) in Secaucus, in order to “decompress” northern New Jersey’s hospitals to make room for patients who need intensive critical care. In cooperation with Epic, our electronic medical record provider, our patient registration system has been extended to New Jersey’s three FMSs. Second, University Hospital is using its 24/7 Medical Coordination Center (MCC) to coordinate transfers of patients to the Meadowlands FMS from northern New Jersey hospitals. We are also offering crucial intelligence to the state Regional Operations and Intelligence Center (ROIC), the Department of Health (DOH), and Gov. Phil Murphy’s office, and assisting with the allocation of critical supplies and resources.

Third, we are leveraging our status as an academic medical center to research promising therapies and testing platforms.

Physician-scientists at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School are the principal investigators in more than five clinical trials testing different therapeutic regimens for coronavirus, including trials involving remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and other novel antiviral therapy trials set to begin in the coming weeks.

We are also one of only a few hospitals in New Jersey providing a novel therapy

that may be the most promising of all options – convalescent plasma. Matt Platkin, the chief counsel to Governor Murphy, has been one of the most prominent donors in this program.

University Hospital is also undertaking epidemiological investigations that will better equip public health officials, the scientific community, and policymakers to make informed decisions around this virus. This includes studies of asymptomatic health care workers to probe if and how they contracted the virus, with the hope of offering intelligence and statistics to better understand the virus and how it spreads.

Fourth, we are assuring access to routine outpatient care during this pandemic through a partnership with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to offer healthcare visits using telehealth. In addition, we are launching a community engagement strategy to keep residents informed of critical information related to these services and other pertinent resources on general health and wellbeing.

Part of University Hospital’s role has always been to serve its community — and the community we serve is among the most vulnerable in our state. Our patients rely heavily on Charity Care and Medicaid, and this funding may be increasingly threatened during the upcoming economic recovery.

We think that would be short-sighted policy, as New Jersey could stand to lose an asset on which it has always depended to shoulder crises — and never more so than now.

University Hospital has always been there for our state. We are honored to do so, and always will be.

Shereef Elnahal, MD, MBA is the president and chief executive officer of University Hospital in Newark. www.thepositivecommunity.com

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU University Hospital is here for you, your families and our community.

Our doors are open and we are providing care around the clock.

Also offering telehealth visits from the comfort of your home.

On behalf of our entire team, thank you for you support during this time. It continues to be an honor to serve you.

June is Men's Health Month Follow us on Facebook for live "Connecting With The Community" event notifications and more information about our services.

WWW.UHNJ.ORG To make an appointment - call 973-972-9000.

Saint Michael’s Doctor Sounds Alarm on Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color During the pandemic, Saint Michael’s Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hamid Shaaban saw first hand the ruthless way COVID-19 attacked people of color.

An oncologist and an infectious disease expert, Dr. Shaaban sounded the alarm about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19.

He appeared on regional and national television news to highlight the disparity and he supported bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Murphy in April requiring hospitals to report demographic data to the state Department of Health.

Dr. Shaaban said health experts need to collect this kind of data to help them understand why the virus appears to have been more fatal in communities of color like Newark, where Saint Michael’s is located.

Newark, whose population is 50% black and 36% Latino, suffered the highest fatality rate of any city in New Jersey.

Dr. Shaaban said public health studies are needed to understand what can be done to improve future outcomes for people of color.

State statistics show that nearly 60% of those who died from COVID-19 suffered from cardiovascular disease and 44% suffered from diabetes and 32% had other chronic diseases.

“This virus targets patients who have diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure - the very same medical problems that predispose people to strokes and heart attacks and that also happen to be most prevalent among communities of color,” Dr. Shaaban said.

“The biggest and harshest lesson of this crisis is that patients with these conditions cannot afford to ignore and delay medical care for too long,” Dr. Shaaban said. “We need to make sure that individuals with symptoms overcome their unease and anxiety and get immediate medical treatment that can

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The Positive Community June 2020

potentially save their lives and avoid serious longterm complications.”

Dr. Shaaban said residents in Newark and the surrounding communities have many options to get their healthcare needs addressed.

Saint Michael’s operates a full-service Primary and Speciality Care Center.

The center provides annual wellness checkups, preventative screenings, medical treatments for common illnesses and immunizations, including the flu shot.

Speciality services include asthma, cardiology, Dr. Hamid Shaaban, CMO of Saint Michael’s endocrinology, gastroenterology, podiatry/ hospitals. wound care and neurology. The center One of the benefits of being affiliated also performs surgical procedures, in- with a national healthcare system, cluding hernias, gallbladders and much is that Saint Michael’s benefits from more. best practices developed by 45 hospitals The center accepts most insurance across the country. plans and the center may be able to “Safety is the top priority for our help patients without insurance find an patients at Saint Michael’s,” Dr. affordable plan. For more information, Shaaban said. “We want to assure our call (973) 877-5188. patients that we are implementing best “This is not the time to delay but practices and will do everything we to be proactive because timing is can to keep them safe.” everything in disease intervention and Saint Michael’s has created special sometimes that timing can be a matter units for COVID-19, ensuring non of life and death,” Dr. Shaaban said.

COVID-19 patients remain in a separate Dr. Shaaban said he understands unit. The hospital also has a transitional some people may not want to come floor for patients awaiting test results. to a hospital over concerns that they Saint Michael’s patients will be could be exposed to COVID-19, but, screened and tested for COVID-19 he said, patients can be assured that 48-72 hours prior to elective surgery they are safe at Saint Michael’s. even if there are no signs of infection.

Saint Michael’s, which is owned by All of the hospital’s healthcare Prime Healthcare, received an “A” workforce are tested as well.

Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog “We are committed to being vigilant Group, the fourth period in a row it has in our fight against COVID-19 and its achieved the top distinction. The hospital evolving impact, and ensuring that Saint also received Patient Safety Excellence Michael’s is a safe places for patients, Award from Healthgrades, the leading providers and staff,” Dr. Shaaban said. online resource for information about www.thepositivecommunity.com

Don’t put your healthcare on hold any longer.

We’re here for you What we’re doing to keep patients safe Saint Michael’s Medical Center resumed elective surgery on May 26. With the lifting of the restrictions, please feel free to reach out to your physician to schedule face-to-face appointments and elective surgeries at the hospital. Be assured that patient safety remains our number one priority, and we have worked hard to ensure that our patients, staff and physicians continue to feel safe in the hospital at all times.

SPECIALIZED UNITS

We have created separate units for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, as well as a transitional floor for admitted patients awaiting test results.

TESTING

We’re testing all patients admitted to the hospital even if there are no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Our healthcare workforce is also being tested to protect patients.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

We’re continuing to adhere to established protocols for PPE use to safeguard healthcare workers and patients from virus exposure.

111 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102

973-877-5000

Our Safe Care Promise Englewood Health understands many people in our community may have safety concerns about coming to the hospital. Patient safety is our top priority, now and always.

To keep all our patients, visitors, and team members safe, we are: � Enhancing our cleaning and disinfecting protocols following CDC guidelines � Screening everyone who comes into our facility for symptoms and risk factors and requiring masks � Separating COVID-19 patients from other patients � Limiting face-to-face contact through the use of online check-in and check-out, video visits, and staggered appointment times

We look forward to caring for you.

Learn more about our Safe Care promise at englewoodhealth.org/safecare

SPECIAL SECTION

™

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

June 2020

thepositivecommunity.com greaterharlemchamber.com

greaterharlemchamber.com

Harlem Reset

!

A Community in Crisis Resumes Its Journey “Movement of the People” Harlem School of the Arts

Lowes Mixed Use Development

Manhattanville: Columbia University

The New Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture

HARLEM HEROES: HEALING HARLEM

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

37

Message from the President

By Lloyd Williams, President and CEO, GHCC

A

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t this extraordinary time in the history of America and, in fact, the entire world, our communities averted attention in the middle of “the pandemic within the pandemic.” America is being torn apart by the seemingly neverending pandemics of institutional racism, police brutality, and the continued assassination of people of color, black men in particular.

As we mourn the deaths of tens of thousands of people of color across the nation due to COVID-19, we stop grieving for our family members and divert our pain and suffering to the other “pandemic within the pandemic.” Nonetheless, thanks and gratitude have always been the key to our survival, so we thank the first responders, the new essentials, and the scientists and doctors who give us the necessary and most relevant facts.

We thank the elected officials who have worked directly with the Chamber and provided support, counsel, and leadership in the government circles: NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo; NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio; Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.; US Congressmen Adriano Espaillat, Gregory Meeks, and Hakim Jeffries; NY State Senators Brian Benjamin and Robert Jackson; NYS Assembly member Inez Dickens; and NY City Councilmembers Mark Levine and Ben Kallos.

And, where would Harlem be without the heroic, dedicated medical practitioners, nurses, doctors, and administrators at our public hospitals— Harlem Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital, Lincoln Hospital, and private hospitals such as Mt. Sinai, Columbia Medical, and NY Presbyterian? Profound thanks to them for their continued service.

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The Positive Community June 2020

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce has partnered with community-based organizations NAACP, National Action Network, Harlem Arts Alliance, HARLEM WEEK, One Hundred Black Men, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, and West Harlem Assistance Group. We have benefited significantly from the educational support, assistance, and expertise received from The City College of New York, Columbia University, and Touro College for Osteopathic Medicine.

With the encouragement of all of the above, our efforts to raise support resources through the Chamber’s “Support Harlem Now” GoFundMe initiative (Phase I—March, April, May) has been dramatically successful. Since the pandemic hit New York, we have fed hundreds of thousands of senior citizens, needy families, and homeless men, women, and families suffering from the ever-growing food desert in New York City.

Our hunger relief partners are led by Rethink Food NYC, West Harlem Assistance Group, Salem United Methodist Church; supported by contributions from Cabot Creamery, Hormel Foods, and New York Road Runners; with assistance from Greater Harlem Development Corporation. We have also provided thousands of PPE supplies and meals for first responders at hospitals and police precincts.

We thank every single person who supported and contributed to our efforts. Your ongoing support is necessary as we enter Phase II (June, July, August). Neither COVID-19 nor the challenges presented by racism, America’s original infection, will end soon. There is much more to do. If we don’t support one another, we cannot, nor should we expect anyone else to do so.

I respectfully close giving special recognition and thanks to the tireless daily efforts to combat the crises of the moment made by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce team: Patricia Ricketts, Voza Rivers, Winston Majette, Clayton Banks, Marko Nobles, and Irene Gandy with strong support from Michele Scott, Temple-Jene Fleming, Melissa Skinner, Linda Walton, Donna Walker Kuhne, Dietrice Bolden, and Valorie Williams. www.thepositivecommunity.com

We Salute Harlem Heroes We thank and salute those listed below who have been particularly supportive of the Chamber’s efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Upper Manhattan.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Noel Manyindo, NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene Kevin Matthews, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Hon. H. Carl McCall, Former NYS Comptroller Hon. Rueben McDaniel, Dormitory Authority of the State of NY Hon. Gregory Meeks, US Congressman Dr. Leon Merrick, Office of Leon Merrick, DDS Luis Miranda, Hispanic Federation Athena Moore, Manhattan Borough President Office Rev. Marvin Moss, Salem United Methodist Church Shailagh Murray, Columbia University Marko Nobles, HARLEM WEEK Donald Notice, West Harlem Group Assistance Dr. John Palmer, John Palmer Associates, Inc. Betty Park, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Hon. David Paterson, DAP Strategies LLC Sally Pinero, MetroPlus Health Plan Charles Powell, Greater Harlem Housing Development Corp.

Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater Foundation Eric Pryor, Harlem School of the Arts Michael Pugh, Carver Federal Savings Bank Malcolm Punter, HCCI Hon. Charles Rangel, Former US Congressman Patricia Ricketts, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Dr. Enrique Riggs, Office of Enrique Riggs, DDS Voza Rivers, Harlem Arts Alliance Valorie Roberson-Williams, HRT Events & Activities Dr. Karl Rodney, NY Carib News Tony Rogers, Urbanolgy Systems Jackie Rowe-Adams, Harlem Mothers SAVE Vicky Schneps, Schneps Media Dr. Talya Schwartz, MetroPlus Health Plan Michele Scott, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network Joel Silvestri, Fox 5 Melissa Skinner, Culture Spheres Cynthia Smith, WBLS-FM Ken Sunshine, Sunshine Sachs Charlie Sutton, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Michael Sutton, Infrastructure Engineering Elinor Tatum, NY Amsterdam News Hon. Al Taylor, NYS Senate Assemblymember Hon. Milton Tingling, West Harlem Development Jonathan Tisch, Loews Hotels & Resorts Matthew Trebek, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Hon. Cyrus Vance, NY County District Attorney Donna Walker-Kuhne, Walker Communications Group Linda Walton, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Charles Warfield, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Lee Weiss, Elevate8 Addiction and Wellness Center Sylvia White, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Lateef Ade Williams, Apollo Theater Paul Williams, Esq.,Williams Strategy Advisors LLC Mark Willis, Esq., New York University Cheryl Wills, NY-1 Karen Witherspoon, The City College of New York Hon. Keith Wright, NY County Democratic Party Dr. Maurice Wright, Harlem Hospital Center Tim Zagat, Zagat Guide

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Hon. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Curtis Archer, Harlem Community Development Corporation Barbara Askins, 125th St. Business Improvement District Clayton Banks, Silicon Harlem Robin Bell-Stevens, Jazzmobile Hon. Brian Benjamin, NYS Senator Courtney Bennett, One Hundred Black Men of NY Hon. Gregory Bishop, NYC Small Business Services Dietriece Bolden, Impact Repertory Theater Rochelle Boone, NY-1 Dr. Vincent Boudreau, The City College of New York Herb Boyd, NY Amsterdam News Hon. Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President Office Len Burnett, Jr., HARLEM WEEK Barbara Burwell, HARLEM WEEK Imhotep Gary Byrd, WBLS-FM Gregory Campbell, Rainmaker, LLC Hon. Marco Carrion, NYC Community Affairs Adrian Council, Sr., The Positive Community Hon. Andrew Cuomo, NYS Governor Dr. Joan Dawson, HCCI Darwin Deen, CUNY Medical School Rev. Jacques DeGraff, Friends of Harlem Hospital Hon. Anne Del Castillo, NYC Office of Media & Entertainment Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President Hon. Inez Dickens, NYS Assemblymember Skip Dillard, Emmis Communications Rev. Dennis, Dillon, NY Christian Times Fred Dixon, NYC & Company Dr. Hazel Dukes, NAACP New York State Conference Blair Duncan, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Richard Eaddy, Esq., NYC Planning Commission Hon. Adriano Espaillat, US Congressman Dr. Icilma Fergus, Mt. Sinai Hospital Charles Flateman, Shubert Organization Temple-Jene Fleming, Harlem Chamber of Commerce Dr. David Forstein, Touro College Jeff Foxx, WBLS-FM Irene Gandy, HARLEM WEEK Michael Garner, One Hundred Black Men of NY Belinda Gordon-Brown, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Michael Hardy, Esq., National Action Network George Harrell, Community Board 10 Cicely Harris, Manhattan Community Board 10 Sandra Harris, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Bill Hurley, Greater Harlem Housing Development Corp.

Hon. Robert Jackson, NYS Senator Princess Jenkins, The Brownstone Padmore John, NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene Matthew Jozwiak, ReThink NYC Hon. Ben Kallos, NYC Councilmember Louis Katsos, Jekmar Associates Kenneth Knuckles, Esq., NYC Planning Commission Kay Lawrence, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Hon. Mark Levine, NYC Councilmember Deon Levingston, Radio One Antwan Lewis, NY-1 Dr. Flora Luyando, Flora Healing Winston Majette, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

39

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce responds to COVID-19

SPECIAL SECTION

By Herb Boyd

H

ARLEM WEEK is a nationally renowned cultural celebration which has gained global recognition. But that significant event, like so many commercial, entertainment, and cultural activities, has been put on hold by the novel coronavirus pandemic COVID-19. The disease may have stifled The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce’s (GHCC) HARLM WEEK schedule for this summer, however, the Chamber, in its inimitable Harlem style, has found another way to exercise its creativity and ingenuity—helping and rescuing our besieged communities!

In partnership with ReThink Food NYC and Salem United Methodist Church, GHCC initiated a daily food distribution program to feed seniors, families, and the homeless. “Since we began this service we have doubled the 500 meals originally provided and now serve well in excess of 1,200 persons daily from Tuesday through Saturday at Salem Church at West 129th St. and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.,” said GHCC President Lloyd Williams. Expanding its network of partnerships with West Harlem Group Assistance supported by Cabot Creamery and Hormel Foods, pre-packaged food and pantry items are now being distributed to residents of our neighborhood affordable housing complexes from the Chamber’s commercial space on W. 135th Street.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) has increased, prompting the Chamber to join with City College of New York President Vincent Boudreau in the distribution of gloves, gowns, and masks to Harlem Hospital Center.

Connecting Communities

Having a partnership with Silicon Harlem already in place was advantageous in providing vital communica-

Immediate Action

GHCC’s response to the pandemic is nearly as wide-ranging and diverse as the social, cultural, and economic outreach programs it creates and launches each year. Almost immediately upon the spread of the virus, GHCC took action—preparing alerts, and posting important information on its website. A GoFundMe campaign, SUPPORT HARLEM NOW!, was launched and has raised considerable funds to assist the impoverished and underserved in Harlem, the vast majority being people of color who tally disproportionately with infections, deaths, collapsing businesses, and unemployment.

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The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Second Harlem Renaissance

The Chamber is in the process of forming a second Harlem Renaissance Commission with such prominent members as former Governor David Paterson, former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Harlem School of the Arts President Eric Pryor, President/Publisher NY Amsterdam News Elinor Tatum, NAACP NY President Hazel Dukes, One Hundred Black Men of New York President Michael Garner, Hispanic Federation Chairman Luis Miranda, and institutions such as Columbia University and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This distinguished panel of prominent business, civic, www.thepositivecommunity.com

Visit greaterharlemchamber.com/GoFundMe to make a donation of any size. It will be very much appreciated and used to benefit many in need.

educational, religious, and arts and culture leaders will enhance GHCC’s support and assistance to the beleaguered small business community and arts and cultural institutions and strengthen the future growth of Harlem. These are just a portion of the programs and initiatives currently underway at the Chamber. A full complement of its activities can be accessed on the website.

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tion tools to connect seniors, students, hospitals, and those confined in shelters. Always current and innovative, Silicon Harlem (led by its creative Co-Founder and CEO Clayton Banks) has stepped up its connectivity and digital literacy with a variety of new devices and platforms.

As a result of the Silicon Harlem/GHCC partnership, over 1,300 vulnerable households and residents of NYCHA have access to the internet.

Still, there are countless numbers of students who must participate in distance classes, but are lacking the critical tools of communication. The Chamber is asking those with used or new tablets or computers to donate them to students and residents unable to afford them.

In conjunction with the effort to improve and expand the dispersal of information to the community, the Chamber is currently in collaboration with a number of media outlets and on-air personalities at Columbia University, hospitals, and radio stations such as WBLS-FM, WLIB-AM, and WHCR-FM The Chamber produces several programs on WHCR (Harlem Community Radio), which broadcasts from The City College of New York. Hosts include Imhotep Gary Byrd, Voza Rivers, Lloyd Williams, Clayton Banks, and Vincent Boudreau.

Important updates are also shared with various print publications, notably the NY Amsterdam News, NY Christian Times, NY Carib News, The Positive Community, and Schneps Media.

Moving Ahead

“This novel coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow to just about every walk of life, every industry, business enterprise, cultural entity, and most alarmingly to those most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved in our community,” stated Lloyd Williams. “We intend to do all we can to help those in need, and that list seems to grow with each passing day. Along with this commitment, we extend our prayers and good wishes.

This is not first time we have been imperiled with such a catastrophe and certainly it will not be the last. So, join us as we continue to bring our skills and resources to minimize COVID-19.” He continued, “We offer our heartfelt appreciation to those who have already contributed to and given support to combat the effects of this terrible disease. We ask that you contact the Chamber at 212.862.7200 to share your thoughts, recommendations, and questions and invite your support and assistance. Visit greaterharlemchamber.com/GoFundMe page to make a donation of any size. It will be very much appreciated and used to benefit many in need. Please stay safe, healthy, and in good spirits.”

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Support and Invest in Our Own Communities, Here’s Why:

By Lloyd Williams, President and CEO, GHCC

O SPECIAL SECTION

ne of the stark and most transparent messages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is that it is abundantly important to have well-established banking relationships in your own communities. These business and personal interactions should not only be with one of the major banking giants, such as Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and Capital One. Still, most importantly, you should have an account with your local community bank —Carver Federal Savings Bank, Popular Bank, or others.

The recent government stimulus funding debacle dramatically demonstrated the need to establish such business relationships. Many hundreds of billions of dollars for PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans and grants theoretically earmarked to assist and support small businesses and local not-forprofits did not get to the ones needing them most.

A vast majority of local businesses, churches, and not-for-profit community-based organizations found out very quickly they were deemed less than a priority to the major banks they had historically dealt with and loyally supported. They discovered that the presiding officers at their local branch of the mega-financial institutions had little or no access to the decision-makers at corporate headquarters—despite these same, loyal customers having banked there for years, and in some instances, decades.

The lack of access to and respect from the larger financial institutions shows that we must support local financial institutions to increase our economic value and attain the related respect the local business community’s customer base deserves.

You may recall the theme from the television show Cheers—“you want to go where everybody knows your name.” Carver, for example, has seven branches in New York City, predominantly servicing communities of color—four branches in Brooklyn, one in Queens, and two branches in Harlem.

Encouraged by the Chamber, many of the loyal, local customers rejected or ignored by the big financial institution they had been banking with for years went directly to Carver, even if they were not Carver

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customers. Carver professionals went above and beyond to assist with applications for PPP loans and grants, as did Popular Bank.

On behalf of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, I give special thanks and recognition to Carver Federal Savings Bank President Michael Pugh and his extraordinary team. They stepped up to support our businesses and local not-for-profits in Queens, Brooklyn, and Harlem during these most challenging of times.

We strongly advise, invite, and encourage businesses, professionals, community-based organizations, churches, and others to open accounts at Carver Federal Savings Bank, Popular Bank, and other locally-based banks servicing your immediate community as soon as possible.

Let’s not be caught unprepared for the next time. There will be a next time. Count on it. We need to bank with community-based financial institutions. By so doing, we will be creating local jobs and local stability, as well as garnering respect for you as a customer.

For more information on Carver Federal Savings Bank, contact Dannette Sullivan-Hyatt at Sullivan-Hyatt@carverbank.com and visit carverbank.com.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CARVER BANK

MICHAEL T. PUGH

President & CEO

As the President & CEO of the largest African- and Caribbean-American managed bank in the United States (founded in 1948 during the civil rights movement), we understand firsthand the importance of listening to voices in the community and why conversations must take place to foster respect for all people.

The Carver team remains committed to doing our part to advocate for equality and to lead with service and dignity in the neighborhoods we serve.

We remain committed to serving our communities and continue to focus on solutions to support your banking needs.

Carver has taken proactive steps to ensure that you have access and convenience.

This includes: • 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint Network • Online account opening, now available in eight states, including New Jersey • Seven full-service branches in Harlem, Brooklyn, and Queens with 24/7 ATMs Our commitment to small business entrepreneurship remains firm, as evidenced by our recent participation in the Paycheck Protection Program. This program is available through the Small Business Administration and federal stimulus initiatives. We have contributed to the preservation of more than 3,300 jobs and provided $32MM in access to capital for small businesses in the communities we serve during COVID-19.

To our customers, community partners, and colleagues, please remain safe and healthy as we strive to get through these challenging times together. We remain here for you!

Sincerely,

Michael T. Pugh President and Chief Executive Officer Carver Federal Savings Bank

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Co nversations

Considering the rash of Coronavirus-related Bigotry An online discussion of the Columbia University Mailman Community

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Raygine DiAquoi

Robert Fullilove

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s the COVID-19 pandemic continues, scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have been examining its spread and ways to prevent new infections. At the same time, the school is tracking a parallel epidemic in racism and xenophobia directed at people of Asian heritage and other minority groups.

During a recent virtual discussion moderated by Assistant Dean of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion Raygine DiAquoi, faculty members Robert Fullilove and Merlin Chowkwanyun examined the scope of the current problem alongside its historical precedents, while identifying potential avenues to combat hateful remarks and behavior.

Even before the first cases of the virus spread to the United States, Asian-American communities in New York City and across the country had experienced increased racism and xenophobia. According to U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), over 1,000 hate crimes have been reported against Asian-Americans since early March, including verbal attacks, physical assaults, and other crimes. This week, the FBI re-

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The Positive Community June 2020

Merlin Chowkwanyun

leased a warning that a surge in hate crimes against Asian and Asian-American communities was likely, endangering the safety of these communities.

In the recent online discussion open to the Columbia Mailman School community, Fullilove and Chowkwanyun began by noting that the COVID-19 racism and xenophobia have deep roots in American history. An edited and condensed version of their exchange follows: DiAquoi: What does history tell us about the anti-Chinese rhetoric associated with the COVID-19 pandemic?

RF: (Robert Fullilove): Legislation throughout history has reflected anti-immigrant and anti-Asian sentiment in the United States. In the 19th Century, when there was a rapid growth of the population through immigration, legislation like the “Anti-Chinese Exclusion Act” and Japanese internment during World War II has shown how policies reflected the “othering” of Asian-Americans. www.thepositivecommunity.com

MC: (Merlin Chowkwanyun): In the 19th century, there were similar views that Chinese immigrants on the West Coast spread tuberculosis, smallpox, and other diseases. There were racist characterizations of the habits of “outsiders”: the belief they were dirty, reckless, lived in unhygienic ways, ate strange things, and so forth. People perpetuated the ideas that immigrants were virulent vectors of disease. This rhetoric is not new.

MC: The anti-Chinese rhetoric has been occurring over the last couple decades as China has risen in the global economic configuration. In the last few years, it’s been even more ramped up with aggressive trade wars and tariff policy aimed at China. This sentiment has trickled down into the rhetoric around COVID-19.

DiAquoi: HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECTED OTHER MINORITY COMMUNITIES? MC: We have seen a lot of anti-immigrant rhetoric in the past few years, especially directed at Latinx communities. This pandemic is also affecting economically marginalized populations. Workers without health benefits can’t afford the hospital care required if they get sick, and there’s a lot of uncertainty over how paying for COVID-19 treatment will occur.

