March 2014

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ $2.95

March 2014 www.thepositivecommunity.com

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Nice Nailantei Leng’ete How She Became a Hero

You are Not Alone S.O.F.I.A. is Here to Help

JENNIFER JONES

AUSTIN BORN TO SERVE

BELIEVE IN NEWARK VOTE TUESDAY MAY 13

DEMOCRAT

MAYOR Paid for and authorized by Team Baraka, F. Murphy, Treasurer, 808 South 10th Street, Newark, NJ 07108.

100%cardiac bypass survival rate – words to live by.

Year after year, Englewood Hospital has achieved a 100 % survival rate in heart bypass surgery.

Our top-rated cardiac surgeons are experts in a range of complex procedures and perform most surgeries without blood transfusions, which helps reduce risk of infection and speeds recovery.

For a physician referral, call 866.980.EHMC or learn more at BestHeartDocs.com.

* New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, “Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey” report, June 2012 Patient portrayal

March 2014

CONTENTS 35

SECTIONS MONEY ........................................14 HEALTH ........................................27 EDUCATION ..................................54 CULTURE ......................................41

Features COVER STORY Jenifer Jones Austin Born to Serve

&

also inside

Publisher’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 4

The Positive Community March 2014

Op-Ed: Crisis in the Community .......................14 Rainbow-PUSH Bestows Awards at Gala ..........21 Business Ministry in the 21st Century .............24 Ralph Baker’s Shock Exchange .......................27 At the Well Program Mentors Girls ...................28 Boy Collects Books for the Homeless ..............38 Roundtable Wrap-up ......................................41 Nice Nailantei Leng’ete: Kenyan Hero .............44 S.O.F.I.A. Stands against Domestic Violence ....48 Taking Healthcare to the Church .....................52 UMBA Quarterly Session .................................54 North Jersey Baptists Build .............................58 Women in History ...........................................60 A Woman’s Markings .......................................64 www.thepositivecommunity.com

8_11392 7x9.5 4c

Successful women encourage and inspire

We are proud to celebrate all the achievements of women past, present, and future.

wellsfargo.com Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. (1178578_11392)

1178578_11392 7x9.5 4c.indd 1

3/5/14 3:32 PM

Proudly Proudly Announces Announces our our New New Proudly Announces our New MinistrY Master of arts in Urban YoUth

M aster of arts in Urban YoUth MinistrY M aster arts YMinistry oUth M inistrY Designed to prepareof individuals to serve in in the U area rban of Urban Youth within congregation-based Designed to prepare individuals to serve in the area of Urban Youth Ministry within congregation-based and faith-based organizations...

Designed to prepare individuals to serve in the area of Urban Youth Ministry within congregation-based and faith-based organizations... and• faith-based organizations...

48 credit degree program • 48 credit degree program • 48 credit from degreea program Drawing wide range of interdisciplinary research • Drawing a wideLeadership range of interdisciplinary research and Socialization courses) (Religiousfrom Education, Studies, Youth Development • Drawing a wideLeadership range of interdisciplinary research and Socialization courses) (Religiousfrom Education, Studies, Youth Development (Religious will Education, Youth of Development and Socialization courses) • Graduates be ableLeadership to serve as Studies, practitioners youth ministry • Graduates will be able to serve as practitioners of youth ministry • Graduates will be able to serve as practitioners of youth ministry equipped to design and administer religious educational programs for • Graduates be adult equipped design and administer religious educational programs for youth and will young faithtodevelopment • Graduates be adult equipped design and administer religious educational programs for youth and will young faithtodevelopment youth and young adult faith development

REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2014 OPEN! REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2014 OPEN! REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2014 OPEN!

JJoin U s F or o pen H oUse oin U s F or o pen H oUse Join UsAAFpril or o pen H oUse 8-10, 2014 pril 8-10, 2014 April 8-10, 2014

(4:00 - 6:00 pm) Roundtable discussions with the NYTS Community (4:00 - 6:00 pm)- Roundtable discussions withofthe NYTS Community (6:00 9:00 pm) Visit the class(es) your choice (6:00 9:00 pm) Visit the class(es) your choice (4:00 - 6:00 pm)- Roundtable discussions withofthe NYTS Community For additional reserveofyour (6:00 information, - 9:00 pm) Visitor thetoclass(es) your space, choice contact:

ForDuncan-Smith additional information, or to reserve your space, contact: Nicole at 212-870-1212; or e-mail: ndsmith@nyts.edu ForDuncan-Smith additional information, or to reserve your space, contact: Nicole at 212-870-1212; or e-mail: ndsmith@nyts.edu Nicole Duncan-Smith at 212-870-1212; or e-mail: ndsmith@nyts.edu

Our Programs: OurThe Programs: • Certificate Program in Christian Ministry (CP) Program inPastoral Christian Ministry(CPE) (CP) OurThe Programs: • Certificate in Clinical Education in Clinical Education Certificate Program inPastoral Christian Ministry(CPE) (CP) • The Master of Divinity Degree (MDiv) Divinity Degree (MDiv) Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)(MAPCC) • The Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling • The Master of Arts in Religious Pastoral and Counseling Divinity DegreeCare (MDiv) Education (MARE) (MAPCC) • The Doctor Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE) (MAPCC) Pastoral Care and Counseling of Ministry (DMin) • The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE) • NYTS The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

GREAT

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@thepositivecommunity.com

T

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

Ebenezer B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, M.Div.

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor

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

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor

Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor

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

Empire Missionary B.C., Convention NY Rev. Dr. Ronald Grant, President

St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor

Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. Vernon Walton, Pastor Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Tisha M. Jermin Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor

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

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

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor

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

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

Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson, Pastor

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev. Alfonzo Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Jasper E. Peyton, Interim Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor

Evening Star B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Washington Lundy, Pastor

First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President

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

Grace & Restoration Fellowship, Paterson, NJ Jerry Wilder, Sr., Pastor

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

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

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham

Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

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

Greater Faith Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Larry L. Marcus

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

Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. John Teabout, Pastor

Childs Memorial COGIC, Harlem, NY Bishop Norman N. Quick, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor 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

Greater New Hope Missionary B.C., NYC Rev. Joan J. Brightharp, Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, Pastor Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Lagree Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Wayland Williams, Jr., Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter

Mount Zion B.C., S. Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, 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 Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID African American Heritage Parade American Diabetes Association American Heart Association, Northern, NJ Brown Executive Realty LLC, Morristown, NJ City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Medgar Evers College Mildred Crump, Newark City Council Muslim American Chamber of Commerce NAACP New Jersey* NAACP, NY State Conference* New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Jersey Performing Arts Center New York Theological Seminary New York Urban League Newark School of Theology Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. WKMB-1070AM

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

“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

LAI Foundation Inc. Presents

4th Annual

April 12, 2014 12:00PM

Sheraton Brooklyn Hotel 228 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201

For more information or to purchase event tickets ($60) visit 2014LAIFawards.eventbrite.com

Media Outlet:

“A Future Filled with Hope.”

Honorary Honoree:

Featured Guest:

COUNCILWOMAN DARLENE MEALY NYC Council, District 41

Official Supporter:

DEBRA Y. FRASER-HOWZE

SrVP, ORASURE TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.

2014 AWARD HONOREES:

DR. ROBERT E. FULLILOVE OLIVER W. MARTIN, III LILLIAN ANGLADA

Associate Dean, Community and Minority Affairs. Columbia University

Founder & CEO Conscious Contact of NY

JESSICA REINHART

Sr. Grassroots Community President Manager of AIDS Consumer of Advisory Council, Healthcare Foundation AIDS Service Center NYC

An Afternoon Honoring Our Local and National Community Advocates.

A Timeless Posession!

The Grand Jubilee Calendar

T

he Positive Community’s Cultural Literacy Initiative presents the 2014 Grand

Jubilee Calendar commemorating the 150th sesquicentennial anniversary season of the Great Emancipation. This year’s theme: Faith Freedom and the Future, Coming Up Through Great Tribulation. It’s a celebration of the beauty and dignity of a people. The words and images a reflection of truth and goodness—thoughts and ideals. It is the ecumenical faith and worship experience of the contemporary African Diaspora as seen through the lens of photographer Bob Gore.

Own this precious document as a spiritual and cultural anchor for our times. Value your calendar as a faith/ freedom investment into the health and prosperity of future generations—the next 50 years of freedom! Preview online www.thepositivecommunity.com

Support Cultural Literacy! Invest in the Future—Now! Own the Grand Jubilee Calendar just $19.99 Ask about special bulk/group rates

The 2014 Grand Jubilee Calendar

CALL TODAY: 973-233-9200

Send Check or Money Order to: Grand Jubilee Calendar c/o The Positive Community 133 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042

ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

A Timeless Possession n behalf of everyone at The Positive Community, we extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making our February 26. Health Roundtable at Essex County College a resounding success! It was a conversation that addressed present and future challenges by providing practical, on the ground solutions. Most impressive is the participation by the young people in a dialogue about the Affordable Care Act and issues associated with mental health.

Moderator, Michellene Davis, Executive Vice President, Barnabas Health, led two engaging, upbeat expert panels from a glass half-filled perspective, in the quest for answers.

Each panel discussion began and ended with Spoken Word presentations from students and local artists(pg 41).

O

Here’s the takeaway from this Hip Hop Infused Health Experience: • There can be no real or lasting progress on any front without the involvement of young people—where they are; as they are. The sharing of wisdom—knowledge and ideals of past and present generations-—will indeed secure a healthy, prosperous future for generations to come.

• How does negative popular culture trends and a hostile entertainment environment equate into a positive experience? Can music and lyrics have a positive or negative impact on one’s mental health and self-esteem?

• Within our community it’s not about the political “Obamacare”—it is simply about affordable healthcare.

Ideally every family, church, college, health organization, civic institution and socially responsible media outlet should be about the business of promoting to, and signing up young people, and young families, the primary beneficiaries of the new law!

• Our young people have demonstrated that they are prepared to take responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices and for their future!

Join us on Saturday March 29 as we take our Leadership Roundtable Series, to the Paramus NJ, campus of Bergen Community College for a timely discussion on women in business (pg. 13). A special “shout out” to the women of the Entrepreneur Ministry of First Baptist Church at Lincoln Gardens. I addressed their monthly meeting recently(pg. 24). www.thepositivecommunity.com

Never Again!

The Positive Community’s Cultural Literacy Initiative continues to do all that we can to see to it that every single forwardthinking member of our community is in possession of a Grand Jubilee 2014 Calendar. One would ask: Brother Adrian, it’s already March and you’re trying to sell that calendar? My answer: It is absolutely urgent that we begin to ground ourselves spiritually and culturally in preparation for the challenging times ahead. That’s what the calendar is all about. A sense of being-—wholesomeness, community pride, self-esteem and intelligent patriotism is essential if we are to withstand the relentless attacks on our collective dignity and self worth by the enemies of progress; those who would use media and technology to package and sell a false sense of liberty and selfish pride. to our most vulnerable— the young; the poor and the unlearned.

“Never again!” must be the battle cry amongst us and to those who would seek to enslave an entire generation to fashion and debt! We must withstand all pressures and “be ever vigilant to avoid those things and people that entangle us in bondage or return us to the past days and present ways of “slavery.”

Truth Beauty and Goodness The Grand Jubilee Calendar addresses the reality of who we really are and whose we are. It tells our own story; our faith journey. It is but a small investment that will yield compound interest a-thousand-fold if one were to read, share with a neighbor and teach it to a child. The calendar is a cultural curriculum. Coming Up through Great Tribulation affirms our past struggles and establishes a vision of triumph for future generations.

Therefore, we appeal to the very souls of our clergy leadership, members of The Positive Community’s Great Roll Call to Progress to secure bulk deliveries of this quality product for your congregation today. Let’s work together; let us win together. Preview the calendar online www.thepositivecommunity.com As the soul of a man or woman endures beyond a single lifetime; so too, can the culture of a community, nation or race. Our soul and our culture are timeless possessions.

Truth is timeless; Beauty is timeless; Goodness is timeless! On this earth, we are ultimately accountable for the survival and safe-passage of values from this generation to the next!

March 2014 The Positive Community

11

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.

Sisters in the Struggle, Be Encouraged

an you believe it? It’s the 21st Century and it still is a subject for debate. I’m referring to female clerics. Yes, detractors, male and female alike, love pointing out scripture that says women should be quiet in church. And yet, as I look around today, there are more women in ministry than ever before.

I broached this subject with another female cleric when we recently met for lunch. She, like yours truly and several others, is yet baffled about this ongoing conversation, which never appears to get resolved—especially if there are some still bent on women inundating the auxiliary boards. As marvelous as that may be.

My motto: Never explain. The slings and arrows have been thrown seemingly from every corner of the diaspora and yet I hold no malice for those who can’t get their narrow minds clear about the fact that no gender has a monopoly on the pulpit.

If memory serves, one of the Pentecostal denominations used to send a faithful missionary to a vacant church to build up the congregation until a permanent

C

pastor was installed. When her role as, well, I can’t call her an interim pastor—but when her role as fill-in was over, she was relegated back to the mothers’ board or willing workers’ unit. Both worry ministries, to be sure.

But, wouldn’t it have been wonderful if that same woman could have remained at that church to build on what she herself had started?

The late Rev. Dr. Allene Gilmore, who served as senior pastor at the Gilmore Memorial Church in Paterson, never verbally fought her male counterparts from the pulpit. She seemed to clearly understand, success is the best revenge. And yet, stalwart pioneers like Rev. Gilmore and other women like her paved the way for female clerics who now break through those glass cathedral ceilings, if you will, and are at the ready to do their bit for Kingdom building.

I can recall a conversation I had with a brother who came to preach for me one Sunday morning. Those who know, recall that our building was a former drug den where homeless drug addicts sought refuge from the brutal elements until the temperatures began to rise.

His queries went something like this: “You had an architect?” Answer: “Yes.” “Where did you get him?”

Answer: “Clifton.” And so forth and so on. The building itself is small but it took the same faith for this black woman to take a shell and attempt to make it into a house of worship. In fact, if I may be so bold as to say, it took the same faith for our church as it took Bishop T.D. Jakes to have the Potter’s House constructed. Certainly we’re not “talking” about size. We’re “talking” about faith.

So, my sisters in the struggle, be encouraged. If God is in it, you can accomplish whatever it is that He would have you to do . . . gender and obstructionists aside.

My motto: Never explain. The slings and arrows have been thrown seemingly from every corner of the diaspora and yet I hold no malice for those who can’t get their narrow minds clear about the fact that no gender has a monopoly on the pulpit.

