March 2015

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

March 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

™ $2.95

CELEBRATING

15

Sacreds: Bob Gore’s Photos of Faith

YEARS!

Vy Higgensen & Ahmaya Knoelle Music, Faith, Culture: a Family Affair

MARCH MADNESS JOIN F.C.B.C. FOR A MONTH OF EVENTS

1st

15th 8th Rev. Dr. Larry Covington Ebenezer United Church of Christ Burlington, NC Guest Preacher

Genealogy Workshop Youth & Dream Center Sunday

14th

14th

Community Meal

Immigration Forum

15th

SPRING SPRING REVIVAL REVIVAL 3rd

10th 13th

Pastor Lance Watson St. Paul’s Baptist Church Richmond, VA

17th

Morehouse Glee Club Concert

Pastor Freddy Haynes Friendship West Baptist Church Dallas, TX

24th

27th Spelman Glee Club Concert

26th

Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr. The House of Hope Atlanta, GA

Documentary Screening

29th

PALM SUNDAY

Pastor Timothy Sloan St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Humble, TX

My Sister, Myself

March 1st: Know your History Genealogy Workshop March 3rd: Spring Revival: Pastor Lance Watson (7PM) March 8th: Youth & Dream Center Sunday March 10th: Spring Revival: Pastor Freddy Haynes (7PM) March 13th: Spelman Glee Club (7PM) March 14th: Immigration Forum (Noon) & Church Anniversary Free Community Meal (Noon)

March 15th: Church Anniversary Service & Morehouse Glee Club (6PM) March 17th: Spring Revival: Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr. (7PM) March 24th: Spring Revival: Pastor Timothy Sloan (7PM) March 26th: My Sister, Myself (7PM) March 27th: Lives Worth Living Documentary Screening March 29th: Palm Sunday & UNCF Sunday

MARCH EVENTS AT FIRST CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH 1912 ADAM CLAYTON POWELL JR. BLVD, NEW YORK, NY 10026 MICHAEL A. WALROND, JR. ~ SENIOR PASTOR www.fcbcnyc.org / www.facebook.com/fcbcnyc / twitter.com/fcbc_nyc / instagram.com/fcbcnyc / #MMFCBC

SPRING IS IN FULL SWING!

Aretha Franklin • 3/14

Celtic Woman

10th Anniversary World Tour

Masters of Ceremony DMX, EPMD, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick and Kid Capri

Ledisi The Moody Blues The Intimate Truth Tour Sleeping Beauty Dreams Friday, April 3 at 8pm with Raheem DeVaughn Marionetas de la Esquina and Leela James Saturday, March 28 at 2pm

Saturday, April 4 at 8pm

Glenn Allen Sims. Photo: Andrew Eccles

Wednesday, March 18 at 8pm Friday, March 20 at 8pm

Bill Charlap presents Bird Lives! A Salute to Charlie Parker Phil Woods, Charles McPherson and Jesse Davis Saturday, April 11 at 7:30pm

The Price Is Right Live!

An Afternoon with Audra McDonald

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The hit interactive game show that gives you the chance to win.

Sunday, April 19 at 3pm

Friday, May 8 at 8pm Saturday, May 9 at 8pm Sunday, May 10 at 3pm

André Watts with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Friday, May 15 at 8pm

Friday, April 17 at 8pm

For tickets and a full schedule visit njpac.org or call 1.888.GO.NJPAC • Groups: 973.297.5804 NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • One Center Street, Newark, NJ

#NJPAC

World Music Series sponsored by American Express

PositiveCommunity_mar_7x9.5.indd 1

1/28/15 3:58 PM

March 2015

CONTENTS Cover Photo: Bob Gore

32

SECTIONS MONEY ........................................14 CULTURE ......................................30 HEALTH ........................................50

Features Wright Retires from Carver ..............................14 Brooklyn Borough Honors Barfield ..................15 Walk to Washington ........................................16 AA Chamber of Commerce Awards ...................18 UMBA Quarterly Session .................................24

ON THE COVER: 100 Black Men of NY Gala .............................27 VY HIGGENSEN AND AHMAYA KNOELLE MUSIC, FAITH, CULTURE: A FAMILY AFFAIR Price Remembered at Lecture Series ..............28

&also inside

Sacreds: Photographs of Faith .......................30 Concord Bestows Brotherhood Award ..............37 General Baptists Meet ....................................40 Black History Service at Abundant Life ............41

Publisher's Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

PRAHD Bestows Schomburg Award ..................42

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Coach Caryl’s Unstoppable Girls .....................46

Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Sister Talk for Healthy and Positive Life ...........50

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Abyssinian Baptist Goes Red! .........................53

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Heart & Soul Music Fest .................................56

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Remembering Clark Terry ................................60

4

The Positive Community March 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

“ We’ve created a Managed Long Term Care program that’s specific to the needs of you and your family.”

Gwendolyn Barr, Horizon NJ Health

Is it getting harder for you to take care of your loved one safely?

But you don’t want to place her in a skilled nursing facility. What if we could

provide long-term care and support for her at her home…in her community?

Learn how our Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program helps eligible* members to live comfortably and safely in their own homes and communities in New Jersey.

Call our toll-free Horizon NJ Health Enrollment Hotline to learn more about how to apply: 1-844-444-4410 (TTY services are available at 1-844-889-7700) *Members must meet certain financial and clinical (medical) requirements to be eligible for the MLTSS program.

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.

TThursday , april 23, 2015 hursday, april 23, 2015 Thursday ,O arienTal pril 23,n 2015 ew yOrk M andarin OrienTal new yOrk Mandarin OrienTal yOrk Mandarin 80 Columbus Circle atn 60ew Street

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80 Columbus Circle atth60th Street New York, NY 10023 80 Columbus Circle 6010023 Street New York,atNY New York, NY 10023

Exhibit Exhibitand andReception Reception--6:00 6:00PM PM Exhibit and Reception -PM 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 Dinner - 7:00 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM TThe BOard Of TrusTees he BOard Of TrusTees The BOard OfofofTrusTees of nnew yOrk TheOlOgical seMinary ew yOrk TheOlOgical seMinary new y TheOlOgical eMinary isOrk honored and pleased to s present the is honored and pleased to present the is honored and pleased to present the

2015 angel awardees 2015uurBan rBan angel awardees 2015 urBan angel awardees

Bishop Joaquin Peña & Bishop Joaquin Peña & Rev. LuzPeña Peña Bishop Joaquin Rev.Pastors Luz Peña& Rev. LuzPastors Peña

Iglesia de Dios Central Newburgh, NY Pastors Iglesia de Dios Central Newburgh, NY Iglesia de Dios Central Newburgh, NY

Jennifer Jones Austin Jennifer Jones Austin Executive Jennifer JonesDirector Austin Executive Director Federation of Protestant Executive Federation of Protestant WelfareDirector Agencies, NY Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, NY Welfare Agencies, NY

Sam Kim Sam Kim Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees Sam Kim Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees

Englewood Hospital & Medical Center, NJ Vice Chairman, Board Trustees Englewood &ofKids, Medical andHospital New City NJ Center, NJ Englewood Hospital & Medical Center, and New City Kids, NJ NJ and New City Kids, NJ

For additional information, visit www.nyts.edu/gala or contact For additional information, visit www.nyts.edu/gala or contact Gemma Barrow at 212-870-1241; or e-mail: gbarrow@nyts.edu For Gemma additional information, visit www.nyts.edu/gala or contact Barrow at 212-870-1241; or e-mail: gbarrow@nyts.edu Gemma Barrow at 212-870-1241; or e-mail: gbarrow@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 NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500, New York, NY 10115 | (T) 212-870-1211 | (F) 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

R C

GREAT

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.

