Spring 2020

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ Spring 2020 thepositivecommunity.com

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SPECIAL SPRING EDITION NEWARK MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA RESPONDS TO COVID-19 CRISIS

MENTORING CARES DR. ROBERT GORE: MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL JOURNEY OF THE BLACK EXCELLENCE GALA

Leading the Way Pastor Edward Harper

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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.

SPECIAL SPRING EDITION 2020

CONTENTS S E C T I O N S MONEY ................................. 16 HEALTH ................................. 20 EDUCATION ........................... 25 CULTURE .............................. 28

18

Features Cover photo by Karen Waters

Celebration at Interchurch Center .............................. 6

ON THE COVER:

First Bethel Hosts Shriners ...................................... 14

Rev. Dr. Edward D. Harper

For the Love of Our Children .................................... 16

leads Macedonia Baptist Church

Dr. Edward D. Harper Leads Macedonia ................... 18

to the next level

Newark’s Response to COVID-19 ............................. 20

&also inside

Dr. Robert Gore’s Medicine for Our Souls ................. 22 Structural Inequities Highlighted by Pandemic ........ 25 Frontiers International Annual Breakfast .................. 26

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

Shiloh Baptist Honors Pastor Armstrong .................. 28

Guest Editorial ................................... 10

Love Finds A Way ..................................................... 29

Guest Editorial .................................. 12

Journey of Black Excellence Gala ............................. 30

The Last Word .................................... 34

Mt. Calvary Celebrates Black History ........................ 33

4

The Positive Community Spring 2020

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.

Virtual OPEN HOUSE! April 29th at 10am and 8pm

Please RSVP: nyscas.touro.edu/openhouse 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

Stirring Celebration At Interchurch Center

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ev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. delivered a stirring sermon during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month commemoration at the Interchurch Center in New York City.

“There Is Power in the Problem!” was the title of the homily the distinguished Senior Pastor Emeritus of Riverside Church gave in his inimitable style, bringing the audience to its feet several times.

Dr. Forbes is the founder and president of the Healing of the Nations Foundation, which addresses the ever increasing incivility, self-centeredness, and intolerance in our society through the spiritual healing of America. He is quoted as stating “…I’m excited for this opportunity to give the value of my past experience to the nation, to take my country to heart, to love her, to diagnose her malaise and possibilities, and to listen for a word from the Lord and find skillful ways to transmit what is needed to transform the nation.”

Rev. Dr. Forbes

Rev. Dionne Bosissere gave the Call to Worship. Special Performances and musical tributes were performed by soprano Heather Hill and The Interchurch Center Gospel Choir. A part of the celebration, The Galleries at the Interchurch Center featured photographs from the Civil Rights era from The Ken Thompson Collection and “Sacred, Images of Africans, Jamaicans and Haitians” by Bob Gore. —JNW

Photos: Bob Gore

Rev. Dionne Bosissiere delivers the Call to Worship

L–R: Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Vicar General Father James Loughran, SA,; Bishop Johnny Ray Youngblood; Evangelist Tyrone Pittman; Rev. Dr. Forbes; Rev. Sylvia Kinard; Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond; Rev. Dionne Bosissiere; Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley; and Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah.

6

The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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OLL OLL OLL OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL ALL ALL

TO PROGRESS PROGRESS TOTO PROGRESS TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at clergy organizations, churches, community businesses institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at he he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses andand institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each orbusinesses they support publication through purchase of advertising.

Find out more he clergy organizations, churches, community andthis institutions listed belowthe have committed to the purchase of at least magazines month at $1.50 each or they support publication through purchase of advertising. more least 50 50 magazines perper month at $1.50 each or they support thisthis publication through thethe purchase of advertising.

FindFind outout more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. by by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

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Robert M.ofWaterman, Archdiocese of New Archdiocese New YorkYork Brother TyroneofDavis, Office of Black Ministry Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Baptist Ministers Conference ofJames Greater & Vicinity of Greater NY &NYVicinity Rev. Morrison, Pastor of Greater NY &Morrison, Vicinity Rev. James Pastor Rev. James Morrison, Pastor Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. James Morrison, Pastor B.C., Brooklyn, Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY NY Rev.Berean Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Berean Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Rev. ArleeB.C., Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany Brooklyn, NY Rev. ArleeB.C., Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NYSr.NYPastor Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Dr. Adolphus C. 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Willams, Pastor Baptist Church, Brooklyn Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY NY Rev.Emmanuel Anthony Trufant, Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rev. Anthony Trufant, PastorBrooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor Missionary B.C., Convention Empire B.C., Convention NY NY Rev.Empire Dr.Missionary Ronald Grant, President Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President Newark, Fellowship Missionary B.C.,B.C., Newark, NJ NJ Rev.Fellowship Dr. Elton T.Missionary Byrd Pastor/Founder Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First Dr. B.C.Elton of Lincoln Somerset NJ Rev. T. ByrdGardens, Pastor/Founder of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ NJ Rev.First Dr. B.C. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, EastSoaries, Elmhurst, NY Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Pastor Baptist Church, Elmhurst, First Baptist Church, EastEast Elmhurst, NY NY RevFirst Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Baptist Church of Teaneck, First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ NJ Rev.First Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor Rev. Dr.Baptist Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian BaptistHarris, Church, NY Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Pastor Corinthian Baptist NY First Corinthian Church, NYPastor Rev.First Michael A. Baptist Walrond, Jr. Church, Senior First Corinthian NY Pastor Rev. 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Richardson, Pastor Abyssinian BC, Newark, Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ NJ Rev.Greater Allen Potts, Senior Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, Rev. Potts, Senior Pastor NJ Rev. AllenAllen Potts, Senior Pastor Greater HillSenior B.C., Pastor Harlem, NY Rev. AllenZion Potts, Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, Greater Hill Harlem, NY NY Rev.Greater Dr.Zion Frank J. B.C., Blackshear, Pastor Greater Zion Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J.B.C., Blackshear, Pastor Rev. Dr. Frank J.Hill Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Pastor Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Community Improvement (HCCI) Harlem Congregations Harlem Congregations for for Community Improvement Community (HCCI) Malcolm A. Improvement Punter, President &(HCCI) CEO Harlem Congregations for Community Malcolm A.Improvement Punter, President & CEO Malcolm A. Punter, President &(HCCI) CEO Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Malcolm A. 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Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor Rev.St. Dr.John’s Evans L.B.C., Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor New York, NYUnited Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, St. Rev. St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Mount Calvary Methodist Church, Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor New York, NYUnited New York, NY Kairson, Rev. Francis Pastor Mount Calvary Methodist Church, Rev.St. Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor Dr.Luke Johnnie McCann, Pastor St B.C., Paterson, New York, NYKairson, Rev. Francis Pastor Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor Rev.Luke Dr. Johnnie McCann,NJ Pastor Mt. St Luke Paterson, St Luke B.C.,B.C., Paterson, NJ NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor Rev.Neboh FrancisBaptist Kairson,Church, Pastor Harlem, NY Mt.Dr.Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, Mt.Rev. Neboh Baptist Church, NY NY Rev.StRev. Johnnie Green Jr.,Harlem, Pastor Luke B.C., NJPastor Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Kenneth D.R.Paterson, Clayton, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, Mt. Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr.Neboh Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor NJ Mt. Pisgah B.C.,Green Brooklyn, NY St. James Church, Newark, St. Rev. James AMEAME Newark, NJ NJ Ronald L.Church, Slaughter, Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnnie Jr., Pastor Mt.Dr.Pisgah Mt.Rev. Pisgah B.C.,B.C., Brooklyn, NY NY Pastor Johnny RayBrooklyn, Youngblood, James Church, Newark, Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor NJ Rev.St. Ronald L. AME Slaughter, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Dr. Johnny Youngblood, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Ray Youngblood, Pastor Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor Mount Baptist Church, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, St. Rev. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ NJ Alexander Brown, Pastor Rev. Dr.Olive Johnny Ray Youngblood, Hackensack, NJ Mount Baptist Church, Mount OliveOlive Baptist Church, Paul Baptist, Red Bank, Rev. Alexander Brown, PastorNJ Rev.St. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Hackensack, NJ Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory Jackson, Pastor Mount Olive J. Baptist Church, Rev. Alexander Brown, PastorJamaica, NY St. Mark Missionary Jamaica, St. Rev. Mark Missionary B.C.,B.C., Jamaica, NY NY Hackensack, NJ Owen E. Williams, Pastor Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev.St. Mark B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor Owen E. Missionary Williams, Pastor Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mount Baptist Church, Westwood, St. AME Church, Mount ZionZion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Rev.Matthew Owen E. Williams, PastorOrange, NJ St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, Matthew AMED. Church, Orange, NJ NJ Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rev. R. Miller, Pastor Westwood, NJ St. Rev. Dr. Lanel Guyton, Pastor Rev. BarryBarry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor Rev.St. Dr.Matthew Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt.André Olivet Newark, St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ Mt.Rev. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ NJ W.B.C, Milteer, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ St. Rev. Paul's Montclair, NJ Pastor Mt. Olivet NJ Rev. André W. Newark, Milteer, Pastor Dr. B.C., Bernadette Glover, Rev. André W.B.C, Milteer, Pastor Mt. Church,Pastor Trenton, NJ B.C., Glover, Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor Rev.St. Dr.Paul's Bernadette Pastor Rev.Zion AndréAME W. Milteer, Mt.J.Zion AME Church, Trenton, St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Mt.Rev. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ NJ Stanley Justice, Pastor Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, St. Rev. Paul Community B.C.,Pastor Brooklyn, NY NY Mt. AME Church, Trenton, Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor NJ David K. Brawley, Rev. J.Zion Stanley Justice, Pastor New J.Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev.St. Paul B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor David K.Community Brawley, Pastor Rev. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Baptist Church, Metuchen, The B.C., Newark, New Hope Baptist Metuchen, NJ NJ Rev. Dr.Hope Ronald L.Church, Owens, Pastor Rev. New DavidHope K. Brawley, Pastor NJ The New Hope B.C., Newark, The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ NJ New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Rev.Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hope B.C., Newark, Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Rev.The JoeNew Carter, Senior Pastor Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Baptist Church NewNew HopeHope Baptist Church of of Union Baptist Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Joe Carter,Temple,, Senior Pastor Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJofNJ Rev. Dr. Frances Manning-Fontaine Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, New Hope Baptist Church Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Pastor Emeritus Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Dr. Frances Manning-Fontaine Rev.Rev. Dr. Frances Manning-Fontaine Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Rev.Union Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Pastor Emeritus Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Frances Manning-Fontaine Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor New Jerusalem Worship Center, United Fellowship United Fellowship B.C.,B.C., Asbury Park,Park, NJ NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Asbury Pastor Pastor Emeritus Jamaica, NY Worship New Jerusalem Worship Center, New Jerusalem Center, Fellowship B.C., Rev. James H. Brown, Sr.,Asbury Pastor Park, NJ Rev.United James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Jamaica, NYRice, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Senior Center, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY New Jerusalem Worship Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Jamaica, NYRice,Rice, Rev. Dr. Calvin Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin Senior Pastor Walker B.C. Bronx, Walker Memorial Bronx, NY NY Rev. Dr. J.Memorial AlbertB.C. Bush Sr., Pastor New LifeCalvin Cathedral, Mt. Holly, Rev. Dr. Rice, Senior PastorNJ Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. J. Albert Sr., Pastor Rev. Dr. J.Dr.Albert BushBush Sr., Pastor New Cathedral, Mt. Holly, New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ NJ Rev. EricLife Wallace, Pastor Welcome BaptistBush Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. J. Albert Sr., Pastor New Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor Rev. EricLife Wallace, Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, Welcome Church, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Dr.Baptist Elijah C.Williams, Pastor New ZionWallace, B.C., Elizabeth, Rev. Eric Pastor NJ Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor Rev.Welcome Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, Rev. Kevin James, PastorNJ NJ World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, Rev. Kevin James, Pastor NJ Rev. Kevin James, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Kevin James, Pastor Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Dr. World Albert Lewis, Founder Paradise B.Newark, C., Newark, Paradise B. C., NJ NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor & Organizations Dr. Businesses Albert Lewis, Founder Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Businesses & Organizations Businesses & Organizations Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, 125th St. BID Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Businesses & Organizations East Orange, NJ Disciples Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, 125th Park Ave Christian of Christ, City National Bank 125th St. BID St. BID County College, NJ East Orange, NJ Disciples East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor of Christ, Park Ave Christian City National City Essex National Bank 125th St.Harlem BID Bank Greater Chamber Essex County College, Essex County College, NJ NJof Commerce East Orange, NJ Pastor Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Rev. Harriet Wallace, City National Bank Marion P. Harlem Thomas Charter School Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Greater Chamber of Commerce Greater Harlem Chamber ofNJ Commerce Essex County College, Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Mildred Crump, Newark CitySchool Council Marion P. Thomas Charter Marion P. Thomas Charter School Pilgrim C.,Wilson, Newark, NJ Pilgrim B.Glenn C.,B.Newark, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of of Commerce Rev. Dr. Pastor Muslim American Chamber Commerce Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Marion New P. Thomas Charter School Pilgrim C., Newark, NJ NAACP Jersey* Rev. Dr.B.Glenn Wilson, Pastor Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Muslim American Chamber of Commerce Muslim American Chamber ofCity Commerce Mildred Crump, Newark Council RuthDr. Fellowship Ministries, NAACP, State Conference* NAACP New Jersey* NewNY Jersey* Rev. Glenn Wilson, PastorPlainfield, NJ NAACP Muslim American Chamber of Commerce New Theological Seminary Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, Ruth Fellowship Ministries, NJ NJ NAACP, Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Plainfield, NAACP, NY State Conference* NYBrunswick State Conference* NAACP New Jersey* New Jersey Performing Arts Center New Brunswick Theological Seminary Brunswick Theological Seminary Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Plainfield, NJ NewNAACP, Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor NYTheological State Conference* New Seminary NewYork Jersey Performing ArtsSeminary Center Jersey Performing Arts Center Shiloh AMEBrown, Zion Church, New Brunswick Theological Rev. Tracey Pastor Englewood, NJ New NobleNNJ New York Theological Seminary New York Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center Shiloh Zion Church, Englewood, Shiloh AMEAME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ NJ NobleNNJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Nubian Conservatory of Music NobleNNJ New York Theological Seminary Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Nubian Rev. D. Givens, Pastor Rev. JohnJohn D. Givens, Pastor Nubian Conservatory of Music Conservatory of Music NobleNNJ Schomburg Center forNewark, Research Shiloh B.C., NJ Razac Products Co., Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ NJ Rev. John D. Plainfield, Givens, Pastor Nubian Conservatory of Music The College of New Rochelle Schomburg Center for Research Center for Research Shiloh Plainfield, NJSenior Pastor Schomburg Shiloh B.C.,B.C., Plainfield, NJ Sr., Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Razac Products Co., Newark, United Way ofofEssex WestNJHudson The College Newforand Rochelle College of New Rochelle Schomburg Center Research Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor The Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr.,NJSenior Pastor WBGO-88.3FM United Way of New Essex and West Hudson United Way of Essex andRochelle West Hudson The College of West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor WBGO-88.3FM WBGO-88.3FM United Way of Essex and West Hudson West Harlem Assistance, WestWBGO-88.3FM Harlem GroupGroup Assistance, Inc. Inc.