12 The Positive Community

March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Money Business, Money & work

Rev. Jacques DeGraff

By Rev. Jacques DeGraff Chairman of the Alliance for Minority and Women Construction Businesses

Time To Demand Action From The Caucus

OP-Ed:

L-R: Lennox Britton, NYSAMC; Joseph P. Hogan and James Heyliger, AMENY

CRISIS IN OUR COMMUNITY

B

ecause of a 129-year-old law – local law 240 - our community is facing a crisis. This law, more widely known as the Scaffold Law, states that on construction jobs, contractors and the property owners shall be “absolutely liable” for ANY gravity related injury at the workplace regardless of fault. Meaning, even if the construction company has provided all of the safety training and equipment that the law requires and the injury was caused by employee negligence, the construction company and the property owner still bear 100% of the cost. There is no trial. There is no presentation of evidence. A jury is only convened to determine the amount of the settlement.

For years, our community didn’t pay attention to this law. After-all, we didn’t think it really impacted us. Why should we care about rich developers and big construction companies having to pay more for insurance and legal claims? Well, because of this law, contractors can no longer get insurance for jobs in our communities.

Because of this law, minority and women owned businesses can’t hire men and women in our communities.

Because of this law, we don’t have enough new class-

14

The Positive Community March 2014

room space in our schools and the existing schools are deteriorating. Affordable housing can’t get built. Make no mistake about it – this law is creating a crisis in our community and we need to demand change now.

The Scaffold Law results in construction costs in New York State that are higher than they are in New Jersey, Connecticut and every other state. In fact, New York is the only State with this type of law. It is costing New York tens of thousands of good-paying construction jobs and it is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Everyone is paying for this. The only people who are fighting to protect this law and blocking reform are rich, greedy trial lawyers.

The New York City School Construction Authority will soon present to the City Council its 2014-2019 Capital Budget. That budget includes more than $1 billion for lawsuits, legal costs and insurance that are directly attributable to the current Scaffold Law. That is $1 billion that won’t be used to build classrooms in the communities where you live and where your children go to school. That $1 billion could build thousands of pre-k seats – which we’ve heard so much about of late. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Congressman James E. Clyburn Returns to Paterson L–R: Lou Coletti, BTEA; Elizabeth Velez, Latino Builders Council and Timothy Marshall, Jamaica Business Resource Center

Most importantly, because of this law, after 20 years of tremendous progress in hiring minority and women contractors, the School Construction Authority, which runs the most successful MWBE program in the United States, won’t be able to meet those goals any longer. After 20 years of providing insurance to minority contractors, they can no longer afford to do so because of the Scaffold Law. If this law isn’t changed this year, it will put thousands of minority owned firms out of business overnight.

In recent months, the Alliance for Minority and Women Construction Businesses has taken the fight to our legislators. We’ve been meeting with members of the Black and Latino Caucus. We’ve called on them for action. Last month, at the annual Black and Latino Caucus weekend, more than 100 minority contractors stood in silent vigil outside the entrance to their Albany party.

It had a powerful impact, but we need to do more.

Our elected officials want to do the right thing. They know this law is hurting the communities they represent and they know that the time to change it is now, before we do real damage to the MWBE contracting community. But they need to hear from you. They need to know you want this law changed and they need to know that you are demanding that change now.

Tell them that reforming the law would give people a fair hearing. Tell them that reforming the law would still allow injured workers to seek damages. Tell them that reforming the law would protect workers by making jobsites safer across the State.

A report issued last month by Cornell University and the Rockefeller Institute showed that the Scaffold Law in New York has actually resulted in hundreds of additional injuries on job-sites across the State. Yet, trial lawyers have spent millions of dollars lobbying the state legislature over the years to prevent common sense reform of this law – which now we know is putting workers at risk.

We don’t have much time. Contracts are going out to bid for school projects this Spring. Minority businesses need to be able to compete for those jobs. Make no mistake about it, right now they can’t.

We don’t have another year to wait. We want Jobs, Safety and Justice. We want the Scaffold Law reformed now. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) delivering a challenging message

L­–R: Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church and Congressman James E. Clyburn

L–R: Kendrick Clayton, Vivian Clayton (Rev. Clayton’s mother), Emily Clyburn, Congressman Clyburn, Rev. Clayton, Kenneth Clayton.

Kendrick and Kenneth Clayton are the Clayton’s twin sons.

O

n Sunday, February 16, 2014 Congressman James E. Clyburn was the guest messenger for the Heritage Sunday Worship Service at the St. Luke Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ. Congressman Clyburn is the 3rd highest ranking Democrat in the United States Congress and represents the 6th Congressional District of South Carolina. He was accompanied by his wife, Emily.

The Cyburns were married in Paterson in 1961.

Their return and his message were an inspiration to the St. Luke Church and the Paterson community at large.

March 2014 The Positive Community

15

L–R: Mistress of Ceremonies, Christen Rochon with honoree, Jean Nash Wells L–R: Chiara Morrison, granddaughter of the late Gus Heningburg with honoree Malcolm Dunn and his wife, Flora

L–R: Hosea Johnson, AACC Board chairman; honoree, Anthony S. Kendall, chairman/CEO, Mitchell & Titus, LLP and John Harmon, AACC, founder, president/CEO

African American Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate Malcolm Dunn and Editor Jean Nash Wells Honored

16

The Positive Community March 2014

Photos: Karen Waters

T

he African American Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Fourth Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ. Under the theme “Forging Ahead,” the chamber recognized honorees who have attained high levels of success in business, education, politics and community service.

The Positive Community’s Jean Nash Wells received honors for her work and leadership in business, media and community service; Business Advocate Malcom Dunn received the prestigious Gustav “Gus” Heningburg Award for his leadership roles as an entrepreneur, public servant, community activist and mentor to many. The award was presented by Chiara Morrison, granddaughter of the late Gus Heningburg.

Other honorees included Anthony S. Kendall, chairman & CEO of the accounting firm of Mitchell & Titus LLP; and John Wesley Boyd, Jr. president of the National Black Farmers Association; Vicky A. Bailey, former, assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Energy and commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Bailey is currently president of Anderson Stratton International, LLC. —AAC

L–R: Dunn’s sons; Kevin and Jeffrey Dunn

L–R: Honoree Malcom Dunn with Hon. Alton R. Walden, Jr., judge New York State Court of Claims L–R: Thomas H. Watkins, Jr. publisher, Daily Challenge; Ursula Parrish Daniels, Ed.D, Bergen Community College and former NYC Councilmember Al Vann

Hon. Gloria Taylor, Plainfield City council member Honoree John Wesley Boyd, Jr., founder of the National Black Farmers Association

Aretha Y. McMillan, coordinator, Educational Outreach, BCC www.thepositivecommunity.com

CAREERWORKS SUPPORTS EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) TRAINING AT NEWARK BETH ISRAEL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MONOC MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES WEDNESDAY FROM 7 PM -10:30PM AND EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8 AM-4:30PM BEGINNING MARCH 26, 2014 MUST ATTEND MARCH 22ND CPR CLASS Call: 973-733-4311 to register at the Newark Works One-Stop Career Center 990 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Apollo Open House Charles James of The Positive Community shows off the Grand Jubilee Calendar

W

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

hen it opened its doors in 1914, The Apollo Theater featured burlesque and did not allow black patrons. In the 1930s it became home to legendary jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. In celebration of African-American History Month and its 80th Anniversary, on Sunday, February 9 the theater doors were opened for a free afternoon to give visitors an understanding of the richness of African American music, its multi-layered and coded history and how its healing, contemplative and revolutionary inheritance continued to remain activated through the Civil Rights Era and within our contemporary musical landscape. The afternoon featured Imani Uzuri, Gospel Amateur Night’s Ryta, Refining Faith and starring the incomparable Apollo legend, Pastor Shirley Caesar.

REQUIREMENTS: • Serious interest in a healthcare career; • Must be 18-years-old or older; • Be a Newark resident registered at the Newark One-Stop Career Center; • Pass a Test Adult Basic Education (TABE) with at least a 10th-grade-education level in reading and math; • Clean, current driver’s license & good driving record; • Criminal background check; • Access to a computer for the 80-hour online learning portion of course; • Complete a 6-hour BLS CPR class and receive certification; • Register for NJ EMT certification within 30 days of completing the EMT course.

SAFE, SECURE, AFFORDABLE! The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: • 30 year fixed-rate mortgages • down payment assistance • no points

1-800-382-HOME(4663)

www.sonyma.org

for Housing

18

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Project1_Layout 1 3/11/14 7:33 PM Page 1

Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club offers an elegant atmosphere, overlooking the New York skyline from the 22nd floor, with second-to-none dining by our world-class chef.

Discover our panoramic views for your corporate or social event by contacting (973) 242-0658 or info@MetroRoomNJ.com or visit www.MetroRoomNJ.com.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

19

Significant Industry Impacts From The Death Of Windows Xp

W

ith the end of support for Windows XP looming in less than 40 days, the wider world is waking up to threats posed by the outdated operating system’s demise. Advocates in the financial and health care industries in particular have started sounding the alarm about XP’s April 8th expiration date — and for good measure.

Bloomberg Businessweek reported in January that more than 95% of the United States’ ATM machines still run on Windows XP. Once security updates and compatibility fixes end on April 8th, any machine still running the OS will be susceptible to malware and other cyberattacks. Given the recent rash of data breaches affecting millions of consumers’ credit card info, that should terrify any ATM user.

Scarier still? Aravinda Korala, CEO of ATM software provider KAL, says he expects only 15% of bank ATMs in the US to be upgraded to Windows 7 by April 8th.

Even the Federal Reserve has issued explicit warnings about possible security problems, particularly at community banks: “Some community banks have ignored aging XP systems and deferred the decision to switch operating systems… These banks are now faced with running applications using an operating system that will be very expensive to maintain.”

In the health-care realm, the writing is clearly on the wall with headlines like this one from TechRepublic. com: “Running Windows XP mean you are non-compliant and open to liability.” As CMIT Solutions has outlined before, compliance with new HIPAA rules released in September 2013 is imperative for businesses that have any contact with electronic health records (EHR) or protected health information (PHI). Section 164.308(a) (5)(ii)(b) of the newly enhanced HIPAA Security Rule states that all businesses handling EHR or PHI must have “procedures for guarding against, detecting, and reporting malicious software.”

20

The Positive Community March 2014

So what’s the best plan of action to deal with the death of Windows XP?

• If your workstations are as outdated as Windows XP, purchasing a new line of machines probably makes the most sense. Yes, it requires an investment up front — but CMIT offers leasing and financing options that can reduce the economic impact of a switch to new PCs. Microsoft estimates that a move to Windows 7 will produce a return on investment (ROI) of nearly $1,400 in three years. One security lapse could cost that much — and if you’re operating in the financial or health care industries, non-compliance penalties could be much steeper.

Is your computer guy driving you crazy?

• Don’t assume that a computer is safe if it’s not connected to the Internet or a network. Any machine running XP will be at risk after April 8th — and one infected thumb drive can wreak havoc on even the most isolated system.

CMIT is Yourfrom Technology Team upgrading Exchange Server 2003 • Consider

and Server 2003 as well. Like XP, Microsoft will end supSERVICES port for OUR Exchange Server 2003 on April 8th, with Server CMIT - Service Plans 2003 expiring inMarathon July 2015. If you’re running either Security Backup Solutions of these two programs in tandem with XP, failing to - Disaster Recovery upgrade could put your entire computing environment Support Troubleshooting — and the health of -your business — at risk.

- Software & Hardware

Want to increase productivity, avoid security issues, - Computer Networks and saveHosting money? Now’s the timeServers, to move on from Win- Email, Web dows XP.CMIT With less than 40 days to go until support for Anti-Spam the OS ends on April 8th, CMIT Solutions can help with Voice Over IP (VOIP) financing, implementation, and world-class support.

Consulting Services Learn more at www.TheDeathOfXP.com.

Payment Plans

CMIT S

973.325.3663 • 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/n www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rainbow PUSH Honors Black Media

R

L–R: President Local 372, Santos Crespo, Jr.; former Mayor David N. Dinkins and Felipe Luciano, Local 372

ev. Jesse Jackson honored former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins with the Percy Sutton Award, and black publishers with awards in a “Tribute to Black Media” at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund’s 17th Annual Summit, titled “50 Years After the Civil Rights Act: The Unfinished Agenda for Economic Justice.” The summit took place February 11th-13th at the Sheraton Hotel in New York.

Session one of the event featured a youth summit with panels on entrepreneurship, banking and finance, technology and career. Another panel explored opportunities for minorities on corporate and non-profit boards.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Rev. Jackson’s historic run for president of the United States and the subsequent 1988 campaign. Key strategists and supporters from those campaigns came together at the summit for a reunion and discussion of the impact those campaigns had on America's political and economic climate.

Speakers included, Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, pastor of The House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn; Willie Gary, Esq.; former Mayor of New York City David N. Dinkins and Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D. Acclaimed journalist George Curry served as moderator.

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Acknowledging black media as a major effect on the advancement of African Americans throughout the years and the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, several publications were honored at the summit’s opening reception (See photo below).

Other highlights included panel discussions on such topics as growing a business by thinking outside the box, the business of hiphop power, increasing minority media ownership in a changing digital world, the business of sports, procurement advice for financial and IT companies on doing business with Toyota, strategies to accelerate revenue growth presented

by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, and a visionary discussion on the nature of work and the U.S. workforce in the decades to come. Agriculture secretaries from several African countries and the United Stated discussed investment opportunities and hunger in Africa.

A good time was had by all at the closing gala fundraiser at the Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem, which featured a performance by the cast of the Broadway show After Midnight. For more information, visit www. rainbowpushwallstreetproject.org. —JNW Photos: Margo Jordan

Rev. Jesse Jackson

L–R: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, founder Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Earl G. “Butch” Graves, president/CEO, Black Enterprise; Johnson Publishing Co representative; Elinor R. Tatum, editor/publisher of The NY Amsterdam News; Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins; Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., executive director NNPA; Jean Nash Wells, editor-in-chief, The Positive Community; Joan Allen, standing in for Thomas Watkins, Jr., publisher of The Daily Challenge; Adrian A. Council, Sr., publisher, The Positive Community.

Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

21

Black History Month at Gran Piatto d’Oro HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. TWELFTH ANNUAL

M

anhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, colleagues and friends gathered at the Gran Piatto d’Oro Restaurant in Harlem for a Black History Month celebration.

Photos: Seitu Oronde

“Let Us Break Bread Together” AWARDS DINNER

HONORING REV. DR. JAMES A. FORBES, JR. INTERIM PASTOR, THE RIVERSIDE CHURCH PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.

L–R: Aimee Kiros, owner of Gran Piatto d’Oro with Borough President Gale Brewer and Aldrin Bonila, executive director, CUNY in the Heights

THOMAS N. DECARO PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER BENCHMARK TITLE AGENCY, INC.

