June 2011

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Deval Patrick From Chicago’s South Side to the Governor’s Office

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The Entrepreneurial Spirit Cheryl McKissack-Daniel Steve Jones

Medgar Medgar letter_PosCom letter_PosCom spread spread 6/2/11 6/2/11 11:5011:50 AM Page AM Page 1 1

Fulfilling Fulfillingthe theLegacy Legacy and andMission Missionof ofM

AA

By William

By William L. Pollard, L. Pollard, President President

II

S WE SCELEBRATE WE CELEBRATE OUR 40th OUR ANNIVERSARY 40th ANNIVERSARY YEAR,YEAR, therethere T IS T OUR IS OUR COLLECTIVE COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY to evaluate to evaluate has been has been much much reflection reflection on the onlegacy the legacy of our of our how how we can weensure can ensure that that moremore of the ofstudents the students of Central of Central namesake, namesake, Medgar Medgar Wiley Wiley Evers, Evers, and on andthe and and onrich the history rich history Brooklyn Brooklyn are receiving are receiving two-twoor four-year or four-year degrees degrees fromfrom Medgar Medgar crucial mission of our The promise of Medgar crucial mission ofinstitution. our institution.

The promise of Medgar Evers Evers College.

College.

To meet To meet and exceed and exceed student student needs needs and expectaand expectaEvers College is theisprovision of academic opportunities to to Evers College the provision of academic opportunities tions,tions, we must: we must: students fromfrom students all backgrounds. all backgrounds.

It is the It isguaranthe guaran• Offer • Offer a greater a greater variety of degree programs, variety of degree programs, tee that tee that theythey will leave will leave our doorsteps our doorsteps not only not only with richer co-curricular and extra-curricular with richer co-curricular and extra-curricular Our four Our four buildings buildings withwith an affordable, high-quality education, but but an affordable, high-quality education, experiences. now house now house over over 7,0007,000 experiences. also also withwith an informed sense of purpose and an an informed sense of purpose and an • Build greater linkages to both graduate pro- pro• Build greater linkages to both graduate degree-seeking degree-seeking students students awareness and willingness to serve as leaders awareness and willingness to serve as leaders grams and employers. grams and employers. and more and more than than and change agents in their communities. and change agents in their communities.

• Increase • Increase the internal the internal levellevel of scholarship of scholarship 2,000 2,000 adult adult and and To fulfill our mission requires the regular in- inTo fulfill our mission requires the regular funding, funding, and provide and provide our students our students withwith the rethe recontinuing education education sources fusion of new perspectives, alongalong withwith successful fusion of new perspectives, successful continuing sources theythey needneed to apply to apply for external for external scholarscholarpolicies, as our are not the the policies, aschallenges our challenges areentirely not entirely students, students, the highest the highest ships. ships.

Through Through new new programs programs suchsuch as our as our samesame as they werewere in decades past.past. as they in decades Customer Customer Service Service Initiative Initiative we will we enhance will enhance the the enrollment enrollment in thein the • We•will an open-door policy in the We continue will continue an open-door policy inOfthe Ofoverall overall student student experience experience on our oncampus. our campus.

College’s College’s history. history. fice of the as well as regular student fice ofPresident the President as well as regular student EREERE AREARE SOME SOME RECENT RECENT EXAMPLES EXAMPLES of of and faculty towntown hall meetings. and faculty hall meetings. students students who who have have been been recognized recognized exterexter• Our • faculty Our faculty mustmust makemake certain certain that that all ofall our ofstudents our students havehave nally nally for their for their academic academic achievements: achievements: mastered the fundamentals, before we can to prepare mastered the fundamentals, before webegin can begin to prepare • Svetlanna Farinha Farinha received received a $10,000 a $10,000 NBANBA Bacardi Bacardi GoldGold themthem for the of academically rigorous education needed so so • Svetlanna forkind the kind of academically rigorous education needed Standard Standard Scholarship.

Scholarship. that they can compete in cutting-edge disciplines — such that they can compete in cutting-edge disciplines — such as as • Michael • Michael Smith Smith was awarded was awarded bothboth a $4,400 a $4,400 Walmart Walmart FoundaFoundacomputer science and business. computer science and business. tion/ tion/ Thurgood Thurgood Marshall Marshall College College Fund Fund First First Generation Generation ScholScholWe must expand our facilities in ways that that encourage and proWe must expand our facilities in ways encourage and proarship arship and a and $4,400 a $4,400 Department Department of Defense of Defense Scholarship.

Scholarship. motemote positive student outcomes, suchsuch as our million dollar positive student outcomes, as$18.2 our $18.2 million dollar • Omar • Omar Gardner Gardner wonwon the International the International Chemistry Research Chemistry Research library library expansion, expansion, slated slated to begin to begin nextnext year.year.

The The newly newly reno-renofor Students internship in Vietnam.

Experience for Students internship in Vietnam. vatedvated $3.2 $3.2 million million swimming swimming poolpool project will be completed in in Experience project will be completed student scholars received prestigious internships at at • Several student scholars received prestigious internships timetime for the months for the and recreation forsummer the summer months forenjoyment the enjoyment and recreation • Several Yale Medical School: Yale Medical School: including including Renee Renee Fleming, Fleming, Chukwuazom Chukwuazom of the and the We must find find new new and innoofCollege the College andcommunity. the community.

We must and innoAnthony Nwasike, Nwasike, Chisom Chisom Dominic Dominic Okezue, Okezue, Kisha Kisha La Fleur, La Fleur, vative vative waysways to address to address funding funding decreases decreases on the onstate the state and local and local Anthony and Chidinma and Chidinma Maureen Maureen Okezue.

Okezue. levellevel and obtain and obtain the resources the resources necessary necessary to effect to effect change. change.

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mec.cuny.edu mec.cuny.edu

Medgar Evers • Other medical field internship awardees include: Samantha Bryce at the Virginia University School of Medicine, Summer Medical and Dental Education Program; Tornelle Lutchman at the New Jersey Medical School, Summer Medical and Dental Education Program; and Jenelle Vincent at the University of Missouri, Summer Medical Internship.

• Through our Predominantly Black Institutions grant, Medgar Evers College students have: attended and garnered awards for their presentations at prestigious scientific conferences, provided pro bono assistance to nonprofit organizations, and participated in college tours and in international cultural immersion programs.

To guarantee that they — and all our scholars — have the tools to succeed, we have embarked upon a master planning process that will guide the institution over the next few years.

T

O CARRY THE IDEALS of our founders forward, we must concurrently work to uplift the community. Medgar Evers College provides nearly $1 million in financial support to each of our Centers to perform work and research in areas such as social justice, literacy, and voter registration. The new Community Justice program, a partnership with Charles

Medgar Evers College’s new award-winning science building. Below, students listen intently in a science class.

“Joe” Hynes, the King’s County district attorney, will integrate expertise in community re-entry with academically rigorous teaching and research to assist formally incarcerated individuals, as well as to provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience in this arena.

Our faculty imbues our curriculum and co-curricular initiatives with pedagogy that not only instructs our students in various disciplines, but also inspires them to be the change they seek. In doing so, we pass the baton to the next generation of leaders, as Medgar Wiley Evers and our founders passed their ideals on to us.

June 2011

CONTENTS FEATURED STORIES:

Cheryl McKissack–Daniel: Guided by Her Ancestors . . . . . . . . . . 22 Steven Jones: From a Bright Idea to Park Place . . . . 27

Sections MONEY

Golden Krust Adds Some Flavor . . . . . 28 Panasonic’s Kid Witness News . . . . . 32

42

EDUCATION

Hooray for the Graduates . . . . . . . . . . 35 COVER STORY: GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK’S INSPIRING MEMOIR

CULTURE

George Walker Honored by NSA . . . . . 51

&also inside Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Making Bold Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cathedral Cotillion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Donnie McClurkin: Man of Valor . . . . . 56 New Federal Theater’s 40th Anniversary Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Passings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Giileh Scholz Makes Her Mark

In Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

on American Gospel Music. . . . . . . . . 66

Parenting 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

No Man Left Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 On Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

HEALTH

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Great Day for Lupus Research . . . . . . 71

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

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3/21/11 12:06 PM

NAACP New York State Conference NAACP New State Conference National Association forYork the Advancement of Colored People NAACP New York State Conference National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor Letter to Editor Forthe more than 100 years, the NAACP has led the fight for a quality education for every student regardless of

their socioeconomic status or years, color. the Today, the NAACP thea battle provide all with access to a of For more than 100 NAACP has led continues the fight for qualitytoeducation forstudents every student regardless For more than 100 years, the NAACP has led the fight for a quality education for every student regardless quality education. In New York filed two lawsuitscontinues and boththe resulted mission to their socioeconomic status or City, color.we Today, the NAACP battleintovictories provide consistent all studentswith withour access to a of

their socioeconomic or color. the NAACP continues theresulted battle toinreduce provide allconsistent students access to a to improve the quality of public education. first lawsuit required New York to class size andwith the second quality education.

In status New York City, Today, weThe filed two lawsuits and both victories with our mission quality deploying education.

Inof New York City, we filed two lawsuits and failing bothNew resulted victories consistent with mission required the necessary resources to first improve specific schools.

To date, the New York Department of to improve the quality public education.

The lawsuit required Yorkin to reduce class size and theour second improve is the quality of public education. first lawsuitspecific required Newschools.

York to To reduce class size York and the second of Education not in compliance with eitherThe of these Orders despite requests, negotiation, to resolve required deploying the necessary resources to improve failing date,and theefforts New Department required deploying the necessary resources to improve specific failing schools.

To date, the New York Department of this matter. is not in compliance with either of these Orders despite requests, negotiation, and efforts to resolve Education

Education is not inbefore, compliance with either these Orders despite requests, and efforts As we have and will again, weofreturned to Court to enforce thenegotiation, orders which would goto farresolve to this matter. this matter. improvingAs thewe quality of education foragain, every we child in a public school.

Department of which Education hasgoutterly have before, and will returned to Court to Our enforce the orders would far to failed to Aschildren we quality havewith before, and again, we returned to Court tofor enforce the orders of which would go far to provide our verywill education that will necessary them to become productive citizens.

Thisfailed is notto improving the of the education for every child in be a public school.

Our Department Education has utterly

improving qualityschools of education for everyonly child in aofpublic school.for Our Department Education has utterly failed to a fight against Charter educate thenecessary 1,000,000 children colorofinproductive our city. This is a fight for provide ourthe children with thewhich very education that4% will be them toofbecome citizens.

This is not provide our children with the very education that will be necessary for them to become productive citizens.

This is not the otheragainst 94%, plus all ofschools the other students.

Weonly will4% notof silently accept the poor solution a small a fight Charter which educate the 1,000,000 children of colorof ineducating our city. This is a portion fight for aour fight against Charter which educate only 4%not of choose the 1,000,000 of color inofour city. This is a fight ofthe children by lottery. should have We the right to between allpoor public education options available in for other 94%, plus all schools ofParents the other students. will silently acceptchildren the solution educating a small portion theour other 94%, by plus all the other students.

We will notto silently the all poor solution of educating small portion their community.

This is aofgrave injustice. of children lottery.

Parents should have the right chooseaccept between public education optionsaavailable in

of ourcommunity. children byThis lottery. should to chooseofbetween all creates public education optionsEducation available 2.0 in We will not stand whileinjustice. the Newhave Yorkthe Cityright Department Education Brown v. Board their is by a Parents grave theirwill community.

This is of a by grave injustice. which leadwill to anot world have and have notYork students who co-existofinEducation the same creates communities. inconceivable We stand while the New City Department BrownItv.isBoard Education 2.0 We will not stand by while the Newnot York Cityparent Department ofparent, Education Brown v.ItBoard Education 2.0 that our will public officials can pit student against student, andcreates neighbor against neighbor in a high which lead to a world of have and have students whoagainst co-exist in the same communities. is inconceivable

which will lead to a world ofpit have and have notstudent, students who co-exist thelead same communities.

ItWe isneighbor inconceivable stakes battle thatofficials will leave our communities without young people whoin can productive know that that our public can student against parent against parent, and neighborlives. against in this a high that our public officials can pit student against student, parent against parent, and neighbor against neighbor in a high is stakes an opening send more of our the communities vast majority without of these young students to prison rather than direct the resources to revive battletothat will leave people who can lead productive lives.

We know that this stakes battle that will leave our communities without young people whoissue can lead productive lives.

We know this our communities. does not take a vast rocket scientist recognize that is notthan being played in the suburbs. is an opening to It send more of the majority of to these students to this prison rather direct the out resources tothat revive is an opening to send more of the vast majority of these students to prison rather than direct the resources to revive If we can create Charter Schools withscientist the resources and curriculum to educate 4% ofplayed our children, then we our communities.

It does not take a rocket to recognize that this issue is not being out in the suburbs. our communities.

It does nothave takeSchools a rocket scientist to recognize that this is noteducation. being out in the suburbs. can create schools that the ability tothe provide everyand student withissue a quality Co-locating schools Ifpublic we can create Charter with resources curriculum to educate 4% played of our children, then we If we can create Charter Schools with the resources and curriculum to educate 4% of our children, then we only the have and statusevery quo. Do parents really wanteducation. the public Co-locating school students canexacerbates create public schools thathave havenot theaspect abilityoftothe provide student with a quality schools can create schools that have ability to every with a noon? quality education.

Co-locating schools eating lunch public at ten so that the Charter school students the building eat at Do our officialsstudents really only exacerbates the have and havethe not aspect ofprovide the in status quo.student Do can parents really want the public school only exacerbates the have and have not aspect of the status quo.

Do parents really want the public school students believe children be oblivious to these inequities?

We cannot goatbackwards wepublic ever expect toreally eatingthe lunch at tenwill so that the Charter schoolobvious students in the building can eat noon? Do if our officials eating atcommunities. ten sowill that Chartertoschool in the building can eat go at noon?

Do our public strengthen our believelunch the children bethe oblivious thesestudents obvious inequities?

We cannot backwards if we everofficials expect really to believe the children will be oblivious to these obvious inequities?

We cannot go backwards if we ever expect Newour York City has the responsibility to educate all students – not just those lucky enough to win the to strengthen communities.

strengthen ourYork communities. education lottery game.

Having a solid educationtoiseducate the pathway to achieve the American Dream.

But educating New City has the responsibility all students – not just those lucky enough to win theour New York has the toineducate allThe students – not just those enough win children is no gamegame. ofCity chance; it isaresponsibility an investment NAACP willthe notAmerican stand lucky down until But allto ofeducating our the children education lottery Having solid education isour theCity. pathway to achieve Dream. our

education lottery game.

Havingitais solid education is the toNAACP achieve the American Dream.

But our have accessisto quality We that you stand with us for the best interests of all children. children noagame of education. chance; anhope investment inwill ourpathway City. The will not stand down until alleducating of our children children is no game of chance; it is an investment in our City.

The NAACP will not stand down until all of our children have access to a quality education. We hope that you will stand with us for the best interests of all children. have access to a quality education. We hope that you will stand with us for the best interests of all children.

Hazel Dukes

NAACP NY State Conference President Hazel Dukes Hazel Dukes NAACP NY State Conference President NAACP NY State Conference President

Roll Call for PC_April_11.qxd:Roll Call for PC Document.qxd 5/3/11 6:29 PM Page 1

GREAT

T

R C OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.00 each (one-third of the cover price) or support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunitycom

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

First AME Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY Dr. Darran H. Mitchell, Pastor

Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

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

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

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

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

First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Donald L. Owens, Pastor

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

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. David Hampton, Pastor

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

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ. Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor

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

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director

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

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

Greater Allen Cathedral, Queens, NY Revs. Floyd and Elaine Flake, Co-Pastors

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

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor

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

Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Lucille McEwen, President & CEO

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Harlem Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Pastor Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Washington Lundy, President

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Kippie C. Brown, Pastor

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Peekskill, NY Rev. Adolphus Lacey, Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

Businesses & Organizations

125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade African American Muslims for Interfaith Relationships (AAMIR) American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Carver Federal Savings Bank City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Inner City Broadcasting Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary

St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe

New York Urban League

St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. William L. Watley, Pastor

Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The Cathedral Int’l., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

New York Theological Seminary Newark School of Theology Schomburg Center The Bozeman Law Firm The College of New Rochelle The United Way of Essex and West Hudson University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ WBGO-88.3FM WKMB-1070AM

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

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

ANNOUNCING

The 98th Annual Session for the

North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association Moderator: Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ

Theme: “Unstoppable Movement” Acts 5:29-39.

Commencing on Tuesday, July 19th Climaxing on Sunday, July 24th, 2011 Host church: Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church 88 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ Pastor Rev. Allen Potts Sponsors

The United Missionary Baptist Association will convene its

3rd Quarterly Session at

New Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Lee A. Arrington Moderator

171 West 140th Street NY, NY 10030

Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. 1st Vice Moderator Rev. Anthony Lowe 2nd Vice Moderator Rev. Lee A. Arrington Moderator Rev. Jimmie Howell Recording Secretary Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. 1st Dr. ViceCalvin Moderator Rev. Kendrick Assistant Recording Secretary Rev. Anthony Lowe 2ndKeith Vice Moderator Rev. A Bolden, Sr. Financial Secretary Rev. Jimmie Howell Recording Rev. Dr. JesseSecretary T. Williams Assistant Financial Secretary Rev. Dr. Calvin Kendrick Assistant Rev. PatriciaRecording A. Morris Secretary Corresponding Secretary Rev. Keith A Bolden, Sr. Financial Rev. Dr. SeanSecretary P. Gardner, Sr. Treasurer Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams Rev. Wayne Financial A. Williams Assistant Secretary Assistant Treasurer Rev. Patricia A. Morris Rev. Willie L. Hairston Corresponding Secretary Chief of Staff Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr. Rev. Dr. Renee F. Gardner Treasurer Program Chair Rev. Wayne A. Williams Assistant Treasurer

Rev. Lee A. Arrington Moderator Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. Host Pastor and Vice Moderator

Opening Session

Saturday, July 23, 2011 Lottie B. Heath Youth & Young Adult Auxiliary Junior Usher Auxiliary

Monday, July 26, 2011 Parent Body Night 7:00 p.m

Preacher Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY

Sponsors Rev. Willie L. Hairston Chief of Staff Rev. Dr. Renee F. Gardner Program Chair

Friday, July 29, 2011

Congress of Christian Education Preacher for the Evening Former UMBA Moderator Rev. Dr. Isaac B. Graham, Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, New York, NY

Week day sessions are hosted auxiliaries: Laymen, Women, Ushers, Nurses, Ministers Wives & Widows

General Theme:

"United, Mission Minded, and On The Move with God"

2011 Theme:

"The Holy Spirit: God's Gift To The Church"

3rd Quarter Emphasis:

UMBA HEADQUARTERS: Paradise Baptist 23 Fort Avenue New York, New York 10032 "TheChurch Gifts of theWashington Holy Spirit" Ephesians 4:7-13 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

All Are Invited! All Are Welcome!