WestBlack Harlem Group Assistance, “The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Church.

AllInc.churches “The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting good works of the Black Church. churches “The Positive Community magazine does outstanding in promoting thethe good works of the Black Church.

All All churches The Positive Community . Please support this magazine, the only one and businesses should subscribe to and advertise inwork “and Theand Positive Community magazine outstanding in promoting the works of the Black Church.

All churches The Positive Community . Please support this magazine, the only businesses should subscribe to and advertise inwork Positive Community .good Please support this magazine, only oneone businesses should subscribe to does and advertise in The Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010 the that features good news about the black community.”— Community . Baptist Please support the only one andthat businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010 features good news about black community.”— Rev.Positive Buster Soaries, General Revival, Maythis 20, magazine, 2010 that features good news about thethe black community.”— that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010

ADRIAN ADRIAN COUNCIL COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S PUBLISHER’S DESK DESK

Saving Saving Our Our Own Own Community Community

T

Movement Movement for for Positive Positive Community Community Change!

Change!

he Positive Community (TPC) family extends hearthe Positive family extends heartfelt prayersCommunity to each of(TPC) you, our families, and our felt prayers to and eachtoofour you,nation our families, communities in this and timeour of communities and to our in Even this time of unprecedented crisis andnation change. in the unprecedented and change.

Even to in give the midst of all this crisis uncertainty, let’s pause midst of allpraises this uncertainty, let’s pause to give thanks and to the Almighty God that susandwords praises the Almighty tains us! Letthanks us share of to healing, comfortGod and that hopesusto tains us!

Let us share words of of sickness, healing, comfort hope to those enduring this season pain andand grief. those enduring this season sickness,and painclergy and grief.

Recognition is due to ofpastors called to Recognition is devote due totheir pastors and clergy service; called of to lead, minister and lives to unselfish lead, minister devote their lives of caring for the and spiritual-wellbeing of to sounselfish many in service; these turcaring for theRight-on spiritual-wellbeing of so healthcare many in these turbulent times! to the front-line workers bulent times!who Right-on to the the suffering front-lineand healthcare workers and to those care for the challenged. and to those for the suffering and the challenged.

Shout-out towho the care forward-thinking businesses, public and Shout-out to the forward-thinking businesses, publiccomand private institutions and all who advocate for positive private change! institutions and all who advocate for positive community munity change!

Cultural Pride Cultural Pride As a small business, we too have been hit hard by the eco-

As a small business, been hithealth hard emergency. by the economic fall-out causedwebytoo thehave COVID-19 nomic caused by the to COVID-19 healthto emergency.

And yet,fall-out as a team we resolve stay-the-course; persevere And yet, as a team weand resolve to stay-the-course; to As persevere by mustering the will the courage to go forth!

I see it, by mustering theever, will and the courage toeach go forth! seeare it, now more than we really do need otherAsif Iwe now more we really do need each other we are to win; andthan win ever, we must—together!

Spiritual unity, ifcultural to win; and winwork we must—together!

Spiritual unity, cultural unity and team are the essentials to lasting progress! unity teamprayer work are the essentials to lasting Myand sincere is that as a community, weprogress! will begin My sincere prayer an is that as a community, we children’s will begin to plan and forecast enduring vision for our to planfar and forecast enduringcrisis; visionthat forwe our children’s future beyond thisan pandemic would come future far beyond thisand pandemic crisis; thatoffwethan would come out of this spiritually culturally better when we out ofin. this spiritually and culturally offtothan when we went Collectively, we must do allbetter we can instill in our went in.people Collectively, we mustfor do knowledge all we can to instill in and our young a real hunger and truth; young people a real hunger for knowledge and truth; and an unquenchable thirst for righteousness! an In unquenchable for150th righteousness! anticipationthirst of the anniversary observance of anticipation Proclamation of the 150th (The anniversary observance on of theIn Emancipation Great Emancipation) the Emancipation (The Great Emancipation) on January 1, 2013, I Proclamation first wrote The Cultural Narrative in the January 1, 2013, And I first wrote Thetouring Cultural Narrative in the summer of 2012.

I have been scores of churches summer of 2012.gatherings And I have in been churches and community thetouring NY/NJ scores regionofever since. and community gatherings in theisNY/NJ region as ever since.

The message: a cultural education as important learning The message: a cultural education“It’s is asabout important as learning reading, writing and arithmetic. who you are and reading, writing whose you are.” and arithmetic. “It’s about who you are and whose youAfrican are.” American Cultural Narrative initiative proTPC’s African American Cultural providesTPC’s a life-affirming solution to theNarrative cultural initiative identity quesvides Ita is life-affirming solution to the cultural identity histoquestion. a comprehensive curriculum that promotes tion.

It is a comprehensive curriculum that good-will. promotes history, community progress, cultural pride and ry, community progress, cultural pride and good-will.

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

As a small business, we too have been hit As a small business, we too have been hit hard by the economic fall-out caused by hard by the economic fall-out caused by the COVID-19 health emergency. And yet, the COVID-19 health emergency. And yet, as a team we resolve to stay-the-course; as a team we resolve to stay-the-course; to persevere by mustering the will and the to persevere by mustering the will and the courage to go forth! courage to go forth!

A Community-Building Ideal A Community-Building Ideal lead the way in promoting Yes, let the Black Church

Yes, let literacy, the Black Church lead our theyoung way people. in promoting cultural especially among Today, cultural literacy, among youngWhat people.