HONORABLE JOHN C. LIU FORMER NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER

MARIA A. LUNA DISTRICT LEADER 71 AD

HONORABLE KEITH L.T. WRIGHT MEMBER OF NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY AND CHAIR OF HOUSING COMMITTEE

Master of Ceremonies DEAN MEMINGER NY1

L–R: Aldrin Bonila, Beverly Alston, Community Board 11; Salim Talib and realtor, Stanley Gleaton

Thursday, April 24, 2014

The Prince George Ballroom 15 EAST 27th STREET NEW YORK, NY 10027

6:00 PM RECEPTION 7:00 PM DINNER AND PROGRAM

Arva Rice, executive director, New York Urban League

BLACK TIE

A good time was had by all

22

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

We’re Hiring!

Accepting Applications:

April 21 - May 5, 2014 Apply Online at:

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NJTrooper.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

23

L–R: Carl Venable, owner of AlphaGraphics in Edison and P.J. Parker, advertising director of The Franklin Reporter & Advocate

Business and Ministry in the 21st Century

T

he Entrepreneurs’ Ministry of First Baptist Church at Lincoln Gardens welcomed Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. as guest speaker at their monthly business and networking meeting. Council’s address focused on the business of publishing, media, sales and community-based marketing.

On that night the Entrepreneurs group introduced a new initiative in which members and attendees to the meetings would make the following pledge.

The Entrepreneurs Ministry Pledge

L–R: Members of The Entrepreneur Ministry Elayne P. McClaine, regional director Middlesex County, NJ Small Business Development Center at Rutgers New Brunswick; Barbara Jones, owner of Flowers By Barbara, New Brunswick, NJ; Cynthia E. Holliday, owner of Holliday Creations; and Barbara A. Fuller, director of Bizney University.

(A working draft) I pledge to invest my ideas, energy, money, resources and time to starting my business or taking my business to the next level. I will set specific goals, action steps and timelines to further my business. I pledge to hold myself accountable at all times and seek input from those whose opinion I value most.

I pledge to cheerfully donate my products, services and/or time whenever possible to advance the growth of the Entrepreneur Ministry and implement spiritual principles of sowing and reaping.

I pledge to utilize the learnings, resources and tools provided by the Entrepreneur Ministry to achieve measurable outcomes as well as successful results in my business.

I pledge to be intentional and purposeful in patronizing fellow business owners in this ministry, my church and community.

I pledge to share my successes, failures and lessons learned with others so that they can avoid making the same costly mistakes. I commit to coaching or mentoring another business owner as time allows and to willingly pay it forward.

I pledge to be a person of character and integrity in all of my business affairs by offering quality products/services. I commit to provide excellent customer service and make the effort to exceed customer expectations.

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Adrian Council, guest speaker and Barbara A. Fuller

24

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Chamber Celebrates Black History with Living Legends

T

he Greater NY Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Bill McCreary Living Legends Awards to celebrate Black History Month on February 27, 2014.

The standing room only event was graciously sponsored by Healthfirst, New York RX Card and T Mobile.

L–R: Mark Jaffee, president/CEO, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Gerald Deas, honoree; NY One anchor Cheryl Willis, mistress of ceremonies; guest artist Melba Moore; honorees Barbara Askins, president/ CEO 125th Street BID; legendary broadcaster, Bill McCreary; Frank Savage, CEO of Savage Holdings LLC and (seated) songwriter, Irving Burgie (Lord Burgess)

TOURO COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

FIFTH DECENNIAL CONFERENCE COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION THE TIMES CENTER • 242 WEST 41ST STREET • NEW YORK, NY

PLUS

BROWN

60

DOES RACE STILL MATTER?

MAY 14 - 16, 2014 The 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Topeka Kansas, which outlawed segregation in public schools, will be commemorated by the Touro College 60th anniversary conference.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

To register: w w w.touro.edu/brownplus60 Email: brownplus60@touro.edu Tel: 212-463-0400; Ext. 5235 March 2014 The Positive Community

25

Quality •• Commitment Commitment •• Reliability Reliability Quality Our 30 years of experience in construction management and transportation, Our 30 years of experience in construction management and transportation, combined combined with with our our problem-solving problem-solving skills, skills, integrity, integrity, and and commitment commitment to to be be the best, means we strive to build greatness in every project we do. the best, means we strive to build greatness in every project we do.

•• Transportation Transportation •• Hazardous Hazardous & & Non-Hazardous Non-Hazardous Waste Waste Removal Removal •• Safety Safety Protection Protection •• Rough Rough Carpentry Carpentry •• Construction Construction Management Management •• New New Construction Construction & & Renovations Renovations •• Contractor Contractor Training Training programs programs 105 LL ock Street • Suite 405 • Newark, NJ 07103 • teL: 973.242.7100 • Fax: 973.242.1612 105 • SSuite • Newark • T 973.242.7100 • • FFax ax:: 973.242.1612 973.242.1612 Lock ock S Street treet • uite 405 405 • ewark, NJ NJ 07103 07103 • tel eL:: 973.242.7100 www.MZM ..coM www . MZMcc cc.com .MZM cc coM

26

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The NY Shock Exchange

By Glenda Codagan

alph Baker Jr. was in the fifth grade when his father came home one day, threw the Wall Street Journal in his lap and said, “Read this.” The experience was a “shock” to Baker’s 11-year-old mind but he adhered to his father’s wishes and sure enough he soon learned and could explain complex stock/investments concepts. As a natural consequence, Baker chose a career path in corporate finance gaining a B.A. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. But Baker had another passion besides finances—basketball, which led to his becoming a small college All-American.

After more than 15 years as a financial literacy expert, Baker has put all of his experiences into his first book, aptly titled: Shock Exchange. The book, which was released during this year’s Black History Month, is the same name as the youth financial literacy program he founded in 2006. Called the NY Shock Exchange, the unique Brooklyn-based program is geared toward teaching an inner-city, youth basketball team about investing and saving. “Though my father’s methods were harsh, they were also invaluable life lessons,” Baker revealed, “so having been blessed with this gift of financial literacy from my father, I made a promise to myself that if I ever had a son, I was going to pass this important lesson on to him . . .”

When his son, Ralph Baker III, entered the fifth Grade, Baker embarked on a mission to teach him the rudiments of the stock market. The difference was that he did it in a much gentler style. In fact, it was not only educational but also fun. He coached in a local basketball league and it was there he saw an opportunity to change the lives of other young men as well. And so the NY Shock Exchange was born. Using basketball terminology and statistics, he keeps the interest of the kids at peak levels. After a few informal sessions the program was formalized and became a launch pad for the careers of many of these inner-city kids—most of whom are now college freshmen.

In his book, Baker shares insights into why understanding investing and the stock market is important for

parents to emphasize sooner than later; how he connected investing/saving to basketball through the team, and financial advice for teens transitioning to college. The stories about his family and growing up are both humorous and insightful. And he tells it like he sees it when it comes to the ins and outs, ups and downs, do-gooders and no good-doers in the financial industry and how all of these affect you and me.

According to Baker, from his experiences working with the young people in the NY Shock Exchange, he too, has learned some lessons.

“Kids are always on to the next new thing; the next growth industry and this makes them their own veritable focus group,” he explained. “I learned that these kids are not only good at predicting stock trends, but in some ways are better than professional brokers.” Baker learned this lesson the hard way when, in his first venture with the Shock Exchange, he challenged them to somewhat of an investment duel. “The kids had to pick two companies in which to invest and I picked one. They chose stocks in Apple and GameStop and I put my money in an insurance company,” Baker explained.

With Baker’s help, a small investment was made in each of these companies and together they tracked the stocks every two months. After a year, Apple had a return of 113 percent and GameStop 82 percent. Baker’s stocks dropped to an abysmal minus one percentage point. “It seems as though they knew something I didn’t,” he said.

“To me the message here was that these kids are always ahead of the curve because they live by one of the most basic philosophies of the stock market—invest in what you know.”

R

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

27

At the Well Minority Teen Academy at Princeton University Seeks Applicants

F

or the fourth straight year, the At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy will be held on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. The primary goal of the program is to build leadership skills in minority girls entering the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. This year’s program is scheduled for July 27–August 8, 2014 at The Princeton’s Friend Center. The academy is one of the only summer institutes for minority teen girls that is held on an Ivy League campus and the first to be held at Princeton.

The academy offers speakers, standardized test-taking strategies, math, critical reading courses, college essay writing classes, tutoring, interactive studies, group activities, and field trips. Each year, special guest speakers provide words of wisdom. In 2013, actor Jasmine Guy inspired the young women to be the best they can be.

On-campus housing allows students to experience college life in an Ivy League setting. In addition, two weeks of learning, studying, and communing with one another helps them bond and experience the academy from an intimate perspective. The curriculum has been

28

The Positive Community March 2014

developed to encourage critical thinking and problemsolving skills along with increasing leadership confidence. Workshop leaders and teachers include business professionals, entrepreneurs, and Princeton University staff who teach select classes.

In 2011, 31 girls attended, in 2012, 42, and in 2013, 77 girls attended. The process is selective, as students must meet criteria based upon recommendations, an interview, an essay, extracurricular activities, and grade point average. Scholarships are available. The F.I.S.H. Foundation has supported the program for three years with generous grants.

Crystal Lee, a 2011 and 2012 scholar, praises her participation: “At the Well provided me with a great experience and exposed me to a diverse array of people. I was constantly learning about others, as well as myself. I was able to get a better idea of what kind of leader I wanted to be. As a result of this program, I have a better sense of self-worth and more of a willingness to step outside of my comfort zone.”

Imani McClendon, a 2011 and 2012 At the Well scholar and now an Economics major at Spelman College www.thepositivecommunity.com

Crystal Lee

Imani McClendon

(2017), said that the academy “…has been one of my greatest stepping stones. The program provided me with the writing tools necessary to apply for other programs, internships, and colleges. Every year I return for a day to give back.”

According to Morgan Spivey, a 2012 and 2013 academy scholar, “Attending At the Well was one of the best opportunities of my life! My SAT scores increased, my leadership skills improved, and I took away some great life lessons. The program prepared me well for my college process, and provided me with ample scholarships.

Morgan plans to major in Political Science and Pre-Law, either at Georgetown or Princeton.

At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy is a program of At the Well Conferences, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2009. “The Academy seeks to empower young women locally to become effective leaders globally. By promoting excellence in education, these young women will transform their communities,” states Jacqueline B. Glass, CEO and founder of At the Well Conferences, Inc. For more information go to www.atthewellconferences.org

Morgan Spivey

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Eseosa Asiruwa

March 2014 The Positive Community

29

Vision to Victory (NEH 4:6) 36th Annual Workers Conference

Photos: Karen Waters

T

hrough the leadership of Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., state president of the General Baptist Convention of NJ (GBCNJ) and State Director of Christian Education, Rev. Evan Spagner, hundreds gathered for two days of workshops and lectures on Christian education. The host site for the conference: First Baptist Church at Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ. Rev. Deforest Soaries, pastor. The goal is to help church members become better equipped to do ministry.

Special thanks to community partners: The Positive Community, New Jersey Education Association, Wells Fargo Bank, United Healthcare and Razac Products Company.

L–R: Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. president, GBCNJ and Trustee Jerry Harris, Shiloh BC, Trenton Dr. Lester Taylor

Host Pastor Rev. Dr. Deforest “Buster” Soaries Rev. Darrel Armstrong, pastor Shiloh BC, Trenton, NJ

Pastor Albert Morgan

L–R: Rev. Tracy Brown, Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ; Rev. Jeffery Bryan, Tabernacle BC, Newark and First Lady Kia Bryan with Rev. Dollie Hamlin, Ruth Fellowship

L–R, Deacons Richard E. Barber, Sr., First Baptist At Lincoln Gardens; Harold Simmons, president of National Baptist Convention, Inc. Layman's Movement and Willie Burke, Metropolitan BC, Newark

Minister Tanya Green, New Hope District

L–R: Rev. Timothy Bottoms and Rev. Evan Spagner

L–R: Rev. Joseph Woods and First Lady Woods, Saint Phillips BC, Trenton

30

L–R: Rev. H. Grady James, First Bethel BC, Irvington and Sis. Jackie Carter, Women’s State President, GBCNJ The Positive Community March 2014

L–R: Sis. Nellie Suggs, assistant to the president GBCNJ with Rev. Dr. Edward Harper, Macedonia BC, Lakewood, NJ www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Larry Greene, Bob Moses, Barbara Ransby, Junius Williams, Charles Payne, Diane Nash, Chancellor Nancy Cantor and Clement A. Price, moderator

Chancellor Nancy Cantor

The Annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series

H

undreds joined in what has become an annual cultural and intellectual pilgrimage to RutgersNewark’s Paul Robeson Campus Center for the Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series (MTW). Now in their 34th year, the MTW lectures are sponsored by the Rutgers Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience lead by Distinguished Professor, historian and lecturer Clement A. Price, moderator.

The 2014 theme, Tending the Light: Community Organizing and the Modern Civil Rights Movement, commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by illuminating the history of community organizing in the black freedom struggle, the immense amount of work such struggle entails, and the heroic individuals who take it on. The daylong conference featured Bob Moses, civil rights movement veteran and president and

founder of The Algebra Project; Diane Nash, civil rights movement veteran; Charles Payne, the Frank P. Hixon Distinguished Service professor, University of Chicago; and Barbara Ransby, professor of History and AfricanAmerican Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago. —AAC The annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture (MTW) series was co-founded in 1981 by Dr. Price and the late Giles R. Wright, who served many years as the inaugural director of the Afro-American History Program at the New Jersey Historical Commission. Mounted in observance of Black History Month in New Jersey, the MTW Series is one of the nation’s most remarkable and longest running scholarly conference series devoted to the historical literacy of a community. Diverse, civically engaging, and a contribution to life-long learning, the MTW Series has brought to Newark some of the nation’s most significant scholars

Dr. Clement Price Junius Williams

32

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

It’s happening at

Columbia in March

Saturday, March 1–Saturday, May 31, 2014 Exhibition: The Raging ’70s Latino New York as Seen by El Diario’s Bolívar Arellano

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

420 Hamilton, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-0507 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/cser.

Saturday, March 1–Saturday, March 15 Exhibition: Goddess, Heroine, Beast: Anna Hyatt Huntington’s New York Sculpture

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, 826 Schermerhorn, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-7288 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/wallach.

Wednesday, March 5 GED Classes and Job Readiness Training

3:00 p.m.

Columbia University Employment Information Center, 3180 Broadway Sessions include interviewing skills, résumé building, job search strategies and tips on how to dress for success.

An additional session will be held April 2. Registration required. For more info, call (212) 851-1551 or visit www.community-jobs.columbia.edu.