Paradise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New York 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

UMBA HEADQUARTERS: Paradise Baptist Church 23 Fort Washington Avenue New York, New York 10032 Office (212) 781-3311 Fax (212) 787-7125

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ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Community Building and Business Growth in the 21st Century

n this issue our focus is on business (with a special emphasis on small business and bootstrapping), finance, graduations and moving forward. Today the economic numbers are staggering: 25 million people unemployed or underemployed; record home foreclosures; rising food and energy prices. Meanwhile, the debate in Washington is about deeper spending cuts in education and social programs. “Reduce the size of government” has been the battle cry in some political circles, which translates to the shedding of tens of thousands of public sector jobs.

I

New Economic and Social Realities On the other side of these challenges there is a dawn of new, exciting economic and social realities. According to John Harman, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ, the number of black-owned businesses in the state has increased by 66 percent in the past year! In New York and New Jersey churches there’s enthusiastic talk about the creation and revival of business ministries and the hosting of business and finance conferences. Many of the large congregations now publish business directories that highlight the business and professional services of their members. From what I see community based business and trade organizations are flourishing. Membership among these associations is on the rise.

Collective Talents and Gifts We are now rediscovering the value of our own individual and collective talents and gifts. We must leverage our very best to provide quality products and superior service to the customer. At The Positive Community magazine, the example is best illustrated in our magazine’s “Great Roll Call to Progress” (see page 7). About a year ago, to offset rising costs, we asked churches to contribute $1.00 per issue for bulk deliveries. Today we cannot fit onto a single page the churches, businesses and community institutions that subscribe to our program. These institutions are investing from $50 to $600 per month for “Good News from the Church

Today the economic numbers are staggering: 25 million people unemployed or underemployed; record home foreclosures; rising food and energy prices. www.thepositivecommunity.com

and the Community.” As we see it, economic interdependence and social fraternity will ultimately lead to brotherhood- a comprehensive community ideal.

My business partner, Jean Nash Wells, and I are what some describe as risk takers—bootstrap entrepreneurs. We began our business without much more than our God-given talents, a prayer and encouragement from family and friends. That and our ability to draw deep from “the bank of goodwill”— businesses and advertisers that have benefited from our experience in sales and marketing in past years, launched and sustain the endeavor now known as The Positive Community.

Our Testimony As we enter the 11th year of this journey, our testimony is that nothing can take the place of hard work, sacrifice, living faith, teamwork, dogged determination and the ability to withstand defeat. The vision and ongoing objective of The Positive Community is to highlight community-building attributes in our faith community and its institutions, and to provide examples of best business practices and good corporate citizenship for our community of readers. We strive to affirm progress, celebrate leadership and promote goodwill!

We find in these difficult economic times, however, that providing a quality product or service alone is not enough. The customer wants to know that the businesses and institutions that they support really care about them and their community. Moving forward, it’s about qualitative relationships and quantitative results—the profit motive augmented by a service motive.

The next installment of our Newark Leadership Roundtable Series will be on business. The theme: From Striving to Thriving. We’ll focus on the “how to” and the “why not” of business—the possibilities and essentials of lasting progress, success and prosperity. The date is set for Saturday morning September 24th at The Newark Club.

Hooray for the Graduates!

Finally, we’re most proud of our Class of 2011 Graduates. If you did not get photos to us in time, we offer another opportunity to showcase your church’s graduates in our next (July/August) issue as we continue our tribute, “Hooray for the Grads.” We urge our graduates to consider the charge that my father, a self-taught, successful entrepreneur, with a sixth grade education gave to his sons: “When you go to college, learn more than just how to get a job. Learn how to manage or own a business for yourselves...other communities, successful communities create jobs for themselves!”

June 2011 The Positive Community

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WILLIAM S. PARRISH, JR. MAKING BOLD MOVES

William S. Parrish, Jr. is President & CEO of Noble Strategy, LLC

Spend Less, Save More and Create Your Own Economic Recovery ver the last several years we all have been consumed by the most compelling economic downturn since the great depression, but hoped that the recovery is near. We search for news about the economy’s predicted return but still look forward to better times ahead. We acknowledge and offer comments about the financial markets’ demise but still expect to see a turnaround. We all know we need more access to capital to weather the stormy seasons in business, but are we prepared to create that rainy day fund from our proceeds at the office? We now need to play a more active role in our personal and business lives to force a new outcome. Our trend has been to spend, but we can act now by saving and investing to contribute to our own economic recovery, perhaps at a quicker rate than projected.

Whether managing a growing business or a family household, the affects of a slow economy can be calmed by some immediate actions, including financial restrictions, allowing us to save and invest more for a change. It is very hard to discuss and even put into action, a plan on saving and investing more, but we have to quickly develop the discipline to do it for a chance at early recovery.

We all know, simply put, that we need to spend less than we make; but that has proved to be very challenging during these times. With so much need, where is there room for spending less and actually saving money? Or better yet, investing?

If you are managing a growing business in this economy, you probably don’t’ have the luxury to spend much time on thinking about savings. With every dollar you can squeeze out of your clients, you are probably working to stay out of debt. When you do have money left after paying the bills, you still have to consider paying your salary, paying down your credit, replenishing inventory, and marketing to reach new customers you hope will bring extra revenues. However, the concept of saving and investing your business proceeds must be utilized regularly.

If you are familiar with the concept of paying the tithe and then paying yourself first and know it works, why not use that thinking in your business? Try saving 10%-20% of your business proceeds, even during your growth peri-

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ods, so when you encounter frozen credit markets you have some other options, including your own cash, for unlocking access to capital. It sounds easy, but takes real discipline to hold back a portion of each check you receive, when you still need to feed your machine (large or small, any business will operate like a machine, requiring, at the very least, fuel and maintenance or in this case, your money and your time). Of course it doesn’t work very well if you still have uninterrupted access to that stored cash, so put it far away enough so you are not tempted—and you will be tempted—to reach for it at the drop of a hat.

Over time, if you were to employ this concept in an automatic deduction fashion— the same way a portion of an employees’ paycheck can be automatically drafted to an external savings account before they even see it— then you might be surprised how your capital needs could be relieved. Imagine if you could now put that extra cash to work by investing in your business or even other businesses, allowing you to bring new products or services to your market faster and capture more market share. Even better, you could have access to the money you need now—and in the past would have gone to a bank for—and immediately cash in on the investment in staffing, products or equipment you would make.

Financing your own growth in this manner would create direct benefits like more cash on your balance sheet and independent thinking, but also ancillary benefits like looking more attractive to potential lenders who often only want to lend to businesses that don’t need the money.

If you get this right you could become a walking stimulus plan for others to benefit from your good standing and financial independence. You will have created organic growth within your business and forced the beginning of your own economic recovery. You will have created a template for others to follow, thus spurring us all to a quicker recovery. You will have taken action that leads you out of the herd mentality and allows you to blaze a trial as a leader. You will have succeeded in finding the upside in the downturn and will have definitely made a bold move in doing that! www.thepositivecommunity.com

William S. Parrish, Jr. President & C.E.O.,

NobleStrategy, LLC A Noble Approach ... A Noble Strategy!

A Professional Construction Resource A Certified MBE/SBE/DBE Enterprise

Construction Management • Project Management Sustainable Design & Construction Services • Emerging Business Mentoring Workforce Development 158 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102 973-622-2229 ph 973-622-5556 fx

2601 Frederick Douglass Blvd New York, NY 10030 212-690-4370 ph 212-690-4371 fx

w w w. n o bl e s t r a t e g y. c o m

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

Rev. Nance is pastor of The Church by the Side of the Road in Passaic, NJ. She is also a radio talk show host and documentary filmmaker.

LISTEN TO THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY HOUR ON WKMB 1070 AM HARVEST RADIO, MONDAYS, 1:30–2:30 P.M. WITH HOST THERESA NANCE.

Happy Father’s Day, Pa

s I was saying in last month’s column, my parents served God whether everyone was watching or nobody was watching; which brings me to the profile of my late father, Wilton Lewis. June is the designated month to celebrate fathers. And, my father was extraordinary.

He was one of 16 children. His mother spoke no English, just Creole. Born in Louisiana and raised in Houston, TX, “Texas Bill,” as he was affectionately called by his contemporaries, was filled with wanderlust and traveled the rails, yes like a hobo, making his way to Northern New Jersey by way of Chicago and other metropolitan areas.

While living in Chicago, both he and his brother, Andrew, drove milk trucks for a wellknown mobster because, he said, “We had to eat.” He met my mother and courted her, much to the chagrin of her male siblings. They married when he was the ripe old age of 30.

He had no tangible offerings to bring to the table, but what he had, everyone later discovered, was a passionate love for his wife and unconditional love for his only child...me.

He was a great cook! Oftentimes he’d put

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together those wonderful dishes that came straight from the bayou and then made a cattle call, so to speak, to my cousins, aunts and uncles to come and feast at the table of brotherhood.

Oh, it was a beautiful thing.

My mother had the business savvy, but my father was the visionary. He bought a plot of land in Atlantic City long before the casinos surfaced. He wanted a trailer long before they became fashionable. He juiced his veggies before the guy from that infomercial said it was healthy to do so.

He taught me to ride a bike so I wouldn’t fall down and go boom. He was my first driving teacher when I got behind the wheel of his car.

He was always there for me, even after my failed marriage and he was a wonderful grandpa to my son and daughter.

A devout Christian, I’d find him on his knees praying at about 4 a.m. every morning before he started my mother’s car and put the coffee on. Black men are maligned. Black men are marginalized. Black men who don’t walk out and leave the little woman holding the proverbial bag are not recognized. His father took off when my dad and his siblings were young and was never seen again. His brother, Thomas, went to Alaska before most African-Americans were boarding planes. I guess his early travels were sufficient to scratch his itch to wander, because my dad stuck around and stayed with his wife and child for 50 years.

Yes, I come from a rich legacy as I’m sure many of you do. My father basically died of hardening of the arteries. While he lay on his bed of affliction his main concern was this: Would Theresa and the kids be OK? The answer is yes, we’re OK because I had more than an OK father. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Three Days to Remember at NYTS June 22-24, 2011

Our Voices Loud and Clear

“Our Voices” will feature three days of compelling conversation from women of diverse backgrounds, two luncheons and a Gospel Concert.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Center for World Christianity Lecturer

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook

Ambassador at Large, International Religious Freedom

Sixth Annual Lecture on World Christianity Global Gathering and Lecture The Interchurch Center

Thursday, June 23, 2011

For addit ional info conferen rmation, ce fees, it includin inerary, a g nd guest visit and Son Esslie W. Hughes panelists register o , n our we bsite at www.nyt s.edu/rcw or contac m t Dr. Cy nthia Dia Resource z, Direct Center fo or r Women 212-870 in Minis -1212/cd try iaz@nyts .edu ~ CONFE RENCE C O-SPON THE IN SORS: TERCH THE CE U R CH CEN NTER F TER OR WO RLD CH RISTIAN ITY Friday, June 24, 2011 “Our Voices”

Dr. Angella

“Our Voices”

Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Alexie Torres-Fleming Valerie Oliver-Durrah Terrie M. Williams

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

HOW TO HOW TO LIVE UNITED. TO LIVE UNITED. HOW TO LIVEHOW UNITED. TO

LIVE REACH OUT OUT AA HAND HAND TO TO ONEUNITED AND REACH ONE AND REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND LIVE UNITED. INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. JOIN HAND INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. LIVE UNITED. LIVE UNITED. JOIN OPENHANDS. YOUR HEA JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART. JOIN HANDS. LEND YOUR MUSC OPEN YOUR HEART. LEND YOUR MUSCLE. OPEN YOUR HEART. FIND YOUR VOIC LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND LENDYOUR YOUR VOICE. MUSCLE.

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THINK OF WEGIVE BEFORE ME. GIVE AN AN HOUR. A SATURDAY. GIVE HOUR. GIVE A SATURDAY. REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE ME. AND THINK THINKOFOFWEWEBEFORE BEFORE ME.

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LIVE UNITED UNITED LIVE LIVEUNITED UNITED LIVE UNITED www.unitedwayessex.org www.unitedwayessex.org

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ANTOINETTE ELLIS WILLIAMS Ph.D. IN PERSPECTIVE

Antoinette Ellis Williams, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies at New Jersey City University and Assistant Minister in Newark.

Live Like the Rapture is Coming ately, many are predicting, discussing, anticipating and fearing the end of the world. “The apocalypse is coming!”

There have been worldwide catastrophic weather patterns—tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, mudslides, tsunamis, floods, and fires; political and economic unrest— all reinforcing this doomsday perspective. News programs run crawl announcements at the bottom of the screen detailing the number of dead, missing and injured. Our collective heads spin at the disasters at every turn. The May 21 prediction of the “rapture” resulted in much fodder, frenzy, hysteria and jokes. Now our dear Mr. Harold Camping has revised the impending doomsday to October 21, 2011.

While we can dismiss Camping’s incorrect predictions, he has begun a national conversation on the return of Christ and the Rapture. We have a teachable moment. Christ will return like a thief in the night; no one knows the day or the hour, but He will return.

Here are the facts; we have had all of these disasters in the past, much of this is not new. The only things new are technology and the expansion of the population. We are connected on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn via our iPads, emails, smartphones, etc. We have the capability to know the instant a pin drops in Istanbul. Additionally, there are more people living in areas at risk of disaster. Of course, we have not been kind to our earth and it is sick.

The end is inevitable in some form or fashion at some point in time—in a twinkling of an eye. I am humble enough to say I have no knowledge of the date of the Rapture or even my own demise. In fact, I may not even complete this essay. A diagnosis, car accident, trip, bullet, or the Rapture will end the life we know. So what are we to do? Rest assured. If Christ is in your life there is peace; there is peace in knowing that death has no sting. Death is not a permanent condition, rather a physical reality. There is the opportunity to share the light of Christ with others.

Today is the gift you must savor—live it to the fullest.

Drench yourself in sunsets, rain showers, sunrises and the kisses of your children. Remember every wrinkle imprinted in your lover’s face. You can feel free to help your neighbor with his groceries. Share your lunch with the widow. Kick regret and fear out the window. Forgive completely. Pause to behold the

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beauty of God’s masterpiece. Watch the birds fly. Listen to the chirp of the crickets. Allow your son to tell his story. Tomorrow has never been the promise from God; just live your life today and hope for a tomorrow to have the chance to try again. Live like the rapture is coming.

The words of country singer Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You Are Dying” captures what I think we can do: He said I was in my early forties, with a lot of life before me And one moment came that stopped me on a dime I spent most of the next days, looking at the x-rays Talking ’bout the options and talking ’bout’ sweet times.

I asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end How’s it hit ’cha when you get that kind of news?

Man what did ya do?

He said Chorus I went skydiving I went rocky mountain climbing I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu And I loved deeper And I spoke sweeter And I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’ And he said some day I hope you get the chance To live like you were dyin’ He said I was finally the husband, that most the time I wasn’t And I became a friend a friend would like to have And all of a sudden goin’ fishin, wasn’t such an imposition And I went three times that year I lost my dad Well I finally read the good book, and I took a good long hard look At what I’d do if I could do it all again And then Bridge Like tomorrow was the end And ya got eternity to think about what to do with it What should you do with it What can I do with it What would I do with it June 2011 The Positive Community

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Night of Miracles for United Way Inez Comacho puts the finishing touch on Keith Green’s corsage

Teena Cahill

L-R: Tracey Munford, George Xuereb, Atiyi Rashidi

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t was a magical night at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange as the United Way of Essex and West Hudson hosted their 13th Annual Night of Miracles Gala. The theme of the evening was the Roaring Twenties. Night of Miracles chairperson, Robyn M. Pitts and United Way President & CEO Keith H. Green led the way, presenting awards to several deserving persons who are making a difference in the community—Mark Barnard of

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the Boy Scouts Council of North Jersey; Adenah Bayoh, owner of International House of Pancakes in Irvington; David Kerr, executive director of Newark's Integrity House; Alison Bryant, director of Church Women United Food Pantry in Irvington; and Dennis Porter, founder of Prodigal Sons & Daughters Redirection Services in East Orange. The special North Star Award was presented posthumously to the Honorable Judge Shirley Tolentino.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: United Way Presient/CEO Keith H. Green; Adenah Baoh, Dennis Porter, Ana-Ramona Tolentino, Dr. Ernesto Toletino, Alison V. Bryant, Mark Barnard, David Kerr and Robyn Pitts, dinner chair

L-R: (standing) Milton Balkum, Roxan Harte Enmore; (seated): Jereline Short, Inez Cohen Camacho L-R: Versey Martin and Rev. Cornelius W. Martin

L–R: Lorna K. Johnson, Zackary Yamba

Celia King and her husband Leonard Robbins

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June 2011 The Positive Community

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L–R: Delores Choice, Michelle Dudley, guest, Hastie Lowther and Hon. Elizabeth Barksdale

Riverside Club Honors Hastie N. Lowther Hastie with Estelle Ann Rollins

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he Riverside Club, a chapter of the National Association of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., celebrated the 30th Founders Observance with an awards luncheon on Sunday, March 30 at the Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem.

Author, educator, fighter for human rights and dear friend of The Positive Community, Hastie N. Lowther, was the recipient of the Club’s 2011 Sojourner Truth Award.

Mrs. Lowther, an active member of Abyssinian Baptist Church, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the City College of New York, studied religious education at New York Theological Seminary and Union Theological Seminary and has certificates in biblical archaeology and continuing education

from Princeton, Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities.

She retiired after 32 years of service with the Teachers Retirement System, and remains active in the community volunteering as a tutor, drug counselor and most recently as a member of The Apollo Theatre Significant Elders of Harlem working with the Oral History Project at P.S. 154 and at Harriet Tubman Learner Center.

Other awardees at the Riverside Club luncheon were jewelry designer Nerissa Rivers-Lawrence; Eunice RamseyParkr, DPM.MPH; quilter and educator Veronica KirtonJohnson and Deacon Rodney A Beckford, director of the Joseph P. Kennedy Center in Harlem. Betty G. Smith is president of the Riverside Club, Victoria Williams and Robbin Johnson served as co-chairs of the event. —JNW

Honoree Deacon Rodney A. Beckford

L–R: Nichol King with Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Grissom Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Everton Jones Joan Pritchard, National Treasurer

Minister Raschaad Hoggard

Honoree Eunice Ramsey-Parker

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

L–R: Mrs. Daphne Horsford, Ajshay James, Min. Gail Forrester, and Gilbert Deans

Honoree Veronica KirtonJohnson Patreece Gaston

L–R: Rev. Malika Whitney, Hastie Lowther, Minnie Motto and Voza Rivers

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Minister Gail Forrester

L–R: Nichol King, Veronica Kirton-Johnson, Hastie Lowther, guest, Mrs. Gwendolyn Grissom, Hon. Elizabeth Barksdale and childeren Sable and Satin Borum

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NAACP Brooklyn Branch Freedom Fund Reception

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Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz displays proclamation to be presented to NAACP Brooklyn Branch President Karen Boykin-Towns.