Today, our children are especially out of school andour at home. if families our children outtooftake school and atthemselves home. What families and churchesare were it upon to ifteach the and churches were tothat taketells it upon themselves to teach the children a narrative our American story in about children a narrative American story in about 280 words?

Whetherthat one tells hailsour from Africa, the Caribbean, 280 words?

Whether oneAmerica, hails from the Caribbean, Europe, Asia or South thisAfrica, narrative represents Europe, Asia or South America, thisunderstanding narrative represents our contribution towards a deeper of this our contribution towards a deeper understanding of this country’s history and the ideals of the American Dream— country’s history and the ideals of the American Dream— it’s for everyone! it’s for everyone!

Ideally, every child in our community before the age of child in our before the age of 13, Ideally, should every have the ability to community articulate and be conversant 13, should have the to articulate be conversant with this language of ability freedom—The Greatand Cultural Narrative. with this freedom—The Great Cultural Narrative.

After all, language this is whoofwe truly are!

After all,community this is who partner, we truly Prudential are!

Our (the #1 corporation community Prudential (the initiative. #1 corporation in Our NJ) has endorsedpartner, the cultural narrative They in NJ)sure has the endorsed the cultural narrative initiative.

They made company’s brand logo was proudly displayed made sure the company’s logoinwas proudly displayed on each poster distributedbrand to guests attendance on Januon each to guests in attendance on January 1st atposter TPC’sdistributed 20th Anniversary/Great American Emancipaary 1st TPC’s Banquet!

20th Anniversary/Great American Emancipation DayatAwards tionIndeed, Day Awards Banquet! of our children and the integrity the progress Indeed, theAmerican progress culture, of our children and the integrity of our African values and traditions—our of our African American culture, values collective soul—mean everything!

Andand withtraditions—our this next step, collective soul—mean everything!

And with thisofnext step, we begin to heal, to secure a prosperous future awesome we begin to heal, to secure a prosperous future of to awesome potential and mighty possibilities for generations come! potential mighty for generations come!

Read the and narrative forpossibilities yourself. Allow the Spirit oftoTruth to Read the narrative speak to your soul! for yourself. Allow the Spirit of Truth to speak yourof soul!

Thetodawn a movement for positive community change Theupon dawn us; of aa movement for positive community is now positive, community-building ideal for change all! . . . is now a positive, community-building ideal for all! . . .

To God upon be the us; Glory forever and ever, Amen!

To God be the Glory forever and ever, Amen! www.thepositivecommunity.com

Editorial

FPWA: FulFilling the Promise oF oPPortunity

By Jennifer Jones Austin CEO and Executive Director, FPWA

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rowing up a preacher’s kid in Brooklyn, New York, there seemed to be no issues impacting communities of color that my father, the late Reverend Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr., considered off-limits. Whether he was fighting against discrimination and disparities in hiring practices of instituJennifer Jones Austin tions profiting off black and brown persons, standing up for people wrongfully accused of crimes, or ensuring people in need of safe and affordable housing secured stable homes, Dad did all he could to make sure no one in need was left to fend for themselves.

For him, his congregation extended well beyond the physical walls of Bethany Baptist Church; the community at large was the flock over which he was shepherd.

By many accounts Dad was extraordinary, but he wasn’t alone. Faith leaders and organizations have been vibrant influences on the civic life of cities, towns, and rural and suburban counties since the founding of America. It’s impossible to imagine what our country would be like without them. Yet, sometimes it takes a crisis like COVID-19 to illuminate the depth and breadth of the contribution of our faith communities. Faith organizations large and small in this country and around the world have taken on the vital and life-saving role of first responders in their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. As trusted leaders and moral guides, they are laboring tirelessly to meet the spiritual, financial, and health needs of their communities through innovative methods.

Across America, faith leaders are working on overdrive to provide the urgent safety net our communities need as unemployment skyrockets and the health system is overwhelmed. They’re fundraising to provide direct funds and prepaid cards to families and individuals in need. They’re distributing food to children who have lost access to school breakfasts and lunches because of coronavirus-related closures, as well as to the elderly and unemployed. Some houses of worship are hosting drive through COVID-19 testing sites. These are just a few examples of the community support faith organizations are providing during these challenging times. They’ve also taken the unprecedented step of closing their doors to reinforce the life-saving message of social distancing, not to mention endless handwashing.

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

Religion often is the most important source of solace for millions of Americans in times of confusion and fear, and our faith leaders have risen to the challenge by taking their messages and support into the digital realm, through the telephone, by email, and other methods to keep the web of community connection strong. All of these efforts take money, and it’s a challenging time to raise funds from individuals and other routine sources of income. That’s why all of us at FPWA work intensely at the city and state level to ensure that as coronavirus funding initiatives are passed, the vital work of our faith groups are not forgotten. A good first step was the inclusion of faith organizations in the CARES Act. However, we know now that many small and medium sized faith organizations weren’t able to access the Paycheck Protection Program funds because they didn’t have standing relationships with approved banks and because the program was underfunded. We’re working on getting this addressed in the next federal stimulus package that’s being negotiated as we speak. It won’t happen, though, without advocacy from every faith community. It’s the best way to ensure carve-outs for faith institutions and nonprofits in the next stimulus, and the one after that.

FPWA, along with our many coalition partners, is engaged every, single day in the fight to obtain this funding.

We’re using our deep connections with both established foundations and the many new funding streams that have been launched specifically to support the fight against COVID-19, spreading the word about the value of faith institutions as they work to support the communities most vulnerable to the coronavirus and its repercussions.

Lastly, faith leaders must continue their outreach to private institutions and tap into the expertise, goods, and funds they can contribute to support our neighborhoods during and after the pandemic. FPWA was founded over 100 years ago to support Protestants throughout New York City and beyond as they struggled and strived to achieve their goals. Today, we’re still guided by the same moral compass. You can count on us to continue the fight to ensure all communities and people who are on the frontlines fighting this pandemic are not forgotten.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NEW YORKERS:

STAY HOME TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS New Yorkers working together and staying home can slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York City. When you go out for essential needs, work or to get fresh air, keep distance between yourself and others and take the following precautions.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS • Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others.

• Wash your hands with soap and water often.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.

• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

• Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.

IF YOU ARE SICK • Stay home.

• If you have a cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat and do not feel better after 3-4 days, consult with your doctor.

• If you need help getting medical care, call 311.

• NYC will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE • Stay home if you have lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system.

• Stay home and call, video chat or text with family or friends who have one of these conditions.

Text COVID to 692-692 for real-time updates or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

Call 311 to report harassment or discrimination. Call 888-NYC-WELL, text "WELL" to 65173 or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell to connect with a counselor.

REDUCE OVERCROWDING • Stay home.

• Telecommute if possible.

If you do go out: • Stagger work hours away from peak travel times.

• Walk or bike.

• Do not gather in crowds.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Oxiris Barbot, MD Commissioner

*Messages and data rates may apply. Check your wireless provider plan for details.

THE CENSUS STARTS ON MARCH 12

IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO BE COUNTED

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED IN THE 2020 CENSUS!

Visit InterfaithCensus2020.nyc Today www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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HON. HON. RONALD L. RONALD L. RICE RICE GUEST

GUEST EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Hon. Ronald L. Rice is a Democratic member of the Hon. Ronald L. Rice is a Democratic member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing District 28.

New Jersey State Senate, representing District 28.

Tracking Covid-19 Impact on Individual NJ Communities

B

ecause of the life-and-death magnitude of the ecause of the life-and-death magnitude of the current pandemic on our state, I have personalcurrent pandemic on our state, I have personally asked Governor Murphy, on behalf of the New ly asked Governor Murphy, on behalf of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus and the minority leaders Jersey Legislative Black Caucus and the minority leaders statewide, to immediately mandate this legislation by exstatewide, to immediately mandate this legislation by executive order or regulations. Regardless of the process, ecutive order or regulations. Regardless of the process, however, it is critical that the bill be enacted for our inhowever, it is critical that the bill be enacted for our instantaneous understanding of where federal and state stantaneous understanding of where federal and state relief funding are needed. The data culled from hospirelief funding are needed. The data culled from hospitals is our best measure for pinpointing which commutals is our best measure for pinpointing which communities are in greatest distress and for allocating subsidies nities are in greatest distress and for allocating subsidies and stimulus resources proportionate to the suffering and stimulus resources proportionate to the suffering and damage in each area. and damage in each area.

As a result of decades-long systemic injustice throughAs a result of decades-long systemic injustice throughout the nation, the poor, minorities and people of color out the nation, the poor, minorities and people of color are always subject to greater instances of disease, poor are always subject to greater instances of disease, poor health, and shorter lifespans. COVID-19 shines a spothealth, and shorter lifespans. COVID-19 shines a spotlight on that disparity as we see minorities, and espelight on that disparity as we see minorities, and especially blacks, succumb to this pandemic at an alarmingly cially blacks, succumb to this pandemic at an alarmingly accelerated rate. accelerated rate.

Beyond the underlying vulnerability caused by poor Beyond the underlying vulnerability caused by poor health, many blacks and minorities are further jeoparhealth, many blacks and minorities are further jeopardized by their reliance on low-wage jobs, now considered dized by their reliance on low-wage jobs, now considered “essential,” that can’t be performed remotely, as well as “essential,” that can’t be performed remotely, as well as their dependence on public transportation. Combined, their dependence on public transportation. Combined, these conditions put blacks, Latinos, and other minorithese conditions put blacks, Latinos, and other minorities in life-threatening situations. ties in life-threatening situations.

Preliminary reports from cities across the country, Preliminary reports from cities across the country, and in places where ethnic and racial data is already beand in places where ethnic and racial data is already being tracked, reveal an astounding racial disparity among ing tracked, reveal an astounding racial disparity among COVID-19 victims. In Chicago, blacks make up 70 perCOVID-19 victims. In Chicago, blacks make up 70 percent of the fatalities while they account for only 30 percent of the fatalities while they account for only 30 percent of the population. In Milwaukee County, where 27 cent of the population. In Milwaukee County, where 27 percent of residents are black, they account for a full 81 percent of residents are black, they account for a full 81 percent of the dead. percent of the dead.