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

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

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor

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

Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, Pastor

St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso 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. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. 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 Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Dr. Gadson L. Graham Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, 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 Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor Greater Faith Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Larry L. Marcus 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

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Ron Christian, Pastor

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Drek E. Broomes, President & CEO

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

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

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

Lagree Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Wayland Williams, Jr., Pastor

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

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

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, 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. Tracey 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. Dr. 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

The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior 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 Marion P. Thomas Charter School 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 Nubian Conservatory of Music 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

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ADRIAN COUNCIL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

On Cephas Bowles and Our Jazz Legacy: Positive Music Matters about Cephas. He told us that he was a boy soldier recruited at gun-point at the age of 9, to fight in the Nigerian Biafra Civil War of the early 70’s. Amidst the carnage and destruction around him, he confessed that it was the jazz music broadcast over the Voice of America to his transistor radio that saved his life and kept his sanity.

When he came to this country to work at the UN, he sought-out the area’s #1 jazz radio station and that’s how he met Cephas Bowles. This gentleman went on to become a member of the WBGO board of directors. He said that he was on assignment for the UN, in the Middle East, counseling young people affected by the trauma of war, when he heard the news about Cephas.

Cephas Bowles (1952–2015)

T

he jazz community throughout New York, New Jersey and beyond is saddened by the recent passing of radio executive, Cephas Bowles (1952–2015). The first and only African American President and CEO of a public radio station, Newark’s WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM. For more than 20 years, this Newark native, the son of a Baptist preacher, would lead the way, touching the lives of hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of music lovers through his ministry at “America’s premier jazz radio station!” Unofficially, Cephas was a conservator of an original American art-form—our great music legacy—jazz!

At the wake, an African diplomat shared his remarks

10 The The Positive Positive Community Community March March2015 2015 40 thepositivecommunity.com

Jazz Matters Over the years Cephas and I knew of each other primarily through our respective professions. We were always kind to one another. In 2002, I lead a committee of volunteers for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) of NJ, African Americans for Diabetes Awareness Committee, co-chaired by Kaylyn Kendall Dines. Our charge: to take the message about the looming threat and devastating impact of diabetes to the people--our churches, schools, businesses, community institutions and their leadership. Cephas became a volunteer; WBGO became a media partner. Several of our inaugural meetings were hosted at the offices of the radio station.

The good people at Jazz 88 even provided refreshments and hospitality. In 2005, our committee was recognized nationally by ADA as the #1 African American Program in the country!

Cephas and I last saw each other just days before he took medical leave from the radio station. He invited me to lunch and we had a wonderful time! We talked about music, the broadcasting and publishing business, the church, our community and our families. He had much praise for the work that Jean Wells and I do with the magazine and he thanked us for editorial coverage of WBGO’s community outreach initiaUpbeat, WBGO’s program guide

Music literacy is cultural literacy! The following Champions of Jazz Gala 2013

tives. Under his leadership, WBGO doubled its listening audience as well as its membership contributions!

A Positive Community Cephas was very happy about the growth of live jazz music in the sanctuary, through the monthly Jazz Vespers series at local churches: Bethany BC, in Newark, Abyssinian BC in Harlem, Emmanuel BC in Brooklyn and Shiloh BC in Plainfield NJ, to name a few. He reminded me that he was a devoted member of Fountain BC in Summit, NJ where Rev. J Michael Sanders is pastor.

He did share his concern however,about the lack of involvement by our young people in jazz and the cultural continuity of the art. The WBGO Free Jazz for Kids Concert Series is the radio station’s best attempt to make the connection (see kids@wbgo.org.) I promised that The Positive Community will continue to support his life’s work—his legacy , and that we will assist the Jazz 88 leadership team in future outreach efforts.

Cephas Bowles was a good man, a friend to many--a credit to the race. Thank God for this committed life of service and the ideals of a great torchbearer for progress.

Indeed, positive music matters; jazz matters, cultural literacy—a positive community ideal really matters!

ee r F

K I D S J A Z Z Concert Series

thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

is a list of Cephas’s favorite musical artists submitted by his wife, Linda and the Bowles family.

Identify the artist, research their lives and times— their music.

Jimmy Smith Rhoda Scott Charles Earland Miles Davis John Coltrane Thelonious Monk Lionel Hampton Ahmad Jamal Horace Silver Antonio Carlos Jobim Milton Nascimento Herbie Hancock Abby Lincoln Sarah Vaughn Dee Dee Bridgewater

Diane Reeves Ella Fitzgerald Billie Holiday Will Downing (big fan!)

Jill Scott Eryka Badu Mary, Mary Yolanda Adams Sweet Honey in the Rock Hezekiah Walker Marvin Sapp Tamela Mann George Clinton Snoop Dog Deep House Music Space Music Marvin Gaye

At The Positive Community, we are compiling a list of popular music that celebrates life---the very best of African American culture, values and traditions. Name the songs and artists that should be added. Choose from the Negro Sprituals, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, R&B and Hip Hop. Visit thepositivecommunity.com to register.

A musical time capsule will be created as a faith-gift of love and hope for future generations. In 2063, our descendants will witness the centennial of the March on Washington and the 200th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Let’s pass along our great musical legacy!

In June 2015, African American Music Appreciation Month aka, Black Music Month, we will close the list and seal the capsule. It becomes a valuable possession of time: our musical story, a beautiful soundtrack— the trials, tribulations and triumphs a loving, gifted people revealed!

Submit your playlist today . . . #PositiveMusicMatters March2015 2015 The The Positive Positive Community Community 41 11 March

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.

Pray on, Sisters!

S

omething happens when black women pray. Some may say this is a biased declaration. Okay, but something happens when black women pray. You see, we’ve had to pray for so many things down through the years—things that were of little concern to our white female counterparts.

Black mothers—both back in the day and today— have to tell their children, “Don’t run out of a store.

Someone might think you’ve stolen something,” and “Don’t wear a hoodie or keep your hands in your pockets; police might think you have a weapon.” Then, those same women have to pray that their kids remember what they were told.

Black women have prayed and sadly, still have to pray that their man will return to them at the end of the working day unharmed and intact. Still others pray that an encounter that may occur between their sons, husbands or brothers with a police officer will not be a fatal encounter at the end of the day… In some instances those men are dodging a stray bullet in the form of

12 The Positive Community

March 2015

unfair practices or being wrongly accused of an infraction at work.