RF: There is a lot of worry among undocumented people about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and whether it is safe to be tested. This community has already suffered. Now they are not www.thepositivecommunity.com

DiAquoi: WHAT CAN WE DO TO COMBAT RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA? RF: We’ve been seeing the “FAR syndrome”—fear, anger, and resentment. People are worried that there will be economic havoc and want someone to blame. However, this is a unique opportunity for us to come together.

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RF: The labeling of this pandemic as the “Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus” reinforces xenophobia. As in the past, the nation is as much about fear and blaming instead of how to combat this pandemic.

getting tested because of the fear that they might be deported.

MC: In the academic community, we have the privilege of having a certain legitimacy. We should use those alphabets behind our names to dispel myths about the virus and use that extra legitimacy to combat racist and xenophobic beliefs, just as people did during the HIV/AIDS crisis. New York City and Mailman have long been a locus of public health reform.

We should also remember that there has always been tension between universities and the surrounding communities. We shouldn’t just assume that what we think is best is what’s actually best for those affected by something like xenophobia. Public health professionals ought to always proceed with a generous dose of humility and listen to people other than those who look, talk, and act like ourselves.

RF: Too often, problems are siloed with identity politics where one marginalized group is concerned with their own situation, less so those of other groups. This approach is not going to work in a global pandemic. We need to create solidarity beyond our own public health community.

Through participating in the Civil Rights movement, I’ve lived it and seen that it can happen.

We’re in the right place, this is the right time, and in the public health community, we have the right troops to promote unity and fight back against racism and xenophobia.

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Everyone Needs a Connection!

By Clayton A. Banks, Silicon Harlem CEO

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he COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on the importance of technology and exposed the lack of technology in Harlem households. Forty percent of households in Up-

per Manhattan are not internet-connected and many don’t have an actual laptop or tower computer. It is neither efficient nor practical to only have a mobile phone. In 2020, all households should have a computer and a robust internet connection, not only for entertainment purposes, but because digital literacy is critical for people to participate in the digital economy, continue their education, and manage their health.

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) in collaboration with Silicon Harlem has created

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an initiative to address these inequities. Through our Support Harlem Now! GoFundMe campaign, we have attracted over $150,000 in resources. Especially during this pandemic, online resources are an essential part of life, so a large percentage of those resources has already been allocated to provide computers, hotspots, and digital literacy to the most vulnerable people that need to be connected in order to meet basic needs.

To date, GHCC and Silicon Harlem have positively impacted more than 50 households and are equipped to service over 150 additional locations. We’ve also distributed devices to people in need such as families with school age students, senior citizens in public housing, teachers, language challenged families, and others.

Seeing how COVID-19 has impacted the world, we are preparing our community for future instances where they might have to stay home, and we’re giving them the ability to remain connected, productive, and positive. This is not a fleeting effort. The Chamber and Silicon Harlem have been actively providing digital literacy to our community for over five years and are committed to raising digital literacy everywhere, but especially here at home.

The heart and soul of Harlem resonates across the world as does New York City. We must continue to embrace and support the creativity, courage, and pure grit of our community to ensure everyone is connected.

Please support our efforts to bridge the Harlem digital divide by visiting www.greaterharlemchamber.com and contributing whatever you can to our GoFundMe campaign. For information or recommendations call 212-862-7200 or email info@greaterharlemchamber.com.

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The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Supporting Our Community In light of recent events, Columbia University has created two new funds to support our neighbors.

Fight Hunger in Upper Manhattan The Columbia Neighbors Food Relief Fund is bringing together the extraordinary resources of the Columbia community to heighten awareness, raise funds and deploy resources to address food insecurity in Upper Manhattan. Every dollar donated to the fund through the Medical Center Neighborhood Fund and the Columbia Community Service Food Relief Project will be used to support the program.

Learn more at neighbors.columbia.edu/foodrelief

Emergency Loan Fund for Small Businesses Columbia University is announcing the creation of the Columbia Emergency Loan Fund for Small Businesses, a relief program that will disburse working capital to assist Upper Manhattan small businesses struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Low-interest loans will be available to help small-scale manufacturers and businesses that need to pivot their offerings in response to COVID-19.

Learn more at neighbors.columbia.edu/smallbusinessloans

neighbors.columbia.edu | 212.854.5915 | @NeighborsHub

Wear The Positive Community Close to Your Heart Visit our Website and click on the T-Shirt banner to purchase your T-Shirt .com

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The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

JOHN M. PALMER, PH.D. POINT OF VIEW

Is the Country Reopening on Our Backs?

W

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Health authorities have known the poor health status of people of color for years. Maybe they felt helpless to make a concrete difference in the feared outcome.

LESSONS LEARNED:

What if the folks most at risk had been warned from the beginning—black and brown people with multiple comorbid health challenges who live in overcrowded conditions with no substantial way to finance the self-enforced quarantine or avoid places where social distancing is virtually impossible? In addition, if they had established the first testing sites in the neighborhoods and nursing homes of the most at risk, might we be looking at a different outcome? Well, we may have another chance to protect the black and brown people of this city who continue to fear for their lives.

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ell, if you thought the confusion was over or about to sort itself out, remember who we are dealing with and think again. We are in June and the President has rejected his own disease fighting agency’s reopening plan; while back at home, our Governor’s “Phased Reopening” (soft plan or something like that ) sounds like a business reopening from an expected hiatus—nice and easy. NOT! HELLO, this is supposed to be the rest of our life reopening!

The healthcare system in this city has been decimated, the professional healers are demoralized, and the people of color fear for their lives and the lives of their families. How about “Lessons Learned from the Pandemic and How They Will Change our Lives for the Better” as a preamble to “Phased Reopening”?

On March 14, 2020, I sent an email to WBLS radio announcing the high risk of people of color in NYC contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus. As a board member and co-chairperson of the Health Committee of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, this notice had been given there earlier. I have now been credited with being ahead of the city, state, and federal government in predicting the health disaster of the century for people of color.

My prediction came from seeing the last 20 years of data most health professionals and high-ranking officials in this city have also seen. AFTER WUHAN AND ITALY THEY KNEW IT WAS COMING. By April 14, 2020, the federal government had admitted the disastrous impact the coronavirus was having on American people of color. At the time the numbers swirling around this issue were staggering—70 percent of the deaths in New Orleans, 60 percent of the victims in Chicago, and almost 60 percent of the dead in NYC were identified as people of color. Sadly, they are worse now.

In hindsight, perhaps the delay in admitting the fears they had to be harboring were tied to the fear and guilt of the knowledge of health disparities in this country.

DON’T REOPEN ON OUR BACKS.

• Make sure we ALL have the protections (PPE), modeling, and predictions we need going forward to avoid or at least accurately predict the second wave’s appearance.

• Ensure all school-age children have the necessary equipment to fully participate in the learning enterprise and communicate their concerns (internet, laptops, tablets, etc.).

• Announce changes to facilitate family contact during hospitalization. iPads or portals should be available for all patients.

• Assure that no family member will be told their relative’s status is “unknown.” His or her presence or absence in a healthcare or assisted living facility will be established and reported in a timely fashion.

• Neither finally nor lastly, patient and family complaints regarding medical care during the fury of the pandemic should be reviewed as soon as possible to find discernible patterns of outstanding or substandard care to be replicated or eliminated.

June 2020 The Positive Community

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The “New Normal” A Prestigious Commission Is Created to Move Harlem Forward SPECIAL SECTION

By Lloyd Williams, President, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and 2nd Harlem Renaissance Commission Co-Founder

O

ne hundred years ago, an explosion of black culture—manifested in literature, music, stage performance, art, dance, education, and sports—began to take place in the section of New York City called Harlem. Lasting roughly from the 1920s through the early 1950s, the period known as the Harlem Renaissance is considered the golden age of African American and Caribbean American culture. Harlem became the Black cultural mecca and capital of Black America.

Outside economic factors, nationally and internationally, led to a massive population boom in Harlem beginning in 1910. By 1920, some 300,000 African Americans from the South had moved north in a surge labeled the Great Migration. Harlem was one of the most popular destinations for these families.

They were joined by thousands of Caribbean immigrants from Jamaica, Barbados, Panama, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other islands.

American-born intellectuals like W.E.B DuBois and Alain Locke along with Caribbean-born migrators such as Marcus Garvey and Claude McCay from Jamaica, fueled the Renaissance. Their outspoken theories of racial equality and nationalism gave participants great pride in and control over how the black experience was represented in American culture. Among those helping to produce the transfor-

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The Positive Community June 2020

mation with their undeniably exceptional talent and skills were novelists Nella Larson and Zora Neale Hurston; artists Romare Bearden and Augusta Savage; musicians Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald; poets Langston Hughes and Georgia Douglas Johnson; journalists and historians Arturo Schomburg, and Countee Cullen; and World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis, to name a few.

2nd Harlem Renaissance

The COVID-19 virus has had a dramatically disproportionate impact on communities of color nationwide. The devastation to the citizens of Harlem is extraordinary both in terms of lives lost and the economy. Collectively, we must plan for the recovery and future of our beloved Village of Harlem, as opposed to having others plan for us—which far too often has been the case—with ensuing disastrous results.

One hundred years later, what Harlem needs is another renaissance. The 2nd Harlem Renaissance Commission has been formed to lead the way. We are pleased former NY State Governor Hon. David Paterson has stepped up and agreed to serve as chairperson. The Commission’s distinguished co-chairpersons are NY City Planning Commission Vice Chairman/former CEO of UMEZ Kenneth Knuckles, Esq.; Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce www.thepositivecommunity.com

Small’s Paradise circa 1946

The goal of the Commission is to leave a viable blueprint for generations to come and focus on what is now being defined as the “new normal” connected to transportation, housing, education, training, community development, technology, bridging the digital divide, health preparedness, the “new essentials,” etc.

Noticeably different from the first Harlem Renaissance, there are already now, and will be more brick and mortar foundations for the 2nd Harlem Renaissance Commission to build around. Many are underway including Columbia University’s West Harlem Manhattanville Educational Development (sections already completed); the Victoria multi-use development on West 125th Street, which includes a Marriott/Renaissance hotel, residential apartments, cultural and retail components (nearly completed); Strivers Gardens mixed-use complex on W. 135th Street including 170 international award-winning condominium units and 48,000 square feet of commercial space with a bank, pharmacy, restaurant, etc. (already completed); the new Studio Museum in Harlem (under construction) on West 125th Street, which will be an international magnet showcasing artistic creations; development of a new Harlem School www.thepositivecommunity.com

of the Arts on St. Nicholas Avenue and 142nd Street (nearly completed). Other new developments scheduled to break ground in 2020–2022 include the National Action Network’s Civil Rights Museum on W. 145th Street, and the Harry Belafonte Cultural Center on W. 110th Street.

Other distinguished members of this historic Commission include Former US Congressman Hon. Charles B. Rangel; Former NY State Comptroller Hon. H. Carl McCall; City College of New York President Dr. Vincent Boudreau; NY Amsterdam News Publisher Elinor Tatum; Carver Federal Savings Bank President Michael Pugh; Zagat Guide Founder Tim Zagat; NYC & Company Chairman Charles Flateman; Columbia University Executive VP Shailagh Murray; Furman Center-NYU Fellow Mark Willis, Esq; One Hundred Black Men of NY President Michael Garner; Jazzmobile Executive Director Robin Bell-Stevens; NYC Planning Commission Board Member Richard Eaddy; Harlem Arts Alliance Chairman Voza Rivers; Schneps Media President Victoria Schneps; Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement Chairperson Dr. Joan Dawson; The Brownstone Owner Princess Jenkins; Emmis Communications General Manager Skip Dillard; Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Dr. David Forstein; West Harlem Development Corporation Chairman Judge Milton Tingling; New York County Leader (D) Hon. Keith L.T. Wright; DASNY President Rueben McDaniel; Hispanic Federation Chairman Luis Miranda; Williams Strategy Advisors Managing Director Paul Williams, Esq.; and Sunshine Sachs Founder Ken Sunshine.

An immediate dual charge to both the Short Term and Long Term Task Forces is the need to deal with important quality of life issues including technology, development, green spaces, parks, pollution, public safety, climate change issues and more.

For more information on the Commission please contact Patricia Ricketts at 212.862.7200 or via email pricketts@harlemdiscover.com.

Look forward to hearing more about the Commission. We need and welcome your participation, thoughts, and recommendations.

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Vice President/former JPMorgan Chase Senior VP Patricia Ricketts; and Jekmar Associates President/ former Tishman Construction COO Louis Katsos.

Executive Members are Silicon Harlem CEO Clayton Banks, and NAACP NYS Conference President Dr. Hazel Dukes.

The Commission is working simultaneously on a two-pronged focus: 1. To concentrate on the SHORT TERM (rapid response) that will dedicate its mission to deal with multiple ongoing crises including health disparities, small businesses, education challenges, our youth in crisis, unemployment, technology deficiencies, etc.; and, 2. To concentrate on the LONG TERM “Imagineering” now needed to deal with the future more effectively.

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Celebrating…

CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic in collaboration with MetroPlus Health Plan is proud to present its annual award to these distinguished honorees for the

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Thomas Alva Pemberton

Maria Roz Olatunji was born in Ottos, St. John’s of Antigua & Barbuda, near one of the 365 pristine beaches. Ms. Olatunji migrated to Brooklyn, New York in the late 1960’s.