Regardless of whatever demographic information is Regardless of whatever demographic information is garnered from New Jersey’s hospitals, our people are ungarnered from New Jersey’s hospitals, our people are undergoing unfathomable suffering and dire consequencdergoing unfathomable suffering and dire consequenc-

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

es right now. The coronavirus will leave our hardest hit es right now. The coronavirus will leave our hardest hit communities ravaged and in desperate need of healing communities ravaged and in desperate need of healing and investment. We must compile the hard data now, and investment. We must compile the hard data now, on a daily basis as the tolls rise, to allocate the necessary on a daily basis as the tolls rise, to allocate the necessary funds essential to treat, repair, and empower these comfunds essential to treat, repair, and empower these communities with the commensurate response. munities with the commensurate response.

The bill calls for the Commissioner of Health to manThe bill calls for the Commissioner of Health to mandate that hospitals submit details on the age, ethnicity, date that hospitals submit details on the age, ethnicity, gender, and race of persons in New Jersey who have testgender, and race of persons in New Jersey who have tested positive for or have died from COVID-19 until the ed positive for or have died from COVID-19 until the end of the state’s declared public health emergency. It end of the state’s declared public health emergency. It also requires reporting on the outcomes of attempts by also requires reporting on the outcomes of attempts by citizens to get treatment, including whether they were citizens to get treatment, including whether they were admitted or turned away. admitted or turned away.

The reported statewide data is to be compiled by The reported statewide data is to be compiled by county and municipality. The Commissioner of Health county and municipality. The Commissioner of Health is to prepare and submit a report compiling the data reis to prepare and submit a report compiling the data reported pursuant to the bill’s provisions to the governor ported pursuant to the bill’s provisions to the governor and to the legislature. and to the legislature. www.thepositivecommunity.com

COVID-19 COVID-19 What Whattotoknow knowand anddodo

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is changing the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is changing the way America is doing business, whether it’s the way America is doing business, whether it’s the business of running a school, a store or a hospital business of running a school, a store or a hospital system.

It can be difficult to figure out what is accurate as you navigate at this uncertain time. system. It can be difficult to figure out what is As your partner in health and neighbor, we’re accurate as you navigate at this uncertain time. prepared to respond in your best interest during As your partner in health and neighbor, we’re the pandemic.

Please practice these prevention measures to to Please practice these prevention measures protect you and others from the virus:

protect you and others from the virus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water

•

your hands with soap and water for Wash at least 20 seconds for at least 20 seconds

• A good back-up is hand sanitizer with at least 60%back-up alcohol is hand sanitizer with A good

•

at least 60%your alcohol touching eyes, nose or mouth • Avoid home if you’re • Stayyour eyes, nose sick or mouth • Avoid touching

prepared to respond in your best interest during the pandemic.

The proper protocols STAY HOME

and avoid those who are Stay sick home if you’re sick

•

Our health system continues on the advice of public health toThe collaborate closely with proper protocols officials, and please practice andand avoid thoseinto who sneeze a STAY HOME • Cough guidance from the New Jersey social distancing to protect you tissue or sleeve are sick Our health system continues on the advice of public health Department of Health, Centers and your community’s health toDisease collaborate closely objects and surfaces for Control and with officials, and please practice • Disinfect and well-being.

Cough and sneeze into a you touch frequently with a guidance (CDC), from the New Jersey Prevention and regional social distancing to protect you tissue or sleeve household cleaning spray and local health Department ofdepartments.

Health, Centers and your community’s health or wipe We have in place all of the appropriate protocols Disinfect objects and surfaces for Disease Control and and well-being. as well as highly trained clinicians to safely and you touch frequently with a Prevention (CDC), and regional If you have symptoms reliably care for affected patients.

• •

and local health departments.

We have in place all of the appropriate protocols Spreading prevention as wellCOVID-19 as highlyspreads trained from clinicians to safely and Mainly person to person with those in close contactpatients. (within 6 feet). reliably care for affected

household cleaning spray

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a dry or wipe cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, please contact your physician who will follow screening guidelines advise you of next steps.

If youand have symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a dry Spreading prevention cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, please We’re here contact your physician who will follow screening Mainly COVID-19 spreads from person to person RWJBarnabas Health will continue working in close contact with the NJ Dept. of Health (1-800-222-1222) and the CDC, as well as taking measures to protect our patients, staff and guidelines and advise you of next steps. with those in close contact (within 6 feet). community at-large. Feel free to visit their websites as well as our dedicated website (below), along with our social media channels for continued updates and information.

We’re here

CDC:

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml NJDOH: RWJBarnabas Health will continue working in close contact with the NJ Dept. of Health rwjbh.org/covid19 RWJBH: (1-800-222-1222) and the CDC, as well as taking measures to protect our patients, staff and community at-large. Feel free to visit their websites as well as our dedicated website (below), along with our social media channels for continued updates and information.

CDC:

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

NJDOH:

nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

RWJBH:

rwjbh.org/covid19

L–R: Anton Rudolph; Ronald Tuff, Ill; Thelmo Stratford; Potentate Golconda Temple #24 Robert Brooks; St. Phillips BC Hamilton NJ Pastor Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Woods; Pastor Grady James; John Cyrus; DDGM David Edouard; and District Grand Lecturer Melvin Dwyer

First Bethel Hosts Shriners

Loyal Lady Mary Hill, State Grand Ruler NJ State Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle, PHA

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

Photos: Karen Waters

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embers of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and members of the NJ State Grand Assembly Order of the Golden Circle PHA, commonly known as the Shriners, participated in the Black History Month celebration at First Bethel Baptist Church (FBBC) in Irvington NJ. First Bethel Pastor Rev. H Grady James, III serves as Grand Chaplain for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey and invited his lodge members to the program. “We desired to recognize and honor the work of our fraternal and sisterly sacrifices and labor in our struggle for freedom, justice, and economic equality in America,” said James. The Reverend Dr. Joseph Edward Woods was the keynote speaker.

A highlight of the program was the reading of the Cultural Narrative by Niyea and Naziah Feaster; Thomas Peterson, Jr; and H. Grady James, V — all members of the FBBC Youth Ministry. Following the recitation, TPC Publisher Adrian Council presented a framed copy of the document to District Deputy Grand Master David Edouard, who received the document on behalf of the MW Grand Master Jeffrey Cordell Spann.

Noble Thelmo Stratford, Illustrious Potentate of the Golconda Temple #24 and Loyal Lady Mary Hill, State Loyal Lady Ruler of NJ, delivered the exposition of the theme.

Both dignitaries were accompanied by Nobles of Golconda Temple #24 and Loyal Ladies of the Golden Circle.

The Shriners and their sister auxiliary, Loyal Ladies of the Golden Circle, are not-for-profit charitable societies engaged in community work primarily promoting education through scholarships to historically black colleges and universities.

L–R: Min. H Grady James, IV; DDGM David Edouard; Adrian Council; and Pastor James

L–R: H. Grady James, V; Naziah Feaster; Niyea Feaster; Thomas Peterson, Jr.; and Pastor James www.thepositivecommunity.com

In Concert With

PLEASE SUPPORT HARLEM NOW!

To Our Valued Readers: Our worst suspicions have been confirmed by Mayor de Blasio who published NYC Health Department data showing that Black, Hispanic, and non-Asian people of color in New York are twice to three times as likely to die of COVID-19.

To support those most severely impacted by the pandemic, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce in concert with The Positive Community, The NAACP, and other renowned organizations, institutions, and individuals are working together. We are providing DAILY FOOD FEEDS FOR HUNGRY FAMILIES and the HOMELESS, support initiatives for HOSPITALS and SENIOR CITIZENS, tablets and computers for SCHOOL CHILDREN currently unable to participate in virtual classes, and much more.

Your help and support has never been more needed. For more information, call (212) 862-7200.

Please join with us now and pass the word.

CHARLES RANGEL

GALE BREWER

CHERYL WILLS

DAVID PATERSON

DOUG E. FRESH

DAWNN LEWIS

DONATE NOW AT GREATERHARLEMCHAMBER.COM Or please forward a check or money order of any amount to GHCC Community Fund, 200A W 136th Street, New York, NY 10030

M Money

buiness, finance + work

For the Love of Our Children National Cares Mentoring Fundraising Gala

Robert F. Smith

L–R: Master and Mistress of Ceremony Michael Eric Dyson and Tamron Hall

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ational Cares Mentoring Movement (Cares) is a not-for-profit organization founded and headed by CEO Susan L. Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence. With affiliates in 58 cities across the United States, Cares’ mission is to secure, heal, and transform the lives of impoverished black children by inspiring, recruiting, and mobilizing masses of caring black men and women to mentor and nourish them. Their national volunteer affiliate network connects adults to local youth-serving organizations. National groupmentoring programs focus on the emotional, social, and academic development of our children and the wellness of the adults who parent, mentor, and educate them.

The organization’s 2020 For the Love of Our Children fundraising gala on February 18, 2020 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City honored Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. For more information visit www.caresmentoring.org. thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community Spring 2020

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Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

Wesley Snipes and Susan L. Taylor

By Glenda Cadogan

L-R: Gregory J. Vincent, Raymond J. McGuire, Rev. Al Sharpton, Loren Douglass, Brian P. Mathis, and Roland Martin (seated) Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Margot Jordan

Leon Ellis

L–R: Cheryl McKissack, Dr. Sam Daniel, and Deryl McKissack

L–R: Fay Ferguson, Robert F. Smith, Chesley MaddoxDorsey, and Susan L. Taylor

Mr. & Mrs. David Winfield

Dapper Dan

SEATED L–R: Sy Nicholson, Girls Inc.; Frances Thompkins, The Coca-Cola Company; Joi Gordon, Dress For Success; Mrs. Hazel Dukes, NAACP New York State Conference; Alba Baylin, The Coca-Cola Company STANDING, L–R: Yunice Emir, The Coca-Cola Company; Mayra Linares-Garcia, Liberty CocaCola; and DeNora Getachew, Generation Citizen www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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Taking Macedonia Baptist to the Next Level: Dr. Edward D. Harper Leads the Way Dr. Edward D. Harper and his wife, Virginia Ann Harper

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from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from Columbia University. He was the former executive assistant to the president of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, former Strategic Planning chairman of the General Baptist Convention, former moderator of the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association, and is presently chairman of the Permanent Council of the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association. In addition, Dr. Harper was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 2013; is an alumnus of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention Pastoral Photos: Karen Waters

he Macedonia Baptist Church of Lakewood is literally a church on the move. Founded in 1905 when the Central New Jersey town of Lakewood had a bustling black community, Macedonia worshiped and praised in a small one-room sanctuary. The church expanded significantly through its 115 years and proudly owned five properties on an acre of land. In 2017, under the leadership of their pastor, Dr. Edward D. Harper, Macedonia sold its church building, three houses, and a vacant lot. Macedonia now meets in a temporary church in nearby Lakehurst. By the end of 2020, a 36,000 square foot multi-million-dollar facility on 18 acres of land in Jackson, New Jersey will be the new home of Macedonia Baptist Church.