Black women prayed that the walls of racism would come tumbling down during those turbulent years when the likes of law enforcement officer Bull Connor and Gov. George Wallace persecuted scores of innocent blacks who simply wanted their humanity respected.

Those women prayed even as they felt the lash of the whip on their fragile black bodies, and they kept on praying. PUSH is the acronym a number of black churches use: Pray Until Something Happens—that’s what we did and continue to do.

A number of black women prayed incessantly when there was more month than money and the black-eyed peas and ham hocks had to quell the churning of hungry stomachs. They prayed that the food would stretch and the money would last and in the meantime made miracles happen in cast iron pots where what was meant to be stew became soup because it fed more mouths.

Oh, how many times did black women pray to maintain their composure as they were being dissed as domestic workers by “Miss Ann,” their white employer who had dominion over the household? Because they prayed and stayed, many were able to send their own children off to college to have a better life and lifestyle.

And they taught those children how to properly treat people regardless of their station in life.

When black women pray, they know the situation may not be altered or changed, but praying enables them to keep on keepin’ on in spite of it all, and that keepin’ on enables countless others to keep doing what they need to do—which might affect some sort of change… perhaps even the change for which that sista originally prayed. God does work in mysterious ways, you know.

When black women pray, they can face a world that erroneously and maliciously tells them they’re not as pretty, as smart, or as industrious as their white female counterparts. But when they put their Sunday-go-tomeetin’ hats atop their heads then bow them in prayer, they believe they are as important as the queen of England.

And they are. thepositivecommunity.com

HEALTH MEDICAL

EAST GROUP

Light Breakfast & Lunch/Discussion/Networking/Vendors

AFRICAN AMERICAN

Be Informed • Be encouraged • Be Inspired

Saturday, March 28, 2015 9:00AM- 1:30PM Welcome: Deborah Smith SVP, Community Affairs Manager Wells Fargo Bank Keynote Speaker: Sydelle Ross, MD Health East Medical Group

WHO CHANGE

THE GAME

Moderator: Ursula Parrish Daniels, Ed.D Executive Assistant to the President Bergen Community College

Panelists

Tai Cooper Senior Policy advisor Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Dee Marshall (Dee Marshall.com) CEO Girlfriends Pray

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Michelle Jean CEO & co-founder Zesa Raw

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Jennifer Jones Austin CEO/Executive Director Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)

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Michael T. Pugh

Money BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK

Deborah C. Wright Retires From Carver Michael T. Pugh Tapped for Job As Chief Executive Officer

BY JEAN NASH WELLS

T

he retirement of Deborah C. Wright after 15 years of service as chief executive officer of Carver Federal Savings Bank on December 31, 2014 might have been conundrum for other organizations. After all, the esteemed Ms. Wright was no easy act to follow.

According to Robert Holland, lead independent director, she has doubled the bank’s branch footprint, increased assets by sixty-five percent and led product innovations including Carver Community Cash, which provides a suite of check cashing and related services to customers who do not have a traditional deposit-based relationship with a bank. As a result, Holland reported, “A third of Carver Community Cash customers have subsequently opened deposit-based accounts with Carver, reflecting both the community need and strength of the Carver brand. Moreover,” he continued, “Debbie led the successful recapitalization of Carver during the depths of the credit crisis. She has been an integral part of our success and history.”

Fortunately, after working side by side with Ms. Wright since he was recruited as chief revenue officer in 2012, Michael T. Pugh was deemed the best person for the job.

Pugh, 43, is a seasoned retail and commercial banking executive with more than 22 years of experience working across various market cycles. He was promoted

14

The Positive Community March 2015

to president and chief operating officer at Carver in January 2013.

He had worked at Capital One, N.A., as senior vice president, regional executive and market president of the Eastern Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. markets. He earned a B.S. degree from Eastern Michigan University.

For her part, Deborah Wright explained, "This is the right time for leadership transition at Carver. I look forward to continuing to work with Michael and our Board of Directors as Carver deepens its impact in the communities we serve. I am confident,” she said, “he is the right person to lead an excellent team at Carver in achieving its high aspirations.”

In accepting the position, Pugh thanked the Board and “…Debbie for her leadership and contributions to our organization over the past 15 years. Carver has a compelling future ahead as our team concentrates on achieving our financial and operational goals, and continuing a legacy of service to New York City's urban communities."

Ms. Wright will continue to serve as the Company's non-executive chairman of the Board. She will join the Ford Foundation as a Senior Fellow in the Economic Opportunity and Assets program. thepositivecommunity.com

Brooklyn Borough President Honors Pauline Barfield L–R: Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, Pauline Barfield and Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., New York City Councilmember, 36th District

P

auline Barfield, president and CEO of Barfield Public Relations, Inc., was honored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams for her more than 20 years in business and her many contributions to Brooklyn’s economy.

From Fortune 500 firms to local development corporations, Barfield has worked in public relations, media relations, and advertising spanning the fields of healthcare, government, business-to-business, education, construction communications, and the arts.

She has extensive experience in coordinating marketing/advertising campaigns, special events, generating

media placements, and promoting community initiatives.

Prior to forming her own firm, Barfield worked as an associate producer for NBC-TV News; as a programmer for NBC Network Radio and on the Press Staff of WCBSTV. She was an account supervisor for the Rowland Company public relations firm.

Dedicated to community service, Barfield serves on the Board of Directors of the Medgar Evers Education Foundation; she is active with the MWBE Committee of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and a member of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch. Barfield is a graduate of Brooklyn College.

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Albert Hinds Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 1983 Marcus Avenue, Suite 210 Lake Success, NY 11042 (516) 354-5775 ahinds@ft.newyorklife.com www.alberthinds.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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March 2015 The Positive Community

15

Walk to Washington

I

Steve Adubato and Leecia Eve, VP, Verizon

Photos: Vincent Bryant

t’s called “Walk to Washington,” but it’s a train ride from Newark’s Penn Station with stops along the way in other New Jersey cities, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. It is a chance for the 900 riders to walk through the 13 cars on the chartered Amtrak train where they can meet and greet the captive politicians and corporate leaders in a rather fun, informal way and at least begin the machinations of a deal or two. Hosted by the NJ Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by some of New Jersey largest corporations, the event begins with a Verizon sponsored breakfast at Newark’s Gateway Hilton Hotel and culminates in Washington, DC where there’s a grand reception followed by a dinner honoring New Jersey’s congressional delegation. Among the speakers this year (78th annual) were Governor Chris Christie and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Donald Norcross, and Tom MacArthur.