Photos: Margot Jordan

ne Borough, One City, One Dream” was the theme for The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Brooklyn Branch, fifth annual Freedom Fund Reception Awards Ceremony held recently at the Brooklyn Public Library in the Dr. S. Stevan Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture in Brooklyn. David Ushery, Anchor, NBC4 New York and host of The Debrief with David Ushery served as master of ceremonies.

“The NAACP was founded by brave American citizens, from many cultures, colors and creeds, nearly 100 years ago to bring freedom and equal rights and civil rights to Black Americans. Our founders courageously proved to us that they were powerful beyond measure. We must convey that courage to the next generation and beyond, so that someday, the vision will be achieved,” stated Karen Boykin-Towns, Brooklyn Branch President since 2005.

L–R: Honoree Jacqui Williams Fields, Xavier Dominicis, Yasmin Hurston Cornelius, Hon. Leroy Comrie and Winston Majette

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Cheryl Mckissack-Daniel: Guided by 200 Years of Voices

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

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n old and very familiar African proverb says “if we are able to see further ahead it’s because we are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.” It is no surprise therefore, that Cheryl McKissack-Daniel, president and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, has such a clear vision for the company that has been in her family for five generations.

Founded in 1796 by Moses McKissack I, McKissack & McKissack is the oldest African-American, woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the nation.

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The company provides construction management services for both new construction and renovation projects including program management, oversight of design/build projects, owner’s representative services, and construction inspection services. With McKissackDaniel at the helm, the company is fast moving toward her fundamental goal, which is to be a mainstream construction company.

“What keeps me going is the strength of the vision and mission that God has laid on my heart,” McKissackDaniel, told The Positive Community. “It is a vision to move the company from under the yolk of sub-consultants and joint venture contracts to prime contractors.”

McKissack-Daniel’s success in this area is measured in part by her successful efforts in slowly moving the company away from the Minority & Women Owned Businesses (MWBE) brand. “People are now coming to us because we have the expertise and they are willing to pay for the value they see in us,” she explained. This is evidenced by the $200 million contract McKissack & McKissack has secured as the prime contractors on the headline-grabbing Atlantic Yards Project in Brooklyn.

“This is very significant for us for many reasons,” McKissack-Daniel continued. “Forest City Ratner has taken a chance – though a good and calculated one – by awarding this contract to McKissack & McKissack. This is helping us redefine our position, especially since this is private work.” Another significant achievement in the company’s recent history is securing the $40 million contract for phases one, two and four of the Harlem Hospital redevelopment. McKissack reflects, “It has taken us years to get here but all the baby steps we have taken over the past 20 years are finally paying off.”

Some of the other construction projects that have helped to put the company shoulder-to-shoulder with the www.thepositivecommunity.com

competition include the recently completed Academic Center and Student Services Building at Medgar Evers College and the Columbia/Manhattanville Project.

Born in Tennessee, McKissack-Daniel graduated with a civil engineering degree from Howard University and with persistent effort has proven that indeed, fate favors the bold. Along the way, she has occasionally had to make use of her own hammer to break the glass ceiling of this male dominated field. Even so, she remains conscious of the support and help she has received from her ancestors, starting with her great-great grandfather, Moses McKissack I, a West African who came to America as a slave.

“I feel that I have 200 years of voices that are guiding me and I try to listen to them,” she revealed. “They have truly been my guides and I’ve learned a critical lesson from every one of them along the way. From Moses McKissack I, I learned determination and persistence. In particular, that it’s not about doing extraordinary things but about doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

He was a bricklayer, a simple craft by all standards. But he did it so well that eventually it was his vehicle to overcome slavery and gain his freedom.”

Her grandfather, Moses McKissack III was an educated man and a history maker in his own right. The company he started in 1905 received a commission for the Carnegie Library at Fisk University, which became one of the first major structures in America to be designed by a black professional. “From him I’ve learned the value of an education,” she continued. “In pursuing his craft, my grandfather made sure that he was educated, even though he had to do so by correspondence classes.”

The kind of loyalty and trust that have made the McKissack name a trusted one in the construction field, is what McKissack-Daniel learned from her father, William DeBerry McKissack. His innovative ideas and business leadership skills played a major role in sustaining the McKissack tradition of design and construction excellence. “My father had such a good name that people trusted whatever he had to say,” McKissack beamed.

Some of her guiding life lessons have also come from her mother, Leatrice McKissack, who continues to be a strong, positive influence in her life. “It was my mother who gave me the kind of training that you cannot get in school,” McKissack-Daniel reminisced. “She taught me about human dynamics and the politics of individuals. I learned from her how to maneuver, how to finesse and get people to work their best even though they do not own the company.”

Probably the best example of her mother’s skills in maneuvering is her initial efforts in getting her daughter Cheryl into the family business. At the time, McKissackDaniel was fulfilling her dream of working in New York City. In fact, she was so bent on working in the Big Apple that after graduating, she only sent resumes to firms in Manhattan. In 1989, she was an estimator at Turner Construction and doing very well in her career. “My mother called on a Friday and said, ‘I need your help. www.thepositivecommunity.com

McKissack & McKissack built the Health Science and Technology Building at Medgar Evers College which opened last fall.

You need to go into your boss’ office and quit.’ When I replied that I was afraid to so she said: ‘It’s okay, I’ve already spoken to him.’”

That Monday McKissack-Daniel started commuting to work in Nashville, TN every week and concentrated on the business development side of the family business. In 1991, after two years of flying to work on a Monday and returning to New York on a Thursday, McKissack-Daniel finally decided to open her own company, The McKissack Group. In 2000 she returned to Tennessee, but this time it was to buy her mother’s company. This forged the way for the formation of McKissack & McKissack and the continuation of a legacy that is deserving of soccer stadium-like cheers. She has since established offices in New York City, Philadelphia, Connecticut and Arkansas.

With unbridled passion, McKissack-Daniel continues in her pursuit of her vision. “I have to remain true to the history and longevity that were so graciously given to me by my ancestors,” she declared. And as a faithful believer, she embraces the concept: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Having made the hard-as-nails climb to the top, McKissack-Daniel is now positioned to advise other women who are in various points along the ladder of success. “Get qualified in your field, but have patience, persistence and passion,” she urges. “Success is not an overnight game but rather a long and winding road and it requires a lot of patience. But passion will get you though the struggle. Passion helps to keep you focused on what you are doing. And most of all it keeps you going.”

Not dismissing the obstacles and challenges that she still encounters, McKissack Daniel—supported by a staff she calls “extraordinary”—continues to embrace each new project with devotional perfection. In addition to the skills and the technology that are used to full advantage, she has a secret weapon—a telepathic letter from the soul of her ancestors. Some days it may be a passage of scripture, other days a song. But without fail there is always that coded 200-year-old message that seems to remind her: ‘keep on going; God is in control!’

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Official Notification of African American Farmers About $1.25 Billion Class Action Settlement Begins Class members should visit www.BlackFarmerCase.com or call 1-877-810-8110 for complete information including the detailed notice, key dates, and claims-filing information.

(Washington, DC) - The Court-ordered process of officially notifying African American farmers and their heirs about the $1.25 billion “Pigford II” class action settlement, In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation, is underway.

Class members should visit www.BlackFarmerCase. com or call 1-877-810-8110 for complete information, including the detailed notice, key dates, and claims-filing information.

African American farmers around the country who tried to file a claim in the 1999 Pigford Settlement but were unable to receive a decision on the merits because their claims were late are now receiving information about their legal rights and options under the Settlement by postal mail. A comprehensive paid published notice program will complement this direct notice. The program will include a nationwide radio advertising campaign, including heavy focus on areas where large numbers of class members are believed to live. A Summary Notice will also be published in a variety of print publications including African American newspapers, general market daily and community newspapers, and farming and ranching trade publications. Finally, online ads will appear on a variety of websites.

The plaintiffs and USDA announced the proposed settlement in late 2010 and President Obama signed the

bill authorizing payment of the Settlement on December 9, 2010. If approved by the Court, the settlement will resolve discrimination claims related to USDA farm loans and other benefits. The proposed settlement includes $1.25 billion for cash payments and loan forgiveness for class members who file valid claims.

Class members eligible for the Settlement are African Americans who farmed (or attempted to farm) between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996; were prevented from applying for or were denied a USDA farm loan during that period or were given a loan with unfair terms; and who filed or attempted to file a late claim between October 13, 1999 and June 18, 2008 in the original Pigford case that was never considered because they tried to submit it after the late claim deadline. Heirs or kin of people who fit this description but have since passed away may also be class members.

Class members’ rights may be affected by the Settlement even if they do not act. Those who wish to object to the Settlement must do so by August 12, 2011. The deadline for filing claims under this Settlement may be as early as February 28, 2012. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will consider whether to grant final approval of the Settlement at a hearing in Washington D.C. on September 1, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Lead Class Counsel: Andrew Marks, Crowell & Moring LLP, 202-624-2500; Gregorio Francis, Morgan & Morgan, P.A., 407-420-1414 and Henry Sanders, Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders, Pettaway & Campbell, LLC, 334-875-9264

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Legal Notice

If You are African American and Suffered Farm Loan Discrimination by the USDA between 1981 and 1996, You may be eligible for money from a $1.25 billion class action Settlement Fund (Heirs/Kin may be included) There is a proposed class action Settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) involving racial discrimination against African American farmers between 1981 and 1996. This Settlement is only for certain people who tried to file a late claim in the original Pigford case, or their heirs (kin) and legal representatives. The current Settlement (sometimes called Pigford II) provides benefits to some of those late filers.

received a payment in the original Pigford case.

What does the Settlement provide?

You may be eligible for a substantial cash payment and USDA loan forgiveness from the Settlement. You will need to file a claim to be eligible for these benefits. The claims deadline may be as early as February 28, 2012. The Court has appointed lawyers to help you file a claim under the Settlement. You do not have Am I included? to pay them or anyone else to help you with You may be included if you: the claims process. These attorneys will ask • Between 1981 and 1996, were discouraged or the Court for fees and expenses of between prevented from applying for or were denied 4.1% and 7.4% of the Settlement Fund, and a USDA farm loan or other benefit, or you the Court will decide how much they are paid. were given a loan with unfair terms because You may hire your own lawyer, if you wish, of racial discrimination, at your own expense. If you have questions or • Were eligible for a payment in the original need more information, call 1-877-810-8110.

Pigford case, and What else should I know?

• Submitted a late-filing request that was denied or never considered because it was The Court will hold a hearing on September 1, 2011 to consider whether to approve the late.

Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees If you are the heir or kin of someone who and expenses. If you want to object to or died who fits this description, you may file a comment on the Settlement or appear at the claim for a payment that would become part hearing, you need to file a letter with the Court of the deceased person’s estate. If you are not by August 12, 2011. If the Court approves sure if you (or someone for whom you are the the Settlement, you will not be able to sue the legal representative) are included, please call USDA about your farm loan discrimination 1-877-810-8110. You are not included if you claims in the future.

For more information or to begin the claims filing process:

Call: 1-877-810-8110

Visit: www.BlackFarmerCase.com

Questions about Medicaid or Medicare?

The Bozeman Law Firm can help…

As we and our parents and loved ones age, more and more we need to understand the entitlements, requirements and limitations of both Medicare and Medicaid.

Our office has focused on these areas over the past years as a part of our Trust and Estates and Elder Law practices. As a result we have developed seasoned staff conversant in the eligibility requirements for these very vital programs.

In addition to myself, Attorney Carla Lewis Burnett, a registered nurse and an experienced attorney, Renee Woodard, MSW, an experienced and capable nursing home social worker and administrator, and Alice Nicholson, Esq., of Counsel to our Firm, who focuses on Social Security Disability entitlements, all are available to our clients for consultations, assistance with Medicaid and disability applications and, when necessary, Medicaid and Disability Fair Hearings.

We also handle Guardianship hearings and proceedings and Sandra Miller is available for accountings and assistance in complying with reporting requirements for Article 81 and other forms of Guardianships and Probate and Estate filing requirements.

A consultation now may save you time, money and disappointment in the long term as you contemplate your future living and health needs and those of your elderly loved ones.

SONYMA makes homeownership affordable in these difficult times.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers first-time homebuyers: • 30- or 40- year fixed interest rates that are typically below market; • Financing up to 97%; • Flexible underwriting guidelines; • Down payment assistance (higher of $3,000 or 3% of the loan amount or up to $15,000); • No points; • No financing add ons.

For more information, call

1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit www.sonyma.org

Bruce L. Bozeman Attorney at Law

914-668-4600

6 Gramatan Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10050

26

The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com OMG4018_ad3.55x4.75r2mech.indd 1

5/20/11 9:52:48 AM

From a Bright Idea to an Award-winning Agency WebSignia’s Steve Jones Typifies Today’s Young Entrepreneurs

By R. L. Witter

A

t the recent Urban Entrepreneurship Summit at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J, Steve Jones brought his experience and insight to the event designed to assist minority small business owners. Though attendees were advised by some bankers that loans were available, Jones pooh-poohed the idea, “The banks are still tight, you still have to have perfect credit—which is not realistic, given the fact that some people have leveraged their homes and possibly gone into debt to get a [business off the ground],” he countered, stressing that government needed to push banks into lending money to entrepreneurs in order to sustain the businesses and the community as a whole.

It’s that sort of candor combined with visionary thinking and a solid knowledge base and skill set that led Jones, originally from Barbados and raised in Brooklyn, to create WebSignia, a digital marketing company in March 2003. It seemed to be the logical thing to do since Jones has basically been an entrepreneur since he was a teenager, selling airbrushed t-shirts at New York’s South Street Seaport. “I’ve been an artist since I was two yearsold,” Jones explained. By age 19 he had opened a recording studio and at 21 he was heading up his own recording company. It was his love of those two things, art and music, that set things in motion for Jones and WebSignia.

“I started WebSignia while working as a web designer at Cardinal Health,” Jones explained. “I created a site that ranked in the top three sites for three years and one day I got a call from a friend from the music business who needed a website for Jay-Z’s fan club.” The website was a hit and opened the door for Jones to go out on a limb and out on his own. “After doing the site as a favor and a creative outlet, my phone rang pretty often as the web address circulated through the music industry and millions of record buying fans. Two years www.thepositivecommunity.com

later, I left Cardinal Health with 40 clients.”

Seven years later, Jones and WebSignia continue to flourish and grow. WebSignia has maintained double digit sales growth every year since its inception and won several awards along the way. Most recently, Jones was presented with the Business Excellence and Community Impact award from the Business Outreach Center Network. He has provided services to companies around the world including First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, the 9/11 memorial, Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC), Cartoon Network, and many more. Services range from website design including social network platform, custom payment systems and logo design, to content management, corporate intranet and extranets, market research and analytics and a host of other offerings. “The inspiration is around the ability to create websites that directly impact people’s success,” explains Jones.

When asked about the future of WebSignia and where he sees things going Jones replied, “The future of WebSignia is around growing a sustainable business model that allows us to develop products that shape people’s lives, help our clients grow their businesses, and impact the communities in which we do business.” He cites his most fulfilling experience thus far as, “the experience of growing WebSignia from a bright idea in my home, to an award winning agency on Park Place in Newark.”

When life allows Jones to find time away from his business, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. From gardening to playing XBOX or playing Wii with his children, Jones takes the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and precious moments. It isn’t always easy, but he finds the balance between work and family while continuing to position his company to maintain its current success and growth. “We live in the moment,” said Jones. “And go where the business takes us.”

June 2011 The Positive Community

27

Golden Krust Launches New Condiment Line L–R: Lorna Hawthorne, co-founder of Golden Krust Carribean Bakery with her son, Omar and former NYC Councilmember Una Clarke

Lowell Hawthorne, CEO of Golden Krust Bakery is all smiles at the launching of his company’s new sauce line

Lowell Hawthorne greets NYC Comptroller John Liu at the launching reception

“M

Photos: Donovan Gopie

y passion is to bring people the flavors of the Caribbean through all of our products,” says Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill CEO and company founder, Lowell Hawthorne, and with the addition of a line of liquid condiments, Hawthorne is doing just that. Golden Krust’s authentic Jamaican baked goods and savory dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Stew and Jamaican patties available with several fillings, have made Golden Krust synonymous with Jamaican cuisine in the United States. The new sauces come in four flavors: Jamaican Style Jerk, Honey Barbecue Jerk, Island Flavored Ketchup and Hot Pepper Sauce. For now, the sauces will be available only in Golden Krust retail stores, but if we know the Hawthornes it won’t be long before they join

Golden Krust frozen patties for sale at select supermarkets.

The nation’s largest Caribbean food franchise with 120 locations in a dozen states, began as Hawthorne & Son’s Bakery in St. Andrews, Jamaica, W.I. 50 years ago.

In 1989, his son Lowell Hawthorne opened a restaurant on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx and the rest, as they say, is history.

A true family business, Hawthorne’s wife and children, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces all play a role in making Golden Krust a successful business. Through the Mavis & Ephraim Hawthorne Foundation established in 2005, Golden Krust maintains a commitment to the community, providing scholarships, social services, wellness programs and activities.

—JNW

Parts of Bergen and Passaic Counties

A Community Focus…………………………………A Statewide Vision

Thank You For Your Vote Of Confidence

28

The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

11.SCA.2038.FullPageAd_Layout 1 4/22/11 4:46 PM Page 1

Build NYC Schools & Invest in Your Future The SCA is Always Building The SCA is dedicated to building and modernizing schools in a responsible, environmentally sound, cost effective manner while achieving the highest standards of excellence in safety, quality and integrity. Through the Department of Education’s multi-billion dollar five-year Capital Plan, the SCA provides contractors, subcontractors and consultants with an opportunity to compete for and win work on a variety of project types and sizes: • Mentor/Graduate Mentor Projects – Projects ranging from approximately $80,000 to $1 million. These projects offer mentoring services, including SCA - sponsored training and teaming firms with top CMs.

Public School 194

• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects – Generally smaller than capacity projects and typically ranging from $1-20 million, CIP projects maintain and upgrade existing school facilities.

• Capacity (or Line) Projects – Large-scale construction jobs that create new classroom seats, typically through construction of new buildings or additions, or building out leased space.

The SCA is Committed to Working with MWLBE Firms If you are an SCA-certified and qualified construction or construction-related MWLBE firm (contractor, consultant or vendor), the Business Development Division (BDD) can help you grow your company. We have all of the tools you need to learn how to take your emerging firm to the next level and become a successful business.

Eagle Academy High School

Visit the SCA website or call today and find out how to get started!