Columbia also has a number of outreach programs for local youth ages 16-24. Columbia Community Impact offers a GED experience that combines traditional classes with the College Road program, which adds tutoring, college prep and mentoring. For more info, call (212) 854-1116 or visit www.news.columbia.edu/youthoutreach.

Thursday, March 6 Exhibition Tour: Publisher as Provocateur

3:00 p.m.

Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Butler Library, Morningside campus The exhibit highlights literary contributions of publisher Sam Roth. RSVP to kn2300@columbia.edu. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit http://library .columbia.edu/news/exhibitions.

Thursday, March 6–Friday, March 14 The History of Poverty in Africa: A Central Question?

Saturday, March 8 Music at St. Paul’s: The Bach Society

6:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s Chapel, Morningside campus

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Columbia Alumni Center, 622 W. 113th St.

For more info, call (212) 854-1487 or visit www.columbia.edu/cu/earl/music.

Speaker: David Schiminovich, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 8542586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Saturday, March 8–Friday, March 14 Screening: The Act of Killing

5:30 p.m.

Lifetime Screening Room, 511 Dodge, Morningside campus

Shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary, The Act of Killing follows former Indonesian death This conference brings together a wide squad leaders as they reenact their war range of scholars working on the history crimes of killing Chinese communists in of the poor and poverty in Africa. For more the 1960s. Following the screening, director Joshua Oppenheimer leads a discusinfo, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www.heymancenter.org.Sa sion about trauma, memory and the power of filmmaking. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Second Floor Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus

SY ND RO ME • RE TT SY ND RO ME • AS PE RG ER ’S SC HIZO PH RE NI A • DE PR ESSI ON BI PO LA R DI SO RD ER • AL ZH EI ME R’ S DI SE AS E • PA RK IN SO N’ S DI SE AS E AM YO TR OP HI C LA TE RA L SC LE RO SI S (A LS ) SP IN AL MU SC UL AR AT RO PH Y (S MA ) • DE CI SIO N • SM EL L • PA IN • HE AR IN G MA KI NG • VI SION NE UR AL ST EM CE LL BI OL OG Y • CE RE BR AL TR AU MA SP IN AL CO RD IN JU RY • ST RO KE • NE UR OE CO NO MI CS CO NS CI OU SN E SS • RE AS ON IN G • EM OT IO N INTE LLI GE NC E • AG IN G • DE ME NT IA • HU NTIN GT ON ’S DI SE AS E • MU LT IP LE SC LE RO S IS • EP IL EP SY MO VE ME NT • MU SC UL AR DY ST RO PH Y MI TO CH ON DR IA L DI SE AS E • DO WN SY ND RO ME • ME MO RY • BE HA VI OR CO MP UT AT IO NA L • AN XI ET Y AD DI CT IO N • IM AG IN G • TO UR ET TE SY ND RO ME • RE TT SY ND RO ME AS PE RG ER ’S• SC HI ZO PH RE NI A DE PR E SSI ON

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

Friday, March 7 Stargazing and Lecture: Brain-gazing: A Visual Journey From the Cosmos to the Self

Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists and Progressive Politics During World War II

8:00 p.m.

620 Dodge, Morningside campus Farah Griffin, Columbia University, will discuss her latest book Harlem Nocturne.

For more info, call (212) 851-9272 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events/upcoming.

Tuesday, March 11 An Inconsolable Memory: Selected Films of Aryan Kaganof

5:30 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave. South African filmmaker Aryan Kaganof will present and discuss some of his films, most of which have never been seen in the United States. He will be joined in discussion by Richard Peña, Columbia University School of the Arts; Hlonipha Mokoena, Columbia University; Sean Jacobs, The New School; and Anna Grimshaw, Emory University. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, March 11 Symposium on Mary Lou Williams

11:00 a.m.

East Gallery, Buell, Morningside campus

7:00 p.m., 301 Pupin, Morningside campus Join astronomer Matt Turk, Columbia University, and neuroscientist Jonathan Fisher, New York Medical College, to preview Neurodome, a planetarium show about the brain. Lecture will be followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather-permitting.

For directions, weather and more info, visit http://outreach.astro.columbia.edu.

Speakers: Farah Griffin, Columbia University; Father Peter O’Brien, Williams’ manager; Dwight Andrews, Emory University; and pianist Jason Moran. For more info, call (212) 851-9270 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events/upcoming.

Monday, March 10

A New Civics for Smart Cities

Screening: Neural Imagining: The Brain Seen Through Film

1:00 p.m.

114 Avery, Morningside campus

7:30–9:00 p.m., 417 International Affairs, Morningside campus Curated by Imagine Science Films, this film explores how the brain is depicted using documentary, science fiction, essay, and cutting-edge neuro-imaging. Panel discussion to follow. For more info, visit https://neuralimagining.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, March 12 Thursday, March 6

Monday, March 10 Café Columbia: What Does The Universe Really Look Like?

Community Brain Expo

3:00 p.m., Kolb Annex, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 40 Haven Ave. Students, parents and teachers are invited to test, trick and learn about their brain at Columbia University Medical Center. For more info or to RSVP, visit www.brainexpo2014 .eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, March 19 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Brain Insight Lecture Autism: Human Social Behavior and Communication

6:30 p.m., Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Speaker: Catherine Lord, Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Columbia University. RSVP required. For more info, visit www.news.columbia.edu/braininsight.

All events are open to the public. This is a sampling of them. For additional events or general information, visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

Speaker: Anthony Townsend, New York University. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Thursday, March 20 Lecture: Conversations on Online Learning

3:00 p.m.

203 Butler Library, Morningside campus Speaker: Marcia Linn, University of California, Berkeley. For more info, call (212) 854-7309 or visit www.library .columbia.edu/news/exhibitions.

NJEA reminds kids: Take care of your body and it will take care of you!

Physical activity is an important component of success in school and life. Kids who get regular exercise: • decrease their risk of developing type 2 diabetes; • are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges – from running to catch a bus to studying for a test; • are less likely to become overweight; • have stronger muscles and bones; • sleep better; and • have a better outlook on life.

When families and schools work together, our children are the winners!

New Jersey Education Association… making public schools great.

Wendell Steinhauer, President Marie Blistan, Vice President Sean M. Spiller, Secretary-Treasurer Edward J. Richardson, Executive Director Steven Swetsky, Assistant Executive Director

Born

to

Serve

Jennifer Jones Austin continues her family’s legacy of service.

BY R. L. WITTER

T

here’s always that one person in every group or family. You know that person, the one who excelled in school, completed graduate school, got married, balances work and family life and manages to make it all look easy. Yeah, Jennifer Jones Austin is that person; the woman who seems to have it all together and still

finds time to be a caring, conscious person, passionate about doing good things in this world. Where does someone like her come from and how did we get so lucky?

“I am the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Baptist preachers,” she explained. “My entire life—from the very beginning— was filled with conversations, photos and memories of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather and their efforts and engagements on behalf of vulnerable people. They were all involved in various movements during their time to bring about justice for underserved people of color.” Some are born into money or politics, Jones Austin was born into service. She continued, “I also was taught by them that you don’t choose to be a minister, rather you are called by God to be a member of the cloth and I have never felt that particular calling… What I have felt called to do, is to serve, and I believe that service to God—in whatever form that you do it—is in some ways, ministry.”

www.thepositivecommunity.com

continued on next page

March 2014 The Positive Community

35

COVERSTORY continued from previous page

Jones Austin always felt that sense of service, and came to her “ministry” in sort of a roundabout way. As a teen she thought she might like to become a pediatrician. “I thought I wanted to take care of kids,” she recalled. But a chance meeting with the mother of a child with a head injury changed that. “I thought I’d just be handing out lollipops,” Jones Austin chuckled. She needed to find another way to help children; one that wouldn’t involve sutures, stitches and the like. She studied Chemistry and Communications in college, then her uncle, Clayton, suggested she attend law school. “While you’re there,” he said, “you’ll figure it out. And if you don’t, you’ll graduate with people believing you can do anything short of practicing medicine.” Those were words of wisdom.

Uncle Clayton was right; she figured it out during her first year of law school. “I came upon an article that told the story of a 15-year-old boy who was convicted of killing his father,” she explained. “At his sentencing, the presiding judge overturned the verdict, reasoning that the young man had endured so many years of emotional and physical abuse that his sense of being in danger was compromised… When I read that case, I learned about children being abused and neglected at the hands of their parents and it woke up this desire in me to work on behalf of the most vulnerable children, and their families.

The Jones Family: L-R: William Augustus III, Elsa, Jennifer, Rev. William Augustus Jones, Jr. , Lesley and Natalie Barclay Jones

36 The Positive Community

March 2014

“I’m not a minister, I’m not a theologian, I haven’t been to seminary,” she remarked, “But I do believe that I’m serving the Lord by working on behalf of His children . . . It’s my calling That desire led Jones Austin to various positions that would allow her to advocate for children. From senior vice president of Community Investment at the United Way to New York City’s first Family Services coordinator to deputy commissioner of Children’s Services, Jones Austin has worked tirelessly for children and families.

“I’m not a minister, I’m not a theologian, I haven’t been to seminary,” she remarked, “But I do believe that I’m serving the Lord by working on behalf of His children…

It’s my calling.” Jones Austin credits her parents, Mrs. Natalie Barkley Jones and Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr., for the love and support with which they raised their children. “I felt nurtured and supported, people believed in me… My career has been really about that— in some ways trying to replicate for other children the love that I felt growing up. Letting them know that people want them to develop a strong sense of self, pride in their abilities, and that people are willing to help them to succeed.”

It is said that karma refers to the principle of causality where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual. Jones Austin came face-to-face with karma and learned just how important and lifechanging her actions had been when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2009. “I had the type that required a bone marrow transplant to help increase my chances of survival and we didn’t have a donor in my family,” she explained. After years of working to improve the lives of others, Jones Austin’s family and friends ral-

www.thepositivecommunity.com

In what some would call a twist of fate and others would call God’s hand, Jones Austin’s life was not saved by any of those friends, family members or donors. She received stem blood from the umbilical cords of two newborn African American boys. The children she labored to protect and nurture did the same thing for her.

lied to save her life. They turned to friends and contacts across the country to reach out to the African American community to find a donor. They signed up 13,000 people in thirteen weeks—the largest number of people ever added on behalf of a single person and the largest number of African Americans ever added to the bone marrow registry.

In what some would call a twist of fate and others would call God’s hand, Jones Austin’s life was not saved by any of those friends, family members or donors. She received stem blood from the umbilical cords of two newborn African American boys. The children she labored to protect and nurture did the same thing for her. “I had been going through life thinking that my purpose was to help save God’s children . . . After sixteen years of doing that, when I needed someone to save me, the umbilical cord blood of two African American baby boys—young black males who all we ever hear about is them not being where we need them to be—saved me.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

The blessing wasn’t lost on Jones Austin. She focused on her recovery and her family—husband of 20 years, Shawn Austin, daughter Kennedy, and son, Channing. “I told my children when I was sick, ‘God gives you life to help fulfill His purposes, and when you fulfill them He calls you home. If He takes me, it’s because I’ve fulfilled my purposes in service to His kingdom. If He leaves me here, it’s because there is more work for me to do.”

So she continues to work, now as executive director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. “It’s an anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization that works to address the needs of the most vulnerable, helping to meet their basic needs and engaging in policy work to lift people out of poverty,” she shared. “It’s one of the most fulfilling positions I’ve held and it’s kind of like coming full circle because we work closely with many faith leaders… If my father were alive today, he’d be smiling from ear to ear.”

It seems that God has more work for her to do, and more than likely, that work will include helping others, striving to make things better and continued service for the greater good. As Mahalia Jackson used to sing, “That’s all right/I know it’s all right/Long as I know/Oh, I’ve got a seat in Your kingdom, Lord/That’s all right.” In parting Jones Austin sagely remarked, “If you live your life with the goal of helping others to live their best lives, then you in turn, live your best life.”

March 2014 The Positive Community

37

Six-Year-Old Collects Books for Homeless Children TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BOB GORE

Blake Ansari with donated books

f all the tokens of love that were shared on Valentine’s Day, Blake Ansari’s gift tops them all.

The first-grader, who attends the Metropolitan Montessori School on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, had been thinking this winter about other kids in his city, kids who don’t have the kind of life he has—homeless kids.

This six-year-old boy’s amazing vision came as the result of hearing the “Invisible Child” story that appeared in the New York Times. It was about an 11year-old girl named Dasani, whose family lives in the Auburn Family Residence, a facility the paper described as a “decrepit city-run shelter for the homeless.” The article went on to say, “Beyond its walls, she belongs to a vast and invisible tribe of more than 22,000 homeless children in New York, the highest number since the Great Depression, in the most unequal metropolis in America.” According to the U.S. Department of Education, the number of homeless children in America increased 10 percent to a record 1.2 million children.

Nuri Ansari, Blake’s father, who works in homeless services, explains that the number does not include those who are doubling up with other families due to low wage jobs. He predicts that the number of homeless children in America will continue to increase due to cuts to food stamps and the elimination of long term unemployment benefits. Nuri says blacks and Latinos, regardless of education, still cannot find employment.

According to the Coalition for The Homeless, AfricanAmerican and Latino New Yorkers are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Approximately 53 percent of New York City homeless shelter residents are African-American, 32 percent are Latino, 6 percent are white, 1 percent is Asian-American, 1 percent is Native American or other race/ethnicity, and 9 percent are of unknown race/ethnicity.

O

38 The Positive Community

March 2014

Starita Boyce Ansari, a philanthropic executive, says her son was immediately concerned about the well-being of children living in substandard shelters. Blake asked her if the shelter had a library. She responded probably not. Blake replied, “I want to give children in homeless shelters a library so they can become excellent readers. If they are good readers they can attend great colleges.

Then they can get a good job and their children will not have to be homeless. I want them to have a book at night when they go to bed and in the morning at breakfast.”

Starita sensed Blake had an urgent need to do something now! The sadness in his eyes demanded a response, so she asked Blake what he wanted to do. What Blake wanted was for his friends and family to donate books to homeless children.