She was educated at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FTI), Manhattan Community College, and Queens College.

Thomas Alva Pemberton hails from the beautiful and tranquil Caribbean island of Saint Kitts & Nevis. Mr. Pemberton is a graduate of Bronx Community College, Lehman College, and the Cruise Line Academy, where he obtained the highest certification. He is also the President/CEO of TDE Tours Connection Inc.

Ms. Olatunji is an ardent community activist and serves on the Board of Directors of the Antigua & Barbuda Progressive, the oldest national organization in the tristate area for over 12 years. She has also actively served the Ifetayo Culture Academy, Park Slope Food CoOp, and Saint Paul’s Court Tenants Association.

Mr. Pemberton is also the President of TAP & QA Asthmatic Association, whose fundamental objective is to ameliorate the lives of children suffering with asthma. He also serves as a Diaspora Affairs Officer for Saint Kitts & Nevis, performing consulate services.

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Photos: Seitu Oronde

L–R: Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr and NAN Founder Rev. Al Sharpton

L–R: Rev. Al Sharpton and Sylvia’s Restaurant President/CEO Kenneth Woods

Sylvia's and National Action Network Feed the People of Harlem

T

he National Action Network (NAN) has been distributing food since the middle of March.

Rev. Al Sharpton was on hand for the meal distribution on May 24, from noon to 4pm when NAN expanded their meal distribution in partnership with CARE at Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem.

Sylvia’s and NAN staff continued their efforts to provide food to frontline health workers and vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 in the Bronx and Harlem. The CARE packages included meals and pantry items from the Sylvia’s nationally distributed food product line.

THANK YOU

HEALTHCARE HEROES & FIRST RESPONDERS 54

The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

STANDING STRONG with you and for you.

AMIDA CARE is here for you, as always.

When you’re ready, our free/low-cost Medicaid health insurance gives you access to:

A large network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, dentists, and more Treatment and preventive care for a safe, healthy sex life, including PrEP and ARVs Health advocates to help you every step of the way Help with housing referrals, job training, and other support programs

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Contact us for confidential answers: 1-855-GO-AMIDA (1-855-462-6432), TTY 711 www.AmidaCareNY.org Amida Care complies with Federal civil rights laws. Amida Care does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-556-0689, TTY 711. 注意：如果您使用繁體中 文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-556-0689, TTY 711.

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June 2020 The Positive Community

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Harlem Hospital Heroes NYC Health + Hospitals

C

o n v e r t e d i n t o a C OV I D - 1 9 E m e r g e n c y Response Operation, essential workers, nurses, doctors, technicians, of all kinds celebrities, politicians, and others have stepped up to supply much needed encouragement, support, and funds to help Harlem Hospital “We have experienced a level of expansion and transformation to our daily operations. We strategically determined ways to source and effectively use personal protective and medical equipment. Working globally as a system and locally as a hospital, we employed every effort to provide heroic healthcare workers on the front lines with everything they needed to feel safe, secure, and supported so they could focus on providing care to our patients,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Eboné M. Carrington. “Our planning also ensured that staff knew the importance and necessity of caring for themselves. To this end, we have received such an outpouring of support from near and far.”

“We were pleased to provide meals to strengthen the hospital as the teams work round the clock. The hospital’s physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff have been strengthened and encouraged by the support that they have received from people from around the world during this difficult time,” said Rev. Jacques DeGraff. “Our providers have been on the front lines delivering services to the community who need and deserve extra care, they deserve our gratitude and appreciation.”

Ms. McCray is joined by Chief Executive Officer Ebone M. Carrington, MPA, FAB and Chief Nursing Officer Keisha-Ann Wisdom, RN for the endearing salute to healthcare professionals on the frontlines.

New York City First Lady Chirlane MCCray joined CEO Ebone M. Carrington as they clapped to show their appreciation of all the essential healthcare workers on the front lines providing care

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The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Owner Roman Grandinetti and Chef Jose Vasquez of Regina’s Grocery served the staff meals donated by Rapper ASAP Ferg

Rapper ASAP Ferg donated over 500 meals to front line workers

Senator Brian Benjamin provided a $50,000 grant from Fairstead, a leading real estate company, to purchase needed medical supplies. The $50,000 will provide pulse oximeters and BiPAP machines as well as PPE equipment for the frontline workers

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Artist Julius Dubose, known as Rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, partnered with VOSS to donate over 1,000 bottles of water

After a heartwarming interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes featuring Melba Wilson from Melba’s Restaurant of Harlem, Gayle King, co-Host of CBS This Morning, donated 1,000 meals for essential medical, maintenance, and support staff who have been on the frontlines supporting Harlem residents.

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Harlem Hospital Heroes A Special Mother’s Day Celebration

Volunteers hand out gift bags Chef and restaurant owner Melba Robinson, Enid Espinosa, World Central Kitchen volunteer, and Rev. DeGraff

M

ay 10, 2020 was made a little happier for some Harlem mothers by Friends of Harlem Hospital. Led by the organization’s chairman, Rev. Jacques DeGraff, the special Mother’s Day celebration gave love, support, and appreciation to essential workers --moms who could

A Djembe Orchestra featuring world-class Drummer Atiba Wilson

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The Positive Community June 2020

Photos: Bruce Moore

New York City Firefighters help to spread joy

not spend the day with their children due to their work on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic were treated to delicious food, an assortment of gift-bags filled with goodies from generous sponsors, and entertainment.

The moms thankfully accepted new smocks provided by fashion icon Dapper Dan. Aided by members of the New York City Fire Department, Broadway Actress Enid Espinosa, the Djembe Orchestra featuring drummer Atiba Wilson, volunteers from World Central Chefs, and Melba’s Restaurant, at Harlem Hospital mothers found joy in spite of the pandemic. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Built to serve: An Intersectional Approach 211 W147th Street Co-op

Clients wait in line for food distribution

WHGA Exec Director Donald C. Notice

A

Another delivery from WHGA

fter COVID-19 first struck New York City, West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. (WHGA) stepped up as part of Harlem’s first line of defense. Since 1971, the organization has supported Harlem residents in the face of challenging living experiences. Today, almost 50 years later, WHGA stands ready to serve. COVID-19 has devastated developing communities. Data shows that public and affordable housing communities in NYC have been the worst affected. Nonetheless, the crisis has propelled WHGA to act strategically, think critically, and harness all available resources to create impact in a myriad of ways.

WHGA and affiliate sites have implemented virtual wellness checks as part of their programming in order to assess and address resident and client needs including rental issues, financial literacy, and education for school-aged children. “During this time of uncertainty, continuous outreach and engagement is needed to continue to build community and instill a sense of normalcy in the midst of this crisis,” said Stacey Cohen, director of Program Operations, Social Services Department, Randolph Houses.

However, WHGA’s impact extends beyond its clients. The CfHF (Communities for Healthy Food) at WHGA program, which was introduced in 2014 to address food insecurity in the community, has been mobilized as one of 20 Community Response Partners with the Food Bank for NYC. At the CfHF at WHGA relief hub, residents gain unrestricted access to

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The Positive Community June 2020

Client receiving fresh meal at CfHF food hub

frozen and dry foods, personal protective equipment, baby food, cleaning supplies, and fresh meals served daily in collaboration with Red Rabbit. A New York Times poll shows that 50 percent of NYC residents now worry about food access.

Due to this sharp increase in food insecurity, the food hub has recorded service to over 130,000 clients since opening, with service to a record-breaking 12,000 clients in April 2020. The site now runs on an extended schedule, including priority time slots for the elderly and the differently abled.

WHGA was formed to empower residents to gain access to affordable, decent, and safe housing in Harlem. The organization has developed over 1,800 housing units to date. Despite drastic changes to the industry’s operations during COVID-19, WHGA continues to uphold its core mission and will open one of its newest rehabilitation projects, 211 W147th Street, this summer — making additional affordable housing units available for low- and middle-income residents.

“It has been challenging to maintain continuity while fulfilling our duties. COVID-19 came as a big speed bump in our ongoing quest to revive, rejuvenate, and reinvest in a Harlem that was critically underserved for years,” Donald Notice, WHGA executive director shared. “However, we keep working and we continue to assess the residents’ needs through heightened outreach efforts which we will optimize to create more results.

It is important to underscore COVID-19 slowed our journey to upliftment, but it did not stop it.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

HCCI Food Giveaway Empowers Harlemites

H

arlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) partnered with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams to feed Harlem seniors living at the Victory One Senior Housing Development in Harlem. HCCI President Dr. Malcolm A. Punter joined NYS Assemblywoman Inez E. Dickens and friends to distribute the much-needed and generous food donation made by Borough President Adams.

Photos: Bruce Moore

HCCI President Dr. Malcolm A. Punter

L–R: A Brooklyn Borough representative, Honorable NYS Assembly Inez E. Dickens, her guest, and HCCI Pesident Dr. Malcolm A. Punter

The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone proudly salutes The Positive Community and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce’s “Harlem Heroes” Initiative.

UMEZ provided technical assistance to small businesses applying for the Paycheck Protection Program and granted a payment moratorium to its current small business borrowers.

UMEZ also established a cultural aid relief fund to provide funding to eligible cultural organizations. In addition, cultural organizations with existing direct grants from UMEZ were granted modifications to create flexible funding throughout the life of their grants.

UMEZ is committed to helping our community reach its potential and assisting businesses and cultural nonprofits get through these uncertain times. www.umez.org @umez_dc www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

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HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. 256 West 153rd Street, New York, NY 10039 • (212) 281-4887 Tel • (212) 281-8102 Fax • www.hcci.org

PUBLIC STATEMENT - JUNE 4, 2020 Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) stands with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Abery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, countless others killed by police officers, and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

OFFICERS Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D. Chairperson of the Board Rev. Keith W. Roberson, M.Div. First Vice Chair Mr. George H. Weldon, Jr. Second Vice Chair Rev. Shepherd Lee, Sr. Third Vice Chair Rev. Eva G. Duzant Treasurer Imam Talib Abdur Rashid Corporate Secretary Rev. John L. Scott, M.Div., Ed.D. Assistant Secretary Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., MBA President & CEO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rev. Deacon Rodney Beckford Rev. Dr. Kimberly Holmes, Esq. Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter Rev. Gregory A. Merriweather, Jr. Ms. Virginia M. Montague Rev. Nigel Pearce, D.Min. Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell Ms. Debra Washington, MBA FRIENDS OF HCCI Frank C. Babb, M.D. Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Rev. James A. Kilgore Ms. Sandra Oby Imam Izak-El Mu’eed Pasha Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr. CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Rev. Charles A. Curtis, M.Div., Ed.D. TRUSTEE EMERITUS Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington FOUNDING EXECUTIVE MEMBERS (In Memoriam) Rev. Dr. Edward E. Johnson Bishop Norman Quick Bishop Roger Rhoss Rev. Dr. Adolph Roberts Bishop Preston R. Washington, Sr. Rev. Canon Frederick B. Williams Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker

Born out of the Civil Rights movement, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) was established in 1986, not only to help redress the structural inequalities that plagued the lives of Harlem's primarily Black residents, but also to address the long standing neglect of a community of African Americans who were denied basic and essential services such as garbage collection, adequate access to health care, pharmacies, healthy food choices, social services, clean streets, and general quality living conditions.

HCCI’s goal was to heal a community that was left even more devastated by the riots of 1968, the crack epidemic, and Harlem's battle with the spread of HIV/AIDS. Formed by a group of local clergy HCCI emerged, providing needed affordable housing, job training, health and wellness services and youth development. Our goals were and are to redress the effects of systemic racism by rebuilding communities, and empowering residents.

We are led by men and women of faith, who have seen times like these before, people who -- with grit, temerity, and the Grace of God -- have overcome adversity, and emerged victorious. Out of the ongoing protests we see a new generation of leaders emerging. HCCI embraces and wholly supports them, because they are our youth, our children, regardless of race or color of skin. They are young people with a conscious and a desire for the fair application of justice and peace. They are fighting for us all. We pray that they will be safe, wear masks, and avoid provocateurs.

In August, 1963, Dr. King said, “ I have a dream… where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.“ HCCI and you are witnesses of that dream beginning its manifestation. The marches we are now experiencing across this country represent people of all nations answering the call of Dr. King’s dream. Of course, there are always interlopers, the looters, and the larger system of institutional racism. These elements will not succeed.

While the struggle for equality continues to be fought on many fronts: in the streets, courtrooms, class rooms and in our homes, HCCI will continue to play its role as a community builder and healer. As we work in partnership with local leaders, law enforcement and elected officials to improve the lives of our residents, we implore them to listen to the cries of our youth and community.