Learn More www.nycsca.org (Doing Business) Vendor Access System (Online Application) https://dobusiness.nycsca.org Business Development Certification Hotline (718) 472.8899 Contractor Qualification Hotline (718) 472.8777

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor Dennis M. Walcott, Chancellor, NYC Department of Education Lorraine Grillo, President & CEO, NYCSCA Suzanne Veira, Sr. Director of Business Development, NYCSCA Barbara Gavosto, Director of Contractor Qualification, NYCSCA NYC School Construction Authority 30-30 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Public School 77

Math, Science & Engineering High School

The Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative The Essex County Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action is committed to promoting business opportunities for small, women Action is committed to promoting business opportunities for small, women and minority-owned vendors. Essex County’s Bonding Readiness Program and minority-owned vendors. Essex County’s Bonding Readiness Program is the first-ever multiple county bonding program geared to helping SBE, is the first-ever multiple county bonding program geared to helping SBE, DBE, MBE and WBE businesses gain the necessary credentials to apply for DBE, MBE and WBE businesses gain the necessary credentials to apply for government contracts. We encourage you to sign up for this FREE program. government contracts. We encourage you to sign up for this FREE program.

- Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. - Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex Essex County County Bonding Bonding Readiness Readiness Program Program

Free Free Development Development Course Course for for Small Small Businesses Businesses Presented Presented by

by Joseph Joseph N. N. DiVincenzo, DiVincenzo, Jr., Jr., Essex Essex County County Executive, The Board of Chosen Freeholders Executive, The Board of Chosen Freeholders and and the the Essex Essex County County Office Office of of Small Small Business Business Development and Affirmative Development and Affirmative Action Action The The County County of of Essex Essex has has partnered partnered with with The The Surety Surety & Fidelity Association of America to provide a & Fidelity Association of America to provide a Bonding Bonding Readiness Readiness Program Program to to SBE, SBE, DBE, DBE, MBE MBE and and WBE vendors in New Jersey.

WBE vendors in New Jersey.

Session Session Begins Begins Aug. Aug. 4, 4, 2011 2011

Workshops Workshops Include: Include: •• Business Business Planning Planning and and Management Management for for Construction Construction •• Construction Construction Accounting Accounting and and Financial Financial Management Management •• Banking Banking and and Financing Financing for for Contractors Contractors and Insurance for •• Bonding Bonding and Insurance for New New and and Emerging Emerging Contractors Contractors •• Marketing, Marketing, Estimating Estimating and and Bidding Bidding •• Project Project Management Management and and Field Field Operations Operations •• Claims and Dispute Resolution Claims and Dispute Resolution •• Managing Managing Growth Growth

Contact Contact us us for for more more information information and and to to RSVP RSVP -- 973.621.5420 973.621.5420 bondingreadiness@essexnj.org bondingreadiness@essexnj.org

Ideal Ideal Candidates Candidates Should Should Possess Possess the the Following: Following: •• Minimum Minimum of of 22 years years business business experience experience •• Financial Financial records records covering covering Profit Profit and and Loss Loss •• History of successful project experience History of successful project experience •• Commitment Commitment to to complete complete the the program program

The The program program is is FREE FREE but but registration is required. registration is required.

This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, This project All is funded by a grant from U.S. Small Business (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as endorsement of any products, opinions, or services.

SBA funded projects arethe extended to the publicAdministration on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Reasonable accommodations foran persons with disabilities will be made, if or services.two All SBA funded projects are extended publicEsq., on aDirector, nondiscriminatory basis.Development Reasonable accommodations for persons disabilities be made, requested weeks in advance.

Contact DeborahtoE.the Collins, Small Business and Affirmative Action, Hall ofwith Records, Roomwill 449A, 465 Dr.if requested two weeks in advance.

Contact Deborah E. Collins, Esq., Director, Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, Hall of Records, Room 449A, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark NJ 07102. Telephone: (973) 621-2010.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark NJ 07102. Telephone: (973) 621-2010.

“We invite all small, women and minority business owners and prospective entrepreneurs to visit our new Small Business Development Resource Center and Reference Library. It will provide entrepreneurs with information to transform their ideas into new businesses and help current vendors to expand their companies. This is another opportunity we are offering to empower small, women and minority vendors and help them succeed in today’s competitive market.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive The Board of Chosen Freeholders And the Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action

Essex County Small Business Resource Center & Reference Library Essex County Hall of Records Fourth Floor, Room 447 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.

Newark, NJ 07102

RESOURCE CENTER HIGHLIGHTS: •Specialized 500-Book Business Library •Computer/Internet Access •Daily Newspapers & Business-Related Periodicals

OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BYAPPOINTMENT ONLY Call 973-621-2011 to schedule yours today!

This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested two weeks in advance. Contact Deborah E. Collins, Esq., Director, Small Business Development and Affirmative Action, Hall of Records, Room 449A, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark NJ 07102. Telephone: (973) 621-2010.

Brenda Blackmon, MY9 News anchor and mistress of ceremonies

L–R: Hon. Donald Payne Jr., president Newark Municipal Council with Joseph Taylor, Chairman/CEO, Panasonic

Panasonic’s Kid Witness News

T

he KWN program is a Panasonic-inspired yearlong, in-school video education program and competition. The winning Val Verde High School team traveled from Perris, CA to Panasonic Corporation of North America's headquarters in New Jersey for the KWN New Vision Awards ceremony along with fellow finalists Maui High School (Maui, HI), Rachel B. Noel Middle School (Denver, CO) and Kingston High School (Kingston, NY). The latter schools also won awards for presenting creative videos on social issues such as surviving cancer, the dangers of texting and body image.

Developed and funded by Panasonic, Kid Witness News encourages hands-on video education to develop cognitive, communication and organizational skills through the use of video. Panasonic provides each participating school with a complete Digital Video Studio and suggested guidelines to augment the school's curriculum to encourage the children to express their hopes and concerns about the world around them. Un-

der teacher supervision, the students create, produce, direct and edit video shorts on a wide range of topics including current events and issues relevant to today's youth for submission in the yearly competition. Participating schools this year received a Panasonic professional HD video camera, Panasonic said.

The program began in 1989 with one school in New Jersey and has since grown to include participants from 60 schools throughout the United States and 679 schools worldwide.

The Val Verde High School U.S. Video of the Year team will receive a suite of Panasonic 3D products including a Viera Full HD 3D Plasma Television, 3D Bluray Player, 3D Camcorder and 3D Active Shutter Glasses.

Val Verde will also go on to represent the U.S. in the Panasonic Global Kid Witness News Awards which will be held on July 21 at Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA, where their video will compete against finalists representing 26 countries from around the world. —HB

L–R: Julane Miller-Ambrister, senior VP, UMDNJ; Ted Johnson, VP, Human Resources, NJIT and Jeanette Brummel, executive director Urban Initiatives, UMDMJ

Photos: Vincent Bryant

L–R: Jennifer Taylor Smith, Rutgers University Foundation; Penny Joseph, director, Corporate Outreach Programs for Panasonic and Dr. D.T. Ogilvie, Rutgers Business School.

Penny Joseph with Stefan Pryor, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Newark.

Terri Seeney, manager Corporate Outreach Programs, Panasonic

32

L–R: Peter Fannon, VP, Panasonic Corporate Affairs; Craig Stanley, director, consortium for Pre-College Education in Greater Newark, NJIT; Angela Ridenour, The Positive Community and Don Viapree, Cablevision.

The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Leaders Meet Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

D

r. Roy A. Hastick, Sr. President and Founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), meets with Halim Qaddus, president of the Muslim American Chamber of Commerce at a recent conference at CACCI’s Brooklyn headquarters.

THRIVES LOCALLY We’re committed to helping the community and everyone who lives here achieve more than ever. That’s why we salute The Positive Community for its support of the business arena.

©2011 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

www.thepositivecommunity.com

COMMSERV AD JUN 2010 012

June 2011 The Positive Community

33

Convent Ave BC Spring Revival

T

he Historic Convent Avenue Baptist Church recently held it's annual Spring Revival. For three days, Rev. Jesse T. Williams Jr. presided over a packed sanctuary filled with praise, worhip and song.

Guest evangelist Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott, senior pastor of Central Baptist Church in St. Louis MO, delivered a powerful, inspiring message of renewal, comfort and hope. The theme: Faith that Moves Forward.

Sharon Fleming, manager of Journeys Unlimited international specialty travel, event sponsor with her daughter Naquisha Knights.

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

L–R: Rev. Jesse T. Williams, Sr.; Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott; Rev. James B. Logan, executive minister, Convent Avenue BC

Usher Clara McCullough with Razac banner, an event sponsor

Chamblee's Square Restaurant Full Line of Southern Style Food Breakfast

•

Lunch

•

Dinner

596 Hunterdon Street, Newark, NJ (Corner Madison Ave.)

973-824-8725 34

Open Daily: 7am—7pm Monday by Appointment

The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Education Teaching, Learning, Making a Difference

�ooray for the Grads!

11MAY Positive Comunity_nyack 5/24/11 2:05 PM Page 1

Nyack College, Nyack, NY Kwame McIntosh “Graduation was important to me because it represented that all of my hard work was not in vain. I was reminded of the countless times I had to literally fall in the arms of Christ to get through trying situations, and I now know that He is able, yesterday, today, and forever.”

Come Visit Us this Summer!

Now introducing an Online Degree in Organizational Management.

JoJo Mott “Graduation was important to me because I was the first in my family to graduate from college. My parents and family members were counting on me.”

INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 • 6:00pm Rockland Campus, 1 South Blvd., Nyack, NY 10960 Call 800-33NYACK to register today.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

College Seminary Graduate Schools •

•

Christian Higher Education Since 1882

Nyack, NY • New York, NY www.nyack.edu • facebook.com/NyackCollege

Chris Smith “Graduation was important to me because it was setting an example to my family and my community that when you persevere, God keeps His promise.”

June 2011 The Positive Community

35

HOORAYGRADS!

CCNY AD/PR Student Wins One Show Merit Awards

R

oberto Clemente, a senior majoring in advertising and public relations at The City College of New York, was named a Merit winner in the One Show College Competition for creativity in advertising.

Simeon Coker, a CUNY Baccalaureate student, who was mentored and taught by CCNY advertising faculty, also received a Merit award. The winners were announced at a reception May 11 in New York.

“The One Show is the Academy Awards of our industry,” said Nancy R. Tag, associate professor of advertising and deputy chair of CCNY’s Media & Communication Arts Department. “It’s probably the most prestigious award in advertising in terms of creativity and conceptual thinking.”

Professors Tag and Gerardo Blumenkrantz advised Mr. Clemente and Mr. Coker. The winning campaigns are included in the One Show Annual, “which will sit on the shelf of nearly every art director and copywriter in the world,” she noted.

Sponsored by The One Club, the competition received nearly 3,000 entries from around the world.

Students compete in print, integrated branding, nontraditional, design, corporate identity and online advertising categories.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Mr. Clemente of his win.

“I hope it will be a stepping stone to a career in advertising. This is a great honor and I feel truly energized by this recognition.” An aspiring copywriter who lives in Manhattan, he won for his campaign, “Harvest Rated,” in the print category. He created an innovative twist on the popular Zagat restaurant survey for City Harvest, a food rescue organization that was this year’s competition client.

“My campaign mimicked typical Zagat reviews of high-end restaurants. But my ads featured reviews by hungry people thankful for each restaurant’s food donation to City Harvest. I based my survey on the ratings of lower income class or poor people,” he said.

Convent Avenue Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Jesse R. Williams, Pastor Jessica Myrick Frederick Douglass Academy Liberty University

Olivia Logan Teaneck High School University of Maryland College Park pursuing Engineering.

36

The Positive Community June 2011

�ooray

Grads for the

Sojourner Truth Middle School Tyshad Campbell is a 2011 graduate of Sojourner Truth Middle School in East Orange, NJ. He will be attending St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, New Jersey in the fall.

Tyshad also palys football for the East Orange Rams

www.thepositivecommunity.com

HOORAYGRADS!

Drew University

D

rew University held its graduation on May 13, 2011 at its campus in Madison, NJ. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – world renowned American scientist and two-time U.S. presidential appointee, served as commencement speaker.

Time Magazine called Dr. Jackson “perhaps the ultimate role model for women in science;” Jackson has held senior leadership positions in government, industry, research and academia. Clarence B. Jones, former personal counsel and close adviser of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., received an honorary degree along with Joan Verplanck, the immediate past president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Maxine Clarke Beach, who served as dean of the Drew Theological School from 2000 to 2010.

Rev. William Miller

Rev. Daniella Bailey, Kimberly Blackwell

Kimberly Williams and Linda Jefferson

New Brunswick Theological Seminary

Photos: Linda Pace

L–R: NBTS Professors Dr. Hak Joon Lee, Associate Professor of Theology & Ethics; Dr. Raynard Smith, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care; and Dr. John Coakley, Feakes Professor of Church History gather for the NBTS Commencement Processional to Kirkpatrick Chapel in New Brunswick

Rashaun Davis allows himself a quiet smile just moments before taking the stage to receive his Master of Divinity degree

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Leslie Copeland-Tune, Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry degree recipient, and Dr. Gregg Mast, President of NBTS, after the graduation ceremony

Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry degree recipient Amaury Tañon-Santos sings along with fellow NBTS graduates

June 2011 The Positive Community

37

HOORAYGRADS!

Thessalonia Baptist Church, Bronx, NY College

High School

Jocelyn Bennett-Garraway Ph.D. from Penn State

Kareem Adams from the High School of Health Profession and Human Services to College

Amanda Briggs from Bowie State University with a B.S. in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice Felicia Carrington from Nyack College Tosha Sampson-Choma with a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Nebraska Demetria Garner from Monroe College with an A.A.S in Criminal Justice Olympia Small from the College of New Rochelle with a B.A. in Social Science Jasmine S. Harrell-Stanton from College of New Rochelle with a B.A. in Communications Kimberly Weaver from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Criminal Justice Jonny Wells from Bryant University, Smithfield, R.I. with a Masters of Professional Accounting

�ooray

for the

Grads

Nashard Gales from Blessed Sacrament St. Gabriel to Westchester Community College Aaron Huntt Jr. from Mount St. Michael to Barry University, Miami, Florida Nadja Linen from Mother Cabrini to Drew University, New Jersey Raphael Portuondo from Science Skill to College Quinton Warren from Jonathan Levy to Intern with N.Y.C. Board of Education Thessalonia Academy Makaylah Boozer from Thessalonia Academy to St. Cathedral High School Ashley Huntt from Thessalonia Academy to St. Barnabas High School Sarah Huntt from Thessalonia Academy to 47 Manhattan School of Sign Language Shantalle Williams from Thessalonia Academy to St. Catherine High School

First A.M.E. Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Daran H. Mitchell, Pastor

Dominique Hardy Global Studies High School Valedictorian Class of 2011.

Will be attending Pennsylvania State University

38

The Positive Community June 2011

Edmund Hardy, M.S. Northeastern University Masters of Science Plans to continue career at Fry Communications Inc. and to begin work on Doctorate Degree

Ms. Shannon Steward Brooklyn High School for Music and Theater Dance Plans to attend Virginia State University or Bennett College

www.thepositivecommunity.com

HOORAYGRADS!

University of Southern California

A

mir Whitaker, originally of Plainfield, NJ and member of Community Church of God, recently received his doctorate in psychology of education from the University of Southern California at the age of 26. He was the youngest in his cohort and has become one of the youngest doctors to graduate from USC. Of the thousands of graduating students, Dr. Whitaker was also one of 57 students honored for excelling both inside and outside the classroom, and having made a significant difference through leadership, volunteering, and community engagement efforts. He was also selected as Outstanding Senator of the Year out of the 77 Senators representing more than 20,000 graduate students at USC. His future plans include law school at the University of Miami this fall and working to create a more rehabilitative, education-focused juvenile justice system. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University.

�ooray

Grads for the

Greensboro College, NC

A

dam Brown is a 2011 graduate of Greensboro College in North Carolina. Adam received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science on May 8th. Adam will be departing for a six-week CLEO (Pre-Law) Program at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, CA on June 12th.

In addition, Adam has been accepted to Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. At Greensboro College, Adam served as President of the United AfricanAmerican Society. Adam is also a 2007 graduate of Columbian High School in Maplewood, New Jersey.

St. Leo University, VA

C

ongratulations to Chief Warrant Officer 2, Devon (Corey) Simpson on his commencement from St. Leo University in Hampton, Virginia on May 21st. Corey received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems. Corey was granted a leave from active duty in Afghanistan to participate in the commencement ceremonies. Corey is a 1995 graduate of Science High School. For the past 37 years, St. Leo University has afforded our military servicemen and women the opportunity to pursue higher education. Corey will begin graduate studies at West Carolina University on July 1st. Congratulations Corey!!!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

39

Phillip Banks, president 100 Black Men of New York

Innovative Leadership Awards Gala

T

IMLC Principal Rashid Johnson, Pastor David Brawley and Randall Pinkett

L–R: Honoree Teri Coaxum with Glinnie Chamble, director of The Social Justice Ministry, SPCBC

Photos: Robert Monroe, Munroe Photography

he Imagine Me Leadership Charter School (IMLCS) honored four community leaders, recognizing their individual lifetime body of work as trailblazers at its inaugural Innovative Leadership Awards Gala on May 23 at the elegant Russo’s on the Bay Reception Center in Howard Beach, NY from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dr. Randal Pinkett, entrepreneur and best-selling author, delivered the keynote address. Pinkett gained national fame as the season four winner of the Donald Trump reality show The Apprentice.

Honorees were Teri Coaxum, regional advocate for the Office of Advocacy’s Region II of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Adrian A. Council, publisher of The Positive Community; Valerie Oliver-Durrah, president/CEO of The Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic, and David C. Banks, president, The Eagle Academy Foundation & Founding Principal of The Eagle Academy for Young Men. IMLCS was founded by Rev. David K. Brawley, pastor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn.

Mistress of Ceremonies Gigi Gilliard; Monica Britton, SPCBC director of Communications; Randall Pinkett and event coordinator Staci Grant

L–R; Honorees David Banks and Valerie Oliver-Durrah; Randall Pinkett, Rev. David and Mrs. Debra Brawley; honorees Teri Coaxum and Adrian A. Council

40

The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Humphrey Crookendale Dean, School of Management “I teach men and women to be the best managers they can be. But in reality I am creating tomorrow’s leaders.”

I teach

MCNY admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

“BE A LEADER.” Accelerated Degree Programs for adults.

As a professor at Metropolitan College of New York, I challenge my students to lead every day. I challenge them to apply what they learn in my classroom to their schools, organizations and communities.

At MCNY, we are committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. Choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, healthcare, management, education, public administration and human services.

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6/2/11 5:27 PM

Deval Patrick

A Reason for Us All to Believe

By R.L. Witter

eval Patrick is celebrating the recent release of his first book, A Reason to Believe; Lessons from an Improbable Life. Besides being an author, Patrick is a Harvard graduate twice-over (both undergrad and law school), a successful attorney, a husband, a father and the Governor of Massachusetts. His title and his accomplishments paint a picture of privilege. One can envision the Cosby-esque upbringing—the doctor or lawyer father, the doting mother, summers on the Vineyard, music lessons and a stately family home. But none of that was the case; well maybe the music lessons.