In mid-January, Starita sent out emails and Nuri began collecting books. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer identified The PATH family shelter. The original goal was 100 books. On Valentine’s Day, Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal surprised Blake with a gift of nearly 200 books. Blake and his friends delivered more than 600

Students from Metropolitan Montessori school who donated books. L–R: Olufela, Luke, Christina, Seth, Blake and Noah. At rear is Cassandra WhiteHemphill NYC Department of Homeless Services PATH center.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

books to the PATH located 151 East 151st Street in The Bronx. Cassandra White-Hemphill, administrative director of Social Services at the PATH, greeted the children with a surprise party and certificates of appreciation. “We provide service to 500–700 families per day. These books will be a great help to our families.“ When Blake learned how many children are homeless he told his parents the children need more than 600 books. They need a library. Blake told the Good News Blog, “Some books teach science, math, experiments, and about the world, and all of that helps you to go to college. I hope more people can contribute to the book drive because it’s important for people to read,” Nuri says they will find a way to create libraries in family shel-

Head of Metropolitan Montessori School Ms. Brenda Mizel, NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Dr. Starita Ansari, Blake Ansari Mr. Nuri Ansari

ters. “Children see things in black and white so when there’s a problem, they see a solution,” Nuri observes “They don’t politicize it, they don’t think about money.

Starita Ansari spoke to Sarah Goodyear of The Atlantic Cities. “Homeless children are America’s black eye, and America doesn’t want to talk about it. If a 6-yearold can respond to the education needs of homeless children, then why can’t we as adults?” she asked. Starita says her son’s book drive has raised awareness of the severity of homeless children issue in the United States and is a call to action. Many of the families are women and toddlers who are the victims of domestic violence.

According to his mother, Blake’s leadership has been chronicled by philanthropic and literacy bloggers in the U.S. and as far away as the Czech Republic and India.

People across the United States are sending books to the PATH with “thank you” notes to Blake. Already there have been numerous requests for him to share his idea and empower other youth to support homeless children.

When I spoke with Nuri and Starita there were over 6,000 social media mentions of Blake’s philanthropy.

There were over 2,500 tweets and Facebook shares talking about this great idea and urging us all to donate books to homeless children and youth. Blake Ansari is proof that it’s never too early to start helping people in your community. It sounds like there is growing interest in Blake’s project. What’s next?

Accepting Applications! Grades K-12 For 2014 -2015

Union County T.E.A.M.S. Charter School & High School/College Leadership Academy 515 West Fourth Street * Plainfield, NJ 07060 * (908) 754 – 9043 * www.ucteams.org One Mission, One School in Two Buildings Academic Environment * Project Based Learning * STEM * Dual High School College Bridge Program

Experience 21st Century Education with us beyond these four walls! www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

39

Your Future Is Right Around The Corner ●●●

Are you a natural caregiver or an LPN/CNA ready for the next step?

Essex County College prepares students for entry level positions in hospitals and other health care facilities.

Our nursing graduates are eligible to take the certification exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.

Essex Coun

• A.A.S. in Nursing • A.A.S. in Nursing: LPN Articulation Option • LPN Program (Academic Certificate)

:

The Essex Experience:

• Cutting-edge Curriculum Taught by Caring Faculty • State-of-the-art Technology and Facilities • Notably High Pass Rate on NCLEX Exam • Clinical Experience at Local Hospitals For more information call 973.877.1868 www.essex.edu/divisions/nursing/

The ECC Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBON).

Roundtable Wrap Up

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

I must say that in my 15 plus years of attending “… What an honor to have been a part of the power“…seminars and conferences from my time in The White ful, electrifying, and informative Affordable Care Act House to the State House and city halls, I have not seen a panel as effective and educational as such.

”

Rev. Joe V. Thelusca Church of The Oranges Former White House Liaison for The Caribbean and Haiti Former White House Nominee to The UN for Assistant U.S Ambassador

motivational; “AInspirational, life changing experience ” Jah Jah Shakur

Healthcare Roundtable! You could feel the passion and fierce urgency of now in the air as the panelists encouraged all to take charge and control of their health and take advantage of the benefits and provisions of the new health law. The Positive Community continues its legacy of taking the lead to bring critical information about the most significant piece of civil rights legislation and the most important piece of healthcare legislation in 50 years directly to the people who will benefit the most.

”

Sheila L. Thorne Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group

Hip Hop Business Consultant

I enjoyed the Healthcare Roundtable! The panelists for the morning and afternoon sessions were outstanding. The “wealth of information along with resources concerning our personal health and mental health was stupendous.

They identified the problems as well as gave solutions. The panelists displayed their best form of professionalism and knowledge in their respective fields of education. I want to commend The Positive Community and Barnabus Health for a job well done and looking forward to another one soon!

”

Marvin C. Dunn, Founder/CEO, Church Management Today, Church Management Today Institute, Inc.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

41

Scenes from the Health Roundtable

Keynote

Dr. Corey Hebert “The Doctor for the People”

42

Dr. Tanya Pagan Raggio-Ashley MD HHS Regional Office Division II

The Positive Community March 2014

Sheila Thorne CEO Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group

Darrell K. Terry, COO Newark Beth Medical Center & Children's Hospital of NJ

Dr. Evadne Madu Acting Chair, Nursing & Allied Health, ECC

Lois Greene former president Concerned Black Nurses of Newark

www.thepositivecommunity.com

At Mary Burch Theater Essex County College

Keynote

Kevin Powell fouder/CEO BK Nation, activist, author

Moderator Michellene Davis Barnabas Health

James Johnson, Ph.D counselor, Essex County College

Rev. Ron Christian pastor, Christian Love B.C.

John Farrell, LCSW program analyst UMDNJ-UBHC

Photos: Darryl Hall, Vincent Bryant, Wali Amin Muhammad, Karen Waters and Nefertiti Shakur

Dr. Gale Gibson president Essex County College

Acknowledgements: We offer our deepest gratitude to Al Koeppe, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance; Clement A. Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History and founding director of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience at Rutgers Newark; and Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Newark for their vision and wisdom in the development of the Newark Leadership Roundtable Series. www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

43

Nice Nailantei Leng’ete his month, Women’s Month, we honor women in all facets of life for their brilliance, hard work, and dedication— women who teach, climb up the corporate ladder, are role models, help others and do the most unimaginable things no matter what the cost to their own safety and survival.

Meet Nice Nailantei Leng’ete, a true hero to the women of her country, Kenya, and throughout Africa. The 22- year-old Maasai woman grew up in the remote village of Kimana, nestled in the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya. A patriarchal society, elder Maasai men are responsible for decision-making. Women have virtually no voice in the Maasai society.

Among the Maasai as in many African cultures, young girls must go through circumcission as a traditional rite of passage into womanhood, leading to marriage and childbearing. They were forced to bear the pain, and were often left with horrible scars and misfigurations, but it is a time of celebration for the tribe.

In a telephone interview, Nice told me the story of how she became a hero.

Born into a pastoral tribe, Nice’s parents died within a year of one another in 1998 and Nice, her brother and older sister were sent to live with their grandfather. The task of raising the young siiblings proved to be too much for the elderly grandparents, so the children were sent to boarding school. Even though, at the age of eight, she like other Maasai girls knew about the circumcission and expected that it had to be done. But in boarding school, she met students from many different countries. Nice heard other ideas from friends and teachers and came to understand that the practice was not a necessary one.

At the close of the school year, her sister was

T

44 The Positive Community

March 2014

How She Became A Hero

BY JEAN NASH WELLS

10-years old and their uncle decided that she would be circumcised. Nice was eight, so he decided that the two of them should go through the ritual at the same time in order to save money. After all, there was food and libation to be provided for the celebration.

Nice convinced her sister that having to go through such an ordeal wasn’t necessary or right, so they ran away to an aunt’s house, but were easily found, taken back to the uncle and severely beaten. At winter vacation in December, plans were underway for the ritual and Nice was ready to run again. This time her sister wouldn’t go, she didn’t want any more beating. Nice left at four in the morning and says she believed her sister stayed and was circumsized as a sacriifice for her.

This time she went to her grandfather and explained that she wanted to continue in school and get an education, “My grandfather believed in education and could see that I was determined,” she said. “So he talked to my uncle to let me go to school.” And she did.

A lone voice in a male dominated tribe where women were never addressed, let alone listened to, Nice began educating tribal elders and later the young male warriors (called Morans), on the harmful effects of female circumcission. In 2008, her village leaders selected her to become one of the peer educators trained by Amerin Medical & Research Foundation’s(AMREF) Nomadic Youth Reproductive Health Project. Recognized as a change agent, the chief of the Morans awarded Nice with the “Esiere,” the black walking stick that symbolizes leadership among the Maasai. She has since rescued more than 150 girls from circumcission. With AMREF’s and the tribe’s support, young girls now participate in three-day workshops continued on page 63

www.thepositivecommunity.com

UH Fibroids Ad 8 x 10.5 #2_Layout 1 3/13/14 1:27 PM Page 1

FIBROIDS AND MENSTRUAL DISORDERS? UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CAN HELP. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Millions of women suffer from menstrual disorders and fibroids. Menstrual disorders are the number one reason women see gynecologists. Physicians at the Center for Fibroids and Menstrual Disorders at University Hospital have treated thousands of women and bring decades of expertise to their patients.

COULD IT BE FIBROIDS? If you experience heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic cramps, back pain, frequent urination, infertility, abdominal swelling, pain during sexual intercourse, feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, it could be uterine fibroids.

WE CAN HELP. The Center has a caring team of physicians who believe that showing compassion during treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. There are several options for treating fibroids and menstrual disorders. Our physicians use a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

A DEDICATED TEAM. Our highly trained physicians are passionate about providing outstanding care – every patient, every time. The team director is Theodore Barrett, MD, FACOG, attending physician at University Hospital and associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

CONTACT US TODAY. To learn more about the Center for Fibroids and Menstrual Disorders at University Hospital or to make an appointment, please call us at 973-972-2714. We are located in the Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center.

1 5 0

B E R G E N

S T R E E T,

N E WA R K ,

N E W

J E R S E Y

0 7 1 0 3

www.uhnj.org ONE GOAL. ONE PASSION. EVERY PATIENT. EVERY TIME.

A

D

V

E

R

T

O

R

I

A

L

Over 32,000 New Yorkers Choose MetroPlus Health Plan On the State-Sponsored Health Insurance Marketplace One of the Most Popular Choices Among NYC Residents With 25% City Share Of Marketplace Shoppers

N

ew York, NY— MetroPlus Health Plan, the insurance plan of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), today reported that as of February 10, 2014 more than 32,000 shoppers on the NY State of Health – the official health insurance marketplace in New York -- chose MetroPlus as their preferred health insurance option, making it one of the most popular choices among New York City residents. According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 400,000 New Yorkers have applied for health care coverage through the state Marketplace. HHC’s MetroPlus Health Plan attracted approximately 25 percent of total enrollment in New York City and 8 percent of the statewide enrollment.

“We are particularly pleased to see that over 49 percent of our total Marketplace enrollment is under the age of 35,” said Arnold Saperstein, M.D., MetroPlus President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s reassuring to know these young invincibles who have traditionally been so difficult to reach are choosing MetroPlus. We are confident that our combination of low rates, high quality, and committed

customer service carry weight with New Yorkers looking for affordable health insurance.”

Already the plan of choice for nearly half a million New Yorkers, MetroPlus offers access to a network of over 12,000 primary care physicians and specialist sites across the city and has the most affordable options in three of the four metal level options available on the Marketplace. The plan covers all essential health benefits, including emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use services, prescription drugs, and preventive and wellness services. It also offers a vision and dental rider for an additional low cost; the rate varies per level.

Nearly 67percent of new members shopping on the Marketplace chose this added level of care.

Approximately 42 percent of new MetroPlus members from the Marketplace are age 36 to 59, with nearly two-thirds of this group below the age of 50. People 60 and above (the range just below the age at which people qualify for Medicare), make up 8 percent of the plan’s total Marketplace enrollment. This new Membership is distributed throughout the four counties in which MetroPlus is

licensed, with 22 percent in Manhattan; 35 percent in Brooklyn; 29 percent in Queens; and 14 percent in the Bronx.

MetroPlus, founded in 1985, has consistently been one of the topranked health plans in customer satisfaction in New York City for almost 10 years, rated #1 seven out of eight years consecutively.

“Because we are a subsidiary of HHC, we have a tremendous ability to work together with hundreds of physicians, nurses, specialists, nursing homes and the home health services that are part of the public health care system to manage care for our customers,” added Dr. Saperstein. “Our interests are aligned with a focus on prevention, early detection and coordinated care across any health service. We have a culture of caring for our customers where patient satisfaction and their health outcomes come first.”

Open enrollment for coverage this year through the state Marketplace closes March 31. There are special circumstances, such as job loss, that allow people to enroll past that deadline. To learn more, contact MetroPlus at 1-855-8094073 or visit metroplus.org and nystateofheath.org.

Over nearly 30 years, MetroPlus Health Plan has built a reputation for providing affordable, quality care to residents of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. A health services plan certified under Section 4403-a of the New York Public Health Law, MetroPlus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country, MetroPlus provides managed care to nearly half a million eligible New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers Child Health Plus, several Medicare Advantage Plans, a Special Needs Plan (SNP) for people with HIV and their families, a Long-Term Managed Care Plan, and over 40 NY State of Health Marketplace products. The company’s robust network of primary care doctors and specialists includes many independent community providers. Plan staff is drawn from the communities that MetroPlus serves and speaks more than seventy languages. MetroPlus has consistently been one of the top-ranked health plans in New York City for almost 10 years.

One of the top-ranked health plans in NYC for almost 10 years.*

What’s your plan?

Choose Quality.

Choose Affordability.

By now, you’ve heard all about the Affordable Care Act. Maybe you’re not sure what to do. Call MetroPlus today and we can answer all your questions. We can help you keep the coverage you have now or talk to you about an affordable new plan that’s just right for you.

Join one of the top-ranked health plans in NYC for almost 10 years.*

Choose MetroPlus.

Call 1.855.809.4073 M E T R O P L U S . O R G

*Based on indicators chosen by the New York State Department of Health and published in its publication A Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in NYC 2003-2012.

MET1030 Exch Prnt 14 (Top Ranked) Positive Comm.indd 1

2/27/14 3:11 PM

Cynthia Walker

You Are Not Alone: Cynthia Walker and S.O.F.I.A. Are Here to Help

BY R.L. WITTER ynthia Walker always knew she “wanted to do some type of non-profit.” To anyone who knows Walker, it makes perfect sense. Her generous spirit and on-the-go energy would easily lend themselves to helping others. The challenge would be for a single mother to find the time to undertake such a project between caring for her family and working 2-3 jobs regularly while catering events on the side.

“It started out as a program for troubled teens— because my daughter was a troubled teen,” Walker explained. “I said ‘What if I could take these children out of the home, and send them to another state so they could start out fresh and leave all the peer pressure behind and do some positive things?’ When I found that parents weren’t willing to let their children leave the home, it became a challenge. So I let it rest a little…” A chance encounter with the mother of woman who was shot and killed in front of her children and several other witnesses at the Montclair YMCA in 2008, ignited the spark that would become S.O.F.I.A. Walker explained, “She shared with me that there weren’t enough resources for domestic violence victims. I went home, slept on it and three days later, S.O.F.I.A. was born.”