Because in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Social justice and progress, are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention.” MLK

Joan O. Dawson, PhD Chairperson of the Board Office of Health & Wellness Strategies (212) 283-5266 PH (212) 283-2697 FAX

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The Positive Community June 2020

Office of Real Estate Development (212) 281-4887 PH (212) 281-8102 FAX

Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D President & Chief Executive Officer Office of Equitable & Human Capital Development (212) 281-4887 PH (212) 281-8102 FAX

HCCI Computer Clubhouse (212) 281-4887 PH (212) 281-8102 FAX

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Baptist Church Christ Jesus Church, Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church* United Methodist City Society St. John’s Baptist Church* Church of theBaptist Intercession Harlem Tabernacle Church NewSinai Ebenezer Baptist Church St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Inc. of Mt. Pisgah New Mt. Zion Baptist Church Deliverance Temple of Faith Macedonia Baptist Church LaGree Baptist Church New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Convent Avenue Baptist Church* St. John Pentecostal Church, Inc. St. St. Luke Luke Baptist Baptist St. Church Luke Church Baptist Church St. Luke Baptist Church New Hope Community Church Church on the Hill AME Zion Healing From Heaven Temple Macedonia Macedonia Pentecostal Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Pentecostal Church, Inc. Inc. Church, Inc. Old Broadway Synagogue Emanuel AME Church Old Old Broadway Broadway Old Synagogue Synagogue Broadway Synagogue Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc. Emanuel Emanuel AME AME Emanuel Church Church AME Church St. John JamesPentecostal Presbyterian ChurchInc. Mt. Zion Christ Temple Baptist Church Greater Zion Baptist Church Lutheran Church United Moravian Church St. Church, Church on Emanuel Healing From Hill Heaven Temple New Hope Community Church the Hill AME Zion St. Luke Baptist Church St. Episcopal Church, Inc. Old Mt. Broadway Synagogue AME Church Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc. Macedonia Baptist Church New Zion Baptist Church Deliverance of Faith of Mt. Pisgah New Calvary Baptist Church Convent Avenue Baptist Church* LaGree Baptist Church St. Joseph’s John’s Church theTemple Intercession Harlem Tabernacle Church NewMt. Ebenezer Baptist Church of Mt. Baptist Pisgah Church* LaGree Baptist Church New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church ConventofAvenue Baptist Church* St. Luke Baptist Church Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc. Old Synagogue Emanuel AME Church St.St. Episcopal Church, Inc. New Mt. Zion Baptist Deliverance Temple of Faith Faith Macedonia Baptist Church St.Joseph’s John Pentecostal Church, Inc. Church on Healing From Heaven Temple NewBroadway Hope Community Church theTemple Hill AME Zion Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Inc. Macedonia Baptist Church New Mt. Zion BaptistChurch Church Deliverance of St.St.Luke Baptist Church of Mt. Pisgah Old Synagogue Emanuel Avenue AME Church Church Macedonia Pentecostal LaGree Baptist Church Church, NewBroadway Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Convent Baptist Church* Luke Baptist Church Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc. Inc. Old Broadway Synagogue Emanuel AME St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Inc. Macedonia Baptist Church New Mt. Zion Baptist Church Deliverance Temple of Faith St. Luke Baptist Church Macedonia Pentecostal Church, Inc. Old Broadway Synagogue Emanuel AME Church

JOAN JOAN JOAN O.O.JOAN DAWSON, DAWSON, O. DAWSON, DAWSON, O. DAWSON, PH.D. PH.D. PH.D. PH.D. MALCOLM MALCOLM MALCOLM MALCOLM A.A.PUNTER, PUNTER, PUNTER, A. PUNTER, ED. ED. D. ED. D.D.ED. D. D. JOAN O. PH.D. MALCOLM A.A. PUNTER, ED. Chairperson Chairperson Chairperson Chairperson the the ofBoard the Board ofBoard Board thePH.D. BoardPresident President President President &&CEO &CEO CEO &A. CEO JOAN O.ofof DAWSON, MALCOLM PUNTER, ED. D. Chairperson of the President &CEO JOAN O. DAWSON, PH.D. Chairperson of the Board

MALCOLM& A. PUNTER, ED. D. President CEO

EMPOWERING EMPOWERING EMPOWERING EMPOWERING HARLEMITES HARLEMITES HARLEMITES JOAN O. PH.D. EMPOWERING HARLEMITES MALCOLM PUNTER, Chairperson of the HARLEMITES Board JOAN O. DAWSON, DAWSON, PH.D. President &A.A. CEO MALCOLM PUNTER,ED. ED.D.D. EMPOWERING HARLEMITES Chairperson ofofthe Board REBUILDING REBUILDING REBUILDING REBUILDING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES President Chairperson the Board REBUILDING COMMUNITIES President&&CEO CEO EMPOWERING HARLEMITES REBUILDING COMMUNITIES EMPOWERING HARLEMITES EMPOWERING HARLEMITES REBUILDING COMMUNITIES Victory Victory Victory Plaza Victory Plaza Plaza Senior Senior Plaza Senior Housing, Housing, Senior Housing, Housing, Completion Completion Completion Completion Date Date Date 2021 2021 Date 20212021 WWW.HCCI.ORG WWW.HCCI.ORG WWW.HCCI.ORG WWW.HCCI.ORG Victory Plaza Senior Housing, Completion WWW.HCCI.ORG REBUILDING COMMUNITIES REBUILDING COMMUNITIES

Victory Plaza Senior Housing, Completion Date 2021 Victory Plaza Senior Housing, Completion Date 2021 Victory Completion Date Date 2021 2021 Victory Plaza Plaza Senior Senior Housing, Housing, Completion

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HERE FOR YOU

We know how important your health is in the midst of this crisis, and Ryan Health is now offering telehealth visits!

HERE FOR YOU

DO YOU NEED A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER? We We know know how how important important your your health health is is in in the the midst midst of of this this crisis, crisis, and and Ryan Ryan Health is is now now offering offering telehealth telehealth visits! visits!

If you would likeHealth to schedule a telehealth visit with a Ryan

provider, please callCARE 212-749-1820.

DOHealth YOU NEED A PRIMARY PROVIDER?

IfIf you you would would like like to to schedule schedule aa telehealth telehealth visit visit with with aa Ryan Ryan During the COVID-19 crisis,call all212-749-1820. copays and other Health Health provider, provider, please please call 212-749-1820.

patient payments, including for uninsured patients, During Duringthe theCOVID-19 COVID-19crisis, crisis,all allcopays copaysand andother other will be waived for telehealth visits.patients, patient patient payments, payments, including including for foruninsured uninsured patients, will willbe bewaived waivedfor fortelehealth telehealthvisits. visits.

ForFor more information, visit www.ryanhealth.org For more more information, information, visit visit www.ryanhealth.org www.ryanhealth.org

Harlem COVID-19 Testing Site Ryan Center

O

n June 11, at 12:00 p.m., 1199SEIU organized a lunchtime vigil in response to the murders of George Floyd,

Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the many other victims of racial injustice to demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism. Ryan Health stands in solidarity in the fight against systemic racism.

COVID-19 testing sites in Manhattan:

The following is a list of testing sites for either diagnostic swab testing (for those who suspect they are infected) or antibody testing (for those who believe they have already recovered from the virus).

All sites are swab testing sites, unless otherwise noted, and all sites require an appointment. Many walk-in urgent care centers provide testing for those willing to pay a copay. Current as of: 5/18/2020

H&H at Saint Nicholas Houses 218 West 127 St. The site takes walk-ins, but NYCHA residents take priority. (844) NYC-4NYC. Abyssinian Baptist Church (both diagnostic and antibody) 132 West 138 St. (833) 422-7369.

Convent Avenue Baptist Church, 420 West 145 St. (833) 422-7369.

Mount Neboh Baptist Church, 1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (833) 422-7369.

Manhattanville Renaissance Health Center (antibody) 21 Old Broadway. (888) 279-0967.

Somos Community Center 2360 Amsterdam Ave at 177 St. (888) 364-3065.

Bellevue/H&H 462 First Ave., 9 am – 4 pm M-F. (212) 562-5555.

Sydenham/H&H 264 West 118 St., 9 am – 3:30 pm M-F. (212) 932-6500.

Gouverneur/H&H 227 Madison St. 9 am – 3:30 pm M-F. (212) 238-7897.

Ryan Health Center 2381 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 128 St. 9 am – 12 noon; 1 pm – 4:40 pm M-F. (888) 364-3065.

Dyckman Clinica Las Americas 25-99 Dyckman St. at Nagle, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm M-F. (844) NYC-4NYC. Family Health Center of Harlem 1824 Madison Ave. at 119 St., Sat. and Sun. only.

(844) NYC-4NYC. Polo Grounds Towers (NYCHA) readyresponders.com Call (888) 727-7014 for testing appointment.

If you test positive, you may be eligible for a hotel room to quarantine yourself safely. Call (844) NYC-4NYC (844-693-4693) to find out how.

1 Centre Street, 19th floor, NY, NY 10007 (212) 669-8300 431 West 125th St., Storefront, NY, NY 10027 (212) 531-1609    @galeabrewer www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Churches Offer COVID-19 Testing Convent Avenue Baptist Church

C

onvent Avenue Baptist Church became one of the first churches in Harlem to administer COVID-19 and antibody testing when it began offering free tests on May 13. Individuals currently experiencing symptoms were tested and antibody tests were given to anyone who may have been previously exposed to the virus.

Convent Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Jesse T. Williams

Rev. Williams practices social distancing as he waits to be tested Photos: JP Photo Life

Bethany Baptist Church, Brooklyn

I

n an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Department of Health; Northwell Health, Inc.; and Bethany Baptist Church partnered to offer COVID-19 walk-in testing at the church.

L–R: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Bethany Senior Pastor Adolphus Lacey

Rev. Lacey with Northwell Healthcare workers

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In Concert With

PLEASE SUPPORT HARLEM NOW!

To Our Valued Readers:

We want you to know how much we appreciate you and that we now need your help to ensure that Harlem remains the historic and cultural capital of Black America ...world-famous, energetic, pioneering, resilient and ever giving.

With the above in mind, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce in concert with Positive Community and NAACP, continues, as is our responsibility during these most challenging of times, to provide leadership, distribute thousands of desperately needed meals daily, provide technology support to seniors and students, help our small businesses and cultural organizations, and advocate with government officials and corporate America to help those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic [people of color] through our SUPPORT HARLEM NOW campaign!

"WHEN FACED WITH ADVERSITY, PEOPLE OF GOODWILL ALWAYS RISE TO THE OCCASION!" Please help us by spreading the word.

Together, we will overcome again.

We have no other choice.

"IMHOTEP" GARY BYRD DR. HAZEL DUKES HON. DAVID PATERSON

NONA HENDRYX

DOUG E. FRESH

PHYLICIA RASHAD

STEPHANIE MILLS

EARL MONROE

DONATE NOW AT GREATERHARLEMCHAMBER.COM Or please forward a check or money order of any amount to: GHCC COMMUNITY FUND | 200A WEST 136TH STREET NEW YORK, NY, 10030 FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (212) 862-7200

The Way Forward The Survival of Harlem’s Legendary Arts & Culture Scene

By Voza Rivers and Donna Walker-Kuhne

I SPECIAL SECTION

n the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, the new normal is the main topic of discussion among arts and cultural organizations throughout the country. In New York City— the center of the largest arts community in the world—the Broadway community, historic museums, and large nonprofit organizations seek ways to traverse the difficult scenarios brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. While creativity and talent abound, with little access to audiences how can the arts survive?

The Harlem Cultural Collaborative consists of the larger cultural organizations in the community, including the Apollo Theater, Harlem School of the Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Caribbean

The Harlem Cultural Collaborative consists of the larger cultural organizations in the community, including the Apollo Theater, Harlem School of the Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Caribbean Cultural Center, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jazzmobile, The African Center, National Black Theater, Harlem Stage, and Studio Museum in Harlem.

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The Positive Community June 2020

“Out ChOrus”

Romare Bearden

Cultural Center, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jazzmobile, The African Center, National Black Theater, Harlem Stage, and Studio Museum in Harlem. Via regular Zoom conferences, they share ideas and resources.

However, as we know, this pandemic has had an even more severe effect on small organizations and individual artists. They have had to cancel their cultural presentations in nightclubs, art galleries, museums, libraries, schools, theaters, etc.— resulting in professional and personal devastation for many of them.

Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA), an arts service membership organization founded in 2001 and chaired

by Voza Rivers, has cultivated a dynamic membership of artists and organizations based in Harlem, who play an essential role in guarding the reputation of Harlem as the cultural capital of the African Diaspora. HAA is the only arts service organization of its kind in Harlem and through its workshops, seminars, symposiums, and advocacy, has nurtured the artistic growth and development of artists, as well as arts and

Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA), an arts service membership organization founded in 2001 and chaired by Voza Rivers, has cultivated a dynamic membership of artists and organizations based in Harlem, who play an essential role in guarding the reputation of Harlem as the cultural capital of the African Diaspora.

One of HAA’s major roles is advocacy. For several years, HAA participated in Arts Advocacy Day in Albany, NY, bringing busloads of artists to advocate for increased funding and resources for artists of color. So successful were these efforts that in 2006 in partnership with New York City Councilmember Inez Dickens, HAA created Harlem Arts Advocacy Week — the first week in October — and in 2012, expanded the initiative throughout the entire month.

Advocacy, audience development, and tourism are integral to the DNA of HAA. It is apparent during this pandemic HAA continues to play a vital role in supporting, advancing, and sharing much needed resources with the segment of the arts community that may not have access to the kinds of discussions larger organizations are able to facilitate.

We firmly believe the way forward for HAA is through innovative action, powered by our collective conviction that in order for communities of color to maintain their cultural legacy, the arts are essential nutrients.

Call 212.862.7200 or email csutton@harlemdiscover.com to demonstrate your support with funds or other resources.

SPECIAL SECTION

cultural organizations based in upper Manhattan and its surrounding communities.