Journalist and Broadcaster, Steve Adubato interviews Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Luis Quintana, Newark Councilman-at-large and NJ State Senator Ron Rice

L–R: Wali Abdul-Salaam, Yvette Beckett Roland, Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, City of Orange Newark Chief of Staff Amiri “Middy” Baraka, Jr. and Felipe Luciano, director of Communications Newark Sam Delgado, VP, External Affairs, Verizon

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp City of Plainfield

Felipe Luciano; Adrian Council, Jr. and Marc Williams, both of The Positive Community

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The Positive Community March 2015

L–R: Shivaun Gaines, director of Government Relations, Montclair State University; Sarah E. Jones, district director for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.; Brian Hague, VP Public Affairs, MWW thepositivecommunity.com

Milton Anderson Joins Barnabas Health

W

thepositivecommunity.com

OPEN IN HARLEM!

Bradford Washington DMD, MS Licensed Orthodontist Harvard School of Dental Medicine

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Cathedral Pkwy (110th St.) [B,C]

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Central Park

Marcus Garvey Memorial Park

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ith over 20 years of international and domestic experience in Human Resources, Milton Anderson was chosen after a nationwide search, as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Barnabas Health.

Prior to his appointment at Barnabas in December, Anderson was CHRO at UMass Memorial Health Care System, Inc., in Worcester, MA, a system comprised of five hospitals, with the UMass Medical School affiliation and 13,500 employees. From 2008 to 2011, he served as CHRO at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, with 10,000 employees and $2.5 billion in operating revenue at the time of his tenure. He was especially engaged in strategic planning, HR financial operations and budget management, communications, compensation structure, labor relations, development of diversity affinity groups and advocacy for diversity in the workplace.

It is the responsibility of Human Resources to provide employees with an outstanding environment in which to work, collaborate and grow. Barnabas’ 21,000 employees will benefit greatly from Anderson’s unique experience of working in both hospitals and diverse industries. Prior to his positions at UMass and Montefiore, he held leadership positions in Human Resources at several organizations, including: The Walt Disney Company, as VP of Corporate Human Resources for its subsidiary, ESPN, where he was responsible for all aspects of ESPN’s international and domestic HR generalist and employee relations activity; and Marriott International, Inc., advancing to regional VP for Human Resources – Northeast and managing a $2.5 billion business with over 14,000 employees.

Milton Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, in Madison, NJ. —JNW

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March 2015 The Positive Community

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L–R: Patricia Nelson with Preston Pinket, of City National Bank

L–R: Paulette Brown, Desiree Rogers, John Harmon, April Ryan and Janus Holder

African American Chamber of Commerce

D

esiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, delivered the keynote address during the 5th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala, hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) on February 19, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. Christen Rochon, publisher of Divas & Dorks, was mistress of ceremonies for the celebration

honoring: Paulette Brown, president-elect of the American Bar Association; Janus Holder, president of EJE Travel; Rochelle Hendricks, NJ Secretary of Higher Education; and April Ryan, a White House correspondent at American Urban Radio. Hosea Johnson is chairman of AACCNJ. Closing remarks were delivered by John E. Harmon, Sr., chairman, National Black Chamber of Commerce.

The Homes for Veterans Program

$50 Million Commitment from SONYMA for Homes for Veterans The Homes for Veterans Mortgage Program from the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) is open to: • Active Military, National Guard and Reservists who are first-time homebuyers.

• Honorably discharged National Guard and Reservists who are first-time homebuyers.

• Military Veterans who have served in active military, naval, air service and who have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Program Features: • Fixed interest rate of 3.500%.

• Down payment assistance up to $15,000.

• 97% financing.

• As little as a 1% borrower cash contribution.

• Financing for home improvements can be included.

www.sonyma.org (800) 382-HOME (4663) Andrew M. Cuomo Governor

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The Positive Community March 2015

Darryl C. Towns Commissioner/CEO

thepositivecommunity.com

The HCCI Board of Directors and the Honorary Dinner Chairs Cordially Invite You To 13th ANNUAL “LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER” AWARDS DINNER

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Marina del Rey

One Marina Drive, Throgs Neck, NY 10465 6:00 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Dinner & Program For tickets call: 212-281-4887, ext. 221 or visit www.hcci.org HONORING:

ROSEMONDE PIERRE-LOUIS Commissioner Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence

CAPTAIN PAUL WASHINGTON Former President The Vulcan Society FDNY

DEBORAH L. JOHNSON Vice President Chase Bank

NEW HERITAGE JEAN NASH THEATRE GROUP WELLS Accepted by Co-Founder & Executive Producer Editor-in-Chief Voza Rivers The Positive Community

REV. DENNIS A. DILLON President The Christian Times

GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Accepted by President & CEO Lloyd A. Williams

With Special Recognition to HCCI’s Founding President - Bishop Preston R. Washington, Sr. Accepted by Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner

“Essex County understands the important role that women have had in shaping our communities and changing the world. This March, to celebrate Women’s History Month, we invite you to visit our bronze statues honoring two great women – Rosa Parks and Althea Gibson.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive and the Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite You to Celebrate

Women’s History Month Rosa Parks Statue Dedicated October 1, 2014

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

Black History Month Special: WATCH: ”LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING”

BY NEW ARTIST EVERY DAY

Essex County Veterans Courthouse 50 West Market St. Newark, NJ

Althea Gibson Statue Dedicated March 28, 2012

Essex County Branch Brook Park Heller Parkway and Branch Brook Drive, Newark, NJ

Visit Frequently…there’s always something new

Check us out on Facebook Join the fastest growing online community

THEPOSITIVECOMMUNITY.COM! 20

The Positive Community March 2015

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Department of Neighborhood & Recreational Services Patrick Council, Director Obaloji Jones, Acting Manager

Newark Recreation 2015 Spring/Summer Schedule

African Dance C Classes @J.F.K. Rec. Center

Underwater Rugby @J.F.K. Rec. Center SJKG/Ironbound 226 Rome St. 973-733-5838/3707 East Ward

Lifeguard Training Course @SJKG/Ironbound

“ We Are Newark” Field Trips @ Citi Field

Karate @ St. Peter’s Rec. Center

Youth Summit All Centers

Hayes West 179 Boyd St. 973-733-3959 Central Ward

St.Peter’s Rec. Ctr. 378 Lyons Ave. 973-733-8006 South Ward

Tumbling Mayor’s Program Tournament @J.F.K. Rec. Center @J.F.K. Rec. Center

Learn 2 Swim @J.F.K. Rec. Center J.F.K.Rec. Center 211 W. Kinney St. 973-733-5483 Central Ward

Senior Aerobics

@ J.F.K. Rec. Center

Boylan St Rec.Center 916 So. Orange Ave. 973-733-8947 West Ward

For dates, times and other information contact your nearest Center or call: 973-733-6454

Black History Month Awards Reception Photos: Seitu Oronde

B

usiness and civic leaders gathered to honor local legends during the NY Chamber of Commerce Black History Month awards reception on February 26th at The Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem. The 2015 honorees are: Dr. Eda Hastick; Derek Broomes, president, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement; Dr. Roy A. Hastick, CEO/founder Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce; Wellington Sharpe, TWU; Vera Moore, CEO of Vera Moore Cosmetics; Dr. Solomon Wallace, past Grand Master Prince Hall Masons; Stephanie Francis and Tony Rogers, founding members of Harlem Week; Major General Joseph McNeil, member of the Greensboro Four lunch counter sit-ins.