S.O.F.I.A. (Start out Fresh Intervention Advocates) is now in its fifth year of helping survivors of domestic violence find help and resources. Truly a labor of love,

C

48 The Positive Community

March 2014

S.O.F.I.A. requires a leader like Walker —a level-headed, dedicated go-getter who moves full-steam ahead. “I immediately got trained to be a certified domestic violence advocate through the Clifton Police Department,” Walker explained. In addition to running S.O.F.I.A. and working two jobs, she also volunteers with the Clifton Police.

“Often, people don’t know the signs of domestic violence,” Walker explained. “That’s why S.O.F.I.A. promotes knowing the signs. Domestic violence has no race, no creed, no color, no age, no gender… no one’s exempt and it affects every single one of us whether we realize it or not. If it doesn’t affect you individually, it’s someone in your family or someone that you know. Domestic violence is everywhere and our focus is to break the cycle.

Too many people tend to downplay or ignore its prevalence because they don’t want to get involved . . .”

Walker is using S.O.F.I.A. to get involved with a segment of the population where, sadly, domestic violence is rising: teens. “Current music and media that teens are exposed to regularly are not helping the situation,” Walker lamented. “We talk to these teens and it’s unbelievable that they think violence is normal. ‘If I’m not having a fight this week, I’m not the coolest person out here.’ These young women have low self-esteem and allow men to treat them any sort of way. This is not the way that people who love you treat you… We do the best that we can with empowerment workshops, and we constantly feed them praise. We try to find the things they like about themselves and what they enjoy and try to enhance those things to build their self-esteem.”

Walker wants to start the dialogue while kids are young; by identifying the signs and letting kids know

S.O.F.I.A supporters release balloons at end of walk.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

PROFILE

Eagle Scout Moses Lewis with Walker and members of Montclair Troop 12

assistance is available, she hopes to break the cycle. “I like to begin talking to them at 12 years-old,” she revealed. “We’re always called out to speak at colleges and high schools, so now I’m focusing on the younger ages. We were fortunate to be able to speak at Glenfield Middle School (in Montclair) last year. We’re hoping to get into grade schools soon as well.” Walker feels that prevention can begin at an even earlier age, “I’d like to begin with anti-bullying instruction in daycare because bullying begins at such a young age and bullies often grow up to be abusers.”

Young people are embracing Walker’s message and taking the initiative to help raise awareness and funds to further the work S.O.F.I.A. does. Montclair High School student Moses Lewis recently organized an event at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church with his Eagle Scout troop and the Montclair School of Rock to collect toiletries and personal items for domestic violence shelters in New Jersey.

As an advocate, Walker has to temper her huge heart with a thick skin to do the work she does. It makes staffing S.O.F.I.A. with volunteers challenging. “We have a good core group of volunteers, but people don’t always stay…” Walker and S.O.F.I.A. are in the community making a difference and they want you to know that you can make a difference by volunteering. “Our door is always open,” Walker said with a smile. “We can always use people to help us file, help with the website, help us sort donations — there’s plenty to do!”

While the volunteering experience is rewarding, it can also be emotionally draining. “But the good outweighs the bad. Seeing people transform into happier people with increased self-esteem—OUTGOING people! To see someone grow like that, it’s incredibly rewarding,” said Walker. “Believe me, there are times www.thepositivecommunity.com

when I’m tired and I want to say ‘Forget this!’ but then I see that progress and it’s a pick-me-up! I see someone growing and it keeps me going.”

And like the Energizer Bunny she keeps going and going and going! In addition to advocate services, S.O.F.I.A. hosts an annual Walk to End Domestic Violence and various other events and programs to raise awareness and offer help. From self-defense classes and support groups to therapeutic arts like soap making, arts and crafts, concerts and museum outings, Walker continues to press on, offering help and support for people in need. “We have a concert on March 30th at Just Jake’s in Montclair. It’s the School of Rock Montclair and four other bands, and we’re partnering with Brother 2 Brother, a teen male mentoring program. And we have the spring and summer scheduling done for the S.O.F.I.A. support group. You can register by emailing info@supportsofia.org.”

Walker remains focused on helping people through her support networks and with information that literally saves lives. Armed with informational palm cards, an open heart and a smile, she continues spreading hope and empowerment everywhere she goes. “We must all help each other and put an end to domestic violence,” she cautions. “Be proactive. Become an advocate against domestic violence, and if you choose not to do that, train yourself to be a good listener.”

For more information, visit www.supportsofia.org.

March 2014 The Positive Community

49

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Monroe, NJ. 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.itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746

When a Woman is Fed Up!

here is something powerful that occurs when a woman comes to a conclusion—when she makes up her mind. I have seen firsthand the determination of a mother who decides that all of her children will receive a college education despite insurmountable odds that are stacked against the family. I have witnessed women overcome devastating emotional, physical, and psychological abuse to rise to heights unfathomable and incomprehensible to our understanding.

But I must admit that I am mystified and bewildered (especially as a spiritual leader and fitness coach) about the inability of powerful, anointed, and Godly women who struggle to overcome overeating, lose weight, eat healthy, and consistently exercise. As difficult as it is to maintain a healthy weight and stay fit, I humbly submit that healthy eating and frequent exercise are not as challenging as overcoming the difficulties and opposition many women have confronted in their life time.

The same spiritual faith, mental fortitude, and emotional firmness evoked or called forth by a woman desperate to transcend her circumstances, can be applied to physical fitness, healthy eating and proper weight management.

In my 20 years of experience helping others grow spiritually and improve physically, this only seems to occur when a woman is fed up! There is nobody more determined (or dangerous) than a mother bear protecting her cubs, except a woman who has made up her mind and decided that enough is enough. Unless a person (especially a woman) makes a decision and declares, “I am not going to take this anymore!” or “I cannot live like

T

50 The Positive Community

March 2014

this anymore!” nothing will change. But when that same woman decides to live better and move toward her goals, change for the better is inevitable.

March is Women’s History month. History is replete with stories about women who were fed up with things as they were and decided to change the status quo; Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, and Mary McLeod Bethune to name a few.

I want to encourage the countless number of women who read this magazine and this column specifically, to understand that the power that prompts each of you to make necessary changes within your life for the better is the same spirit and faith to be called upon for help to lose weight, get fit, and live well!

As we gather this month for our social and spiritual celebrations in honor of Women’s History, I challenge the women (and the brothers) to lock arms with your sisters, daughters, friends and mothers to support one another in changing the health history of African American women. As a popular song says, “If He did it before, He can do it again!” Currently African American women are leading the pack in heart disease, cancer and stroke (in that order). It is time for African American women in particular to become fed up with these statistics, make the decision to pursue a life of health and make changes now!

In the month of March commit to the following: • Start a fitness program (commit to at least 15 min./day for 5 days) • Cut your portions and track your calories (there are many publications and free websites that will help you with this) • Get Screened (Diabetes, cancer, cholesterol, and blood pressure) • Help a sister out (if someone you know is struggling with their health, do what you can to support them in their journey to better health) 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

“ We are passionate about getting you the best care.”

George Ingram, Horizon NJ Health

Horizon NJ Health is a compassionate and caring organization with employees who clearly understand the needs of the people they serve in New Jersey. We’re here to guide and assist you to get the health care you and your family needs.

If you are on Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, or are uninsured, Horizon NJ Health can help.

To enroll, visit HorizonNJHealth.com or call 877-765-4325 (TDD/TTY: 1-800-654-5505).

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2013 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

51

Taking it to the Church National Medical Association Partners with Churches in New Jersey and Other States to Reach Uninsured Before March 31St Deadline to Enroll in Health Coverage

T

he National Medical Association (NMA), the nation’s largest organization of African American physicians representing over 37,000 doctors, announced recently it is partnering with Enroll America and African American religious denominations to help educate minority communities about the Affordable Care Act and increase public awareness of the opportunity for African Americans to have health insurance coverage. Twenty-one percent or 1 in 5 African Americans under the age of 65 do not have health insurance coverage.

A recent survey by Enroll America showed that 68% of uninsured African Americans are unaware that financial help is available to help pay for the new health insurance options. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, six in ten uninsured African Americans may qualify either for tax credits to purchase coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace or for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“The churches in the African American community play a pivotal role in informing people about the Affordable Care Act and encouraging them to enroll for health coverage,” said Dr. Michael LeNoir, president of the NMA. “Our partnership with the faith community will provide our physicians with the opportunity to help the uninsured understand the long–term ramifications of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

In addition, we will provide cholesterol, blood pressure and other screenings at the church events.”

Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 14% of African Americans, or approximately 5.5 million people, are considered to be in fair or poor health. Approximately 38% of African American men and 44% of African American women, 20 years of age or older, have hypertension while 38% of African American men and 54 percent of African Ameri-

52

The Positive Community March 2014

can women, over 20 years of age, are obese. The numbers pertaining to smoking are also very sobering. More than 25% of black men and 18% of black women, 18 years of age or older, smoke cigarettes. Under the Affordable Care Act, all plans are required to cover smoking cessation interventions free of cost.

“The NMA takes a hard line on smoking and considers it to be public enemy number one as it pertains to the health of the African American community,” said Dr. LeNoir. “Smoking is a major contributing factor in the development of heart disease and cancer. A recent report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General states that individuals who smoke expose themselves to thousands of chemicals and compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer.”

African American males lead all ethnic groups in the number of new cancer cases. They also rank first in the number of deaths caused by cancer. African American women rank second in the number of new cases of cancer each year but rank number one when it comes to cancer deaths among females. In the past, many cancer patients were denied coverage based on their pre-existing condition, but now, nobody can be denied because of their cancer history.

“Churches are the center of the African American Community and are in the forefront of educating people about the Affordable Care Act,” said Etoy Ridgnal, director of African American Engagement and Faith Based Initiatives for Enroll America. “The African American churches in the Faith Based Initiative have a combined membership of over 17 million. Now, thanks to this partnership with physicians, individuals who attend our church events will not only learn how they can get help paying for health insurance but they will also have access to information about various diseases provided by experts.”

Continued on page 65 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Do You Need Health Insurance?

Enrollment in NY State of Health Continues Through March 31, 2014!

If you need health insurance, now’s the time to explore NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace.

Fidelis Care offers some of the lowest monthly premiums available, and we can help you choose the coverage that’s right for you.

Check out the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor! All it takes is 2 minutes to estimate your health insurance costs as well as any tax credits or subsidies that can help make coverage more affordable. Find it on the home page of fideliscare.org.

Remember... Open Enrollment continues through March 31, 2014.

Enroll by the 15th of the month for coverage effective on the first of the following month!

Beyond March 31, you will need to wait until Open Enrollment next fall for coverage starting January 1, 2015.

Call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 1-800-421-1220, or visit fideliscare.org.

Our representatives can help you every step of the way!

To learn more about signing up for a health plan through NY State of Health, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) •

L–R: Rev. Dr. Benjamin Whipper, Pastor Jehovah-Jireh BC and Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr., moderator

L i f e , M u s i c , A r t & L i t e r at u r e Photos: Bruce Moore

By Rev. Patricia Morris

Culture Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington-Gardner, Second vice moderator; Nurse Teddy Matthus and Rev. Washington Nurse Carolyn Hudson, Moderator Washington, Nurse Paulette Bryant and President of Nurses Aux. Almertha Pelotte-Byrd

Nurses Auxiliary during their session

Deaconess Susie Gilbert, First VP Women’s Aux.; Deaconess Wilhelma Keyes, president Women's Auxiliary; and Second VP Women's Aux. Deacon Laura Broomfield

The United Missionary Baptist Association Hosts First Quarterly Session Being Conformed to His Image: Rom 8:28-30, Phil 3:10, 21

M

acedonia Baptist Church hosted the first quarterly session of the United Missionary Baptist Association (UMBA), which took place from Saturday, January 25 to Friday, January 31, 2014. Former Moderator, Rev. Dr. Isaac B. Graham was the host pastor.

Moderator Rev. Carl Washington called the session to order. Rev. Dr. Benjamin J. Whipper served as the Parent Body Preacher. What a robust, spirit-filled and extremely well-attended gathering it was! Much of the success can be attributed to the roster of brilliant presenters, which included Rev. Renee F. WashingtonGardner (Ministers Wives, Widows & Spouses), Rev. Geraldine Harris (Nurses Auxiliary), Rev. Darren Morton (Ushers Auxiliary), Rev. Dr. Samuel Trusty (The Laymen), and Rev. Henry Jackson (The Women’s Auxiliary). The associate ministers session was facilitated by Rev. Dr. Alan Paul Weaver.

54

The Positive Community March 2014

The focus of the January session was the business of the association. The second quarter session, with its focus on education, will be hosted by Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx, NY where the late dean, Rev. Dr. Shellie Sampson was pastor. Dr. Sampson put everything in place for the session prior to his untimely death and Thessalonia has indicated they are excited to execute his vision. The third quarter session will be hosted by Rev. Dr. Alan Paul Weaver and the Bethesda Baptist Church. The subject of missions: foreign and domestic is the focus.

Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green and the Mount Neboh Baptist Church will host the annual session.

The general theme of the association is “Reflecting the Will of God in Ministry, Message & Mission.”

Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, Jr. is UMBA moderator; Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, 1st vice moderator and Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington-Gardner, 2nd vice moderator. www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

55

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Erica Campbell—Help

To the Chief Musician.

A Psalm for the sons of Korah.

A Song for Alamoth.

God is our refuge and strength; A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 e do not have the capability to figure out life in its entirety by ourselves, nor are we able to fix all of its issues alone. And those of us who have tried know that it just can’t be done; the very attempt can leave you in a state of frustration, confusion, pain and sometimes anger. This is why we have to know that through every trial, tribulation or sickness, we are not alone. The Lord promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5), but every once in a while we seem to forget that promise and go into our super hero mode, or take the “I got it all under control” approach and the results are a staggering “Yeah right!”

W

56 The Positive Community

March 2014

One of the things I love most about God is that we are always able to count on Him. There is no time limit on Him, and just when you think that you can’t call on anyone because of the time, late or early, He is always available. The funny part about it is He already knows your problem, but just like a parent, He wants you to know that He’s there for you no matter what. All you have to do is call on Him. That statement “present help” simply means a solid help that is proven to be reliable from past experiences so that in any future calamities, you have no fear. Anyone can attest that God has proven to be just that!