In collaboration with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Arts & Culture Committee, the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, and Community Boards 9 and 10 Arts & Culture Committees, HAA has initiated a series of virtual town hall meetings sharing strategies that acknowledge and assist in preparing the upper Manhattan arts and culture communities for a sustainable future by engaging public, corporate, and private funders to share resources and inviting government officials to participate and examine how they can increase their resources and guidance.

“As a result of these important conferences we have learned about the many and multiple challenges the individual artists, small, and mid-sized cultural organizations are facing,” explained Chairman Rivers. “Our statistical information projects that up to 50 percent of artists and small not-for profit-institutions that have closed their doors will not be able to open again. Individual artists have no clear sense of when they will be able to perform their work in front of live audiences.”

Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis

Dizzy Gillespie

June 2020 The Positive Community

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Culture

music, art + literature

Dionne Health Warwick Money ideas for wellness

The Legend Continues

I

By Ron Scott had the pleasure of a phone interview with legendary Dionne Warwick in February.

Even over the phone I + waswork somebuiness, finance what nervous talking to this remarkable song stylist, whose voice is so distinctive that within two notes you know—it’s the East Orange, New Jersey legend Dionne Warwick.

I first saw Warwick at the Apollo Theater when I was about 15 years old. I was in awe; that woman’s voice touched my soul with a force that shook my heart. WOW, what a feeling! Seeing andart hearing her on thatof Apollo the + science learning stage was almost like a dream. She looked so elegant on her album covers, wearing exquisitely fitted gowns. The local girls both liked her voice and wanted to mimic Warwick’s style from her hair to her pencil skirts with stockings and nice heels. That was Warwick’s power as a role model in the black community. She walked on stage with such grace, like a floating black angel offering solace in her songs. Her classic style was a signature statement (that also represented black pride and hipness) to its staying power. Some of her iconic gowns are displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and in recognition of her sophisticated style, she was awarded a Golden Camera for Lifetime Achievement and a Glamour Woman of The Year Award Here we are, 58 years later and generations of listeners are still loving and playing her music. Young fans are playing her music with that same inspired enthusiasm that captured so many hearts years ago. “I am honored that the music I sing apparently appeals to everyone,” said Warwick. “I am one of the fortunate few.”

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Aside Aside from from her her distinctive distinctive voice, voice, the the five-time five-time Grammy Grammy award winner had another great asset, dynamic award Aside winner from had her distinctive another great voice, asset, the dynamic five-time songwritsongwritGrammy ers Bacharach and David headquartered in ers Burt award Burt winner Bacharach had another and Hal Halgreat Davidasset, headquartered dynamic songwritin New New York City’s legendary Brill Building, home to music YorkBurt ers City’s Bacharach legendary and Brill HalBuilding, David headquartered home to music in pubpubNew lishers and dozens songwriters.

Warwick noted, lishers York City’s and legendary dozens of of Brill songwriters.

Building, Warwick home to noted, music“They “They pubasked to do records for She was asked me lishers me and todozens do demonstration demonstration of songwriters. records Warwick for them.” them.” noted, She “They was already doing background vocals for other groups in alreadyme asked doing to dobackground demonstration vocals records for other for them.” groupsShe in the was the building when Bacharach taken her buildingdoing already when background Bacharach was was vocals taken forby byother her sound sound groupsand and in felt the felt she to their compositions to to she was building was perfect perfect when Bacharach to record record was their taken compositions by her sound to pitch pitch and felt to record labels. record she waslabels. perfect to record their compositions to pitch to “Don’t Make record “Don’t labels.

Make Me Me Over” Over” in in 1962 1962 kicked kicked off off 18 18 consecuconsecutive Top 100 singles for Warwick.

A few of her chart-toppers tive“Don’t Top 100Make singles Mefor Over” Warwick. in 1962 A few kicked of her offchart-toppers 18 consecuinclude, “Walk on “Message Michael,” ““ Promises include, tive Top 100 “Walk singles on By,” By,” for Warwick.

“MessageAto to few Michael,” of her chart-toppers Promises Promises,” “ Alfie,” “ Say a Little Prayer,” and Never Promises,” include, “Walk “ Alfie,” on By,” “ Say “Message a Little to Prayer,” Michael,” and ““I’ll “I’ll Promises Never Fall in Love Again.”

After 30 hits and close to 20 bestsellFall in Love“ Again.”

Promises,” Alfie,” “After Say a30Little hits and Prayer,” closeand to 20 “I’llbestsellNever ing the “Do You Know to ing albums Fall albums in Lovewith with Again.” the team, After team, 30 “Do hits You and Know closethe the to Way Way 20 bestsellto San San Jose?” won Grammy Award 1968.

“It Jose?” won Warwick Warwick her first first Grammy Award in 1968.

“It ing albums with the her team, “Do You Know the in Way to San was surprising that I won a Grammy for this song,” said was surprising Jose?” won Warwick that Iher wonfirst a Grammy Grammyfor Award this in song,” 1968.said “It Warwick.

“I would with lisWarwick. was surprising “I never never thatthought thought I won aititGrammy would go go forover over thisbig big song,” withsaid listeners.” teners.” “I never thought it would go over big with lisWarwick.

The teners.”

The winning winning concept concept that that made made her her one one of of the the most most popular singers in R&B and pop history was accompanipopular singers in R&B and history was of accompaniThe winning concept thatpop made her one the most ment full aa lush string-section, ment by popular by aasingers full orchestra orchestra in R&Bthat that andfeatured featured pop history lush was string-section, accompaniand bold brass horns.

No other singer in R&B or and bold ment by abrass full orchestra horns. No that other featured singerain lush R&B string-section, or pop pop had had such orchestration at that time.

In a series of trailblazing suchbold and orchestration brass horns. at that No other time.singer In a series in R&B of trailblazing or pop had moments, she the first female moments, such orchestration she became became at that thetime. first African-American African-American In a series of trailblazing female artist to appear before the Queen of England at a Royal artist to appear moments, she became before the first Queen African-American of England at afemale Royal Command Performance.

Her second Grammy followed in Command artist to appear Performance. before the Her Queen second ofGrammy Englandfollowed at a Royal in 1970 for her album, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” and Command Performance. second Grammy followed in 1970 for her album, “I’ll Her Never Fall in Love Again,” and Warwick the first African-American 1970 for became her album, Fall in Love solo Again,” and Warwick became the“I’ll firstNever African-American solo female female artist generation to win award for artist of Warwick of her her became generation the first to African-American win the the prestigious prestigious solo award female for Best Contemporary Female Vocalist.

Best Contemporary artist of her generation Female to win Vocalist. the prestigious award for “I don’t music,” Warwick Best Female Vocalist.

“I Contemporary don’t categorize categorize music,” Warwick explained. explained. “Music “Music is music to me…

My family influenced me the II grew “I don’t categorize music,” Warwickme explained. is music to me…

My family influenced the most. most.“Music grew up around gospel music.”

She began singing gospel as upmusic is around to me… gospel Mymusic.” family influenced She began me singing the most. gospel I grew as aa child at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. child up around at Newgospel Hope music.”

Baptist Church She began in Newark, singing New gospel Jersey. as a Her Warrick, was record producer; her child at NewMancel Hope Baptist Church Newark, New Jersey.

Her father, father, Mancel Warrick, was aain record producer; her mother, Lee Drinkard, managed RCA recording artists Her father, Warrick, was a RCA record producer; her mother, LeeMancel Drinkard, managed recording artists The Singers, gospel group.

These mother, Lee Drinkard, managed RCA recording artists The Drinkard Drinkard Singers, aa family family gospel group.

These varied varied The Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group. These varied

After After six six decades decades she she continues continues to to After six decades she continues to inspire inspire fans fans around around the the world world and and looks looks inspire fans around the world and looks forward forward to to resuming resuming her her residence residence at at forward to resuming her residence at Ceasar’s Ceasar’s Palace Palace in in Las Las Vegas Vegas once once the the Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas once the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic pandemic has has subsided. subsided.

COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.

AA humanitarian, humanitarian, she she feels feels connected connected to to A humanitarian, she feels connected to people people around around the the world world and and has has advoadvopeople around the world and has advocated cated for for global global well-being well-being through through such such cated for global well-being through such efforts efforts as as AIDS AIDS awareness, awareness, The The Starlight Starlight efforts as AIDS awareness, The Starlight Foundation, Foundation, children’s children’s hospitals, hospitals, and and Foundation, children’s hospitals, and music music education. education. music education.

influences influences allowed allowed her her to to reach reach into into multiple multiple genres genres from from her early days in gospel to pop, jazz, and American her early days influences allowed in gospel her totoreach pop, jazz, into multiple and American genresclassic classic from standards. standards. her early days in gospel to pop, jazz, and American classic A standards.

A sensitve sensitve interpreter, interpreter, her her songs songs are are colorful colorful collagcollages that become beautiful masterpieces.

Very few es A that sensitve become interpreter, beautiful masterpieces. her songs areVery colorful few singers singers collaghave that ability, as hear of have es that that become ability, beautiful as one one can canmasterpieces. hear on on her her recording Very recording few singers of the the well-traveled song “The Look of Love.”

Her sultry version well-traveled have that ability, songas“The one Look can hear of Love.” on herHer recording sultry version of the is resonance, some might say the definis aa memorable well-traveled memorable song resonance, “The Look some of Love.” mightHer say it’s it’s sultry theversion definitive version.

As for her ability to turn every song into aa itive is a memorable version. As resonance, for her ability some tomight turn every say it’ssong the into definDionne masterpiece, she says, “It’s a gift and blessing, and Dionne itive version. masterpiece, As for her she ability says, “It’s to aturn gift every and blessing, song into anda the songwriting of the great Dionne greatmasterpiece, songwriting she of Burt Burt says,and and “It’sHal.” Hal.” a gift and blessing, and early theSince Since greatthe the songwriting early 1960s 1960s of she she Burthas has andmore more Hal.”than than 60 60 charted charted hit hit songs, selling over 100 million records.

“It’s a blessing songs, Since selling the early over 1960s 100 million she has records. more than “It’s a60blessing chartedthat that hit people have to my today peopleselling songs, have been been over able 100 ablemillion to enjoy enjoy records. my music music “It’sand and a blessing today they they that still aa strong connection,” said A still feel people feelhave strong been connection,” able to enjoy said myWarwick.

Warwick. music and A humanitarhumanitartoday they ian, she feels connected to people around the world ian, feel still she afeels strong connected connection,” to people said Warwick. around the A humanitarworld and and has advocated for global well-being through such efforts has advocated for globalto well-being through efforts ian, she feels connected people around thesuch world and as awareness, The Foundation, children’s as AIDS has AIDS advocated awareness, for global The Starlight Starlight well-being Foundation, through such children’s efforts hospitals, and education.

She served Ambashospitals, as AIDS awareness, and music music The education.

Starlight SheFoundation, served as as U.S. U.S. children’s Ambassador of Health, appointed in 1987 by President Ronald sador of Health, hospitals, and music appointed education. in 1987 She served

by President as U.S. Ronald AmbasReagan; in acted as aa United Nations Global Reagan; sador of and and Health, in 2002 2002 appointed acted in as 1987 United

by President Nations Ronald Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Ambassador and Organization.

Reagan; and for in the 2002Food acted as Agriculture a United Nations Global Using her activism, sang Using her Ambassador her music music for to the to support support Food and her Agriculture activism, Warwick Warwick Organization. sang on on the charity “We Are the and 1984’s the all-star Using all-star her music charitytosingle, single, support “We her Are activism, the World” World” Warwick and at atsang 1984’s on Live Aid. also made recording history with Liveall-star the Aid. She She charity alsosingle, made“We recording Are the World” history and withatGladys Gladys 1984’s Knight, Elton Wonder with, What Knight, Live Aid. Elton SheJohn, John, also and made and Stevie Stevie recording Wonderhistory with, “That’s “That’s with Gladys What Friends Are For,” the first recording dedicated to raising Friends Elton Knight, Are For,” John, the and first Stevie recording Wonder dedicated with, “That’s to raising What awareness and funds research.

Warwick awareness Friends Are and For,” funds the for for firstAIDS AIDS recording research. dedicated Warwick to noted, raising noted, “helping is most of “helping others awareness others and funds is always always foraaAIDS most essential research. essential part part Warwick of life.” life.” noted, Throughout her career, Warwick has been aa staple “helping others her is always a most essential part of life.”

Throughout career, Warwick has been staple on on television whether Solid or singing familiar television Throughout whether herhosting hosting career, Warwick Solid Gold Goldhas or been singing a staple familiar on TV from the The TV themes television themeswhether from Lifestyles Lifestyles hostingof ofSolid the Rich Rich Goldand and or Famous singing Famous and and familiar The Love Boat. addition to Grammy awards, she’s TV Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous andbeen The Lovethemes Boat. In Infrom addition to her her Grammy awards, she’s been honored with NAACP Image Awards, a star on the Holhonored Love Boat.with In addition NAACP to Image her Grammy Awards, awards, a star onshe’s the been Hollywood Fame, the lywood Walk honored Walk withof ofNAACP Fame, Image the prestigious prestigious Awards, aMarian Marian star onAnderson Anderson the HolAward, and induction into the APOLLO Walk Fame.

Award, and lywood Walkinduction of Fame,into thethe prestigious APOLLOMarian Walk of ofAnderson Fame.