L–R: Dr. Esta Hastick, Derek Broomes, Dr. Roy Hastick, and Wellington Sharpe

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of Ministry (DMin) Degree • Alliance Theological Seminary: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Professional Studies • MA in Mental Health Counseling • MS in Organizational Leadership–finish in as little as 12 months • MBA–finish in as little as 16 months • MS in Childhood Education, Childhood Special Education, TESOL • MA in Ancient Judaism and Christian Origins

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The Positive Community March 2015

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“

KIPP New Jersey is preparing my children, not just for college, but the real world as well.”

– Seek and Rise Academy Parent

KIPP New Jersey supports our kids to and through college.

95% 77%

More African American students went on to four-year colleges from our high school (Newark Collegiate) than any other high

of seniors to college of 8th grade grads to college*

*Whether they went to our high school or not.

school in Newark.

Students stay with KIPP New Jersey.

KIPP New Jersey’s attrition rate is one of the lowest in Newark.

7%

Our student attrition

Student attrition is the percentage of students who leave a school within a school year.

Student attrition at individual Newark schools. (less is better)

We serve students who need us.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Our school demographics closely

mirror those of the Newark Public Schools.

KIPP Schools are public. That means free to apply and attend.

KIPP New Jersey’s schools are public schools. We are publicly funded, free to attend and have no entrance requirements or tests to get in.

enroll, apply and get more info at: www.kippnj.org

FREE & REDUCED MEALS KIPP New Jersey

87%

Newark Public

85%

UMBA Quarterly Session Rev. Lee A. Arrington, UMBA former moderator and pastor Paradise Baptist Church, NYC

T L–R: Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner, 2nd vice moderator and host pastor Memorial Baptist Church, NYC; Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, 1st vice moderator and pastor Mt. Carmel BC, Bronx, NY; Deaconess Wilhelma Keyes, president UMBA Women’s Auxiliary and Rev. Jeffrey Crenshaw, pastor Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church, NYC

he First Quarterly Session of United Missionary Baptist Association took place in Harlem at Memorial Baptist Church from January 27th through January 30th. The theme was Jesus Christ: God’s Eternal Yes! (II Corinthians 1:2-22).

Reverend Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner was the host pastor and 2nd vice moderator. Assistant Financial Secretary Rev. Patricia A. Morris became the first woman to preach during the UMBA opening session since the association began in 1955. Rev. Kevin Quarles, Rev. Jeffrey Crenshaw, Rev. James Kilgore, Rev. Reggie Williams and Rev. Franklin Chandler addressed several auxiliaries including: Laymen, Women, Ushers, Ministers, Wives, Widows and Nurses. Male choruses from churches within the Association sang for the glory of God. Photos: Bruce Moore

L–R: Rev. James Kilgore, pastor Friendship Baptist Church, NYC and Rev. Dr. Anthony Lowe, 1st vice moderator & pastor Mt. Carmel BC, Bronx, NY The UMBA Women's Auxiliary Session Closing Moments

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The Positive Community March 2015

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It’s happening at

Columbia in March

Through Thursday, March 14

Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, 8th Floor Schermerhorn, Morningside campus African American artist Romare Bearden’s iconic works based on Homer’s The Odyssey returned home last year. This may be the last chance to see these dazzling collages and other works. Gallery hours: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 1:00–5:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 1:00–8:00 p.m. For more info, visit www.columbia.edu/bearden. For iOS and Android tour apps, visit www.sites.si.edu.

Tuesday, March 3 Violentology: Conflict, Political Change and Human Rights in Colombia 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

802 International Affairs, Morningside campus Award-winning photographer Stephen Ferry explores conflict, political change and human rights in Colombia in this photographic exhibit. Ferry’s work has appeared in National Geographic, GEO, TIME and The New York Times, among other outlets.For more info, email toilasRSVP@gmail.com.

Wednesday, March 4 Screening: Oil and Water 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

1501 International Affairs, Morningside campus The price of gasoline at the pump doesn’t reflect the social and environmental costs of oil development. This documentary tells the story of people and places in the Amazon Basin harmed by irresponsible oil development. Free tickets at www.truepriceofoil.eventbrite.com. For more info, email ilasrsvp@gmail.com.

Global Mayors Forum: Michael Nutter 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1501 International Affairs Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia will speak about his innovative school reform strategy, his cutting-edge community policing, and his longstanding commitment to making Philadelphia the greenest city in America. For more info, contact Kevin Gully at tokg2515@columbia.edu or (212) 851-0264.

Thursday, March 5 Composer Portraits: Augusta Read Thomas 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside Campus Augusta Read Thomas wowed audiences and critics at her first Miller Portrait a decade ago and returns with a program that includes Resounding Earth, a percussion tour-de-force that brings together bells from around the world. For more info, email miller-arts@ columbia.edu or call (212) 854-7799.

Saturday, March 7

NYC Feminist Zine Fest Saturday, March 7, 2015 - 12:00pm - 6:00pm James Room, 4th Floor Barnard Hall, Barnard campus Barnard proudly hosts the second Feminist Zine Fest, which showcases the work of artists and zine makers of all genders who identify on the feminist spectrum.

Free tables are available to zine-makers interested in exhibiting their work. Advance registration for tables is required; email jfreedman@barnard.edu. For more info, contact Lindsay Stuffle at tolstuffle@ barnard.edu or (212) 854-2037.

Women’s Basketball vs. Princeton 7:00 p.m.

Levien Gymnasium, Dodge Physical Fitness Center, Morningside campus For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Jazz: Aaron Diehl Quartet 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Electrifying vibraphonist Warren Wolf joins the Aaron Diehl Trio. The quartet draws inspiration from John Lewis’ Modern Jazz Quartet with vibraphonist Milt Jackson, an appreciation jazz lovers will recognize in the captivating mix of bebop and hard-swing with melodic precision.

Visit www.millertheatre.com to purchase tickets ($20-$30). For more info, email miller-arts@columbia.edu or call (212) 854-7799.

Tuesday, March 10 Race and Justice: Past, Present, Future 6:15 p.m.

104 Jerome Greene Hall, Morningside campus This roundtable examines race-based injustices in America and how they inform the criminal justice system. Speakers: Khalil Gibran Muhammad, director, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and Glenn E. Martin, author of The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime and the Making of Modern America. Moderated by Columbia Dean of Social Science Alondra Nelson. Free. For more info, visit www.heymancenter.org/events.

Wednesday, March 11

Voix de Femmes (Voices of Women) 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

East Gallery, Buell Hall, Morningside Campus These staged assemblages of poetry and music in French shine a spotlight on post-colonial writings by women from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, with Malian music by Awa Sangho. Handout available in English. Discussion in English to follow. For more info, email toll2787@columbia.edu or visit www.maisonfrancaise.org/events.