Patrick was born and raised on the South side of Chicago. His father, Pat, was a professional, albeit a professional musician; his mother, Emily, was a dark and brooding woman. Summers were spent cooling off in the gush of a fire hydrant or on some occasions, at Camp Beechpoint; and the family home was a small, dilapidated apartment shared with grandparents, a sister, a hero-

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in-addicted-uncle and a cousin. There was no silver spoon to be found anywhere in the Patrick home, but they got by.

Upon reading the opening pages of Patrick’s book, the picture comes into focus. He relates the story of how he boarded a Chicago bus only to find that he didn’t have enough money to pay the correct fare. Surprisingly, the bus driver did not make Patrick exit the bus embarrassed and shamed, nor did he lecture him. Instead, he offered eight simple words that would inform the future governor’s life and basically become his mantra: “Just pass it on, son. Pass it on.”

“I’m an unrepentant idealist,” Patrick told me in the opening moments of our conversation. His voice conveyed warmth along with confidence and authority. His charisma is palpable and makes clear why some 40 years ago a teacher made an effort to improve Patrick’s odds for survival and maybe even success by helping him receive a better education. I asked him what he thought might have made him stand out from the other students and why opportunities were given to him that might not have been offered to others. “My grandparent didn’t go to college, my parents didn’t go to college—but I always knew that I wanted to go to college,” Patrick replied. “My family had middle-class aspirations and I wanted to be an architect,” he recalled. It made perfect sense. The boy who lived in the tenement home would one day design majestic buildings. It sounds good on paper, but isn’t quite what happened.

Patrick was a bright and inquisitive child who stood out in school from the beginning. His teachers recognized the spark in him and fanned it into a roaring flame. At the end of junior high school, he graduated first in his class and was offered a scholarship to Milton Academy in Massachusetts where he was introduced to a new world of old money, dinner jackets and people who did not look like him. Many would have floundered in such an unfamiliar and often intimidating environment.

Patrick flourished.

The Governor describes his circumstances as “improbable,” but acknowledges why he was offered such opportunities and more importantly, was able to accept them. “I was open to them,” he remarked matterof-factly. “And that bus driver, the kindness he showed me that day…” it made him want to do better and make things better for others. He also attributes his success to his strong sense of faith. “I do not question if there is a God,” Patrick affirmed. “I know there is and that His hand has been at work in my life. I’ve experienced too many blessings not to recognize it.”

Patrick’s faith dates back to his childhood on the South side and attending Cosmopolitan Community Church at his grandmother’s behest. She used to prom-

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ise a “country breakfast” after church as an act of bribery to compel her grandchildren to attend church.

“I go willingly now,” Patrick chuckled. “But I sometimes expect to find that breakfast when I get home.” He still recalls fondly his days at his childhood church, “old ladies with hats and fans,” he reflected wistfully. Those ladies, that church and the ideals imparted to him there would remain with him throughout his life and affected Patrick and the many people with whom he came into contact on his journey through life. “Faith is less about what you say you believe and more about how you believe,” he writes in his book. “They showed me how to welcome and embrace all the people who walked into our church and into our lives, from whatever station.”

A Reason to Believe is an inspiring, uplifting telling of the Governor’s life —up to this point— that reminds us that there is good in the world and that there are truly good people in the world, despite the cynicism prevalent today. “That is exactly what I wanted to convey. Thank you,” remarked a humbled Patrick when I relayed my reaction to the tome he lovingly penned. I asked him about the candor with which he wrote and how he laid bare many personal experiences, some painful, and many intimate. “Many of the people I wrote about are no longer with us,” he reflected. “But I went to Diane first.” Diane is his wife of nearly thirty years. Her consent and support in undertaking this writing were paramount. As he lovingly stated in the book, “…being governor is an episode in my life— Diane is my life...”

Patrick’s election as Governor of Massachusetts would seem like a storied and improbable event if it happened to anyone else. The man who began as a young black boy from a hard-scrabble background became the first African-American Massachusetts governor and only the second elected black governor in American history. Currently serving the second year of his second term, Patrick remains true to his lifelong mission to pay it forward and improve the quality of life for those around him. “Massachusetts leads the country in public education and healthcare reform,” he boasted.

As our conversation came toward a close, we circled back around to Patrick’s opening comment about being an idealist. I complimented Governor Patrick on what an achievement that is in this day and age and asked how we as a society might be able to foster idealism in young people. “Our job as parents, teachers, mentors and adults is to make it safe for kids to be optimistic and idealistic,” he explained. “Even when they’re plugged into their iPods, iPads and other devices, our children are watching and listening to everything we do. Every

www.thepositivecommunity.com

one of us needs to recall the assistance and kindness we’ve experienced and pass it on to our children.” He explained how if we each just share it with one other person who isn’t a member of our family and doesn’t live in our house, we can spread a message of hope, combat cynicism and make it okay for those kids to dream and to achieve.

In parting I asked Governor Patrick where he envisions himself in 20 years. He laughed and remarked, “I don’t like that type of question, but I hope to be alive!”

I asked him about any plans for a possible second career once his time as governor has ended and he replied, “Maybe I’ll become that architect.” I asked him if perhaps a building would be his legacy, to which he replied: “I just want to leave the world and the people I have touched in better condition than I found it. I think that is our duty as adults and it would be a fine legacy of which I’d be proud.”

Between his work as governor and attorney, his work for civil rights and racial diversity, his role as a family man and his encouraging, inspiring writing, I’d be willing to say his legacy is firmly in place and that there is nothing improbable about that.

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Project GRAD Newark Celebrates 10 years “Education is the passport to success” is a pearl of wisdom by Malcolm X

By Deborah Smith-Gregory Rev. David Jefferson, chairman, Project GRAD Newark Board of directors speaks at the annual College Scholars’ Forum

College scholars served on a panel for high school students at the Tenth Annual College Scholars’ Forum. Mary Bennett, executive director, moderated the panel.

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L-R: Angel Nicholson will attend Centenary College; Augustine Christian, Essex County College and Tyquan Wright, Virginia State University

L-R: Tyreema Kirkland will attend New Jersey City University and Dante Chow, Felician College

ounded on the principle of education being a passport to success, Project GRAD Newark (PGN) supports students as they evolve from high school freshmen in to college graduates.

Project Grad (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) Newark, a nonprofit educational support organization working in partnership with the Newark Public Schools, is celebrating 10 years of providing support services to students.

“Getting an education beyond high school offers more opportunities,” noted Dr. David Jefferson Sr., president of the board of directors for Project GRAD Newark and pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

“This program supports and prepares students for attendance to and graduation from college,” he said, “Project GRAD offered me insight into college and provided me with a lot of counseling regarding financial aid and how to set goals and achieve them without any setbacks,” recalled Nana Afriyie, a graduate of Central HS and Montclair State University.

Direct support for students is provided by closely monitoring their academic progress and helping rising seniors with their college applications and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Students also participate in summer institutes to bolster their grades and leadership.

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The Positive Community June 2011

Project GRAD scholars come back to their community to help each other prepare for the college transition.

Current college students and graduates along with high school students recently convened for the Tenth Annual College Scholars’ Forum at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark.

“Project GRAD Newark has provided much needed support to urban students throughout their collegiate careers and we are tremendously proud of the 165 Newark Public School students who have received degrees from four year institutions,” noted Mary G. Bennett, executive director of the program.

Since its pledge to commit to advanced education for Newark students, the organization, which is funded

by Lucent Technology, has distributed $786,000 in $6,000 scholarships to Newark students who meet the scholarship criteria. The participating Newark high schools are Malcolm X Shabazz and Central High.

Upon June graduation, 35 students from Malcolm X Shabazz HS and 45 from Central High School will officially join the ranks of Project GRAD scholars.

The classes of 2011 and 2012 are the last classes to be eligible to receive the PGN Scholarships now funded by the Alcatel Lucent Foundation The funding cycle expires with the class of 2012 who will be able to collect their scholarships until 2018. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HOORAYGRADS!

Bergen Community College graduates 2,139

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t its 2011 graduation ceremony on May 18 at the Izod Center in theMeadowlands in New Jersey, 2,139 candidates for graduation made this the largest in the history of Bergen Community College.

The class of 2011 also reflects Bergen’s diversity with half of the graduates receiving associate in science degrees. The remaining students split between associate in arts degrees and associate in applied science degrees.

Bergen graduates will now move on to four-year schools such as Columbia, New York University, Rutgers University, N.J.I.T. and Rowan University.

The largest class in Bergen’s history, 2,139 candidates for graduation represented more than 100 countries.

Salutatorian Christine Jones, a NJ STARS student, was president of the Honors Association at Bergen while earning a 4.0 GPA. BELOW: Valedictorian Jessica Bonilla earned a 4.0 GPA. Jessica told her classmates to “keep chasing your dreams no matter what stands in your way. You cannot change the past, but your actions can change the future.” She plans to attend law school after earning a bachelor’s degree.

St.Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn

Indira Goodwine, B.F.A., M.A. in Performing Arts Administration from New York University (NYU) St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY

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June 2011 The Positive Community

45

HOORAYGRADS!

Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Hightstown, NJ Rev. Bernard T. Fowler, Pastor

Jahmir Kayeshaun Smith Hightstown High School Will attend: Mercer County Community College Major: Criminal Justice

Tyron Ranal Haws Hightstown High School Will attend: Fortis Institute, Lawrenceville, NJ Major: Medical Assistant

Bethany Baptist Church Isis Washington will graduate from Academy of Law & Public Saftey in Butler, NJ. As part of the Honor's program, Isis was able to complete her Senior year by taking classes at the Community College of Morris in Randolph, NJ. In her spare time, she fences nationally and internationally as a member of the Peter Westbrook Foundation. Isis is currently ranked #6 in the country by the United States Fencing Association for Junior Women's Epee and hopes to one day compete in the Olympics.

Isis will attend St. John's University in September, 2011.

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The Positive Community June 2011

Spencer Tyrone Ragland, II Hightstown High School Will attend: Mercer County Community College Major: Digital Audio Production and Business

Matthew Howard University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Degree: Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry will pursue post-graduate studies

Rudolph Graddy, Jr. ("RJ") Graduating from Madison High School, Madison, NJ College/University: High Point University, High Point, North Carolina Plans/Possible Major: International Business or Sports Management Matthew J. Harvest St. Augustine's College Raleigh, North Carolina Awarded: Bachelors of Science Degree Business Administration Future Plans - Seeking employment in the area of urban development

Jared Todd Littlejohn Graduating From Oratory Preparatory High School College: Bowdoin College

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NEW JERSEY NEEDS STRONG, AFFORDABLE STAT

NEW JERSEY NEEDS STRONG, AFFORDABLE STATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES NEW JERSEY NEEDS STRONG, AFFORDABLE STATE COLLEGES & New Jersey College Promise Action Ne UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITIES

promote affordability, New Jersey College Promise Action Network is a grassroots effort to quality and oppor and to universities, including Montclair Sta New promote Jersey College Promise quality Action Network is a grassroots affordability, and opportunity at theeffort nine state colleges promote affordability, quality and opportunity at the nine state colleges and universities, including Montclair State University.

Membership in the network is free and and universities, including Montclair State University. residents of the Garden State. As a me Membership in the network is free and open to students and adult information, periodic action alerts and in Membership in the network is free and open to students and adult residents of the Garden State.

As a member, you will receive Your advocacy is needed to support Mo residents of the Garden State. As a member, you will receive information, periodic actionand alerts and invitations to special events. information, periodic action alerts invitations to special events. advocacy is needed to support State University’s future.

Your Your advocacy is needed to support MontclairMontclair State University’s future.

Thank youThank in advance, you in advance,

D

Shivaun Gaines Shivaun Gaines Director of Government Relations Relations Director of Government Montclair State University

Montclair State University

www.

Sign up today at: Sign up today at: www.njcollegepromise.com

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June 2011 The Positive Community

47

HOORAYGRADS!

Scholarship Honors East Orange Larry C. Schumacher, Sr. Scholarship recipients are Lauren Iradi Nutley High School.

Will attend Rutgers University Israel Vieruel East Orange Campus High School.

Will attend NJIT. Anthony Gonnelli West Essex Regional High School Will attend East Stroudsburg University.

Abbaccolyn Dokie East Orange Campus High School will either attend Bloomfield College or Essex County College For more information visit the www.thepositivecommunity.com

Abbaccolyn Dokie Photos: John Henry @ SOTI

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n May 18, four student athletes from Essex County high schools received a total of $3,500 in scholarships from the newly formed Larry C. Schumacher, Sr. Student Athlete Scholarship Fund (LCSSSASF), at the 53rd Annual Essex Awards ceremony, sponsored by the Men of Essex. Schumacher was the 1966 recipient of the Essex Award while an All-American standout athlete scholar at Essex Catholic High School. He went on to become an all-American football player at the University of Notre Dame and a driving force as East Orange Recreation Director. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 4, 2010 following a bout with cancer at age 62.

L–R: Justina Schumacher, widow of Larry Schumacher (L) congratulates Israel Vieruel

For more information visit the www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: Sameerah Jones, Ellisa Nieves and Lea Council are 2011 graduates of Bishop George AHR High School in Edison, NJ. Sameerah, 17 years old will attend Rutgers University, Lea is the daughter of TPC publisher, Adrian Council. She will attend Lincoln University. Ellisa is looking forward to attending the University of Miami.

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The Positive Community June 2011

Frederika Council, niece of Adrian Council graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington, LI. and will attend Pace University

Danae Moore, Hackensack High School will attend Morgan State University majoring in Accounting, minoring Business Management.

Danae received the Kathy Jordan Sharpton Scholarship, Hackensack High School PTSA Scholarship and Canaan Baptist Church of Christ Scholarship

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Pulitzer Prize Winner Receives a Shining Star Pianist and Composer George Walker honored by Newark School of the Arts

frican Americans have made their mark in all music genres, but in the field of classical music the focus is mostly on singers, particularly female vocalists. One great classical music artist neither female nor a vocalist was recently honored as their “Shining Star” by the Newark School of the Arts (NSA) for his breathtaking body of work. Supporters of the arts recently gathered at New Jersey Performing Arts Center for Tomorrow’s Stars Tonight, the Newark School of the Arts’ 17th-annual cabaret to honor Pulitzer Prize-winner, composer and pianist, George Theophilus Walker.

NSA provides high-level training in the performing and visual arts. Since 1968, the school has offered instruction for everyone with an interest in the arts regardless of age, talent and financial resources. NSA

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

By g.r. mattox

is a family and community oriented school that has served 38,000 individuals since its inception, and provides education for 500 students each week. Funds raised at the event are used for student financial aid and scholarships.

“It is heartening to know how much the Newark School of the Arts is contributing to the personal lives of its students and the community at-large,” the 88year-old Walker told the audience. “Having the opportunity to study and perform music, dance, drama and visual arts at a young age is like opening the window to a perspective that has no boundaries.”

Kevin Maynor, the NSA board member whose idea it was to honor Mr. Walker, is an internationally known singer with a booming bass voice. In a special tribute to the honoree, Maynor sang “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” a composition Walker wrote when he was 24-years-old and as a surprise Maynor added his rendition of “Take, O! Take Those Lips Away,” which Walker wrote especially for him in 2004. The lyrics were taken from William Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure.

Maynor, founder of Newark’s Trilogy Opera Company, said of his friend, “He is the best composer of our time. His work sets a standard for composers everywhere. And can you believe he lives down the street?” “I am particularly pleased that some of my music has been included on the program,” Walker said with delight. “A composer exists when his music is heard.”

Walker is famed in classical music circles for the intense expression, airtight construction and the highly chromatic language of his work. A native of Washington, D.C., he was nurtured in an atmosphere continued on next page June 2011 The Positive Community

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George Walker continued from previous page

Kevin Maynor and George Walker

of culture and promise. Though his father, a Jamaican immigrant, came to the United States with $35 in his pocket, he became one of four black students to graduate from Temple University Medical School in 1918.

According to Walker’s autobiography, Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist, he first sat in front of a piano at the age of five. “When my mother heard that Miss Mary L. Henry, a piano teacher who lived in southwest Washington, taught children in our neighborhood, she arranged for me to take piano lessons from her.” Around the time he began seventh grade (having skipped fifth and sixth grades) he enrolled in Howard University’s Junior Department of Music.

He graduated from high school when he was 14 and from Oberlin College with the highest honors in his conservatory class at 18. With his father’s support, he made his debut at New York City’s Town Hall in 1945. Two weeks later he appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Piano Concerto. During the next few years, he worked building a reputation and sharpening his craft, playing with the Boston Symphony and composing. The second movement of his String Quartet no. 1 entitled Lyric for Strings became the most frequently performed orchestral work by a living American composer. After making an unprecedented tour of seven European countries in 1954, he entered the doctor of Musical Arts degree program at the Eastman School of Music and became the first African American to receive a degree from that institution.

Dr. Walker’s presence has graced the faculty of several schools including Smith College, the University of Delaware, The New School for Social Research, Johns

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Hopkins University and, from 1969 to 1992, Rutgers University, where he was chairman of the Music Department. He has published over 90 works for orchestra, chorus and various instruments that have been performed by virtually every major orchestra in the United States and abroad.

A recipient of numerous awards, including those from Montclair State University, Bloomfield College, Spelman College, the New Jersey Council for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, he has received important commissions from many ensembles including the Boys Choir of Harlem, the New Jersey Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Three years after retiring from Rutgers, he received a commission from the Boston Symphony for a work that would honor the legendary African American tenor, Roland Hayes. As a basis, Walker chose four of the 13 stanzas of the Walt Whitman poem, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d. The work was eventually given the title Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra, and was the composition for which he received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Recounting in his autobiography the day he received the news that he had won the celebrated award, he wrote: “I had been proofreading at my piano...The phone had rung a couple of times before Fran (Frances Richard, director of concert music, ASCAP) called. I was reluctant to pick up the phone again. When she told me the news, I could only shout ‘Wow!’ a couple of times.”

As can be imagined, Walker’s career has been sprinkled with incidences of prejudice and discrimination that have killed many a career, but his perseverance and abundant talent propelled him to the top ranks of contemporary classical music. He recently received a commission from the New Jersey Symphony to compose a piece for next season. “It’s in the process of development and it’s scheduled to be premiered in March 2012.”

He also has some optimism for young artists who pursue classical music or music of any genre who want their work to be recognized by the public. “I think there are definitely more opportunities for persons who work hard to acquire the necessary skills to have their work performed,” he said. “Over the long term, persons who have the desire to create can find a way to get their works heard if they’re willing to stick to the grind.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Editor Receives Top Honors at 2011 Heritage Awards Gala Hafiz Farid with 9-year-old Matthew Whitaker, blind musical genius

L–R: La-Kisa Hines with Fred Burgess, both from UnitedHealthcare John Harmon, CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ; Cynthia Crenshaw, Investor’s Savings Bank; Jean Nash Wells; Ada Melendez, Investors Savings Bank; Donyea Hoffman Goodwin and Kevin Fushée, City National Bank

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Donald Bernard, chairman, AAHPC; Marie Blistan, secretary/Treasurer NJEA, Adrian A. Council, his wife Lynda and Robert Blistan

Photos: Vincent Bryant

he 18th annual Heritage Awards Gala was held at the Newark Airport Marriott on May 14, 2011. The celebration was the last of a series of events sponsored by the African American Heritage Parade Committee, leading up to the four-day Statewide Heritage Parade and Festival. This marks the 45th anniversary of the Memorial Day weekend cultural celebration that is highly anticipated year after year.