How amazing is that scripture that it is a reminder to the Chief Musician in hard times and a song to be sung in a soprano voice (Alamoth—look it up!). Well there is a sister who is a sister in the Grammy® and Stellar Awardwinning duo Mary Mary named Erica Campbell, who knows it and is not ashamed to sing it. If you’ve ever www.thepositivecommunity.com

watched their reality show, you know these sisters love the Lord and keep it 100 percent with how they confront life’s issues whether business or personal (I’d like to reference them as young aunties). The season ended last year with Ms. Erica deciding to take a break from the group to venture off into a solo career. It’s safe to say that her hit single, “A Little More Jesus,” was birthed through reflections of life’s journeys. However, with that song on radio’s daily rotation, Erica is back again with an urgent request titled “Help,” featuring Lecrae. Not only is it #6 on Billboard’s Gospel singles, but it’s also the title of her new album released on My Block Inc./eOne (to drop on March 25) that has a powerful video to back it up.

“Help” is a song that is relatable to all of us. When you hear it you can’t help but feel Campbell’s pain and identify with her request. Erica grew up in an extremely large household in California and after her parents’ divorce, was constantly on the move with her mother and eight siblings. Growing up in the church (like almost every great singer), she sang in the choir, but her dreams allowed her to know more about who God really is and what He can do. After marrying the love of her life, producer and hit-song writer Warryn “Dub” Campbell, the couple dealt with a major illness.

Tough times continued when Erica experienced complications in a pregnancy, and to top it all off, last year after publicly asking for prayers to go out for her father, he passed away after battling cancer. Dealing with all of that is enough to make anyone cry out for help! This mother of three is determined to make it and work at making her childhood dreams become reality. However, the reality of the music business is that— no matter what genre—attacks will come. Haters have condemned her for wearing form-fitting outfits in promotional photos, calling them risqué for a Christian artist. Now critics are attempting to condemn Campbell’s CD cover because some say she “appears” to be naked. But there is a fan base of believers who support the songstress and when she released the cover of her “Help” single, the eye-catching photo received much attention for being stunningly captivating. It features a shot of Campbell’s face showing a grief stricken close up of the singer with a tear running down the left side of her face —powerful, relatable and understandable.

It’s true. What the devil meant for evil will certainly work out for your good. You had best believe (as they say) that all negative feedback will be history because God will get the glory from it all. As she continues to tour promoting her up and coming 14-track, husband-produced album, Erica Campbell is never ashamed to reveal her shortcomings. Being stronger in her faith and transparent to her audience, we salute her in this Woman’s History Month as she maintains her faith and keeps building The Kingdom. www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

57

A Time to Build North Jersey Baptist Association Meets

T

he North Jersey Missionary Baptist Association, came together at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Hackensack, NJ, where Rev. Gregory Jackson is pastor, to hold its 101st Semi-Annual Session. The February 15th to 18th session, themed “A Time to Build,” was convened under the leadership of Moderator, Rev. Ralph M. Branch, Jr., senior pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Newark. Among the highlights were the messages from guest preacher, Michael Walrond, senior pastor of 1st Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, whose two nights of passionate preaching closed out the session, giving much courage and comfort to all who packed into the standing-room-only sanctuary.

L–R: Moderator Ralph M. Branch Jr., Lady Tammi Branch, Minister Theresa Whitfield, Chelsea Branch and Kelsey Whitfield

L–R: Moderator Ralph M. Branch Jr., Rev. Michael Walrond, and 1st Vice Moderator Jonathan Whitfield L–R: Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Rev. Joseph Jones, 2nd Vice Moderator; Rev. John Gamble Jr., Rev. Vincent Rouse, Rev. George Martinez and Rev. Clinton Parker

Photos: Karen Waters

Rev. Michael Walrond

58

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

One Center Street, Newark, NJ

March into Spring!

An exciting concert version featuring an all African American cast!

3/21 - 3/23

Dorthaan’s Place: Antoinette Montague • 3/23

Echoes of Harlem: Duke Ellington Houston Person • 4/5

Julio Iglesias • 4/27

Family Feud Live! Stage Show • 5/1

Antonio Douthit-Boyd. Photo by Andrew Eccles

Hugh Masekela 75th Birthday Tour In Honor of Nelson Mandela • 4/6

Norm Lewis • 5/3

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • 5/10 & 5/11

Midtown Men • 5/28

Season at a glance MArCh 2014 Mar 14 Mar 21-23 Mar 22 Mar 23 Mar 23 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 29 Mar 30

youtube.com/njpactv

Lou Gramm–The Voice of Foreigner Meredith Willson’s The Music Man KT Sullivan & Mark Nadler Dorthaan’s Place: Antoinette Montague Theresa Caputo Live!

Johnny Mathis We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Jon Anderson–The Voice of Yes

facebook.com/njpac

twitter.com/njpac

njpac official

APril 2014

MAY 2014

Apr

May May May

4

NJSO performs The Music of Led Zeppelin Apr 5 Echoes Of Harlem: Duke Ellington Apr 6 Hugh Masekela–75th Birthday Tour In Honor of Nelson Mendela Apr 6 Heart Apr 18-19 Renaissance Apr 23 Ani DiFranco Apr 27 Julio Iglesias

1 3 3

Family Feud Live! Stage Show Norm Lewis Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance Part 2 featuring Claire Porter, American Repertory Ballet and more May 7 Eddie Izzard, comedian May 9 My Favorite Things: Richard Rodgers May 9 Joshua Bell, violin, with the NJSO May 10–11 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater May 16 Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra May 17 Stuart Little May 17 Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell May 28 The Midtown Men

Please call our ticket services department to let them know if you require ADA services, particularly if you require wheelchair seating.

Visit njpac.org for a full schedule 1-888-GO-NJPAC Groups of 10 or more: 1-888-MY-NJPAC PosivtiveComm_7x9.5_3-24.indd 1

2/25/14 12:25 PM

African American Women in History

Fannie Lou Hamer (October 6, 1917–March 14, 1977) was known for delivering passionate speeches at the various civil rights conferences she attended during the Civil Rights Movement.

She was integral in organizing the Mississippi Freedom Summer, a 1964 effort to register as many black voters as possible, which at the time, was life-threatening work. Later, she reflected on her fearless work: “I guess if I’d had any sense, I’d have been a little scared – but what was the point of being scared? The only thing they could do was kill me, and it seemed they’d been trying to do that a little bit at a time since I could remember.”

Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862–March 25, 1931) was a journalist and civil rights activist in the late 1800s, when emancipated slaves were still alive and able to recount their stories.

Wells, who grew up after emancipation, is credited for documenting lynchings in the South and researching how white segregationists used violent methods to keep African Americans “ in their place.”

In 1884, Wells was asked to give up her seat on a train to a white passenger and refused— long before Rosa Parks and the bus. After being dragged from the train, she sued the train company—and won! Though the ruling was eventually overturned, Wells showed bravery and resolve that were practically unmatched in her day.

Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree 1797–November 26, 1883) escaped slavery in 1826 with

her infant daughter in tow. Forced to leave her other children behind, one was sold to a slave master in Alabama. Truth successfully sued the master in court, winning the case and getting her son back; one of the first black women to take a white man to court and win. Known for her speech, “Ain’t I a Woman,” Truth spent the rest of her free life speaking at anti-slavery and women’s suffrage conferences and was one of black America’s first-leading women who spoke against slavery long before the system ended.

60 The Positive Community

March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

OURSTORY Vivian Malone (July 15, 1942–October 13, 2005), as one of the first two African Americans to enroll at the University of Alabama, faced down Governor George Wallace, who famously said, “…segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” Despite the opposition, Malone enrolled, graduated and went on to retire as director of civil rights and urban affairs and director of environmental justice for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2000, the University of Alabama awarded her a doctorate of humane letters.

Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Harriet Ross; 1820–March 10, 1913) led approximately 70 slaves to freedom in northern states through the Underground Railroad. Tubman escaped slavery to Philadelphia in 1849, but returned to Maryland several times to free family members and others. When the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required law officials in free states to aid in the capture of escaped slaves, Tubman led slaves to Canada, where slavery was abolished in 1834. She was an armed scout and spy during the Civil War. As the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, she guided the Combahee River Raid, liberating more than 700 slaves in South Carolina. Years later, a humble Tubman said of her time freeing slaves, “I was conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger” and “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”

Daisy Bates (November 11, 1914–November 4, 1999) and her husband, L.C., dreamed of own-

ing a newspaper. They realized that dream in 1941 when they inaugurated the Arkansas State Press. The paper became an avid voice for civil rights even before a nationally recognized movement had emerged and Bates became president of The Arkansas Conference of Branches in 1952 at the age of 34. She remained active and was on the National Board of the NAACP through 1970, and eventually was chosen to guide the Little Rock Nine as they integrated Central High School.

Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924–January 1, 2005) is best known for being America’s first black congresswoman in 1968. After representing New York State in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms, she ran for the 1972 Democratic nomination for the presidency—the first major-party African-American candidate. Chisholm fought throughout her political career for educational opportunities and social justice. After 25 years in Congress, Chisholm continued her activism as a teacher.

Condoleezza Rice (born November 14, 1954) grew up in the segregated South, but went on to

become the first woman and first African-American to serve as provost of Stanford University.

In 2001, she was appointed national security advisor by President George W. Bush, becoming the first black woman (and second woman) to hold the post, and went on to become the first black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. Since returning to public life, she has become director of Stanford University’s Global Center for Business and the Economy.

Michelle Obama (born January 17, 1964) graduated cum laude from Princeton University and went on to earn a law degree from Harvard Law School. Following law school, she worked at a Chicago law firm, where she met and married Barack Obama. As first lady, she has become a style icon and one of the most famous women in the world. Her various platforms as First Lady have focused on current social issues including helping veterans and military families, preventing and reversing childhood obesity, and working in favor of LGBT rights. www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

61

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Shirley Bailey, Cheryl Colvin, Joyce Ford and Mattie Butler

Nadia Bailey with 5 Year old son Zaahir.

Union Baptist Temple

Bridgeton, NJ's Hon. Mayor Albert B. Kelly and Union Baptist Temple's Pastor Albert Morgan.

Black History Month Heritage Sunday Service

U

nion Baptist Temple of Bridgeton, NJ welcomed The Positive Community (TPC) to the church’s Black History Month Heritage Sunday service. It was a robust celebration of the gifts of African American culture, values and traditions. Worship and praise led by the mass choir dressed in elegant regalia reflected the beauty and dignity of God’s people.

The highlight was Pastor Albert Morgan’s timely, memorable, soul stirring sermon about character, faithfulness and gifts.

62

The Positive Community March 2014

Special guest TPC Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. introduced the 2014 Grand Jubilee Calendar explaining that the calendar should be shared by all as a cherished family keepsake—a cultural marker for this historic time.

Following the service, congregation members and friends were led across the street to the Alms Community center for a Black History Month exhibit featuring the church’s youth ministry and a Taste of the Temple cookoff where members came together to sample and share family recipes and their best soul food specialties. —AAC

www.thepositivecommunity.com

15th Anniversary gala Celebration Nice Nailantei Leng’ete continued from page 44

about sexual health and reproductive rights culminating in a traditional rites of passage celebration with no cutting.

Nice was trained as a peer educator in AMREF’s Nomadic Youth Reproductive Health Project. She then became a project assistant in AMREF’s Unite for Body Rights Project. Based in Loitokitok, Kenya, Nice has since been promoted to project officer in the new program, Scaling Up Alternative Rites of Passage, where she will take her message to more young girls in more African communities.

Because of her work with AMREF, Nice’s work is being noticed around the world. She has given a TEDx talk in Amsterdam and on her first visit to the United States of America, she spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative in September.

For what’s instore for the future, Nice delcares: “I will continue to demand that girls can grow into women without being circumcised. Every young girl in Kenya can become the woman of her dreams. I am, for sure.”

www.thepositivecommunity.com

6:00 PM to 10 :00 PM April 14, 2014 Mayfair Farms, West Orange NJ Entertainment provided by Valerie Adams and Dimension Honorary Chairpersons: Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Rev. Dr. Deforest B. Soaries, Jr and Mr. Larry Goldman

Individual tickets - $75 per person To purchase tables or for more information please contact C.P. Rising, LLC by e-mail at cprisingllc@gmail.com or by phone at 973.901.1114.

March 2014 The Positive Community

63

“A Woman’s Markings” Despite the physical and racial odds my mother faced as a youth, she overcame most of them through sheer hard work, tenacity and a deep-seated faith in God.

By Quinita Edmonia Good

S

he is marked across her body as a laborer. Several scars on her right hand, gleaned from picking cotton carelessly on her grandfather’s share.

A raised black circular blemish over her left breast, the remainder of hot ash droppings from a cigarette in bed.

Discolored calluses on her hands and feet, autographing her work as a laundress who walked everywhere she went and washed clothes by hand. And moles stamped around her extremities and face, a common signature for Black women her age. She is eighty-three. She is my mother. And she still serves.

A strong work ethic is not uncommon in my family.

My grandmother and great-grandparents were sharecroppers, where only Thanksgiving and Christmas were sacred. But even then, the women worked all day in the kitchen cooking and all night the night before cleaning the rest of the house. So, it really isn’t that surprising that my mother still serves at eighty-three.

Yet, it isn’t my mother’s work history or markings that intrigue me. Rather, it is her pride—a marking in and of itself. Resplendent in its ability to motivate her friends. Voracious in its capacity to support those in need. As her only daughter, I, too, often find myself in support of others.

Despite the physical and racial odds my mother faced as a youth, she overcame most of them through sheer hard work, tenacity and a deep-seated faith in God. She graduated from Lane College, an Historically Black institution in Tennessee, in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. In a bold move, indicative of her spirit, she moved away from her grandparents’ home in Jackson, TN, to Peoria, IL, where she graduated from Bradley University in 1956 with a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry before taking a position with the United States Department of Agriculture there. Soon, my mother met and married my father—although a laborer, still a hard-worker in his own right. Their marriage was not

64

The Positive Community March 2014

Mary Arlena Hicks-Good

successful, but her determination to persevere withstood the tests she faced.

Besides being industrious, my mother was also an avid reader and a political activist, employing the church as her platform. She is one of the founding members of the organization Black Methodists for Church Renewal, through which many liberation theologians were born, as well as a delegate in the Democratic Party. In addition to her church and political activities, she served as president and vice president of our local block club. And she did all this while working two jobs.

My mother’s work included serving as a research chemist for Ypsilanti Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI, and for Children’s Hospital in Detroit, and as a high-school science and mathematics teacher—also in Detroit—where my brother and I were raised. I think she was able to do so much because she had the undying support of her mother and stepfather, with whom we lived for a period of time.

She has worked hard throughout her life, accomplished much and is highly repsected by colleagues, friends and family. My mother is beautiful to look at.

Her smooth, dark chocolate skin is without wrinkle. Her almond-shaped eyes are telling of the many obstacles she has overcome. Her work in the church is still strong.