Christians and the Politics of Prison Ministry 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ella Weed Room, 2nd Floor Milbank Hall, Barnard campus In prisons throughout the United States, punitive incarceration and religious revitalization are occurring simultaneously. Faith-based programs operate under the logic that religious conversion and redemption will transform prisoners into new human beings. Writer, professor and Soros Justice Media Fellow Tanya Erzen asks why Christian prison ministries are on the rise in these settings? For more info, call (212) 854.2597 or email Lindsay Stuffle at tolstuffle@barnard.edu.

Thursday, March 12 Eurochannel Short Films Tour 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

East Gallery, Buell Hall, Morningside campus Maison Francaise hosts the Eurochannel Short Films Tour for a screening of the Outsiders program, featuring six short movies from diverse regions and genres and offering a stirring exploration of Europe today. Films in French with English subtitles, followed by a moderated discussion in French. Free. Visit www. maisonfrancaise.org/events for details.

Wednesday, March 4 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. Additional sessions held April 1, May 6 and June 3. Registration required.

For more info and to reserve a seat, call (212) 851-1551, email communityjobs@columbia.edu 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.

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.

Friday, March 13

Art Spiegelman and Phillip Johnston: Wordless!

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus In WORDLESS!, a hybrid of slides, talk and musical performance, Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman probes the nature and possibilities of his medium. Phillip Johnston, the critically acclaimed jazz composer, accompanies the cartoonist’s personal tour of the graphic novels and silent pictures that influenced him. As they explore the battle between words and pictures, they smash at the hyphen between High and Low Art. For tickets and more info, visit www .millertheatre.com.

Tuesday, March 24 Concert: Yarn/Wire 6:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus This quartet performs new works that introduce electronics to their unique piano and percussion make-up. Thomas Meadowcroft explores how we make and consume music in Walkman Antiquarian, overlaying the performance with audio samples. Harmonies slide into focus and dissolve in Constellations, as composer Chiyoko Szlavnics interweaves sine waves with instrumentation. Free, first-come, first-served, doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more info, visit www.millertheatre.com.

Without Cover of the Law: Writing the History of Enslaved Women 6:30 p.m.

Event Oval, The Diana Center Drawing on her work about slavery at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, historian Annette Gordon-Reed will discuss the way law influences the portrayal of enslaved women and their families. For more info, visit http://bcrw.barnard.edu.

Sunday, March 29 CUMC Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert 3:00 p.m.

Alumni Auditorium, Black Building, 630 W. 168 St., Medical Center campus Tschaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, Mvt. 1, featuring Elliott Huang on violin; and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, conducted by Hanjay Wang. Tickets $5 at the door, children under 12 free.

For more info, email cumc.symphony@ gmail.com.

How to Transform Lenovo’s Recent Struggles into a Positive for your Business

C

hinese computer hardware giant Lenovo has had a rough couple of weeks. First, reports emerged about some of the company’s consumer notebooks which, since September 2014 have come pre-loaded with Superfish, a third-party adware that made customers vulnerable to so-called “man-in-the-middle” attacks that could de-encrypt or compromise secure data from banking and e-commerce sites — all in the name of loading customized ads onto the sites you visit.

In January, Lenovo began disabling Superfish, announced it would no longer pre-load the software on new computers, and then built a program to remove

all traces of it from existing machines. But on February 25th, Lenovo.com was hacked, presumably because of public criticism of the company and its perceived sluggishness in responding to the Superfish issue. No breach of Lenovo’s internal network was discovered, and users were only redirected to a hacked site for a short period of time.

Still, the incident added insult to injury for an already embarrassed Lenovo. But instead of highlighting the negatives of the situation, let’s take this as an opportunity to highlight the positives of developing a relationship with a trusted IT provider.

5 Reasons to Work With a Managed Services Provider Before you make a purchasing decision, enlist the help of a trusted IT advisor. CMIT Solutions maintains close relationships with major software/hardware companies. So when you’re ready to make a business investment, not only can we help you choose the right equipment for your needs, but we can also provide long-term assessments of security and risk.

Proactive IT services can minimize the risk of adware, spyware, and malware. Many Lenovo customers had the Superfish adware running on their notebooks for months. CMIT’s remote monitoring and maintenance solution provides around-the-clock anti-virus, antimalware, and anti-spyware support that specializes in catching and resolving such problems.

Working with a trusted partner means you don’t have to panic when situations like these arise. Technology changes faster than any other aspect of our modern world. But at CMIT Solutions, our network of technicians were checking the status of all clients’ systems — Lenovo notebooks or not — as soon as news of the adware situation broke. As a business owner, you can’t keep up with every new security problem: that’s what we’re here for.

Case in point: the problem isn’t just limited to Lenovo. Superfish worked with other 3rd-party vendors to handle secure SSL connections between Internet browsers and websites. Facebook revealed that more than a dozen other applications used the same 3rd-party SSL software as Superfish, which means this security issue could spread (similar to last year’s Heartbleed vulnerability). A trusted IT advisor knows to check those issues, too.

It all comes down to trust. Even though Lenovo emphasized that only consumer notebooks were loaded with the aforementioned adware, every computer user is right to suspect that they may have issues, too — especially because loading so-called “bloatware” like Superfish on computers is common in the consumer PC industry. So are you going to trust the multinational company selling you a laptop at a cut-rate price? Or the local IT provider you can meet face to face to assess your business needs and compare different types of systems?

CMIT Solutions treats the purchasing decisions of its clients like we would our own: with meticulous care, objective scrutiny, and an eye toward efficiency, security, and return on investment. Contact us today to learn more about how we worry about IT so that you don’t have to.

Contact us today to learn more about how we worry about IT so you don't have to.

26

The Positive Community March 2015

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663• 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty thepositivecommunity.com

Inez Dickens and Hon. David N. Dinkins

100 Black Men of NY Gala

T

he Board of Directors of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. (OHBM) of New York honored seven business and civic leaders at the organization’s 35th Annual Benefit Gala held on Thursday, February 19, 2015. Nearly 500 guests attended the celebration at the New York Hilton Hotel that honored Torrence Boone, Global Head of Agency Sales & Services, Google; Duane C. Farrington, EVP/CAO, State Farm; Carla A. Harris, vice chair, Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley; Hon. Charles B. Rangel, U.S. House of Representatives; Amar’e Stoudemire, professional basketball player, six-time All-Star New York Knicks power forward, actor, author, producer, motivational speaker and philanthropist; Gary Smalls, recognized as Mentor of the Year; and former NYPD Chief of Department Phillip Banks III, who received a special surprise award – The Robert J. Mangum Founders’ Award.