“We are building a new building from the ground up,” explained Dr. Harper, Macedonia’s pastor for 20 years.

“It’s going to be in three phases. The first phase is the sanctuary, bathrooms, and the elevator. Downstairs is going to be the multi-purpose room, kitchen, and offices.

The second phase is going to be our educational wing.

The third phase will be a recreational area. We are focused on a larger facility than what we had before.”

Dr. Harper and his wife, Virginia Ann Harper, moved to Lakewood in 2000, when he was named the 10th senior pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church of Lakewood.

He holds five degrees including a Master of Divinity

By Mary Adelle Spradley, Virginia Bivins, and Fern Gillespie

Original Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ www.thepositivecommunity.com

Excellence Program; a recipient of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award; lifetime member of the NAACP; and lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Times Are Changing

Although Dr. Harper is looking to grow his active 250-person congregation, he is not interested in developing Macedonia into a megachurch. In fact, he doesn’t believe there will be a need for megachurches in the near future. “What’s happening in the world today . . . there might not even be such a thing as a megachurch anymore,” he said. “Think about what we’re going through right now with COVID-19—everybody has to be the social distance of six feet apart. This has affected the whole world. We don’t know whether this will be a virus that comes and goes for the rest of our lives. We don’t know what the future holds.”

However, Dr. Harper focuses on a positive future for his congregation and local communities through several economic and social service programs. Under his leadership, the Macedonia Senior Housing & Development Corporation provides 50 apartments for senior citizens in the Lakewood metro area. The building was named Rev. Albert C. Clayton Senior Housing, to honor the late, former pastor who initiated the housing.

“We built the senior building because black people didn’t have anything like that in Lakewood,” Rev. Harper noted. “At that time, around 20 years ago, Lakewood was probably about 15 percent African American. We can see a trend that now it’s about only 1% African American. Black seniors needed somewhere to go.”

Today, almost 70 percent of Lakewood’s residents are Orthodox Jewish. When the predominately Hassidic community expanded and purchased property en masse

In 2017, under the leadership of their pastor, Dr. Edward D. Harper, Macedonia sold its church building, three houses, and a vacant lot. Macedonia now meets in a temporary church in nearby Lakehurst.

Installation Service for officers

in Lakewood, Macedonia’s congregants began moving to the surrounding Ocean County towns like Toms River, Howell, and Jackson. Planting the church in Jackson gives Macedonia the opportunity embrace congregants in surrounding towns, grow the church, and reach out to people in need in local communities.

Community Service

Dr. Harper is highly respected in Ocean County as a dedicated and hard-working community activist. He is the founder, executive director, and CEO of the nonprofit Macedonia Family Life Community Complex, Inc. (MFLCCI) and president of the nonprofit Concerned Citizens in Action (CCA). MFLCCI provides life enrichment skills for the family, individuals, and community at large. CCA is a grassroots organization that helps develop a cohesive and integrated community by helping people with unfair tax issues, homeland security issues, advance planning for funerals, retirement planning, and other concerns. “People look to us to help them out,” said Dr. Harper. “We are helping people do some things they can’t do by themselves.”

Through outreach with other churches, Dr. Harper helped organize Five Dynamic Interfaith Pastors & Churches Worshiping with One Voice of Praise. This group promotes unity, provides opportunities for community churches, and helps pastors lead more faithbased programs that are encouraging and spiritually strengthening. cont’don onpage page 24 NA Continued

Everyone is invited to joyfully celebrate Dr. Edward D. Harper’s 20th Anniversary and Macedonia’s 115th Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, June 13, 2020, 1–4 pm at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764. Dr. Guy Campbell, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ will preach. Tickets are $85 each. Send payments for tickets no later than June 1, 2020 to Macedonia Baptist Church, Attn: Vivian White & Dorothy Hawkins, P.O. Box 290, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. For more information call: (732) 905-3878 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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Health ideas for wellness

Newark’s Comprehensive Response to COVID-19: Newark’s Comprehensive Mayor Baraka Leads the Way Response to COVID-19: Mayor Baraka Leads the Way

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n Sunday, February 2, Newark Mayor Ras J. BaraAs the very first case in Newark was reported, Mayor ka received an alert. Federal authorities had Baraka ordered a moratorium on foreclosures and evicLiberty Airport as Ras oneJ.ofBarathe few Astions andfirst gave extended deadlines for payment nchosen Sunday,Newark February 2, Newark Mayor the very case in Newark was reported, Mayor of city American for the last planes fromhad China. taxes, water,a and sewer bills.

“We need toand takeevicaction right ka landing received sites an alert.

Federal authorities Baraka ordered moratorium on foreclosures From that moment on,Liberty MayorAirport Barakaashas to help residents small businesses chosen Newark oneproactively of the few aptionsnow, and today, gave extended deadlines and for payment of city weathplied comprehensive, strategies toChina. track and American landing sites data-driven for the last planes from this health emergency to thrive taxes,erwater, and sewer bills. “We and needcontinue to take action right once we contain COVID-19 virus.Baraka The Mayor instructed From thatthe moment on, Mayor has proactively ap- his now, are today, help residents andit,” small weathontothe other side of thebusinesses Mayor said in the early plied comprehensive, strategies to track administrative staff todata-driven develop City protocols andand proceer this health emergency andspread. continue to thrive once we days of the COVID-19 containimmediately, the COVID-19 virus. are on the side of it,” the Mayor said in the early dures wary theThe virusMayor mightinstructed begin itshis insidiTheother City of Newark developed a five-point plan focusadministrative staff to develop City protocols and procedays of the COVID-19 spread. ous march through Newark’s population before federal ing on key areas to protect residents: duresstate immediately, wary theformed. virus might begin its insidiThe City of Newark developed a five-point plan focusand guidelines were ousSince march through Newark’s population before federal ing then, the Mayor has acted swiftly and aggressive- on key areas to protect • residents: •Education Education and state guidelines were formed. ly to protect the health, wellness, safety, and financial se• • Testing Testing Since then, the Mayor has acted swiftly and aggressive• Education curity of Newark citizens.

He has developed innovative, • • Enforcement Enforcement ly to protect the health, wellness, safety, and financial se• Testing sustainable programs to ensure the City and its residents • • Recovery Recovery curity of Newark citizens. He has developed innovative, • Enforcement can recoverprograms financially when the • • Results sustainable to ensure the pandemic City and itspasses. residents • Recovery Results the COVID-19 crisis, thepasses.

Mayor has not canThroughout recover financially when the pandemic • Results wavered from the his COVID-19 Newark Forward values To do so, the Mayor implemented these special Throughout crisis, the Mayorand has remains not committed to his ensuring allForward policies values are rooted in building Toinitiatives: wavered from Newark and remains do so, the Mayor implemented these special to ensuringmore all policies are rooted in building acommitted safer, empowered, educated, equitable, and colinitiatives: • Created Created a afour-city four-citytravel travelban banwith with the the mayors mayors of a safer, empowered, more educated, equitable, and col• Created a four-city travel banand withIrvington; the mayorsand of collablaborative city.

East EastOrange, Orange,Orange, Orange, and Irvington; and laborative city. vision for a better Newark is the guiding Eastorative Orange, Orange, and Irvington; and collab- andand The Mayor’s orative sanitizing sanitizing programs programs forfor businesses businesses seThe Mayor’s vision for a better Newark is the guiding orative sanitizing programs for businesses and force in a crisis. The decisions he has made, as outlined nior senior complexes. complexes. force inhave a crisis. he has made, as same outlined complexes. below, leftThe no decisions one behind, giving the imme•senior Utilized Utilized Public Public Safety Safety technology technology and data and to data track to below, have left no one behind, giving the same imme• Utilized Public Safety technology and data to diate attention to protecting the City’s most vulnerable and track map and COVID-19 map COVID-19 cases tocases identify to identify geographic geodiate attention to protecting the City’s most vulnerable track and map COVID-19 cases to identify geopopulations, small business owners and their employees, outbreaks graphic outbreaks within the within City. the City. populations, small business owners and their employees, graphic outbreaks within the City. homeowners and landlords, and cultural organizations on enforced next page • Closed all non-essential businesses and homeowners and landlords, and cultural organizations • Closed all non-essential businesses andcont’d enforced and nonprofits. and nonprofits.

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

MAYOR BARAKA cont’d from previous page

•

•

•

•

Closed all non-essential businesses and enforced an 8 p.m. curfew. Closed roads to vehicular traffic and issued summonses for people violating shelterin-place orders or not maintaining proper social distancing. Shut down any business not enforcing social distancing.

Established “Be Still Mondays,” an initiative to ask all businesses and corporations to close and all people to stay inside in a cooperative show of solidarity against the COVID-19 spread.

Provided residents in need with food, face masks, gloves, and pamphlets that warn the community about the importance of using personal protective equipment.

Began a daily 5 p.m. live Facebook briefing to keep residents informed about city-wide operations, social distancing, and shelter-in-place mandates.

Mayor Baraka also introduced initiatives to address economic distress in response to COVID-19: • •

Up to $1 million with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to qualified 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations.

Approximately $1 million investment in rapid, short-term rental housing for 300 vulnerable

• •

• • •

Newark residents, including those without permanent addresses.

Up to $1 million investment in community-based non-profits that serve Newark residents.

Up to $2 million for a small business grant program, offering about 200 business grants up to $10,000 to provide working capital for operating costs, payroll, accounts payable, inventory, equipment, rent, taxes, licensing, or other business-related expenses.

A $1 million investment in the “Live Newark” program to provide down payment and rehabilitation funds for up to 100 Newark homeowners.

Up to $750,000 arts initiative investment that will assist up to 30 arts and cultural organizations with operating funds and capital funds.

Potential tax reductions for commercial building owners with savings passed along to small business tenants through rent reduction.