And her markings, once I understood them, tell me that I come from a woman who is leaving a legacy.

Markings…we all have them. They are tied to our experiences and responses like DNA, and inform our true selves. Our survival despite them, points to an indomitable spirit and strong resilience— the essence of our being, the essence of spirit.

Quinita Edmonia Good is the founder and operator of Qwrites Writing & Editorial ServicesTM and the author of Prayer 101: How To Form A Consistent Prayer Life and a book of poetry entitled The Covenant of Peace.

She can be reached at qwrites@live.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

TAKING IT TO THE CHURCH Continued from page 52

The partnership with Enroll America, African American religious denominations, and the NMA will focus on the 11 states that have large numbers of African Americans and others who are uninsured. In addition to New Jersey, other states included in the effort are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Enroll America has launched a grassroots campaign in those states called Get Covered America. The NMA’s physicians will also collaborate with church leaders on events in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and other states with significant numbers of uninsured African Americans.

NMA physicians will support Enroll America’s Faith Initiative beyond the first open enrollment deadline of March 31 and continue throughout the remainder of this year into 2015, helping to educate, inform, and provide screenings for the uninsured.

Enroll America, the nation’s leading health care enrollment coalition, brings together community and health organizations, businesses and others to inform consumers about the new health coverage options and how to enroll in them. It is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit 501c(3) organization.

The National Medical Association is the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States.

Offering Medical, Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Physical Therapy Treatment for Adults and Children

Davis Integrated Medicine

“LIVELIFEWELL” Call Us to Schedule a FREE Consultation and Screening

DR. ALFRED DAVIS JR.

“Your Most Trusted Wellness Specialist” 309 Orange Road • Montclair (973) 783-3606 • HealthyAdjustments.com

From Our Hearts to Your Hearts! From Our Hands To Your Hands!

People Helping People . . .

Let the Florence E. Browne Funeral Home family care for your family during your difficult season of bereavement. In business since 1912, our full service funeral home is well-known for its compassionate, professional & excellent service.

Our staff is always available to assist you through the grieving process.

Florence E. Browne Funeral Home

436 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037

212-285-5181

The Little Chapel with a Big Heart www.thepositivecommunity.com

For many years Florence E. Browne has served many communities locally and abroad. Feel free to visit our Funeral Home located in the Village of Harlem, New York. Our Service Family would be more than happy to sit and answer your questions regarding funeral arrangements, cremations & pre-arrangements. In addition, we provide notary services as well as referrals for anyone desiring professional grief counseling.

March 2014 The Positive Community

65

THE ONLY SHOW THAT LIFTS YOU OUT OF YOUR SEAT…

AND INTO MUSIC HISTORY.

photos by Andrew eccles.

ON BROADWAY MOTOWNTHEMUSICAL.COM MOTOWN® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC.

LUNT-FONTANNE THEATRE, 46TH ST. & B’WAY • 877-250-2929 66

The Positive Community March 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

FAMI RE LY T C

TYRONE OH HAPPY

W DAY OH HAEPAPYRE FA

RESPE DAY

Vaughn Harper

MILY

PRECI LORDOIUASM NOITR

RESPECT GOD B THE CHLESS ILD

CT

OH HARESPE PPY D AY

MY HA

Presents FIRST FRIDAY’s

Doors Open at 7:30

O

GOD BLEISLSD THE CH

A Monthly Gathering For Mature Adults

The Fred Mac Band and DJ Darryl James

WE ARLEY FAMI

PRECIOUS LORD

I AM N MY HA OT IR

Friday 2013 Friday, January April 4th,3,2014

Featuring Live Music By:

WE A

An inspirational musical celebration of life, love and family!

Admission $20 in Advance $25 At The Door

For Tickets Go To: STOP IN NAME O THE F LOVE

I AM NO MY HAIRT

Conveniently Located AtSINGLE LADIES MIST Harlem T 46W. 116th Street YRONE New York, NY OH HAPPY DA Y

Sponsored by

RESPEC

T

“Sweet & Sassy!”

RnYESTimes PEC -

T

I AM MY HANIORT

“a Winner!”

-nY Beacon

STOMarvelous “a IN THE WE ASIRNLEY NAME POTime!”

F LOVEnews FAMI GLE LADIES -amsterdam

RESPEC

T

PTRYERCOIONUES LORD

WE AR FAMILYE

MILY

WE ARE FA

PRECIOUS LORDDAY PPY

OH

OH HA

GOD BLESS THE CI HAIMLDNOT MY HAIR

OH HFor Special pricing A church groupS

PPY DAY I AM NO and groupS SS BLE10+ DoF T 212-977-5925 orGOWfranzblau@aol.com MY HAcontact IR THE CHILD

RESPEC

Regular Tickets: Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W 46th St • SistasTheMusical.com

T

www.thepositivecommunity.com

W

March 2014 The Positive Community

67

IA MY

See Dee Dee BriDgewater in the Performance of a Lifetime!

the

biLLie hoLiDay musical

“SeDuceD Me inTo a STaTe of bLiSS.” - Charles Isherwood, The New York TImes

“ThiS iS The biLLie hoLiDay We’ve been WaiTing To See!”

“The hippest, most imaginative show in NY !”

- TheaTermaNIa

“MaSTerfuL!” - NY1

Theaterlife Photo: Carol Rosegg

“Move over Blue Man Group & Stomp,

iLUMINATE is in the house!”

Times Square Chronicles

NOW LIVE in the heart of BROADWAY! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.

68

The Positive Community March 2014

LadyDayTheMusical.com Telecharge.com 2 212-239-6200 Little Shubert Theatre 422 W. 42nd St. www.thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Woman of Peace in Central African Republic

Catherine Samba-Panza

ince March is Women’s Month, this is a good time the real reasons for conflict between C.A.R.’s Christians to acknowledge the interim president of and Muslims. Sounds to me like the battling groups the Central African Republic, Catherine Samba- should “hammer” those “swords” (machetes, guns, whatever) into “plowshares” (or other equipment that proPanza.

In January, the transitional parliament elected the 59- duces food and prosperity).

Although Interim President Panza is the Central year-old Ms. Panza as interim president after the prior president, Mr. Michel Djotodia, resigned. Ms. Panza is to African Republic’s first female head of state, she is not the first female head of state in African history. Queen serve until national elections are held in 2015.

Ms. Panza assumed the presidency of the Central Hatshepsut ruled ancient Egypt during the 15th Century African Republic (C.A.R.) during a major national crisis. B.C., and reversed her predecessor’s policy of military Mr. Djotodia had been installed as president in March outreach. Makeda, the “Queen of Sheba,” whose state 2013 via a coup-d’etat led by a Muslim rebel group called visit to King David of Israel is reported in 1st Kings chapSeleka, whose renegade members committed mass ter 10 and in 2nd Chronicles chapter 9, was an African killings during subsequent months. In response, queen. The “Candaces” (ancient Greek for “Kantakes”), Christians formed self-defense militias, including “anti- were queen mothers who ruled the ancient nation of balaka” (anti-machete), a Christian militia bent on Cush, situated on the Upper Nile River just south of killing Muslims. Sectarian violence escalated, and Mr. ancient Egypt, for more than three centuries. In the 16th Djotodia could not curtail it. Under pressure from neigh- century A.D., Queen Nzinga ruled the African nation of boring African countries, Mr. Djotodia resigned in Matamba, and resisted the transatlantic slave trade. In the year 1900, Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa led the January 2014.

In her victory speech, newly elected interim President Asante Uprising against British colonization of the area Panza called for an end to the violence, saying, according now called Ghana. In our own time, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to Yahoo News, “I’m launching a resounding appeal to was elected president of Liberia in 2005, re-elected in my anti-balaka children who are listening to me: Show 2011, received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, and remains your support for my nomination by giving the strong sig- president as of this writing.

In January 2014, in the Central African Republic, a nal of laying down your weapons . . . To my ex-Seleka children who are also listening to me: Lay down your 24-year old university student named Bernis Latakpi, whom the Associated Press identified as Christian, weapons . . . Stop the suffering of the people.”

In a general sense, the Christian violence in expressed hope that President Panza would be the C.A.R. against Muslims is a collective response to earlier change the country needs after months of bloodshed.

Muslim violence against Christians and Ms. Panza has “Since independence, men have always run the country said she will “go to war” against Christians slaughtering and they have failed at the job,” he said. “Now, we’re Muslims. “They think that because I’m a woman, I’m going to try something else with a woman and see how weak,” Ms. Panza is reported to have said in a February that goes. We’re looking to her to quickly bring security speech. “But now (the militias) who want to kill will be and to reunite our Muslim and Christian brothers.

Because the Muslim Central Africans, they were born themselves hunted.”

The peace seeking, tough-talking President Panza is a here, grew up here and we can’t disown them. Now it’s up former businesswoman and corporate lawyer. During to the mother to reconcile these different communities.”

Let’s pray for peace in the Central African Republic C.A.R.’s 2012-2013 crisis, before being made interim president, she was first appointed mayor of Bangui, the during interim President Panza’s administration and country’s capital city. Both sides in the conflict accepted beyond.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called her appointment.

Panza has reportedly told the Al-Jazeera news agency children of God” (Matthew 5:9, New Revised Standard that poverty, failed government, and similar issues are Version).

S

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March 2014 The Positive Community

69

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

www.thepositivecommunity.com March 2014

™

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 14, No. 3

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

SOME LADIES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

espite the temperature trying to trick us into believing it is still February, it’s March, Women’s History Month! As we reflect upon women whose names have graced history books, we begin to see doors, ceilings and all other obstacles as surmountable—things that cannot and will not stand in our way.

I often find myself in awe of historical women, especially our African American sisters. And when I need to summon some courage, all I have to do is think about Harriet, Fannie Lou or Sojourner. If they could accomplish all of the things they did while dealing with legal slavery and segregation, Jim Crow and the like, I have no excuse not do the things I need to do.

But I also find myself admiring my contemporaries, women who are making things happen now. There is no better example of how to make a way out of no way than a determined black woman; Cynthia Walker of S.O.F.I.A. showed us that when she started a nonprofit and became a Domestic Violence Awareness advocate as a single-mom working two jobs. And Jennifer Jones Austin of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies . . . she didn’t let being black and female or having cancer stop her from doing anything and excelling in her endeavors. And because of her, thousands of African American lives might be saved with bone marrow transplants. Then there’s Nice Nailantei Leng’ete; her courage and resolve to say ‘no’ to female circumcision are changing things for women in Kenya and soon, the world.

Beyond being black and female, I notice another trait all of these women have in common. Each and every one of them looked beyond herself to help others. Tubman could’ve stopped her dangerous journeys once her family members had escaped to freedom; but she didn’t. Truth could’ve reclaimed

D

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR

Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Doris Young Boyer Rev. Theresa Nance Rev. Reginald T. Jackson Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Karen Waters 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: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

70 The Positive Community

March 2014

her child and said, “I got mine; I’m good.” But she didn’t. The same could be said of Ms. Hamer, Ms. Walker, Ms. Jones Austin or Ms. Leng’ete. But we can’t say that because these women won’t let us; their selfless actions won’t let us.

I’m always amazed by how small the world becomes when I really look around—not just with my eyes, but with my heart. It is then when I see the things and people around me that mirror the kindness, generosity and courage that these women have shown. I currently have both an aunt and a cousin who are giving generously of their time to take care of their grandchildren. My aunt temporarily relocated to another state in January to assist her daughter and son-in-law with her newborn grandson. Word has it that she’ll be staying for another few months so Mommy can go back to work and the new parents can continue adjusting to being working parents.

My cousin is spending her days in awe of the precociousness of her 3-year-old granddaughter, whose vocabulary, logic skills and personality are simply amazing! There won’t be many leisurely mornings for “Gam” to sip coffee and relax for a while. But she is glad to do it in support of her daughter-in-law, who has returned to the workforce as a middle school teacher.

If the 3-year-old is any indication of her abilities as a teacher… daughterin-law has got SKILLS! Some might say that my aunt and my cousin are just doing what women do and it’s no big deal because millions of women do it every day. I, however, see it as affirmation that women are the caretakers, the trailblazers and fixers of the world. Yes, many women do things for others daily, but they don’t have to.

They choose to be selfless and give of themselves in an effort to make things better for others. For that, I am glad women are celebrated.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

March

31 2014

Obamacare deadline fast approaching.

Apply today!

0

$

Recommended Checkups

JoinHealthfirst.org/TPC

We’re Covered. Are You? Don’t wait until the last minute to get health coverage with a Healthfirst® Leaf Plan. You may be able to get financial assistance, along with $0 recommended checkups, and much more. Schedule your appointment with Healthfirst today!

Call Now 1.888.974.3187 Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm

QHP14_48b

We’re Coming to AlbAny beCAuse it’s time for A ChAnge. the sCAffold lAW is killing jobs We so bAdly need And killing businesses in our Communities.

it’s time to reform the sCAffold lAW And stop reWArding riCh triAl lAWyers At the expense of our Communities.

The Unfair Scaffold law iS… mAking ConstruCtion sites less sAfe for Workers

forCing our Children into oVerCroWded ClAssrooms And rAt-infested trAilers

We CAn’t hAVe business As usuAl beCAuse We’re in A Crisis.

we need albany To reform The Scaffold law now.

Visit www.getnybuilding.com to see how you can help.

rev. jacques Andre de graff

C0-ChAirmen

the new Agenda

louis j. Coletti

president and Ceo of the building trades employers Association

leAdership CounCil Quenia Abreu New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce lloyd douglas Minority Business Leadership Council Walter edwards Harlem Business Alliance michael elmendorf Associated General Contractors of NYS david etkind Interior Demolition Contractors Association monica foster NYS Association of Minority Contractors james heyliger Association of Minority Enterprises

edwin lopez NYC Electrical Contractors timothy h. marshall Jamaica Business Resource Center Cheryl mckissack Women Business Council paul o’brien Building Contractors Association samuel p. padilla, p.e.

National Hispanic Business Group nayan parikh Indo-American Architects & Engineers patricia ricketts Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

tony saporito Mechanical Contractors Association William shuzman Allied Building Metal Industries elizabeth Velez Latino Builders Council edwin lopez New York City Chapter, Inc. NECA kieran Ahern Structural Steel Painting Contractor Association ray mcguire Contractors Association of Greater New York

William rothberg Boilermakers Association of Greater New York, Building Restoration Contractors Association, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors of NY john delollis Association of Wall-Ceiling & Carpentry Industries jerry haber Window & Plate Glass Dealers Association kevin o’Callaghan The Hoisting and Scaffolding Trade Association Vincent Coletti Plastering & Spray Fireproofing Contractors Association

jobs, sAfety And justiCe Paid for by the Alliance for Minority and Women Construction Businesses.

www.amwcb.com