In She’s aa soulful Award, In 2019 2019 and she induction she released released into She’s theBack, Back, APOLLO soulful Walkcollection collection of Fame. of of new music featuring duets with Musiq Soulchild, Tyrese, 2019 featuring she released She’s Back, a soulful collection of newInmusic duets with Musiq Soulchild, Tyrese, Kenny Lattimore, others.

Warwick’s smooth and Kenny new music Lattimore, featuringand and duets others. with Musiq Warwick’s Soulchild, smooth Tyrese, and soothing tones and aa time soothingLattimore, Kenny tones are are familiar familiar and others. and welcoming welcoming Warwick’sat atsmooth time when when and what the world truly needs is love, sweet love — and soothing tones truly are familiar welcoming timethere’s when what the world needs isand love, sweet loveat—aand there’s even of treasured even an what the an update update world truly of her her needs treasured is love,classic classic sweet on love on this this — release. and release. there’s even an update of her treasured classic on this release.

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Rashad Shabazz and Julia Amaker Porterfield

L–R: Siddeeq W. El-Amin, Imam Farid Rasool, Murad Muhammad, Imam Khalil Abdul-Aziz, Wahy-Ud Deen Shareef, and Elihu Bey

L–R: Joan Najeeullah, Angela Shadah, Darnell Holt, and Imam Abdul-Kabir Shamsudeen

Masjidullah’s 50th Anniversary Celebration roud Muslims and enthusiastic supporters attended Masjidullah, Plainfield, New Jersey’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of dedication and service to its community at the Pines Manor, Edison, NJ on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Masjidullah is the oldest Islamic Masjid in the City of Plainfield.

The event began with traditional Salat (prayer), followed by Master of Ceremony Mahdee Najeeullah’s introduction of Resident Imam Khalil Abdul-Aziz, who warmly welcomed all in attendance.

The founding trailblazers honored for Masjidullah’s rich, 50-year history were: Bro. James Ali (deceased), Sis. Reather Ali, Hajji Yusuf Bilal (deceased), Sis. Patricia Bilal (deceased), Bro. Yahya Irshad (deceased), Bro. Dennis X (James) (deceased), Hajji Earnest Shakir, Hajjah Qadriyyah Shakir (deceased), Bro. Saleem Shakir (deceased), sis. Inas Shakir, Hajji Jaami D. Sharif, Hajjah Ummil-Khair Zakiyyah Sharif (deceased), and Bro. Abdul Wali.

Qur’anic recitations and the history of Masjidullah’s Sister Clara Mohammed Weekend School were interesting educational points, highlighted by students of the school presenting an inspiring Qur’anic recitation of the 99 Names of Allah.

City of Plainfield Council President Steve Hockaday, and Plainfield Councilman Barry Goode, Union County Freeholder Rebecca Williams, and NJ Assemblywoman Linda Carter were acknowledged, then presented Resolutions (some posthumously to family) to James and Reather Ali, Hajji Yusuf, Patricia Bilal, Yahya Irshad, Den-

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The Positive Community June 2020

Photos: Karen Waters & Jay Davis

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BY KAREN WATERS, AND HAJJI SIDDEEQ W. EL-AMIN

L–R: Sister Clara Mohammed Students (seated): Hajjah Faheemah S. El-Amin, Instructor Khadijah Lightfoot, and Hajjah Miriam Abdul-Aziz (standing) L-R: Abdoulie Camara, Isa Sharif, Khoudia Thiaw, Ajah Tangidora, Aminah Robinson, Tiguidea Soumare, Asiah Robinson, Mousa Thiaw, and Nadirah Saleem

nis James, Hajji Earnest, Hajjah Qadriyyah Shakir, Saleem and Inas Shakir, Hajji Jaami, Hajjah Ummil-Khair Sharif, and Abdul Wali.

The keynote address was given by Imam Abdul Azeez Manning of Harlem, and the Winard Harper Quintet and DJ George Bilal provided music. This exceptional evening of prayer, recognition, unity, and love closed with continued commitment for spiritual growth and outreach. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Mayor Leads Peaceful Protest March

O

March organizer, Larry Hamm (yellow shirt), People Organized for Progress

“We don’t want to let them change the narrative,” the Mayor said. “We want the focus to remain on police brutality. We want the focus to stay on what happened to George Floyd, not what happened in the streets after.”

At the direction of Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, police presence was minimal during the march,

and Newark officers were present only to direct traffic.

With Newark police supplying traffic control, the marchers, led by Baraka and Hamm, began a slow walk to City Hall, then back again, in a parade of forceful but controlled outrage holding signs and chanting exactly the kind of protest Mayor Baraka and Larry Hamm wanted – peaceful.

Photos: Risasi Dais

n May 30, 2020 a crowd of about 3,500 people gathered at the Lincoln statue in the Essex County Historic Courthouse Plaza as Lawrence Hamm, founder of People’s Organization for Progress (POP) and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka spoke passionately about systemic and endemic police brutality, especially toward black men.

“Newark has been here. For four days in 1967, this city went up in flames,” said Mayor Baraka, “We were injured. And we still haven’t recovered from the wounds socially, economically, or politically.”

In recounting historical police violence against African-Americans, Mayor Baraka explained that police brutality was “deeply personal” to his family.

“There is a famous picture of my father — blood coming down his face, chained to a wheelchair in the hospital,” he said.

“And the cop who clubbed him was a classmate of his at Barringer High.

Mayor Baraka (purple shirt) marches in solidarity with the people www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

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L–:R Congressman Adriano Espiallat, Rev. Jesse T. Williams, Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, Iman Mika 'II Deveau, PhD, and Rev. William Roberson lead Silent March.

UMBA Marches for Freedom Justice, and Equality

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ew York City’s United Missionary Baptist Association of NYC & Vicinity (UMBA) united with faith leaders to march in silence through Harlem Streets and rally in prayer at the State Office Building to demonstrate an outcry for freedom, justice and equality on Sunday, June 7.UMBA represents over 169 congregations in Manhattan, Bronx, and Lower Westchester County. Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe is Moderator. UMBA is an affiliate of the statewide Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY. Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr. of Harlem is president.

L–R: Leaders gather on the steps of Convent Ave. BC before the march

The Punter family: Malcolm, Aarian and their son, Malcolm, Jr.

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The Positive Community June 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos by Raymond Hagans, Bruce Moore, Seitu Oronde

See and hear prayers and speeches online at thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: TPC Publisher, Adrian Council, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Campbell B. Singleton, III, senior pastor, Union Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ

Clergy leaders in a victory salute at rally in front of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, Harlem after the march www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2020 The Positive Community

75

THE BTAPTIST MINISTERS ’ CONFERENCE HE BAPTIST MINISTERS ’ CONFERENCE TOF HE APTIST M INISTERS ’ORK C GBREATER EW YNORK &ONFERENCE VONFERENCE ICINITY THE BAPTIST MNINISTERS ’ CY OF GREATER EW & VICINITY GREATER NEW YinORK VICINITY Organized 1898 OF OF GREATER NEW YORK & V&ICINITY Organized in 1898

Organized in 1898 Headquarters Organized in 1898 Headquarters CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Street,Headquarters New York, NY 10031 420 West 145th Headquarters NewCHURCH York, NY 10031 420 West 145th Street, CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST Reverend Dr. Jessie T.thWilliams, Jr., Host Pastor CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Reverend Dr. Jessie T. Williams, Host Pastor Street, New York, NY Jr., 10031 420 West 145 th Street, Charles A. Curtis, President York, 10031President 420Rev. WestDr.145 Rev. Dr.New Charles A.NY Curtis, Reverend Dr.(201) Jessie T. Williams, Jr., Host Pastor Reverend Dr. Jessie T.616-1289 Williams, Host Pastor (201) Jr., 616-1289 Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President

(201) 616-1289 (201) 616-1289

The Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis The Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis The wholesale slaughter of African Americans came to a boiling point with the May 25 President President The wholesale slaughter African came to boiling point with the Mayblack 25 murderlose of murder GeorgeofFloyd.

NotAmericans only the nation, buta the world The Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis Theofwholesale slaughter of African Americans came towatched a boilinganother point with theman May 25his murder of The Dr. CharlesL.A.Harris Curtis George Floyd.life Notdue only the nation, but therage world watched another black man loseofficers. his life due to the The Rev. Rev. Geraldine President to the unrestrained and racism of several white police George Floyd.

Not only the nation, but the world watched another black man lose his life due to the The Rev. Geraldine L. Harris nd Vice President The of white African Americans came to a boiling point with the May 25 murder of 2President unrestrained ragewholesale andMartin racismslaughter of of several police officers.

The wholesale slaughter African Americans camepolice toisaitboiling point withpsyche the May 25causes murder of Dr. Luther King once asked, “What in the American that us to 2nd Vice President unrestrained rage and racism of several white officers.

George Floyd.

NotKing only once the nation, but the world another blackthat mancauses lose his life due so to the The Rev. Geraldine L. Harris Dr. Martin Luther asked, “What is it inwatched the American psyche us totohate George Floyd.

Not only the nation, butFloyd theonce world watched black man lose his lifesome due the usand The Rev. Rev. Geraldine L. Harris hate so much?”

George was one of“What an another endless succession of blacks, Dr. Martin Luther asked, is it in the American psyche thatunnamed causes to hate so The J. Kelly-Carter Vice President 2ndWendy unrestrained rage andone racism ofKing several white police officers. much?”

George Floyd was of an endless succession of blacks, some unnamed and unknown, but all nd The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter 2 Vice President unrestrainedmuch?” rage andGeorge racism of murdered. several white police officers.

Recording Secretary Floyd was one of an endless succession of blacks, some unnamed and unknown, unknown, but all Dr. Martin Luther King once asked, “What is it in the American psyche that causes us to hate so but all Recording Secretary murdered.

Dr. Martin Luther King once asked,that “What is are it ingood the American psyche causes us to hate so The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter murdered.

While we acknowledge there police officers, toothat often they either much?”

Floyd was one of are an endless succession of too blacks, some unnamed and unknown, While weGeorge acknowledge that there good police officers, oftenunnamed they either succumb tosuccumb the allbuttoall The Wendy Kelly-Carter The Rev. Rev. GregoryJ.Secretary Merriweather Recording much?”

George Floyd was one of an endless succession of blacks, some and unknown, but While weofacknowledge there are good police officers, too often theythe either succumb to the thepeers pressure peers who orthat fear that those commit powerful The Rev. Gregory Merriweather murdered.

Recording Secretary pressure of their or fear their that those commit suchwho atrocities andsuch the atrocities powerful and police unions thatpolice Corresponding Secretary murdered. pressure of their peerstheir orthat fear that are those who commit such atrocities and the powerful police unions that Corresponding Secretary While we acknowledge there good police officers, too often they either succumb to the unions that defend actions, no matter how outrageous.

Now is the opportunity to make the their actions, no matterthat howthere outrageous. is the opportunity to they makeeither the reforms thattohave The Rev. Gregory MerriweatherdefendWhile we acknowledge are how goodNow police officers, too often succumb the long defend their actions, no matter outrageous.

Now is the opportunity to make the reforms that have long The Rev. Gregory Merriweather pressureWe of their peers or fear that those who We commit such atrocities and powerful police unions that The Rev. Dr. Edgar W.Secretary Howard Corresponding reforms that have long been needed. no longer tolerate thetheshielding of thecommit prior record been needed. can no longer tolerate the shielding ofcan theatrocities prior record of officers who peers or fear that those who commit such and thepolice powerful police unions that The Rev. Dr. Edgar W. pressure Howard of their Corresponding Secretary been needed.

We can no longer tolerate the shielding of the prior record of police officers who commit Financial Secretary defend their actions, no matter how outrageous.

Now is theunions opportunity to make the reforms that have long or tolerate unions that defend them. of police officers who commit offenses, tolerate that defend Financial Secretary offenses, their actions, no matter how outrageous.

Now isorthe opportunity to make the them. reforms that have long offenses, orcan tolerate unions that defend them.

The Rev. Dr. Edgar W. HowarddefendBlack been needed.

We nothe longer tolerate the shielding ofpeople thethat prior record of police officers who commit Lives Matter and world now realizes that all are of high value in thevalue economy of Black Lives Matter and the world now realizes all people are of high ininthe The Rev. Dr. Edgar W. Howard been needed. We can no Lives longerMatter tolerate thethe shielding of the prior record policeare officers commit The Rev. Dr. Jannie L. Poullard Financial Secretary Black and world now realizes that allof people of highwho value theeconoeconomy of offenses, or tolerate unions that defend them.

The Rev. Dr. Jannie L. Poullard God. Let us not forget, or become lethargic and let this moment to demand reform pass.

Financial Secretary my of God. Let us not forget, or become lethargic and let this moment to demand reform Assistant Financial Secretary offenses, or God. tolerate unions that defend them. lethargic and let this moment to demand reform pass. pass.

Let us not forget, or become Black Lives Matter and the world now realizes thatinall peoplebut arein ofother high areas value that in the economy of Assistant Financial Secretary The moment to make positive change now—not policing need The Rev. Dr. Jannie L. Poullard moment to make change isonly now—not onlyofinin policing ininother that Black LivesThe Matter and the world nowisrealizes that all people are high valuebut in economy of moment makepositive positive now—not policing butthe otherareas areas that need The Dr. Jannie L. Poullard God. Let us The not forget, orto become lethargicchange and unemployment, letisthis momentonly to demand reform pass. housing, board representation, etc.