Mayor Baraka has also reiterated support for a guaranteed basic income using Congressional stimulus during the crisis as an example of “Americans needing more cash in their hands.”

“This pandemic has shown the long epidemic of families living paycheck to paycheck,” the Mayor said. “One unexpected bill or drop in wages can find families in their own crises. The need for cash will be ongoing, and so, too, must be our response.”

Come to the Website. Featuring TPC Radio. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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Dr. Robert Gore’s Tenacity and Talents in This Time of Coronavirus Are Medicine for the Soul

By R.L. Witter Photo: Dr. Ian Summers

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n a cloudy Saturday afternoon, Dr. Robert Gore was doing paperwork in an AirBnB he shares with a colleague. “This is the fourth bed I’ve slept in this week,” he explained. He had been at a different one the day before, but there were “sanitary issues” so they had to find other accommodations. This one seemed cleaner and it was close enough to check on his wife, Hibist, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Over the phone Dr. Gore sounds upbeat, he laughs freely and I can hear it in his voice when he smiles and tells me to call him “Dr. Rob.” I am amazed he has any energy at all or can find a reason to smile. He’s been living apart from his wife for more than a month now, in an effort not to spread the COVID-19 virus to her and their unborn child.

Dr. Rob reflected on the past few weeks and compared it to his experience working in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake noting, “all sorts of similarities and parallels and differences and one of the things that I forgot was how tired I was working during the earthquake and it’s the same thing I’ve felt during the first few weeks of COVID-19. Unsettled, stressed, I don’t have my routine.” It’s hardly the glamorous life many imagine for doctors.

An emergency room physician at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, one of the first COVID-19 designated hospitals in the area, Dr. Rob is drawing upon every strength, skill, and ounce of energy he has. But he’s seemingly where he belongs, where he is meant to be. “I always knew I wanted to help people,” he explained. He contemplated teaching, Foreign Service, and for a while architecture. His path to medicine seems simultaneously accidental and destined.

Becoming A Doctor

While attending a running camp as a teen, Dr. Rob suffered an injury and was sent to see an orthopedic surgeon. Thank-

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

fully, he didn’t need surgery, but he was fascinated by Dr. Answorth Allen. “I was shocked because I had never had a black doctor before,” he recalled. Allen was fresh off his residency at the time; he would eventually work as a team orthopedist for the New York Knicks and the New York Mets.

But first, he was going to help young Robert Gore become a doctor. Gore remembered, “He said, ‘You want to be a doctor? Okay, we’re going to help get you there,’” He decided to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he was repeatedly told about leadership and how it was not just an option, but an expectation of a Morehouse man. “There was this thing inside that made it doable. People who looked like me had done it before me and had blueprints on how I could do it.” Gore did it. He finished at Morehouse and went directly to medical school at SUNY Buffalo.

Dr. Rob received more than just a medical education in Buffalo. His mother’s family has lived there for six generations. He wasn’t just a young doctor there — although he was often greeted with “Are you old enough to be a doctor?”

In Buffalo he wasn’t just treating patients. “These were my grandparents’ neighbors; they shop at the same supermarket, they knew my family. Patients would say, ‘You’re Ora’s grandson’ or ‘Bonnie’s nephew.’”

From Buffalo it was straight on to Cook County Hospital in Chicago for residency. Dr. Rob’s father had grown up there so the other side of the family took their turn looking after the young doctor and giving him the lay of the land.

He heard repeatedly, “County Hospital is where you go to die.” Acutely aware of healthcare disparities and a healthy amount of distrust for doctors and medical professionals in the black community, Dr. Rob leveraged his familial relationships to change minds and hearts. “Patients gravitate toward a doctor or healthcare worker when the worker is genuinely concerned about their well-being,” he explained. www.thepositivecommunity.com

“It helps when your providers understand who you are and where you come from in a different dynamic—when they understand your pedigree and where your heart is because they knew your mother and grandmother. When you have an understanding or seek to have an understanding of what people are going through then that rapport is created, patients understand you have their best interests in mind.”

Practicing in the Time of COVID-19

Now, in his hometown of Brooklyn, Dr. Robert Gore is once again using his training and connections to save lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged New York, especially the black and brown communities. “I’ve spent my career working in black, brown, and immigrant communities,” he explained. “I purposefully decided to work in these communities because I knew they didn’t have access to good, regular, medical care.” He’s hopeful change is coming. “Now, those same disparities can happen to others, and those others are saying, ‘we don’t want that to happen to us.’ So if we don’t fix this situation—particularly as it relates to COVID-19—and make sure people have the support and resources to get better, those individuals are going to come into our spaces, which has a direct impact on our ability to stay well. And when it affects people who have money, different resources are allocated to bring an end to that problem.” And that’s what he’s seeing with COVID-19.

Dr. Rob stresses that COVID-19 symptoms can vary from person to person, and that some are not as well-known as others. “We see the cough, the shortness of breath, the fever, body aches or what we call myalgia, the flu-like symptoms,” he explained. “But some patients are experiencing a loss of smell; some are coming in altered and confused. We’re seeing people with very, labored breath where they’re using all of their accessory muscles in their backs and their shoulders just to get some oxygen and breathe properly.” Those are the people he says need to seek immediate medical attention.

The Importance of Self-Care

Since there is currently neither a cure nor vaccine for COVID-19, Dr. Rob stresses the importance of taking precautions to prevent yourself from catching the virus. “I wear a mask when I leave the house and the only time I remove my mask is in the car . . . This is our reality right now.” He also cautions people about misinformation. “When you aren’t well informed or are poorly educated you tend to be hit hardest by these different disease processes. I recommend people get informed (he cites cdc.gov as a reputable resource for the public) and I also recommend people take precautions regarding health and hygiene. Handwashing, eating healthy, minimizing a lot of the chronic stressors are other ways to keep people’s immune systems high.”

Despite his medical training and mental acumen, Dr. Rob is still taken aback by the spread of this virus. “I thought this was going to be like every other viral infection, not thinking this was going to become this global pandemic to where I’d be wearing spacesuits and these futuristic looking Star Wars-esque masks as part of my work outfit every day.”

He also has a quirk that actually works in his favor, especially these days. “I’m pretty OCD about health and wellness,” he chuckled. “And because I’m around sick people all the time, this is almost like being in a state of war and I need to be at my best, I need to be ready. Anything that’s going to compromise my ability to do well and perform properly, I try to avoid it.” In addition to avoiding the bad, Dr. Rob embraces the good. “I do daily meditation, I work out every day— even if I only have 10 minutes I still do something. I did an hour-long chi gong session this morning.” He’s an avid snowboarder, is brave enough to skateboard throughout New York City regularly, and enjoys all manners of physical activity. “I do 1–2 hours of physical activity daily to keep my breathing capacity and keep physically fit because if you’re fit you tend to fight off infection a lot better and exercising regularly minimizes cortisol levels. I’m a healthcare provider. So if I’m not healthy, how do I inspire confidence in my patients to believe in what I’m telling them?”

Looking Ahead

Dr. Robert Gore

As if treating patients during a pandemic isn’t enough, Dr. Rob faces additional stressors in his personal life. “My wife being pregnant definitely puts a lot of this in perspective.

My main objective is to keep her and our child as safe as possible. I don’t see my parents because they’re older and I also need to make sure to keep them safe because I could be asymptomatic,” he said. “I limit my exposures because I want my family to be around and I want them to be healthy.” His wife, Hibist, owns Bati Ethiopian Kitchen in Fort Greene.

“We’re still open,” Gore said wistfully. “We’re doing all orders online for delivery or pick-up. The business has been impacted; it’s not enough to make a living. We’re fortunate I still have a job so we’re able to take care of us and our family, but it is a major stress and strain.”

Gore’s voice perked up as he said, “I saw her (Hibist) the other day from 12 feet away, wearing a mask, talking to her from a distance, yelling through my N-95 mask and my other mask on top. There are definitely some fears involved, making sure I stay healthy. That’s one of the reasons why I’m cont’d on page NA Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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MACEDONIA BAPTIST cont’d fromfrom pagepage NA 19 Continued

As head of Concerned Citizens in Action, Dr. Harper is at the forefront of a local movement to put prayer back in schools. “I would like to see people having the right to pray anytime or anywhere they want to—in school or out of school,” he explained. “I’m not talking about

Photos: Karen Waters

Photos: Karen Waters

Church Leadership

Black History Month at Macedonia

proselytizing. I’m not talking about trying to convert a Jew to become a Christian or Muslim to become a Christian. I am just trying to say that everyone should have their freedom to pray to their God wherever and whenever they want to.”

DOCTOR ROBERT GORE cont’d fromfrom pageprevious NA Continued page

staying in an AirBnB.” He anticipates at least another four or five weeks living apart from his family, so he does a “digital PPE fashion show” regularly where he sends Hibist pictures of himself in various styles of full protective gear and she rates which ones she likes most.

While his current existence is both physically and mentally grueling, Dr. Rob seems to have been built for exactly this challenge. His meditation and physical conditioning have thus far served him well and kept him healthy despite working on the frontlines of what we can only pray is a once in a lifetime crisis. As I wished him every blessing with his work, his parents, his wife and unborn baby, Dr. Rob reminded me to wear my mask and wash my hands often, which reminded me he pursued mediRussell Frederick Photo: Russell Frederick

cine because he wanted to help people. He offered some advice in deal-

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ing with people who shrug off social distancing and wearing face masks, “Consider that you’re not just doing this stuff for you,” he said. “You’re doing it for others around you.”

The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Education

Co m m unity Matters

WhAt Are We Cgommunity oing to DMatters o About structurAl inequities What Are We Going DoAAbout Wto hAt re WeStructural going to Do INEQUITIES HIGHLIGHTED THE PANDEMIC ? by sPBY highlighteD AnDemic ? inequities A bout tructurAl

By Nancy Cantor and Peter Englot highlighteD by PAnDemic? the art + science of learning

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igher igher education—like education—like every every sector sector of of our our econoecono- are are steps steps that that we we know know we we could could take take on on each each of of these these disdismy—is my—is hurting hurting badly badly because because of of the the COVID-19 COVID-19 panpan- parities, parities, but but there there is is knowing knowing and and then then there there is is knowing knowing that that By Nancy Cantor and Peter philosopher Englot John demic. demic. But But the the current current crisis crisis has has served served to to throw throw leads leads to to doing. doing. As As the the great great educational educational philosopher John into that have Dewey suggested long ago: good is knowing if don’t into sharp sharp relief relief structural structural inequities inequities igher that we we have allowed allowed every Dewey suggested long ago: What What knowing if we wewe don’t education—like sector of our econoare good stepsisthat we know could take on to nation despite the do about to exist exist for for too too long long in in our our state state and and our our nation despite thebecause do anything anything about it? it? pan- parities, but there is knowing and then the my—is hurting badly of the COVID-19 Will we act what we now buffer disparate best in has Willhas we served act on on to what we know know nowtoto todoing. bufferAsthe the disparate best of of our our knowledge. knowledge. Racial Racial inequity, inequity, in particular, particular, has crisis demic.