Honorees for leadership and community service included humanitarian, activist, Donyea Hoffman Goodwin, for Community Service; former City National Bank CEO, Louis Prezeau received the Humanitarian Award for his work with Haiti earthquake disaster relief. Ada Melendez received the Corporate Heritage Award on behalf of Investors Savings Bank. John Harmon, president/CEO the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was the recipient of the Small Business Honor and Jean Nash Wells, founding partner and editor of The Positive Community magazine, received the AAHPC’s highest honor, the Community Advocacy Award!

Fredrica Bey, WISSOMM, Inc. with Leticia Bailey, Horizon NJ Health

Left: Angela Pearson Wells, Medco; far right; her husband O.T. Wells Jr., Bank of America and their son, Nizear; Center: Thomas H. Watkins, publisher of the Daily Challenge and honoree Jean Nash Wells June 2011 The Positive Community

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Cathedral Cotillion 2011 Cathedral International Community Development Corporation (CICDC) Sponsors Debutante Rites of Passage

Cathedral Cotillion Jr. Escorts: Daniel Baxter; Marquis Pickering; Kasan Ross

Bishop Donald Hilliard, daughter Leah Hilliard – Cotillion soloist; and Pastor Phyllis Hilliard.

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the Perth Amboy High School Drum and Bugle Corp, ROTC Color Guard from Shabezz High School, Newark and the Don Hanson Jazz Quartet performed Cotillion 2011 is sponsored by the Cathedral International Community Development Corporation (CICDC). According to CEO Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., “Cotillions play an important role in helping to influence, shape and mold the lives of our youth. They need positive persuasions that will continue impacting their choices long after this cotillion.” The Bishop’s daughter, Leah Joy, a cotillion alumna was the featured singer.

“Teaching these youth for six months how to appreciate and respect their role in society has been a labor of love,” said Barbara Walker, cotillion organizer. “They will recall these moments forever.”

Photos: Linda Pace

t was November 2010 when they started preparing for Cotillion 2011. Instead of taking it easy on Saturday mornings, these young people were learning communication and social skills such as greeting and shaking hands, first impressions, table manners, effective speaking, volunteerism, bully prevention, preparing for college, personal grooming and the traditional elegance of ballroom dancing.

At 3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, on the Cornucopia Cruise Line—which remained docked in the harbor at Perth Amboy for the event—the Grand Cotillion began. Fifty young boys and girls ages eight to eighteen dressed in gowns and tuxedoes participated in rite of passage ceremony for the cotillion debutantes.

In addition to choreographed ballroom dancing,

Cathedral Cotillion Jr. Debutantes: Faith Adams; Kiana Baxter; Mariah Williams

L–R: Nala Brown, Ablessyn Joyce Haskins, Jaydan Glenn, Asante Harris, Alexis Simone James, Akilah Johnson, Skai Maynor and Tiahjay Oneal

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Skai Maynor and Jayden Glenn

Senior Debutant Couple: Zameerah Norton & Joel Speed

www.thepositivecommunity.com

GOSPEL TOP TEN Ricky Dillard- God Is Great Mary Mary- Walking Youthful Praise- Lord You’re Mighty Kirk Franklin- I Smile Vashawn Mitchell- Nobody Greater Wes Morgan- I Choose to Worship Donald Lawrence- Your Righteous Mind William McDowell- I Give Myself Away James Fortune & Fiya- I Believe Dawkins & Dawkins- Get Down www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Donnie McClurkin: “Pastoring gives me my true purpose.”

By R. L. Witter

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astor Donnie McClurkin recently offered some insight on faith, his current projects and his appearances at McDonald’s Gospelfest at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. “The only time my church gets to hear me in concert in the New York/New Jersey area is at McDonald’s Gospelfest,” explained the pastor of Long Island’s Perfecting Faith Church. “One of the teens from my church said to me two years ago after Gospelfest, ‘Wow, Pastor! I didn’t know you rolled like that!’”

McClurkin explained his reasoning behind limiting his local appearances to Gospelfest, saying, “I make sure that I’m not an icon to [my congregation], but that I’m a servant to them… As a minister, you can’t serve me; I have to serve you… My pastoring is more important than my platform as an artist.” He continued, saying, “The music industry is about people serving you… That is exactly the opposite for a pastor. It’s got to be about how low you can go and how high can you lift somebody else.”

McClurkin found the timing of the “Mighty Men of Valor” edition of McDonald’s Gospelfest to be perfect.

“It’s significant because it’s portraying men of character, men of integrity —men of valor,” he said. “The plight of the black man is solely the black man’s fault… We can blame the system for everything in the world, but the bottom line is that we’ve dropped the ball in raising men. Fathers left the home; we carried on the slave mentality for over 150 years. Masters would separate the man after breeding him and let the man go breed another group and that’s the same mentality that we have today. We’re breeders, but we need to be more conscious of being fathers and nurturers.” The pastor made a passionate plea to the community to “put men back at the forefront.” Speaking about his co-stars for the Gospelfest show he said, “Let these men be the examples to this generation that will fill the arena! Bring the boys from the church and the boys from the street—let them see powerful, strategic and methodical men who know how to deliver this Word, lift this music and show you what responsibility is! Kirk Franklin is a great father and great husband! Hezekiah Walker is a great leader. James Fortune is a great minister and Bishop Jakes—who can talk about Bishop Jakes? When you put them up there, you’ve got an array of brokenness and an array of healing. Valor does not come from perfection…”

He cites his own father, Donald McClurkin Sr. and his “spiritual father,” David “Pop” Winans as important Continued on page 59

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always exciting.

06.29-08.03 2011

FREE ADMISSION

37 years of defining the independent film experience

ADULT CINEMA

(Wednesdays)

June 29, 7 pm — Newark Museum 5:30 pm: Opening Reception

Rsvp: 973.596.6550

The Home I Left Behind

Night Catches Us Speaker: Tanya Hamilton, Director; HoSt: Gloria Hopkins Buck

July 6, 7 pm — Newark Museum Remembering Lena Horne Cabin in the Sky

YOUTH CINEMA Tuesday, July 5, 10:30 am The Newark public Library

Wednesday, July 6, 1 pm Newark Museum

(Mondays & Wednesdays) Monday, July 25, 10:30 am The Newark public Library

Wednesday, July 27, 1 pm Newark Museum

Ages 5-12 (80 minutes)

Ages 4-12 (81 minutes)

James Armistead; The Bremen Town Musicians; Koi and the Kola Nuts

Caribbean: The Chief and the Carpenter; Juviez: Boyz Vs. Girlz; Princess Scargo and the Birthday Pumpkin

Monday, July 11, 10:30 am The Newark public Library

Monday, August 1, 10:30 am

Speaker: Donald Bogle, Film Historian and Author (book signing) HoSt: Dr. Miriam J. Petty

Wednesday, July 13, 1 pm Newark Museum

Wednesday, August 3, 1 pm

July 13, 7 pm — Newark Museum

Ages 4-12 (75 minutes)

Newark Museum

Uncle Jed’s Barbershop; Abiyoyo; Line

Ages 4-12 (58 minutes)

Come early for a 5:45 pm private viewing of Ajiaco: Stirring of the Cuban Soul.

Monday, July 18, 10:30 am

The Newark public Library

Panchita the Prairie Dog; The Good Day

The Newark public Library

Wednesday, August 3, 1 pm

When the Spirits Dance Mambo

Wednesday, July 20, 1 pm

Newark screens on springfield Ave.

(Cuando los Espiritus Bailan Mambo)

Newark Museum

Speaker: Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, Executive producer

Ages 4-12 (74 minutes) Finding Lincoln; Harriet Tubman; Burkina Faso: The Tyrant and the Child; A Living Painting

Ancestors, Progeny and New-World African Survivals

HoSt: Ralph R. Waller

July 20, 7 pm — New Jersey Institute of Technology The Original Dream Team

On the Shoulders of Giants: The Story of the Greatest Team You Never Heard Of SpeakerS: Deborah Morales, producer, Executive Director; Bobby Shepard, Director of photography HoSt: Tynesha McHarris

July 27, 7 pm — Newark Museum When Freedom Came The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman; A Living Painting Speaker/HoSt: Dr. Clement Alexander Price, professor of History and Director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience, Rutgers, The state University of NJ, Newark

August 3, 7 pm — Newark Museum A Sister Behind the Camera

I Will Follow Speaker: Ava DuVernay, Director; HoSt: Richard Wesley

NM NBFF2011 Ad1.indd 1

All Ages (133 minutes) The Wiz Wednesday, August 10, 1 pm Newark Museum

All Ages (93 minutes) Perfect Harmony

SCREENING LOCATIONS AND GROUP RESERVATIONS Newark Museum — 973.596.6550 New Jersey Institute of Technology — 973.596.3000 The Newark Public Library — 973.733.7797 Newark Screens on Springfield Ave. — 973.642.5555 The Newark Black Film Festival is made possible by a grant from Bank of America Media sponsor

The Newark Museum, a not-for-profit museum of art, science and education, receives operating support from the City of Newark, the state of New Jersey, the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of state — a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, the prudential Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the victoria Foundation, the Wallace Foundation and other corporations, foundations and individuals.

Funds for acquisitions and activities other than operations are provided by members and other contributors.

If you are interested in learning more about programs at the Newark Museum, call 973.596.6550, or visit newarkmuseum.org.

Follow us on: always exciting.

49 washington street newark, nj 07102-3176 newarkmuseum.org 973.596.6550 TTY 711

6/2/11 1:52 PM

New Federal Theatres Celebrates Woodie King Jr Looks Back Over 40 Years PR guru, Terrie Williams; actress, S. Epatha Merkerson and Woodie King Jr.

By Jean Nash Wells

Continued on next page

Photos: Risasi Dais

W

oodie King Jr., founder of New York’s New Federal Theatre (NFT) was surely king of all he surveyed as stars the likes of two-time Oscar winner, Denzel Washington, Robert Townsend, Danny Glover, Lamman Rucker and Starletta DuPois, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, and S. Epatha Merkerson celebrated the theater company's 40th anniversary at the Edison Ballroom on Sunday, May 15.

Think of more NFT alumni like Morgan Freeman Jackee Harry, Laurence Fishburne, Dick Anthony Williams, Glynn Turman, Taurean Blacque, Debbie Morgan, Robert Downey Jr., Garrett Morris, Lynn Whitfield, Vondie CurtisHall, Ruby Dee, Ella Joyce, Leslie Uggams, Samuel L. Jackson and scores more and you’ll understand why King says that it is almost impossible to turn on TV or watch a movie in which there is not a former NFT student.

L–R: Singer, composer and actress, Alicia Keys with her mother, Terria Joseph, and co-hosts actress Lynn Whitfield and TV news reporter Randall Pinkston

A Taste of Newark School of the Arts Summer 2011 Programs July 5 - August 15

L–R: Actors Glynn Turman and Pamela Poitier

L–R: Poets and activists, Sonia Sanchez and Amiri Baraka with actress, Ruby Dee

The Newark School of the Arts offers instruction in music, dance, drama and visual arts.

Find us on Facebook!

For more info call: 973 642 0133

*Free on-site parking!

89 Lincoln Park Newark, NJ 07102

w w w. n ewa rk s c h o o l o f t h e a r t s . o rg Woodie King Jr. surrounded by theater friends

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HARLEM WEEK_2011_PC_half_Layout 1 3/7/11 5:38 PM Page 1

MCCLURKIN

MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS, PARTNERSHIPS & CORPORATE EXHIBITORS

Continued from page 56 father figures in his life. “My daddy is my hero and my friend,” he said lovingly. “He is my roommate; he lives in my house... My dad is my heart.” McClurkin shared his thoughts on his bond with Pop Winans, saying, “Everything spiritual I need to know, I got that from him. Pop Winans was my example of a holy man who loved his family—loved his wife more than his children and loved his children more than his wife. And he loved God more than all of them.”

Looking to the near future, McClurkin has a new CD in the works. It will be a compilation of songs from the past 11 years in a concert format and will feature a few new songs including a duet with Tremaine Hawkins and a remake of the Bruce Hornsby classic, “The Way It Is.” He also asked gospel-lovers to support McDonald’s as it continually supports the black community. “McDonald’s has seen the worth and the real benefit of the churches in the community and they’ve used their platform to bring some people —who may never get on the stage as a professional artist, but they have a gift used in their churches— and let them dance and sing for these 20,000 people and give them the credit and the kudos that they deserve because they serve every week…”

Pastor McClurkin alluded to the fact that at some point in the not-so-distant future, he might cut back on his musical career and performances. “I like to sit behind the scenes and I like to serve,” he said humbly.

“Pastoring gives me my true purpose.”

NEW FEDERAL THEATRE

Continued from previous page It’s not just those who appeared on stage. Writers first presented at NFT are now part of the literary fabric of the American mainstream. Many plays attained national significance and reached much wider audiences by having been showcased at NFT. Playwrights such as J. E. Franklin, Ron Milner, Ed Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Joseph Lazardi, Ntozake Shange, David Henry Hwang, Damian Leake, Genny Lim, Laurence Holder, Alexis DeVeaux and others have risen to national prominence.

The 73-year-old director grew up in Detroit and worked for several years at Ford before getting into theater and eventually moving to New York, where he founded the NFT in 1970. Since then, the theater has presented more than 280 productions, including For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy, Regga and The Taking of Miss Janie.

“It’s very joyful to look back at all the people who came through the theater and have gone on to fabulous careers,” said King. Indeed. —JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

Don’t miss a great opportunity to sponsor or partner in the North East’s largest public summer festival:

Some of the Key Events Include:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th & SUNDAY, AUGUST 21st

“ The 2 Day Children’s Festival”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21st • on HARLEM

“New York Health Village”

DAY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27th

The New York Family Health Walk-A-Thon & The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run

HARLEM WEEK 2011 from July 31st - August 31st

For companies or businesses interested in sponsorship, marketing, sales or corporate exhibit information on: The Health Village please contact Ms. Ricketts at (212) 862 7200 or email pricketts@harlemdiscover.com The Children’s Festival please contact Mr. Majette at (212) 862 8477 or email wmajette@harlemdiscover.com Family Health Walk-A-Thon & Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run please contact Mr. Causey at (212) 862 8477 or email

ecausey@harlemdiscover.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Have a Wonderful Mother's JULYAPR. 8 • AUGUST 8 JUNE APR. 8 •• MAY MAY1213 13• ••SEPTEMBER JUNE 10 10 9 Day! JAN. JAN. 14 14 •• FEB. FEB. 11 11 •• M M CHA CHA SLIDE CHA CHA SLIDE ELECTRIC SLIDE ELECTRIC SLIDE MISSISSIPPI SLIDE MISSISSIPPI SLIDE CUPID SLIDE •• STEPPIN’ CUPID SLIDE STEPPIN’

PINOCHLE PINOCHLE PHASE 10 •• WII SPORTS PHASE 10 WII SPORTS SPADES •• BID WHIST SPADES BID WHIST UNO •• POKENO UNO POKENO

Friday, Friday, 5:00 5:00 pm pm –– 12:00 12:00 am am Terrace Ballroom Terrace Ballroom

Scrumptious Dinners Available

by Eclectic • Music by DJ Joe Smith Scrumptious Dinners Available AllCatering Evening

Scrumptious Dinners Available All Evening Line Line Dance Dance Lessons Lessons with with Kenny Kenny J: J: 5:00 5:00 -- 7:00 7:00 pm pm Ladies Ladies and and Gentlemen Gentlemen Free Free Admission Admission Before Before 7pm 7pm ($10 ($10 After After 7pm) 7pm) Raffl Raffle e Prizes Prizes ● ● $5 $5 Wine Wine ● ● $5 $5 Beer Beer ● ● $3 $3 Drink Drink Specials Specials

Tickets can be purchased at the Newark Symphony Hall Box Office located at 1030 Broad St. Newark, NJ Tickets can be purchased at the Newark Symphony Hall Box Office located at 1030 Broad St. Newark, NJ For information call: (973) 643-8014 or www.newarksymphonyhall.org For information call: (973) 643-8014 or www.newarksymphonyhall.org

60 The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community May June2010 2011 76

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

NBA Legend Steps Up at Soul Line Dance

Newark Symphony Hall boardmember Al Bundy, Executive Director Phillip Thomas and former NBA star Darryl Dawkins

D

Dancemaster Kenny J leads the line

NAJAH Soul Line Dancers Adrian Council, The Positive Community (event sponsor) and Richard Chimilas with members of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

arryl Dawkins, aka, “Chocolate Thunder,” who played in the NBA for 14 seasons with stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz, brought his “A” game to Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom. Known for his powerful backboard breaking, thunderous dunks, he is just one of many who are lining up for wholesome fun, food, fitness and fellowship at Soul Line Dancing and Game Night every second Friday at the Terrace Ballroom. Soul Line Dancing is a fast growing entertainment phenomenon sweeping through the Midwest, the South and Philadelphia. Soul Line Dancing has arrived in Newark!

The music, an eclectic blend of House music for line dancing, R&B and the classics—Soul Music—positive, enduring songs of freedom, unity, peace and goodwill. Dance has always been one of the great cultural attributes of our people—it relieves the stress of the times and affirms the dignity of our humanity. Line Dancing and Game Night. Bring your friends and get your dance on!!!

Kenny J greets guests and autographs copies of his latest DVD www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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GET YOUR COPY or send a gift to a friend...

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Upcoming Special Issue!

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July/August Harlem Summer Issue

To Advertise Call: 973-233-9200 or Email: Positive.corp@verizon.net for rates & deadlines

A family publication you’ll be proud to have in your home...read about the progress and development of the contemporary church community, plus entertainment, health, education, reviews, business, and much much more...delivered monthly.

Join the Roll Call to Progress.

For bulk delivery to your church or organization.

Call 973-233-9200 Send check or money order to: The Positive Community, 133 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 Subscribe online at www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Positive Community June 2011

www.thepositivecommunity.com

scream like a girl!

*With admission

E FR E

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Circus MAXIMUS Racing Pigs Master Hypnotist Steve Bayner Festival of Magic Educational Petting Zoo Fabulous fireworks on July 3 & 4 Concerts

June 24 - Dollar Night June 29 - Kids Go FREE July 6 - Cheap, Cheap Night For these bargains and others, visit our website www.njfair.com

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ACRES of mouth watering food choices to satisfy any craving!

PARKING: Mon., Tues. & Wed. - FREE Mon., July 4 & Thurs. - Sun. - $4 Opening Night - $1

Join us on July 2nd @ 7 PM for the live taping

of Cake Boss and the unveiling of the State Fair Meadowlands 25th anniversary cake!