“It is my distinct privilege to join you tonight to celebrate 52 years of leadership, advocacy and community service, by honoring individuals whose professional leadership, service and empathy for others are consistent with the mission and vision of our founders and the core values of One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York,” said OHBM President Michael J. Garner.

thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Eugene Mitchell, NY Life; Michael Pugh, CEO Carver Bank

L–R: Robert Haywood; Andrea Elder-Howell; Duane Farrington, EVP/CAO, State Farm; Steven Board; Renaldo Stroud, OHBM board member

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad and Margo Jordan

L–R: James B. Milliken, chancellor, CUNY; Hazel Dukes and George Hulse

Will Brown, Jr. co-chair, gala committee; Rev. Jacques Andre De Graff; Phil Banks III; former NYPD chief of Department, Michael J. Garner and Robert B. Brown, 3rd VP, OHBM and CFO, New York Yankees

Michael Jones- Bey, director Supplier-Diversity, Con Edison; Rudy Crew, president of Medgar Evers College; Kevin Parker, New York State Senator; Steven A. Board, executive director, OHBM New York Michael J. Garner, OHBM president; and Chief Diversity Officer MTA with Hilton Smith, SVP, Turner Construction Company March 2015 The Positive Community

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Announcment of Price Institute: President Barchi, Mary Sue, Jarmila, and James Price

Lonnie Bunch

Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Clement Price Remembered

T

he 35th Anniversary of the Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series honored the memory of Dr. Clement Alexander Price (1945-2014), founder of the series and distinguished professor of History at Rutgers-Newark. Following Dr. Price’s tradition, the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience at Rutgers University-Newark sponsored the event, “Curating Black America.” Lonnie G. Bunch, III, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institute described “the Challenge of Building a National Museum.” Robert Stanton, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and former National Park Service director, spoke on “Towards the Healing of the Nation: Historic Preservation in the National Parks.”

Mary Sue Price

Price Tribute at Newark Museum-Panel.

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The Positive Community March 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

Chancellor Nancy Cantor, Rutgers University Newark

Mayor Ras Baraka

Winners of Clement Price Essay Contest with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno

The lecture series is named after Marion Thompson Wright (1902-1962), the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Later, the Newark Museum hosted a reception and tribute to Dr. Price, who was the official historian of the City of Newark. Sherri-Ann Butterfield of Rutgers-Newark, facilitated presentations by Maxine N. Lurie, NJ Historical Commission; Elizabeth Mattson, NJ State Council on the Arts;

thepositivecommunity.com

and Dr. Robert Barchi, president of Rutgers University. Larry Greene, of the NJ Historical Commission, presented the Mildred Barry Garvin Prize to Virginia D’Antonio, of Abington Avenue School, Newark. Winners of Newark Public School’s Clement A. Price Essay Contest were announced.

Spencer Crew moderated the tribute to Dr. Price, which included speakers Nell Irvin Painter, Taylor Branch, Johnnetta Cole, and Annette Gordon-Reed.

March 2015 The Positive Community

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Culture L I F E , M U S I C , A R T & L I T E R AT U R E

Sacreds, Photographs of Faith Stunning Images

by Bob Gore

BY JUDITH GRIFFIN

I

recently had the opportunity to visit The Interchurch Center in New York City to enjoy Sacreds, Photographs of Faith, an arresting photo exhibition of religious ceremonies and secular events culled from thirty years of documentary photography by Bob Gore. This multi-ethnic collection brings to vivid life forty images of African American and Afro Caribbean worship in churches, mosques, synagogues and other intimate religious services. From New York’s Harlem to other cities across America; to Curacao, Haiti and Jamaica – Mr. Gore has expertly captured the vibrancy of religious rituals performed in a variety of settings, some of which are not typically associated with the black experience.

As noted in a compelling personal essay comprising a part of the exhibit, Gore’s interest in worship diversity began in childhood when as the pastor’s grandson, he enjoyed the status of a front row seat at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, along with the freedom to roam about during the service. It was during these early years that he began to wonder about worship at the other churches that he noticed during his family’s Sunday drive from the West Side of Chicago to the South Side. As the essay explains, this youthful curiosity remained with him through a spiritual journey that has resulted in his association with five different protestant denominations, and led him to pursue photography as the means of expressing a passionate and enduring interest.

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Over the years, Bob Gore has gained unprecedented access to religious events in historic cathedrals, small houses of worship and non-traditional spaces. His distinctive photography has documented the power of Baptist preaching, the earnest solemnity of children in prayer, the sorrow of an Ethiopian Orthodox prelate’s funeral, the hope of baptisms in the waters of the Atlantic, and the unpublicized Bahamas visit of a recently freed Nelson Mandela.

Importantly, Sacreds also reminds viewers of the faith community’s historic and significant role in civil rights advocacy, political activism and community development.

Through this latest project, Sacreds, Gore shares with an appreciative audience his deeply held, personal conviction that it is through faith that we deepen our understanding of ourselves and one another. thepositivecommunity.com

March 2015 The Positive Community

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I’ll Always Love My—

Mama!

Bob Gore

Vy Higgensen and Ahmaya Knoelle Make Music and Culture a Family Affair

BY R.L. WITTER

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remember Mama . . . I remember going to see Tisha Campbell in Mama, I Want to Sing! as a little girl in the 1980s. I can recall hearing commercials for the show on the radio, too. And beyond hearing Campbell’s voice soar in those radio spots, I recall hearing at the end of the commercial, “produced by Vy Higgensen.” That name and the unmistakable voice that went with it were already familiar to me from the radio on WBLS and WWRL. It seemed that I heard Vy Higgensen’s name often, and over the years that hasn’t changed.

Mama, I Want to Sing became a sensation and has played to hundreds of thousands of people of many cultures, races, and faiths. The show has touched the hearts of audiences in performances around the world.

It is the story of Doris Troy, Higgensen’s sister whose hit “Just One Look” catapulted her to fame in the late

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1960s. It made perfect sense for Higginsen to write and produce a musical based on her sister’s story as family, music, and God are the center of a life well-lived by a woman who emits love and positivity. If little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice—then Vy Higgensen is warm sunlight, sweet lemonade, and a gospel melody that begins low and slow and takes you higher while you slap your knee, clap your hands and thank God for another day.

And somehow, she manages to shine her light and share it with others. “She makes you feel like you’re the only person in the world,” said singer, actress, and teacher Ahmaya Knoelle. If anyone knows, it’s Knoelle, who just happens to be Higgensen’s daughter. The two share a bond that comes across in the loving words they speak of each other, as well as the moments of silence thepositivecommunity.com

they share. The love and respect are both palpable and mutual, and are present in the relationship as mother and daughter as well as women and business associates.

“Working with my daughter and seeing her on stage…

Oh my God, how does that happen? It makes you look at things that happen on purpose,” Higgensen reflected.

“It’s almost like we’re the puppets and God’s pulling the strings… It really allows you to tap into a power way higher than yourself, because if you tried to make that happen on your own, how could you?”

“I think I’m living everyday as a dream,” Ahmaya Knoelle added. “Living this legacy and continuing this legacy, is a dream and I wouldn’t want anything less. I have these phenomenal parents and they’ve taught me so much, and it just so happened that my talent lent itself to the things they were doing.” Knoelle possesses a multioctave voice and plays piano as well as having studied musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. “I’m able to work, give back to my community and continue the legacy at the same time… I know that in the long run if I continue this work, then the blessings will come.”