But the current throw leads the great educational impact of the next equivalent assault on our communities? been hurting us badly for generations, and at universities impact of the next equivalent assault on our communities? been hurting us badly for generations, and at universities into sharp relief structural inequities that we have allowed Dewey suggested long ago: What good is k Or, we instead turn our on stronger safety like walk the uneven path toOr, will will instead turn the our backs backs on building building stronger like ours ours we we see see students students as as they they walk to- and to exist forthe toouneven long inpath our state ourwe nation despite do anything about it? safety nets because “others” (and we know who they are) might be ward nets because “others” (and we know who they are) might be now to bu ward social social mobility. mobility.

Will we act on what we know best of our knowledge. Racial inequity, in particular, has lifted up, even when such investments would ultimately beneMonths pandemic, we have only just lifted up, even when such investments would ultimately beneMonths into into the the COVID-19 COVID-19been pandemic, we have only just hurting us badly for generations, and at universities impact of the next equivalent assault on fit all us; for as next more diverse generation begun aa racial-equity lens.

The all of of us;uneven for example, example, as the theOr, next diverseturn generation begun to to examine examine it it through through like racial-equity lens.

The dispadispawillmore we instead our backs on build ours we see students as theyfitwalk the path tosupports the aging, majority-white baby boom generation? rate housing, food, and education supports the aging, majority-white baby boom generation? rate impacts impacts on on health, health, jobs, jobs, ward housing, food, and education nets because “others” (and we know who t social mobility.

•• Will we integrate our public schools? are of segregation Will integrate public schools? are glaring. glaring. They They lay lay bare bare the the architecture architecture lifted up, even when such investments wou Months into of thesegregation COVID-19 pandemic, wewe have only just our •• Will we use outcomes-based equity metrics to that communities: urban centers Will we use outcomes-based metrics to next more that frames frames black black and and brown brownbegun communities: urban centers for example, as the to examine it through a racial-equity lens. The dispa- fit all of us;equity fund our public institutions, and connect— especially, but more generally geographically isolated; indigfund our public institutions, and connect— especially, but more generallyrate geographically isolated; indigimpacts on health, jobs, housing, food, and education supports the aging, majority-white baby bo technologically and of enous with high numbers technologically and in in• person—all person—all of our our stustuenous communities communities and and neighborhoods neighborhoods high Will we integrate our public sc are glaring.with They laynumbers bare the architecture of segregation dents, not just the fortunate ones, to stackable of frontline workers.

The deaddents, not just the fortunate ones, to stackable of undocumented undocumented families families and and frontline workers.

The dead• Will we use outcomes-based e that frames black and brown communities: urban centers institutions that promise social mobility? ly is in predominantly institutions mobility? ly weight weight of of inequality inequality surely surely especially, is felt, felt, too, too,but inmore predominantly fund our public institutions, generally geographically isolated; that indig-promise social • Will we guard against displacement in our white rural communities that already faced the closing of • Will we guard against displacement in and ourin person white rural communities thatenous already faced the closing of technologically communities and neighborhoods with high numbers dense urban centers where new capital investplants health vulnerabilities they dense urban centers where new capital investplants and and loss loss of of jobs jobs and and the the health vulnerabilities they dents, not just the fortunate on of undocumented families and frontline workers. The deadment is feared? bring. that disparities have ment is both both needed needed and and institutions feared? bring. But But recent recent research research shows shows that wealth wealth disparities haveis felt, too, that promise socia ly weight of inequality surely in predominantly •• Will we invest in prison education and re-entry been for in our cities.

Will we invest in prison education re-entry been growing growing most most alarmingly alarminglywhite for decades decades in our cities.

• Will we and guard against displa rural communities that already faced the closing of training, and hire formerly incarcerated indiSo especially to us in New training, and hire formerly incarcerated indi- where ne So these these are are hardly hardly revelations, revelations, especially to us in New dense urban centers plants and loss of jobs and the health vulnerabilities they viduals into own organizations?

Jersey, disparate impacts viduals into our our Jersey, where where we we have have seen seen COVID-19’s COVID-19’s disparate impacts ment is both needed and feare bring. But recent research shows that wealth disparities haveown organizations?

•• Will we ask our anchor institutions to up progress of pandemic and aa landWill we ask our anchor to step step up educat progress up up close close as as aa hot hot spot spotbeen of the the pandemic and land• institutions Will we invest in prison growing most alarmingly for decades in our cities. and invest locally? scape to the epicenter in and invest locally? scape defined defined not not only only by by our our closeness closeness to the epicenter in training, and hire formerly in So these are hardly revelations, especially to us in New •• Will we the of our New of our demographic Will we pay-forward pay-forward the contributions contributions of own our organizat New York York City, City, but but by by the the density density of where our own own viduals into our Jersey, wedemographic have seen COVID-19’s disparate impacts ever-resilient undocumented neighbors? diversity across urban-suburban-rural ever-resilient undocumented neighbors? diversity divided divided vastly vastly unevenly unevenly across urban-suburban-rural • Will we ask our anchor institu progress up close as a hot spot of the pandemic and a land•• And will we the social determinants of geographies. some recognition that And will we address address determinants geographies. Initially, Initially, there there was was some recognition thatbywhen when and invest locally? of scape defined not only our closeness to the epicenter in the social health that brought us to such aa tragic reckonschools qualify for free and reduced health that brought us to such tragic reckonschools closed, closed, students students who whoNew qualify for free and reduced • Will we pay-forward the contr York City, but by the density of our own demographic ing before next lunch, in brown, uning in in the the face face of of COVID-19 COVID-19 before the the next lunch, disproportionately disproportionately represented represented in black, black, brown, un- across urban-suburban-rural ever-resilient undocumented n diversity divided vastly unevenly pandemic? documented districts, might lose their pandemic? documented and/or and/or low-income low-income districts, might lose their • And will we address the social geographies. Initially, there was some recognition that when and trillions will be spent breakfast separating students with disTrillions and reduced trillions of of dollars dollars will be brought spent in inus to such breakfast and and lunch lunch and and that thatschools separating students withwho dis-qualifyTrillions health that closed, students for free and the coming months to shore up our broken econabilities behind the digital divide the coming months to shore up our broken econabilities and and those those more more generally generally behind the digital divide ing in the face of COVID-19 lunch, disproportionately represented in black, brown, unThe first few hundred is might and progress. omy.

Themight firstlose fewtheir hundred million million is making making its its might substantially substantially impact impact learning learning and academic academic pandemic? documented and/or progress. low-incomeomy. districts, way to New Jersey right now to shore up higher edIn urban hot spots, concerns way to New Jersey right now to shore up In New New Jersey’s Jersey’s densely densely populated populated urban hot spots, concerns Trillions and higher trillionsed-of dollars breakfast and lunch and that separating students with disalone.

But make no that then ability pay rent when their ucation alone.

But make the no mistake: mistake: that will willtoonly only then surfaced surfaced about about residents’ residents’abilities ability to to pay rentmore when generally their ucation coming months shore up ou and those behind the digital divide address—and only in part—the symptoms of what jobs and the stability of local address—and only in part—the symptoms of what jobs were were deemed deemed nonessential, nonessential, and the stability of local might substantially impact learning and academic progress. omy. The first few hundred millio us. what we know—seen clearly homeowners and apartments to their ails us.hotConsidering Considering clearly homeowners who who rent rent rooms roomsIn and apartments to meet meet their ails wayweto know—seen New Jersey right now to shor New Jersey’s densely populated urban spots, concernswhat through aa racial-equity lens—will we the accumortgages. to the disparately black through racial-equity lens—will we use useBut themake accu-no mistak mortgages. Attention Attention finally finally turned turned to the disparately black then surfaced about residents’ ability to pay rent when their ucation alone. knowledge of institutions that and and their increased vulneramulated knowledge of our our institutions only that anchor anchor and brown brown prison prison population, population,jobs andwere theirdeemed increased vulnera- mulated address—and in part—the sym nonessential, and the stability of local our communities, and of our citizenry, to actually bility it got directly to matters of our communities, and of our citizenry, to actually bility in in crowded crowded cells. cells. Eventually, Eventually, it got directly to matters of homeowners who rent rooms and apartments to meet their ails us. Considering what we kno do something about it together? life of co-morbidity, do to something about it .. .. ..through together? life and and death, death, as as the the stark stark reality reality of increased increased co-morbidity, a racial-equity lens—will w mortgages.

Attention finally turned the disparately black pervasive lack of access to personal pervasive and and multigenerational multigenerational lack of access to personal and brown prison population, and their increased vulnera- mulated knowledge of our institutio health supplied hospitals translated, is of health care care and and inadequately inadequatelybility supplied hospitals translated, Nancy Cantor is Chancellor Chancellor of of our citize our Cantor communities, and in crowded cells.

Eventually, it got directly to matters of Nancy day in death rates by race, class, Rutgers University–Newark; Peter day after after day, day, into into disparities disparitieslife in and death rates by race, class, Rutgers University–Newark; Peter do something about it . . . together? death, as the stark reality of increased co-morbidity, Englot is Senior Vice Chancellor and community.

Englot is Senior Vice Chancellor and community. pervasive and multigenerational lack of access to personal for Public Affairs and Chief of Staff Public Affairs and Chief of Staff We the disparate We know know quite quite aa lot lot about abouthealth the pandemic’s pandemic’s disparate imim-supplied hospitals translated, for care and inadequately at at Rutgers Rutgers University–Newark University–Newark Nancy Cantor is pacts going to do about it?

There pacts by by race. race. So, So, what what are are we weday going to do about it?