The Rev. Rev. Robert Jones, Jr.Secretary revisiting—education, Assistant Financial God. Let us not forget, or become lethargic and let this moment to demand reform pass. need revisiting—education, housing, board representation, unemployment, etc. revisiting—education, housing,change board isrepresentation, unemployment, etc.

The Secretary Rev. Robert Jones, Jr. Assistant Financial The moment to make positive now—not only in policing but in other areas that need Treasurer Let not settle for a little, when we need a lot. only in policing but in other areas that need Theus moment to us make now—not Treasurer Let us not notpositive settle forchange alittle, little,is when weneed needunemployment, lot.

Let settle for aboard when we aalot. revisiting—education, housing, representation, etc.hopefully the world will The Rev. Robert Jones, Jr. We thank God that what was meant for evil, God has used for good, and revisiting—education, housing, board representation, unemployment, etc.

The Rev. Rev. Robert Jones, Jr. We thank God that what was meant for evil, Godhas has usedfor forgood, good,and andhopefully hopefullythe theworld world will The Patricia Moore-Cooks We thank God that what was meant for evil, God used Treasurer Let us not settle for a little, when we need a lot. never be the same.

The Rev. Patricia Moore-CooksLet us not settle for a little, when we need a lot.

Treasurer Assistant Treasurer never be the same. will never be the same.

We thank God that what was meant for evil, God has used for good, and hopefully the world Assistant Treasurer The Covid-19 Pandemic had a devastating effect black Americans.

The loss the of life haswill takenwill We thank God that what has was meant for has on used for good, and hopefully world The Rev. Patricia Moore-Cooks The Covid-19 Pandemic hasevil, hadaGod adevastating devastating effect onblack black Americans.The The lossofoflife life has taken never be the same.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has had effect on Americans. loss The Rev. PatriciaHolland Moore-Cooks some of our best talent and eroded our political potency. While some are racing back to church, the beach, The Rev. Isaiah Assistant Treasurer never be the same. some of our best talent and eroded our political potency.

While some are racing back to church, the beach, The Rev. Isaiah Hollandoutdoor dining, Assistant Sergeant Treasurer The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a devastating effect on black Americans.

The life has taken has taken some ofhas our best talent and our political While someloss areofracing back etc.

IPandemic believe this ishad unwise and willeroded increase the loss of potency. life.

Assistant at Arms Covid-19 a devastating effect on black Americans.

The loss of life has taken outdoor dining, etc.

I believe this is unwise and will increase the loss of life.

Assistant Sergeant at Arms The of to our best talent and eroded ourdining, political are and racing back to not church, theofbeach, The Rev. Isaiah Holland Isome believe, aschurch, Christian people, wepolitical should continue takeWhile our from Calvary Hill, Capitol theeroded beach, outdoor etc.potency.

ItoWhile believe thisorders issome unwise will increase the loss some of our best talent and our potency. some racing back tofrom church, the beach, The Rev. Isaiah Holland I believe, as Christian we should continue toare take ourlife. orders Calvary Hill, not Capitol outdoor dining, etc. Iguidance believe this ispeople, unwise and willtoincrease the loss of Assistant Sergeant at Arms Hill. We must seek God’s regarding our return church life as we have known it. life. outdoor dining, believe thisGod’s is unwise and will increase loss to of church life. life as we have known it.

Assistant Sergeant at Arms Hill.etc.

WeI must seek guidance regarding ourthe return

I believe, as Christian people,us, weinshould continue to“Trust take our orders from Calvary Hill, notand Capitol writer Proverbs encourages Proverbs 3:5-6: in the Lord withfrom allHill, thine heart; IThe believe, aspeople, people, we should take our orders Calvary Hill, IThe believe, asof Christian we should continue take our to orders from Calvary not Capitol writer ofChristian Proverbs encourages us, to incontinue Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the known Lord with all thine heart; and Hill.

Wethine must seek God’s guidance regarding our return to church life asHeweshall have it.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and direct thy path.” lean not unto own understanding. not Capitol Hill.

We seek God’s guidance regarding ourwereturn to church as we have Hill. We must seek God’s guidance regarding our return life as have known it. allto thychurch ways acknowledge Him, and Helife shall direct thyand path.” lean not unto thine ownmust understanding.

The writer of Proverbs encourages us, inInProverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; The writer of Proverbs encourages us, in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and known it. lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.” all thy ways Him, and He in shall lean not unto thineThe own understanding. writer of ProverbsInencourages us,acknowledge in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust thedirect Lord thy withpath.” all thine

heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.”

Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor Rev. Baptist Dr. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor Mount Olivet Church Mount Olivet Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, Pastor Lenox Avenue Rev. Dr.201 Charles A. Curtis, Pastor 201 Lenox Avenue Mount Olivet Baptist Church New York, NY 10027 Mount Olivet Church New York, NY 10027 201Baptist Lenox Avenue 201 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10027 New York, NY 10027 Conference Mailing Address Mailing Address Rev. Dr. CharlesConference A. Curtis, President Rev. Dr. Charles A.Address Curtis, President Conference Mailing Mount OlivetMailing Baptist Church Conference Address Mount Olivet Baptist Church Rev.201 Dr.Lenox Charles A. Curtis, President Avenue Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President 201Baptist Lenox Avenue Mount Olivet Church NewOlivet York,Baptist NY 10027 Mount Church NY 10027 201 New LenoxYork, Avenue 201 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10027 New York, NY 10027

It appears that reckoning is upon us. The compounding issues of a global viral pandemic, an imploding economy, and escalating white violence on black and brown bodies tear away at a long-fractured society

BY JOSIE GONSALVES FACILITATOR, WRITER AND SPEAKER ON RACIAL JUSTICE; NONPROFIT EXPERT, AND ADJUNCT

Insights from Reverend Johnnie Green in the Mecca of Blackness

H

e is Reverend Johnnie Green, pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York which proudly proclaims, “We are a church in the heart of the village, and the village is in the heart of our church.”

Rev. Green sits at a core intersection of extended bourgeoning America: the Black Church. This cornerstone of America has long been at the forefront of the struggle, forcing white America to wrestle with its 400-year-old philosophy and manifestations of white supremacy.

As defined by Professors Anthea Butler and Jonathan Walton, the Black Church is widely understood to include seven major black Protestant denominations: National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.(NBC); National Baptist Convention of America (NBCA), Progressive National Convention (PNC), African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), and Church of God in Christ (COGIC).”

“The Black Church is the center and circumference of the black community,” said Reverend Green, who is part of a coalition called the Mobilized Pastors and Communities (MPAC), an ecumenical organization for social justice. This network of churches and communities stretches www.thepositivecommunity.com

across the U.S.A.in metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, and New York City. MPAC is grounded in a deep and abiding commitment to the philosophy of social justice; such is the long tradition and moral imperative of the Black Church.

Rev. Green recognizes holding such a central positionobligates him [and his fellow clergy] to raise a loud and mighty voice drawing attention to the profound economic devastation and social dislocation that defines the experiences of the overwhelming majority of black and brown in this country. “America is built on inequities,” he stated. “It is failing to live up to the tenets of the Declaration of Independence. There must be a necessary reckoning and reimaging of America so that it can live up to its ideals.”

It appears that reckoning is upon us. The compounding issues of a global viral pandemic, an imploding economy, and escalating white violence on black and brown bodies tear away at a long-fractured society. The effects of COVID-19 reveal the grave racial disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes for black and brown citizens.

More black and brown citizens are contracting and dying of COVID-19 than their white counterparts, according to

the early data from the Centers for Disease Control. Over 41,000,000 people have filed for unemployment insurance as the economy continues to contract, and state and local governments grapple with limited responses to protect citizens from the pandemic. The unemployment numbers for black and brown Americans are at pre-recession numbers far—higher than for white Americans, and could reach close to 20 percent by the end of summer 2020. As the nation struggles with the consequences of a failed market structure and social safety net, police brutality has amplified the economic and health crises facing black and brown people. The lynching of George Floyd by the knee of a white police officer brought millions of people around the world into the streets in a single human cry for justice.

This moment beckons a concrete black agenda that is transformative, comprehensive, and systemic. The social and political awakening of those waging a social justice call to action tells us to heed the cry. For Rev. Green, the time is now. "A black agenda must include everyone at the table, or it will fail as it has in the past. We must improve the black economic landscape before we can advance and that demands inclusion of all black people. And, yes, the Black Church is integral to that agenda.”

June 2020 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

The Last Word

thepositivecommunity.com

BY R.L. WITTER

June 2020

Vol. 20 No. 3

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

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

Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie Derrel Jazz Johnson g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance

Photographers

Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr.

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC

Production Assistant April Davis

The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 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 CommunityTM its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

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The Positive Community June 2020

2020 WILL NOT BE LOST

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eing a full-time germophobe and part-time introvert have likely made social distancing easier for me than most, but as we approach July, I’m feeling it.

My husband and I are privileged to both be working from home.

The days basically blend together with the exception of our Sunday evening drive where we attempt to watch the sunset.

We miss people. We longingly remember when Saturday was the banner day of the week. Morning chores led to an afternoon movie, then evening brought food, friends, and fun.

The other day I realized the last time I carried a purse was in February when I saw a play with my four favorite girlfriends. It was last time we saw each other in person. Our March outing, canceled; two of us celebrated our birthdays in April and while I truly enjoyed the online afternoon tea party, it definitely wasn’t the same. Three of our group of five celebrated birthdays in June, but we couldn’t have the fancy brunch we had planned.

Easter passed and it was just the two of us at the table. Mother was supposed to come for a visit in April, but that couldn’t happen.

Hubby planned to cook for her, spoil her, and show her the sights.

I was looking forward to playing Scrabble and washing and styling her hair. We didn’t get to see each other for Mother’s Day or Memorial Day. Unless there’s a cross-country road trip in the near future, it’ll be fall before we can sit on the couch in our pajamas and drink our morning coffee.

Thus far 2020 seems to be a lost year. Many lost jobs, loved ones,

And to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all of the others who didn’t and will not make it through 2020: you may have lost your lives, but you aren’t lost. You will be remembered as the sparks that lit the flames we’re fanning. and time with our loved ones. Weddings are postponed, funerals take place online, and yet thousands of people protest in the streets in the midst of a pandemic because too many lives are already at risk due to police brutality, hatred, and systemic racism. And in this time of loss and uncertainty, those people are a huge part of why I haven’t lost my faith.

I don’t want to “go back to normal” when the pandemic is over. I pray we’ll take with us and remember the quiet moments of reflection, the kindness of others, and bravery of those who are endeavoring to bring about a new normal where black lives will matter and things will be different. And to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all of the others who didn’t and will not make it through 2020: you may have lost your lives, but you aren’t lost. You will be remembered as the sparks that lit the flames we’re fanning. www.thepositivecommunity.com

If it were up to me, we’d have all the healthcare we need.

The 2020 Census informs funding for walk-in clinics, Medicare and all types of health services. Rest assured your answers are safe and secure.

Learn more at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

Thank You For Your Historic LEADERSHIP President National Action Network NATIONAL LEADERSHIP & SPOKESPERSON CRISIS@NATIONALACTIONNETWORK.NET

Governor of New York State COVID-19 NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GOVERNORCUOMO@EXEC.NY.GOV

NYS Senate Majority Leader (D) LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT & LEADERSHIP SCOUSINS@NYSENATE.GOV

President NAACP New York State Conference REGIONAL LEADERSHIP & SPOKESPERSON NAACP@NYSNAACP.ORG

Members and Associates of the following organizations: NAACP, National Action Network, Omega Psi Phi, 100 Black Men NY, NY Urban League, Coalition of Historical Black Colleges & Universities, Congressional Black Caucus, HARLEM WEEK, Key Women of America, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, NABOB, The Deltas, Prince Hall Masons, African American Day Parade and The Links, proudly salute and give recognition to 10 outstanding New Yorkers who, over the most challenging past months, have provided leadership, vision, and direction.

During those months, they have weathered the converging and unprecedented multiple historic crises of the COVID-19 Pandemic, National Demonstrations against systematic racism, police brutality and murder, divisiveness triggered by the upcoming November National Elections, challenges to the important 2020 Census, historic state & federal Legislative action, record unemployment, national hunger, the closing of small businesses, and many other issues. Throughout these most critical of times, New York has benefitted greatly from the leadership provided in many of the above referenced categories by 10 special New Yorkers who we wish to acknowledge and also give them support and encouragement to remain strong and steadfast.

U.S. Congressmember (Queens) NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP GREGORY.MEEKS@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV

Brooklyn Borough President POLITICAL ACTION & LEADERSHIP EADAMS@BROOKLYNBP.NYC.GOV

Publisher NY Christian Times CENSUS 2020 LEADERSHIP REVDADILLON@ICLOUD.COM

Manhattan Borough President POLITICAL ACTION & LEADERSHIP GBREWER@MANHATTANBP.NYC.GOV

IN CLOSING, WE INVITE EVERYONE TO STAND UP AND PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND MUCH NEEDED UNITY. IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN? President The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce ORGANIZATIONAL/CIVIC LEADERSHIP LWILLIAMS@HARLEMDISCOVER.COM

www.greaterharlemchamber.com | SUPPORT HARLEM NOW

President. 100 Black Men of NY CIVIC LEADERSHIP MGARNER@OHBM.ORG