Š 2011 State Fair Meadowlands

Passings

Luther Gatling

L

Gil Scott-Heron

uther Gatling, a personal finance expert known to weekly radio listeners as the "Credit Doctor," died May 31. He was 79. Gatling was CEO of Budget & Credit Counseling Service, a Manhattan non-profit that advised consumers with crippling debt. He founded the organization in 1976 and ran it until his retirement eight years ago.

Mr. Gatling held a degree in business administration from Temple University. He initially focused on serving the African American community but expanded his nonprofit's scope. He authored the 1998 book, Money Talks — Black Finance Experts Talk to You about Money.

Mr. Gatling was former president of the New York chapter of the mentoring organization 100 Black Men of America.

G

il Scott-Heron, the poet, musician, author and activist who described himself as “a Black man dedicated to expression of the joy and pride of Blackness,” died May 27, at the age of 62. Throughout his 40-year career, he delivered a militant commentary on the African American experience, wider social injustice and political hypocrisy.

In 1962, he was one of three black children chosen to desegregate Tigrett Junior High School In Jackson, TN and later attended the prestigious Fieldston School in The Bronx, NY, and Lincoln University. Scott-Heron authored two novels, The Vulture and The Nigger Factory.

Known for songs such as “The Bottle” and “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Scott-Heron was the first artist signed to Clive Davis’ Arista Records, and also worked diligently to commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King with a national holiday, touring with Stevie Wonder and campaigning in Washington to eventually create the federal holiday.

Sister Souljah Reads at Newark Public Library Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

F

ans of activist turned writer, Sister Souljah filled the Newark Public Library in anticipation of hearing her read from her third novel, Midnight and the Meaning of Love.

Known for her inflammatory remarks in speeches and hip hop recordings Souljah penned her autobiography titled No Disrespect in 1995. Following the reading, fans waited in a long line to have their books signed by the writer, whose work has received critical acclaim from the New Yorker magazine and others.

The event was arranged in cooperation with Rutgers University, by the Harlem Book Fair/Newark and the Newark Public Library.

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The Positive Community June 2011

Wilma J. Grey, director, Newark Public Library

Sister Souljah

Max Rodriguez, Harlem Book Fair www.thepositivecommunity.com

Passings

Elder Lillie M. Baldwin

E

lder Lillie M. Baldwin, the original writer of The Positive Community’s “Gospel Train” column, died April 30. Baldwin became a minister at Fountain Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, in Brooklyn, NY in 1978, eventually becoming an elder. She was a chaplain for several hospitals in New York and for the Alpha Psi Omega professional fraternity for pastoral counselors. She was a cum laude scholar of the Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY and taught there for several years.

In 1981, she made a record on House Rocker Records as part of the quartet, The Divine Gospel Singers.

She had various stints on radio and served for several years in the National Gospel Announcers Guild. She served the ministry of Christian Fellowship Church in Hallsboro, NC as a choir member, an adult Sunday school teacher and praise team leader in the Women of Integrity Ministry until her death.

Welcome to Rosedale Rosedale is a non-profit, non-sectarian Cemetery located in Montclair, Orange and West Orange, New Jersey.

Burials: We are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our grounds.

Chapel: Graciously decorated, the Chapel is available for a variety of sacred services presided over by clergy of any faith.

Webcasting: At Rosedale you can stream live, delayed, or recorded services from our chapel over the internet.

Robert Lee Dunham

R

obert Lee Dunham, age 78, died on May 17, 2011 at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He was President and CEO of TCB Management Corporation. In 1972, Dunham made history by opening the first McDonald's restaurant in the City of New York. A pioneer in McDonald's, he was a multiple store owner with restaurants located in New York and New Jersey.

Lee fought tirelessly on behalf of minorities and through his efforts successfully helped others acquire franchises and become suppliers. A former New York City policeman, Lee Dunham truly believed in giving back to the community and won numerous awards for his business, community and civic involvement.

Crematorium Services: Our modern Crema- Scattering Area: Our hilltop scattering

torium and Columbarium prove Rosedale’s dedication to provide the finest facilities and service for every type of memorialization.

Witnessing Room: The room was designed to permit families to privately observe the start of the cremation process.

Indoor Columbarium: The Columbarium offers a beautiful, up-lifting setting for the inurnment of cremated remains.

Outdoor Columbarium: This beautifully landscaped setting offers an attractive openair alternative to its indoor counterpart.

area is designed exclusively for cremated remains. It creates a comfortable environment to memorialize and remember deceased loved-ones.

Urn Garden: Designed and cultivated for cremation burials, it is highlighted by warm sun; sculpted rose bushes and handsome bronzed memorial plaques.

Entrance: 408 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ Mailing Address: P.O. Box 728, Orange, NJ 07051 Phone: (973) 673-0127 Fax: (973) 673-8338 Web: rosedalecemetery.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Sierra Leone’s Giileh Scholz Makes Her Mark on American Gospel Music

By Helene Fox

G

iileh Scholz, simply known as Giileh (pronounced “gie-leh”) to her admirers, is the latest sensation from Africa—poised to make an indelible mark in the gospel music industry in the USA. The Sierra Leone-born singer extraordinaire, actress and multimedia artist recently launched her long anticipated debut gospel album, Bringing the News, in Maryland.

The event solidified Giileh’s status of one of the new leading musical divas from Africa, taking a swipe at the competitive music entertainment industry in the USA. Giileh represents a rare cadre of African musical entertainers living in the USA that are combining their musical talent along with a sound educational base to manage and produce a distinct product, a blend of music that caters to mainstream America while retaining the cultural flavor of their African heritage.

She started winning choreography performances from age 11 until her early teens. Her music career was then put on hold, she says smilingly, “so that I can focus on completing my education.” Now being satisfied with a Bachelor’s in Economics, and a Masters in Technology Management, she has been able to comfortably adapt to the management and technological aspect of her uptrending musical career.

All songs on her album depict her unwavering faith in God and her belief in the goodness of humanity, and each song on the album correlates to a time in her life—the joys and breakthroughs she experienced the consistent challenges she had to overcome and the war and devastation she had to endure in her homeland of Sierra Leone. She explains that she has been blessed in all areas of her life and it’s only right and fitting for her to give God all the honor and praise.

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Giileh’s music is gradually filtering into a wider audience in America and her fan base is rapidly growing, thanks to the increasing exposure she is getting from the press. She has been featured on the Bronx Net TV show, Murphy and Friends, in New York and has appeared twice on Voice of America TV’s In Focus, where she was interviewed by African Beat host, David Vandy. She has also been performing as a guest artist in churches in the Washington D.C. area, including Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, where Kirk Franklin has performed.

As a committed humanitarian, she also participates in community events. Ten percent of the proceeds of sales from her debut album Bringing The News is being donated to Save the Nation, Inc. (www. savethenationinc.org), a 501c(3) non-profit organization she founded to assist the surviving family members of a tragic boating accident that occurred in Sierra Leone in 2009. Sponsored by Save Sierra Leone Foundation, Giileh will be performing at events around the USA to create awareness and raise funds for four International Community College Town Centers in Sierra Leone.

Giileh is active in the theatre as well, acting in plays performed by Sierra Theatre Productions, Sierra Leone’s only theatre company to hold shows at prominent U.S. locations such as the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. She recently played the lead role in Sierra Theatre’s play Let Me Die Alone, based on the life and times of Madam Yoko, one of the most powerful and respected female chiefs in Africa.

For more information on Giileh,visit www.giileh.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Secret Recipe Tips These sandwiches are just right for summer entertaining, add a salad or a slice of melon and you’ve got the making of a dinner at the beach without the sand and in the comfort of your home.

Shrimp Rolls 1 pound of cooked peeled and deveined shrimp • ½ cup Hellman’s mayonnaise ½ cup finely diced celery ( 2 stalks ) • 1 ½ tablespoons finely minced fresh dill ½ teaspoon kosher salt • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 7 potato hot dog rolls, grilled Combine shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, dill, salt, and pepper.

Fill each roll and serve.

Please log onto twofishfiveloaves.com for all your catering and entertaining needs, or simply call 908.227.9065 to plan your next event.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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By Rev. Bernard F. Johnson III

No Man Left Behind

MUIC Gospel Ensemble lead by Rev. Floyd Sanifer on the left

Bro. Omar Taylor, MUIC Retreat Coordinator

Rev. Bernard Johnson, III Retreat Director

O

Young Members of Men United in Christ

n the weekend of April 29–May 1, 2011 more than 200 men gathered at the Paradise Lake Christian Resort Center located in Bushkill, PA to attend The 3rd Annual Men United in Christ Men’s Ministry Retreat. This was a true mountain top experience!

This ministry began almost four years ago with a vision and a discussion among brothers. I thank God for the vision that He has given me as retreat director to bring men together. How this began and how it is growing…certainly God is in the midst! Under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Kelmo C. Porter, Jr., senior pastor of St. John’s Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, NJ and partnering with Rev. Tracey L. Brown, pastor and founder of Ruth Fellowship Ministries, the development of the Men United in Christ grew from four churches to more than 12 churches today.

The Men’s Retreat has traditionally fed our spirits through a weekend of prayer, teaching and preaching, always with our retreat’s theme of “No Man Left Behind” in the forefront of all that we do. Men United in Christ, is an association of churches of many denominations and cultures working harmoniously to create a new vision for our men’s ministries and to challenge the men of our churches.

We recognize the daily struggles of our Christian brothers as they balance faith, family and life’s challenges. During our retreat we strive to provide tools and the understanding that as long as they keep God and faith first in their lives, family relationships will be stronger and life less challenging. We were blessed with the presence of the Reverend Dr. J. Wendell Mapson

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FRONT, L–R: Bro. Ish-quan Bardone, Bro. Rich Goldberg, Bro. James Rodgers, Deacon George Graves Jr., Bro. Charles Gillon; BACK, L–R: Bro. Eugene Bacum St, Deacon Omar Taylor, Rev. Bernard F. Johnson III, Deacon Mike Payne

Jr., pastor of the historic Monumental Baptist Church of Philadelphia PA; Pastor Ralph Branch of Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Newark, NJ; and Rev. Kevin Jones, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church of New Brunswick, NJ as the keynote messengers. Each reminded the men of the joy of God’s love and the strength that comes when one remains faithful to the Word.

During the course of our retreat, we place great emphasis on developing horizontal relationships among the men of our various churches, with the express purpose of encouraging and supporting the men to realize their full potential as Christian men and to being leaders in their respective churches, while teaching men how to strengthen their personal vertical relationship with the Father.

The workshops covered various topics focusing on both the horizontal and vertical relationship. Bro. Corey Trammell of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ facilitated a workshop on Youth Ministry and how to reach our young men. Rev. Bernard F. Johnson III of St. John’s Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ presented a workshop entitled “God's Psychiatry: God Wants to Change Our Way of Thinking!” Deacon James Clark, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Newark, NJ, presented "How to Become a More Effective Christian" and finally, Rev. R. Lenton Buffalo Jr. of Union Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ presented "Men and Their Relationship to God." Leaving the workshop on Sunday, every man was feeling refreshed and renewed. They have the tools and information needed to grow the Men’s Ministry in their home church…to leave “No Man Left Behind.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

�ooray

Grads for the

There’s still time to send the portraits of your high school and college graduates for inclusion in our Summer issue!

Visit Our New Improved Interactive Website: THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY.com

View The Entire Contents of The Positive Community Online

Plus…

Photos Video Music Events Calendar Prizes

special online only content

Please email a high resolution portrait along with the full name of the graduate and the following information to:

positive.corp@verizon.net For High School Graduates: High school, City and State College they will be attending City and State Course of study they will pursue Honors For College Graduates Name of College, City and State Degree and major Honors Career plans Photos must be in jpeg format and attached to the email, not included in the body of the email.

All information must be received no later than July 1, 20111. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Visit Frequently…there’s always something new

Check us out on Facebook Join the fastest growing online community

THEPOSITIVECOMMUNITY.COM! June 2011 The Positive Community

69

WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION 2 Eastern Conference COMMITMENT. TEAMWORK. PASSION.

FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT Join us for an exciting and spiritual night! For the first time hear from the Liberty Team Chaplain, a Liberty player and more!

ATLANTA DREAM Official Colors Dream Red Pantone 186 Dream Blue Pantone 279 Dream Light Blue Pantone 650

100m/75y/4k 70c/33m 18c/6m/1y/2k

198r/12g/48b 75r/146g/219b 197r/210g/224b

CHICAGO SKY Official Colors Sky Yellow Pantone 116 Sky Blue Pantone 279

15m 69c/3

VS.

FRIDAY, JULY 15 AT 7PM

Tickets starting at

CONNECTICUT SUN Official Colors Sun Red Pantone 187 Sun Dk. Red Pantone 1817 Sun Blue Pantone 282 Sun Orange Pantone 1665 Sun Yellow Pantone 123

Event starts at 5PM

15.00

$

91m/72y/23k 40c/89m/93y/44k 100c/72m/56k 70m/85y 30m/94y

191r/47g/55b 105r/37g/25b 39g/93b 243r/112g/58b 253r/185g/39b

INDIANA FEVER Official Colors Fever Yellow Pantone 116 Fever Red Pantone 186 Fever Blue Pantone 282

1 9 1

ENJOY EXCITING FAN EXPERIENCES*: • Pre-game dance performance opportunity • Play basketball on-court • Fundraise for your organization • Welcome on the Liberty Jumbotron (Groups of 20+) * Limited availability. Ticket minimum required.

For more info or to get your group involved, contact Ebony EBONY.JENKINS@MSG.COM or 212.465.6592 NEW YORK LIBERTY Official Colors

WASHINGTON MYSTICS Official Colors

Liberty Blue Liberty Orange

Pantone 2935 Pantone 165

95c/47m 70m/100y

118g/191b 243r/112g/33b

Mystics Blue Mystics Bronze

Pantone 647 Pantone 876

Liberty Green Liberty Black

Pantone 338 Pantone Black

45c/30y 30c/100k

138r/208g/192b 6r/25g/34b

Mystics Blue Smoke Mystics Black

Pantone 651 Pantone Black

Visit www.tinyurl.com/faithandfamily This logo sheet is not for color. Please refer to Pantone and process breakdowns above. and use code faith nyliberty.com

facebook.com/newyorkliberty

PLEASE NOTE: These logos may only be reproduced in full color or in black and white if a single color version is necessary. No other coloration is allowed. Color background applications are recommended.

twitter.com/@nyliberty

WOMEN’S N WNBA team intellecual pr without the p Reserved.

L-R: Walk co-chairs Bob Toohey, president Verizon Business; Michelle Y. Lee, regional president, Wells Fargo Bank; Robert Wood Johnson, president, New York Jets and Martina Ebanks

Health P r e v e n t i o n , T r e atm e n t & C u r e

Photos: Darryl Hall

A Great Day for Lupus Research

O

n Saturday May 21st, the Alliance for Lupus Research along with the New York Jets held their annual "Walk With Us To Cure Lupus" event at the New Meadowlands Stadium. The event, which was hosted by MY 9 news anchor Brenda Blackmon, featured appearances

by New York Jets owner Woody Johnson along with general manager Mike Tannenbaum, head coach Rex Ryan, as well as former players Greg Buttle, Wesley Walker, Bruce Harper, and Dave Herman.

Not only was it a great day, but we had a fantastic turnout of an estimated 4,000 people representing 207 teams all walking to cure for lupus! We had the best turnout ever and this will be our most successful NJ walk ever! and raising over $500,000 which will be put towards research to find better treatments and ultimately prevent and cure systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), a debilitating autoimmune disease. —AAC www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Lou LaSalle, VP External Affairs St. Barnabas Medical Center; Kay Lucas, CEO MediaSense; MY9 News Anchor Brenda Blackmon and daughter Kelly, who is living with lupus NAACP New Jersey President James E. Harris and his wife Justine

FAR LEFT:Rex Ryan, NY Jets head coach

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Muslims of Harlem Hospital Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

Members of the Muslim community who attend services at Harlem Hospital

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etiring Harlem Hospital administrator, Barbara Lawrence, was honored by members of the Muslim community for her role in securing a space to hold Islamic service in the hospital.

Lateef Qadar, Barbara Lawrence, Bro. Zaid and Iman Loqman Abdur-Rashid

First Corinthian

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ollowing Resurrection Service at First Corinthian BC in Harlem, Sr. Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. greets the children!

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark, Let’s Move!

Opening Day at Newark Bears Eagles Stadium

LET’S MOVE! Opening Day at Newark Bears Eagles Stadium, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo; Newark Mayor Cory Booker; Healthfirst NJ President Terence L. Byrd

Healthfirst NJ President Terence L. Byrd addressing the crowd of thousands of Newark Public School students on LET’S MOVE! Opening Day at Newark Bears Eagles Stadium.

Mildred Crump’s Senior Fashion Show and Extravaganza Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Healthfirst NJ Representatives Terrence Dargan and Desiree Flournoy. (Below)

Newark Mayor Cory Booker with Chief of Staff Modia Butler at the Healthfirst NJ booth.

Healthfirst NJ attends the Senior Fashion Show with vendor table information and complimentary hand massages courtesy of partnership with Newark YMCA. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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DR. LIZ PARENTING 101

What You Need to Know id you ever wonder why the management of certain infections and illnesses might differ depending on the pediatrician? Did you ever wonder why the same doctor would approach the same illness differently on separate occasions? Did you ever wonder why on some occasions your pediatrician couldn’t provide a clear and definitive answer?

Well, the answer is quite simple but can be a bit unnerving to patients and doctors alike… the practice of medicine is an art rather than a science.

There are certain standards of care that doctors abide by, but there is no hard and fast rule how to treat and manage disease. There are different protocols for treating cancer, different techniques to remove an appendix or to perform knee surgery, different approaches to managing Attention Deficit Disorder. The list goes on and on.

The human body is a wonderful and complex creation that does not always behave according to the medical literature or scientific studies. Scientific research has created breakthroughs in all areas of our healthcare that have increased life span and quality of life. The presentation of an illness manifests itself differently in every individual and patients respond and react differently to treatments.

You may have noticed that doctors have their own styles and approaches to managing the same illness. Some pediatricians may use amoxicillin to treat an infection while others may start with cefprozil, azithromycin or other antibiotics.

Other pediatricians may prescribe pain medicine or recommend over-the-counter remedies before prescribing any antibiotics at all. With all these variations, how can you feel confident in the quality of care your child is receiving?

The first thing you should know is that you need to ask questions. Before you leave the pediatrician’s office, make sure you know the diagnosis, the name of the medication, reason for the medication, possible side effects, and when to follow up. Ask the doctor what signs or symptoms will indicate that your child’s condition is getting worse and when you should expect an improvement.

You should also be aware that there are different types of infections—some of which cannot be cured by an antibiotic.

The two main types of infections your child will encounter can be categorized as bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections can only be cured with antibiotics. Strep throat, for example, is caused by Group A Streptococcus and if left untreated can cause serious complications that can impact the kidneys,

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heart and other organ systems. Viral infections, on the other hand, do not require antibiotics and must be allowed to run their course.

