Antwan Lewis, co-anchor Fox News and Rhenotha Ophelia Whitaker, T.V., radio and media personality, served as hosts for the evening. Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark delivered the invocation. Grammy awarding-winning R&B legend Melba Moore took command of the audience with her rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing. She received an enthusiastic standing ovation for her virtuoso performance of Nina Simone’s civil rights anthem I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka welcomed everyone with opening remarks. The evening commenced with the presentation of awards and a jazz selection by a trio of students from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University led by Alexander George on tenor saxophone, Matt Gordeuk on guitar and Nick Dekens on drums.
The Positive Community Awards & Gala CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE
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olleagues, friends, and family gathered on April 20th at the Newark Club for The Positive Community’s Awards Gala. Leaders in clergy, corporate, public and private institutions celebrated in the spirit of progress and goodwill as individuals and organizations in the areas of health, business, education and clergy were honored for their dedication and commitment to unselfish service in their communities. The beloved community made manifest! During the reception in One Newark Center, guests mingled and fellowshipped to the sound of beautiful music by the Harlem Symphony Orchestra’s Chamber Players. Following, the reception guests were whisked up 22 stories, to the Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club for the gala and awards presentations. Guests delighted in the stunning, panoramic views of Newark and the Manhattan skyline.
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The Positive Community May 2016
In addition to the inspiring remarks from the honorees and their presenters exciting new initiatives from The Positive Community Corporation were announced: • That’s What’s Up in The Positive Community: A digital newsletter published every Thursday containing uplifting news tidbits and videos that will brighten up your week. • Positive Music Matters: A platform, a campaign, which— through social media and special events— will celebrate the vast cultural asset that is our music, the precious creative gift we have given to the world in the form of gospel, the spirituals, Blues, jazz, R&B, Hip Hop and classical music and the composers, musicians, vocalists who have made it. • TPC-TV: A digital news and information channel that will allow the expansion of The Positive Community concept to access mobile media devices. Rev. Darrell James was introduced as the elected CEO of TPC-TV. Again, thanks to everyone for the prayers and support that have sustained this vision of prosperity, health and happiness as we venture along a road less travelled. Yes, Positive Music Matters; a positive, community-building ideal matters too. When all is said and done, let it be truly said by all: a positive community is everybody’s business…it really pays to care! www.thepositivecommunity.com