There after day, into disparities in death rates by race, class, Rutgers Univers Englot is Senior www.thepositivecommunity.com and community.

Spring 2020 The Positive Community 25 for Public Affair We know quite a lot about the pandemic’s disparate imat Rutgers Univ pacts by race. So, what are we going to do about it? There

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Keynote Speaker Bob Law

Plainfield Board of Education (PBOE) Member Carmencita Piles, NJ First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Plainfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diana Mitchell, and PBOE Member Emily Morgan

Frontiers International Annual Breakfast

BY JOHN BRINKLEY

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he Frontiers International Plainfield Area Club celebrated their 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast with an overflow crowd. The breakfast, the longest running tribute of its kind to Dr. King in New Jersey, featured Radio Personality Bob Law as keynote speaker. Law received a standing ovation following his speech titled “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Continuing with tradition, the Frontiers presented scholarships to deserving students Le’Anthony Maurice Howell, LeiLani Jara Leaston, Jonathan L. Price, and Brianna L. Taylor. Outstanding citizens who received the Westry Service Award were: Charles Booker, Sr. for Lifetime Achievement; Linward Cathcart for Leadership; Aaron Gibbs for Service to Youth; and Felisa Van Liew for Community Service.

Frontiers International is active throughout the year with mentorships, roundtable events, and other programs designed to benefit the community.

Bob Law, Rev. Louis Slade, Michael Pyne, NJ First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, Freeholder Rebecca Williams, and John Brinkley

Photos: Karen Waters

L-R: Adrian Council, John Brinkley, Bob Law, Frontiers President Rev Louis Slade, Frontiers Vice-President Saafir Jenkins, and Michael Pyne

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

Senior and Junior Frontiers sang “We Shall Overcome” at the end of the program www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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Culture

music, art + literature

20th Anniversary Celebration Shiloh Baptist Honors Pastor Darrell L. Armstrong

Rev. Armstrong proudly displaying personalized album Songs in the Key of Life

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hiloh Baptist Church, Trenton NJ, celebrated the 20th anniversary of their pastor, Rev. Dr. Darrell L. Armstrong, in a week-long series of events, March 8-15, 2020 where guest celebrants gave words of praise daily. On Wednesday, March 11, Rev. Dr. Armstrong’s life journey was honored in a musical tribute, Songs in the Key of Life.

Elder Lois Key-Alexander, Rev. Charles Atkins, Rev. William Heard, Roy Richardson, Shiloh's Mime 4 Him, Shiloh's Women & Male Chorus, and Shiloh's Anointed Praise & Anointed Hands Dance Ministries performed in what can truly be said was a tour de force.

Pastor Armstrong loved every expression of song, dance, spoken word, and a saxophone rendition that depicted his path to this 20th anniversary. A special favorite of Rev. Armstrong was the re-imagined Stevie Wonder album Songs in the Key of Life featuring his likeness on the cover.

Entertainment, spirituality, and thanks to God for the journey marked the unforgettable celebration.

Photos: Karen Waters

Guest performers Rev. Dr. Charles Atkins, Roy Richardson, Elder Lois Key-Alexander, and Rev. William Heard with Rev. Armstrong

Pastor Armstrong being escorted into musical tribute

100-year-old member Louise Logan congratulates pastor

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Love Finds A Way

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n an intimate ceremony held Saturday, April 4, 2020, Kellee Blades, a Rights & Clearances manager for CBS Sports, and Marc Williams, an account executive at The Positive Community, became husband and wife. After two years of planning a destination wedding in Barbados, West Indies, the couple had confirmed 103 guests excited to attend. Unfortunately, in mid-March they had to cancel the festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But love conquers all, so they decided to keep their original wedding date.

After getting approval from Mayor Adrian Mapp of Plainfield, New Jersey for 10 people along with strict instructions for social distancing, the plans for a scaled back “Operation MK Wedding” went into action. It was truly a labor of love and ingenuity as the couple, along with a handful of friends and relatives, set out to make their day equally as special as originally planned.

While the wedding had been planned down to the very last detail in Barbados, a wedding in New Jersey during a statewide lockdown was going to be a challenge. No bakery, no problem! Kim Hood, a close family friend, tapped into the original venue’s island vibes and made a delicious, coconut wedding cake.

Another friend, Mary Whitner, provided a heart made of red rose petals for the couple to stand in during the

A toast to the happy couple

Kellee on her special day

backyard ceremony; and the bride’s mother, Sandra Rice, lovingly made her daughter’s bouquet. Reverend Greg Davis of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey officiated.

In addition to the small group present in person, more than 70 virtual guests attended via ZOOM. While it wasn’t the wedding day they planned, it was an intimate and unforgettable experience, which included special guest Kenny Latimore, who sang “For You” as a gift to Kellee and Marc on their special day. It was a day filled with joy and a reminder that love conquers all.

Marc and Kellee, in love www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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No te w or t hy

Journey of Black Excellence Gala 400 Years and Counting

By NJ Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chair and Gala Chair Shavonda E. Sumter

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Photos: Karen Waters

he New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus (NJLBC), New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (NJLBCF), and New Jersey Black Issues Convention (NJBIC) joined together with leaders from across the state to host the inaugural 400 Years and Counting Journey of Black Excellence Gala: Honoring Trailblazers of History and Our Future.”

We came together to commemorate the journey of Africans throughout the United States and beyond as well as celebrate our future contributions. A collaborative event uniting African Americans from across our great state, organizations, and friends instrumental in uplifting our culture and for their own achievements received honors and awards. While we recognize the painful transgressions that have impacted Africans in the United States, we celebrate our spirited ancestral journey through which we have demonstrated our resiliency.

L–R: Stephan Lally, Giles H. Ship, Ronald L. Rice, Craig Coughlin, and Shavar Jeffries.

L–R: Lizette Delgado, Shavonda E. Sumter, Angela Garretson, John Currie, Marilyn Davis, Michellene Davis, Linda Jumah Baraka, Patricia Perkins Auguste, Jeannine Larue, Lena Cohen, Linda S. Carter, Verlina Reynolds Jackson, and Angela McKnight

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: John Currie, Pat Perkins-Auguste, Shavonda E. Sumter, and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver

OUR 2020 AWARDEES: New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver Chairman of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus New Jersey Senator Ronald L. Rice (2020 Legacy Award)

L–R: Jerry Jacobs, Patricia Auguste-Perkins, Leah J. Good, Kim Nesbitt Good, and Sen. Ronald L. Rice.

Bloomfield College President Dr. Marcheta Evans My Daughter, Your Daughter, Inc. Founder & President Rev. Dr. Prince Adekoya, II Youth Leader Casey Fortson Jersey City Police Sergeant Marjorie Jordan Industrial Bank President B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. Community Activist Dassou Kassimou Nesbitt Funeral Home Owner Kim Nesbitt Good RWJ Barnabas Health Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Michellene Davis, Esq. Funds from this event support paid internships sponsored by the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Angela McKnight and Michellene Davis, Esq.

L–R: President B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr.; and SVP Willie Blalock, Industrial Bank Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community Spring 2020

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Karen Waters

Black History Month at Calvary Baptist Church

L–R: Minister John Silver, Deacon Marcellus Jackson, and Pastor McKinney

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L–R: Sis. Wilma Allen, Dr. Calvin McKinney, and First Lady Brendalyn L. McKinney

astor Calvin McKinney of Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield, NJ invited TPC Publisher Adrian Council to a special Black History Month worship service to speak briefly to the congregation about the value of origins, history, and destiny through increased knowledge and understanding of our cultural narrative.

Rev. McKinney is former president of the General Baptist Convention of NJ. He recently retired as General Secretary for the eight million-member National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

UMBC of NJ Inc. Women’s Auxiliary Photos: Jay Davis & Karen Waters

L-R Guest Preacher Rev. Tracy Brown, UMBCNJ President Rev. Dr. Marilyn M. Harris, and Newark Municipal Council President Hon. Mildred C. Crump

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he Women's Auxiliary of United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ (UMBCNJ) held their annual gala at Snuffy's Caterers in Scotch Plains, NJ. ‑

Women's Auxiliary Officers L-R: Joyce Washington, Eleanor Perry, Minnie Barfield, Joyce Groves, Eucelyn Morrast, and Karen Reid. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Spring 2020 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

Fall 2018

Vol. 19 No. 10

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 Spring 2020

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

IN A TIME SUCH AS THIS Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

— Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

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hese are strange days. Sheltering in place without visitors has become our new normal, as has standing in line at stores in hopes of finding toilet paper, disinfectant, and dry goods such as rice, beans, and flour. Honestly, I never could’ve imagined this prior to it happening—and certainly not here in America.

In early March as I purchased a few non-essential items such as cookies, ice cream, and crackers, a little, hunched over, old man asked if I needed help carrying my bags to my car. I politely declined and as I was about to leave the store, God put it on my heart to ask the man, “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” The man was counting coins in his hand and replied, “Do you have 62 cents?

I’m short 62 cents.” I didn’t have any change, but I handed him a $20 bill and said, “This should cover it.” I then noticed he was purchasing dry milk, canned peas, and ramen noodles. The man thanked me and attempted to hand me his change and the change from the $20. “No, no,” I said. “That’s for you.” The man’s face spread into a smile of wonderment as he thanked me profusely and said, “Oh boy! Now I can go back and get some more stuff!” But before shopping, he insisted on walking me to my car.

As we walked he explained he had spent the day at the supermarket offering to help people carry their groceries in hopes of making a few

dollars. “My social security check doesn’t go so far anymore,” he explained before adding, “I didn’t have much luck and I don’t know when I’ll get out again to the store, but then you showed up.” I told him I was glad I could help and thanked him for walking me to my car. I then sat and watched him return to the store, hoping he could get more of what he needed.

When I later shared my experience with my husband he simply said, “That’s just who you are. If God put it on your heart then you did the right thing.” Since then I’ve dropped off toilet paper and soap to my diabetic friend who also has asthma, and my older relatives in their 70s were thrilled to receive a delivery of milk, a rotisserie chicken, disinfectant wipes, and distilled water for a CPAP machine. I’ve begun making masks.

Now is not the time to be proud.

As the late, great Bill Withers sang, “…For no one can fill/ Those of your needs/ That you won’t let show.”

Now (and really always) is a time for kindness and compassion, as well as face masks and gloves. It’s a time to put our faith and values into practice while remaining safe and healthy. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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