This is often very frustrating to parents whose child has a fever and a harsh, croupy cough and they are told to treat the symptoms with an over-the-counter fever reducer and a humidifier and manage the best they can at home. It may make you feel better to have your child take prescription medicine, but prescribing unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections has caused many bacteria to become resistant to those medications. Know that antibiotics have their place but not in every situation.

Finally, you should know that it is important for your pediatrician to admit when she doesn’t know the answer and refer your child to a specialist. A specialist should be considered when your child has a rare and/or complicated illness that needs special attention, your pediatrician is not familiar with the illness, or your pediatrician has attempted to take care of the problem but the issue has not resolved or is getting worse. If the condition is urgent and needs to be seen within one or two weeks, it is often helpful to request that your pediatrician call the specialist.

Partnering with your child’s physician and working as a team is essential in facilitating effective and efficient medical care. Choosing a doctor you trust and whose style fits the needs of your child, knowing the right questions to ask, and having a physician who knows her limits are essential in fostering a strong doctor/patient relationship and receiving the best care for your child.

About Dr. Liz Dr. Elizabeth Robinson Henry (Dr. Liz) has dedicated her life to providing youth with the knowledge and confidence to lead healthy and productive lives. She is the founder of Dr. Liz Consulting, a practice focused on making a difference in the lives of adolescents by addressing their physical, emotional, and mental needs. Teens, tweens and their parents can find resources on how to build self-confidence, manage anger and stress, and overcome issues such as bullying, emotions, fitting-in, and obesity at www.drlizforyouth.com.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is solely for educational purposes and should not be relied on for a diagnosis.

Always consult your physician for medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis.. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Home is where your heart is.

We can help keep you there and help get you the care you need!

If you need help with day-to-day living and do not want to leave the comfort of your home, we can help. We offer Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) coverage under the New York State-sponsored health insurance programs.

Our MLTC program offers you:

• Home health care • Physical therapy • Transportation • Private duty nursing • Care management • Social day care • Adult day health care

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We welcome all eligible individuals into our health care programs, regardless of health status. If you have questions or concerns, please call 1-800-600-4441 (TTY: 1-800-855-2880) and ask for extension 34925.

Or visit www.myamerigroup.com.

To find out if you or someone you know qualifies and to find out about additional covered services, full eligibility requirements and details about the program, call 1-800-950-7679 (TTY: 1-800-855-2880).

Or visit www.myamerigroup.com for more information.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Central, New Jersey. He is the CEO of the Fitness Doctor Inc., a Fitness Rehabilitation and Wellness Consultation company. To contact Kahlil to become spiritually and physically fit visit www.livewellfaith.com or call 732-921-3746

A Focused and Fit Dad s Father’s Day approached I began to take stock and assess my life and I wonder if I am a good father or if there are still some areas I can improve upon as it pertains to the rearing of my children.

Like many dads today, I not only provide a home, food, shelter and clothing, but I try with all my heart to love, correct, instruct, and train them up to walk in the ways of the Lord.

As Dads we must be actively involved in these areas of our children’s lives. All of these various areas are very important and will help our children develop and mature into productive members of society. Yes, society needs Dads.

Fathers, dads, stepdads and men who are responsible for raising children also have an added responsibility toward their children. Helping them learn how to exercise, eat healthy and live well. It is our responsibility to lead by example and stress the importance of exercise to our children.

As Fathers we often only work with our children when they show some type of athletic ability or physical acumen toward a specific sport. Then and only then do we consider or put an emphasis on physical training. But all of our children, even the ones who seem to lack interest in athletic competition, should learn how to exercise.

The gym can be a great place of bonding between father and child and offer an opportunity for a father to train his children in more than just the physical, I love to work out and thank God I have passed that on to my children. The highlight to many of my fitness seminars has been when my two year old son, Zachary, drops down on the floor and does 20 perfect pushups.

Even my daughter Zoe (who is a little diva in her own right) has such physical strength that she could ace any fitness exam administered to her.

Children should workout in all three components of fitness: strength training (light weights), aerobic training, and flexibility instruction (gymnastics, etc.).

Another great way for dads to physically train children is sport-specific training. Sport-specific training is taking your child’s sport of interest and training him or her specific to that activity or sport. For example my 6-year-old son is a basketball player, so our training is inclusive of exercises to help him become a better basketball player.

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Dads please do not worry. You do not have to be a fitness trainer to help your kids stay fit. Our children could care less if we actually know what we are doing. All they care about is that whatever we are doing we are doing with them.

The bible says in proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” My dad, John Carmichael (who is a member of my church), gave me an early interest in physical fitness by simply having these old weights around the house. He would also take my brother and I to play basketball every Saturday morning at a playground in the heart of Newark, New Jersey.

Thanks, Dad for everything you have given me. Life, love, and a foundation of physical fitness!

Activities for Dads and their children • Bike Riding—Biking is an excellent activity for dads to participate in with their children.

• Basketball—you would be amazed at how much physical exertion is required to simply shoot some hoops.

Try it, you and your child will have so much fun.

• Light weight training—Keep this simple. Try not to build strength right away but focus on form and technique. I would also encourage you start under the supervision of a qualified fitness trainer.

• Walking—Never underestimate the power of walking.

I walk around the track at the local school with my entire family and when we finish, we feel great!

Remember to take your time, be safe and most of all enjoy the time with your children. They will always remain fit because they had a focused and fit dad!

THE FIT COMMUNITY WITH REVEREND KAHLIL

June 24—Sage Medical—Summit, New Jersey— Senior Fitness Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Welcome to the Community.

AmeriChoice® of New Jersey, Inc. is now UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. But changing our name hasn’t changed all the reasons New Jersey families choose us. You still get the same doctors, the same access to specialists, the same large network of hospitals.

Changing our name to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan says you’re part of a bigger community, over 3.3 million members strong, all across the country. So, New Jersey families can be confident they’ll receive the same great care.

Welcome to the Community. Call 1-866-322-1194 (TTY: 711) for information about UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

is now

©2011 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

NJ11-MC006 Pos Community Ad 8.5x11V1.indd 1

uhccommunityplan.com

5/2/11 2:55 PM

PHILIP M. BONAPARTE M.D. ON CALL

Vice President, Clinical Affairs for Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NJ/Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health

Allergies and Asthma Dear Dr. Bonaparte: Every spring, I look forward to opening my windows and airing out the house. After dinner, my husband, children and I enjoy getting outside while there is still daylight and bicycling, swinging and skateboarding. When we come inside, my kids start getting ready for bed. Before going to sleep, they start coughing, wheezing and rubbing their eyes. They take their allergy and asthma medicine every morning and at night. What can we do to alleviate the symptoms of allergies and asthma?

—Thanks, from Sarah in central New Jersey Dear Sarah, There is much to learn about taking care of your allergies and asthma. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Nearly 6 million of these people are children. People suffer from allergies caused by everyday exposures to agents, such as dust mites, cat dander and pollens.

Young children who often wheeze and have respiratory infections—as well as certain other risk factors—are at highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age.

The other risk factors include having allergies, eczema (an allergic skin condition) or parents who have asthma.

Among children, more boys have asthma than girls. But among adults, more women have the disease than men. It is not clear whether or how sex and sex hormones play a role in causing asthma.

Most, but not all, people who have asthma have allergies.

Some people develop asthma because of contact with certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace. This type of asthma is called occupational asthma.

Common signs and symptoms of asthma: • Coughing: Coughing from asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.

• Wheezing: Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.

• Chest tightness: This may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

• Shortness of breath: Some people who have asthma say they can not catch their breath or they feel out of breath. You may feel like you can not get air out of your lungs.

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Not all people who have asthma have these symptoms. The best way to diagnose asthma is to use a lung function test, a medical history (including type and frequency of symptoms) and a physical exam. The types of asthma symptoms you have, how often they occur and how severe they are may vary over time.

Sometimes your symptoms may just annoy you. Other times, they may be troublesome enough to limit your daily routine.

Severe symptoms can be fatal.

It is important to treat symptoms when you first notice them, so they do not become severe. With proper treatment, most people who have asthma can expect to have few, if any, symptoms. Stay on your maintenance treatment that your doctor prescribes for moderate or severe asthma. This includes a steroid inhaler even when you are asymptomatic.

Things that set your asthma off can worsen asthma symptoms. Your doctor will help you find out which things (called triggers) may cause your asthma to flare up if you come in contact with them.

Asthma Triggers may include: • Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold and pollens from trees, grasses and flowers • Irritants, such as cigarette smoke and the effects of secondhand smoke • Air pollution, chemicals or dust in the workplace, home air sprays and hairspray • Medicines, such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nonselective beta-blockers, sulfites in foods and drinks • Viral upper respiratory infections, such as colds • Physical activity, including exercise Other health conditions can make asthma harder to manage. Examples include a runny nose, sinus infections, reflux disease, psychological stress and sleep apnea. These conditions need treatment as part of an overall asthma care plan.

Asthma is different for each person. Some of the triggers listed above may not affect you. Other triggers that do affect you may not be on the list. Talk with your doctor about the things that seem to make your asthma worse. www.thepositivecommunity.com

We’ve been ranked in the top 5% nationwide for patient safety.

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is a recipient of the 2011 HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ – one of only four hospitals in New Jersey and the only Bergen County hospital with this distinction.

“If all hospitals performed at this level of distinction as Englewood Hospital and Medical Center approximately 174,358 patient safety events and 20,688 Medicare deaths could have been avoided…” – HealthGrades Our unwavering commitment to patient safety and top-quality care are recognized by many independent organizations that evaluate exceptional patient care standards. To learn more, visit “Awards & Accreditations” at englewoodhospital.com.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June 2011 The Positive Community

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Fit-Rite Fashions

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The Positive Community June 2011

Sizes 6 to 56 • Coats • Suits • Dresses • Sportswear • Shoes • Hats • Accessories • Undergarments • Choir Groups www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Ruminations on Osama bin-Laden’s Death hen I wrote last month’s The Way Ahead column, criticizing U.S./NATO intervention in the Libyan civil war, I, not being a prophet, had no idea that even before that issue of The Positive Community would arrive in many readers’ hands, the Obama administration would have nailed al-Qaeda’s leader, Osama bin Laden.

Muammar Gaddafi and bin-Laden are not mirror images. Nor are Libya and al-Qaeda the same. While Gaddafi, “Brother Leader” of Libya, has supported some terrorist acts, bin-Laden made terrorism his career. In addition to 3,000 or so people killed on “9/11,” groups affiliated with al-Qaeda, have, over the years, attacked locations in Kenya, Tanzania, Great Britain, and elsewhere. The 1998 twin bombings of United States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killed approximately 224 people in Nairobi, mostly Kenyans, and wounded an estimated 4,000 people there. The Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania attack killed at least 11 people and wounded 85. Not surprisingly, leaders of these and other African countries welcomed the recent killing of bin-Laden.

Such is the background for President Obama’s statement that the world is better off without Osama bin-Laden.

“You shall not murder.”−Exodus 20:13 (New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version) Most of us are probably more familiar with the “Thou shalt not kill” wording of the King James Version, but direct translation of the original ancient Hebrew specifies murder as the killing category that God focused on in the sixth commandment. “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die.”−Exodus 21:12-14 (NASB) So God singles out premeditated murder as punishable by execution. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were intricately planned and meticulously carried out.

The premeditated murder of almost 3,000 people at the World Trade Center that morning thus appears to fall within the “lie in wait” and “kill him craftily” categories.

Who should implement the prescribed punishment of the murderers? This text does not specify. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;”−Romans 3:10 (NIV).

Not that America has been totally the good guy.

Osama bin-Laden’s characterization of the U.S. and

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Europe as “the new crusaders” has merit. The crusaders of medieval Europe ostensibly fought to free the Holy Land from Muslim control, but economic gain for them appears to have also been a major objective. This is evidenced by the crusaders’ 1204 sacking of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, a state at least as Christian as the countries from which the crusaders came. After 9/11, the Bush regime’s sleight-ofhand, through which the military action to crush alQaeda in Afghanistan morphed into a war to conquer oil-rich Iraq, suggests that oil —like the gold of the Middle Ages— is a major motivator for Western military engagement with the Middle East, despite other platitudes that get mouthed.

In a sermon preached on Martin Luther King Day, 2002, at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Southeast Queens, Rev. Calvin Butts (pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem) compared the World Trade Center destruction to the destruction of the Tower of Babel. He was not praising al-Qaeda, but was condemning the worship of self-interest, in this case moneyed American economic self-interest.

We who are Christian should deliberately try to analyze world events from God’s perspective, strange as that seems to the world. As best we can, in the spirit of Christ’s “true vine” metaphor recorded in John 15, we should allow God to prune our political and ideological leanings to fit into His will. Supplementing news intake with Bible study, meditation, and prayer is crucial to this ongoing process. Hopefully I help others in that process, although I do not claim to get all of it right. God does.

Let’s continue to seek His will.

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com June 2011

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 11, No. 6

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Church/Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Jackson Contributing Writers Dr. Phillip Bonaparte Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Rosemary Sinclair Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Herb Boyd Glenda Cadogan Toni Parker Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood William Parrish Jeanne Parnell Dr. Elizabeth Henry Flo Wiley Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Donovan Gopie Linda Pace Hubert Williams Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: positive.corp@verizon.net Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © 2010 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 Last Word

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saw a clip from an actress’ acceptance speech at a recent awards show. She basically thanked her nearest and dearest and then commented that she had made it in Hollywood without having a reality show or making a sex tape. She told the young girls watching that when she was their age, people simply didn’t make sex tapes to garner fame and that they didn’t need to be sexting or taking nude photos either. It was a breath of fresh air! Here was someone being rewarded for actually excelling at her craft and having the talent and perseverance to make her dreams come true and become the person she wanted to be.

This month’s magazine is filled with people like that actress. While they may not all be superstars—household names who lead glamorous lives, they are people who have worked hard and harnessed the tenacity and strength to make their dreams come true, be it owning their own business or being elected Governor of Massachusetts. These are people who inspire and impress me with their resourcefulness, determination and ingenuity. Sure, I’ve interviewed Denzel Washington and I did meet President Obama in a ladies restroom during his campaign (see February 2009, page 56), but let’s face it, most of us don’t have Denzel’s looks and acting ability or President Obama’s intellect, charisma and swagger. But each of us has the capacity and opportunity to be our own personal best.

Many tearfully gathered in May to say farewell to an old and cherished friend who visited each weekday for the past 25 years. Our friend, Oprah, is also an unmatched entrepreneur who turned herself into a brand and grew that brand into a global, multi-billion dollar business—the ultimate success story, the goal of small-business owners and selfstarters everywhere.

I can’t say that I was a die-hard Oprah fan. I watched her regularly for several

years and then at some point became a more casual viewer. When the final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show was announced, I didn’t shed a tear or even flinch. As the months passed and the countdown to the final show began, it seemed that every man, woman and child around me was devastated by the fact that their beloved Oprah would no longer visit each morning or afternoon or regularly fill up their DVRs. My cousin, Cheryll, decided to arrange a “Farewell Oprah” party for some family members and friends to watch the final episode together. I was glad to receive the invitation, although to be honest, I was more interested in the food and the family than watching the series finale. In preparation for the final show, I recorded the two shows prior, the star-studded surprise tribute to the woman who had outlasted all other talk show hosts and become so much more to so many. I could take or leave the celebrities who appeared, but thousands of people who went to school because of an Oprah Winfrey scholarship and the millions who discovered a love of reading because of Oprah’s Book Club tugged at my heartstrings.

When the candlelit men of Morehouse filled the arena—I lost it.

When Oprah’s last show aired, I felt a little tremor inside. More than the celebrity interviews, the makeovers and the incredible haul of gifts she gave to so many people, I will miss the life lessons she shared with us and her repeated advice to simply do and be our best.

I wonder who will inspire us and remind us that we “are enough” and that all things are possible with faith in ourselves and in God. While there may never be another to do it on the same scale as Ms. Winfrey, I take comfort in the fact that people on the pages and the readers of The Positive Community do it every day.

Thank you. www.thepositivecommunity.com

•

Celebrating 40years of the International African Arts Festival

LDREN $

Art: “Slammin’” by Taiwo Duvall - used by permission

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D O NA C

•

3

$

HI

AROBAINI

AT THE GATE

TE

COMMODORE BARRY PARK

PARK

& FLUSHING

AVENUES AND NORTH ELLIOTT ST & NAVY STREETS BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11205 friday, july 1 thru

INFORMATION: 718.638.6700 monday, july 4, 2011

www.iaafestival.org

partial schedule of events Friday, July 1st

Children’s Program James Fleet/Drake Colley Quintet Ngoma- Tribute to Billy Bang Colonel Abrams Dance Party Greg Stampur

Saturday, July 2nd

Parade-1pm (Fulton & Vanderbilt) Tribute to Chief Bey, Nana Dinizulu and Baba Ishangi Ifetayo Youth Ensemble Omi Yesa FASHION SHOW Dinizulu African Dancers, Drummers and Singers

APT POETRY SLAM Ishangi Family Dancers

Sunday, July 3rd

Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron Gospel International Day of the Drum Phyllis Yvonne Stickney Akom Celebration Amma Watt FASHION SHOW The Back Alley Players featuring Ebony Joanne Pharo-Z Reggae Explosion featuring Barbee and Bigga Haitian and more

10 am to 10 pm

Monday, July 4th

International Day of the Drum Phyllis Yvonne Stickney NATURAL HAIR SHOW MZURI performs Fannie Lou Hamer Rome Neal’s Women In Jazz Tipica 73 Norman Connors and the Starship Orchestra Forces of Nature

All Day Activities

AFRICAN MARKETPLACE Mancala/Warri Game Zone Children Rides

Chess Tournament Dance Workshops: To be schedule

MTA ACCESS TO FESTIVAL

By Bus: Park Ave. B61 Flushing Ave. B57 & B69 Navy St. B61 Myrtle Ave. B54

By Subway: F or A train exit Jay St. and transfer to B61 or B57 M, N, B or R trains to Dekalb Ave. 2 or 3 trains to Nevins St.

The IAAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported in part by public funds from the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), Our Marketplace Vendors, NYSCA, Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Charles Barron, State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Festival Patrons, Community Members and Volunteers. For vending and other information call IAAF office at 718.638.6700 or email at info@iaafestival.org

Summer is here but learning never ends.

Working together, teachers, school staff, families, communities, and policymakers share responsibility for a child’s education.

When school is not in session, parents take the lead creating educational opportunities for their child.

Here are a few ideas to keep your child learning year-round.

• Visit a planetarium, museum or zoo; • Organize a book club for kids; • Visit your local library; • Plant a garden; • Volunteer for a church or community event.

Barbara Keshishian, President Wendell Steinhauer, Vice President Marie Blistan, Secretary-Treasurer Vincent Giordano, Executive Director Richard Gray, Assistant Executive Director/ Research Director