Yes, the blessings will come from God, and so many good things have come from Higgensen’s mother, Geraldine, the “Mama” in Mama, I Want to Sing! “There is this voice in my head from my mother, and that voice is different from how we raise our children today,” Higgensen explained. “I often feel that I need Knoelle to hear my mother’s voice. I need her to hear what I heard, and that can be challenging because it’s a new day…”

Miss Geraldine would be proud to know that she inspired her family to create a lasting legacy that touches thousands of people worldwide, many of whom live in New York and follow their dreams through The Mama Foundation. Born of Higgensen’s desire to pass on African American music and culture to her own daughter, The Mama Foundation and its Gospel for Teens program seek to pass down the music and the knowledge of the ancestors. “My mother was one who brought us up on quotations. For every situation there was a bible verse or a quote from somebody somewhere,” Higgensen explained. “One of my mother’s favorite sayings was ‘So a man thinketh, so a man is.’ And that meant that if you think you can’t, then you can’t and if you think you can, you can. So get over whatever you’re going through and change your mind in the direction you want to go, and words have power. Those are the kinds of things Geraldine would say.”

Knoelle recalls fondly her time with her grandmother, the matriarch of a family filled with inspired and powerful women. “I have lots of memories of her,” she said quietly. “Sunday mornings she’d bring me to church here in New York, and she’d make her famous pancakes . . . She was so in love with God. She was a woman of the church and when you were around her there was such a spiritual energy…”

And today Mama’s love is showered on new generations of New York teens through workshops and performances that help mold and shape them into the people they will become, while teaching them the sounds and history of days past. “What are we teaching our children continued on next page Bob Gore

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MAMA!

continued from previous page

And today Mama’s love is showered on new generations of New York teens through workshops and performances that help mold and shape them into the people they will become, while teaching them the sounds and history of days past. and what do they need to learn about our history in America in music, and the major contributions we’ve made to music?” Higgensen asked when she began the Gospel for Teens program years ago. “The music director said ‘You know, the music we play on Sunday is not written down anywhere. We just pass is down from one to another by ear . . .’ That’s when we wrote the book This is Our Song, which tells the history of gospel music and the meaning of some of the songs that our great, greatgrandparents sang. And that’s the book we use in this program.”

As is true with most women who’ve earned the right to be called “Mama,” there’s enough love to go around. A watchful Knoelle has a firm grasp on Gospel for Teens and has become a formidable leader in her own right. “I observe everything and I study,” she explained. “I study my mother. When she speaks to our teens on Saturday mornings, I watch her so that one day I can continue the same thing and communicate the same way.” Knoelle’s expertise has allowed Higgensen to turn her attention to some more seasoned performers by way of her latest show Alive! Over 55 and Kickin’. Higgensen explained,

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“People would say, ‘You’ve got all of this for the kids, but we want to sing, too!’” Made up of a group of Higgensen’s contemporaries, the musical show features songs and sounds of days past, from spirituals and hymns to doo wop and the blues. The personal stories and experiences of the actual performers are woven into the show, weaving a fabric of joy, pain, love and redemption—the tapestry of black life in America, set to true, American soul music. “Being a part of this AMAZING generation of baby boomers who have done so much and made so many contributions to change the world, I just don’t think it’s over yet,” Higgensen exclaimed. “You’re never too old to do what you love.”

As the mother and daughter team look toward the future, their dreams are large and unfettered, and include more music, movies, television, and other projects that will uplift people and portray African Americans in a positive light. “We’re going to ride this together all the way to the end,” Knoelle declared. She chuckled and said, “You can call this one of Mom’s sayings: There’s no substitute for hard work… and that’s what I’m going to continue to do with her. We live by that.”

When asked to describe Vy Higgensen not as her mother, but as a woman, Knoelle replied, “She’s a pioneer and her communication skills make people feel welcome. She loves God, and is a woman of substance, culture, and spirituality.” Higgensen said of Knoelle, “She is divinely guided and on purpose. Her inner joy can be seen, and she is a rare talent. She is a teacher and an intriguing, elegant stage performer . . . I could go on all day!” The joy and awe were audible in her voice as Higgensen continued, “My husband, Ken Wydro, is an incredible director, writer, and producer and we as a team work together… Knoelle has been a joy and a gift inside of this legacy. Working together as a family has provided us incredible opportunity to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and creatively…”

As the mother and daughter team look toward the future, their dreams are large and unfettered, and include more music, movies, television, and other projects that will uplift people and portray African Americans in a positive light. thepositivecommunity.com

Atlantic City’s Club Harlem

L–R: Voza Rivers and Chuck Jackson

Photos: Seitu Oronde

T L–R: Karen Mackey Witherspoon, Jeree Wade, Sharon Mackey McGee, Sylvia Wong Lewis, Adam Wade, and Byron Lewis

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he stage production On Kentucky Avenue, a celebration of Atlantic City’s Historic Club Harlem, was presented by the City College Center for the Arts in conjunction with Byron and Sylvia Lewis. On February 27th and 28th, CCNY’s Aaron Davis Hall was the site for the performances. Written by Jeree Wade, the play depicted the vibrant night life that existed in Atlantic City before the advent of casinos, which put the small clubs on Kentucky Avenue out of business.

The historic Club Harlem attracted customers from around the globe and impromptu performances by headliners like Frank Sinatra, Milton Berle, and Duke Ellington were common occurrences. On Kentucky Avenue was directed by Adam Wade, with musical direction by Frank Owens and choreography by Ty Stephens, who co-stars with Cheryl Freeman and Andricka Hall.

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African American History Month Luncheon Photos: Karen Waters

Hope Billings Verizon

Leecia Eve, VP, Government Affairs Verizon

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mployees at Verizon (NJ) hosted their commemorative Annual African American History Month luncheon on Thrusday, February 26 at their headquarters in Newark.

“Our Children, Our Culture, Our Faith” was the theme for the keynote address delivered by Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

L–R: Yvette Robinson, Crystal Dengelegi, Sam Delgado, Adrian A. Council, Sr., Marc Clark, Sondra Zelehoski, Glyniss Forbes and Elaine Simmons

FROM ROYALTY TO ROCK STARS

now thru aug.9,2015

Royals & Regalia: Inside the Palaces of Nigeria’s Monarchs

recent photographS by George Osodi

Exhibited for the fi rst time in the U.S., this exhibition showcases 40 large-scale portraits featuring the rulers of modern-day monarchies throughout Nigeria.

Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars A video installation and related photographs, featuring an international group of musicians, is presented in a salon environment — designed by artist Hassan Hajjaj — that offers a contemporary spin on the traditional Moroccan souk or marketplace.

Join us each weekend for fun activities for the entire family.

Family Gallery Workshops Saturdays & Sundays, 1, 2 & 3 pm Greater Newark Mini Maker Faire Saturday, April 11, 11 am-4 pm It’s Good to Be King!

Saturday, April 25, noon-4:30 pm Dinosaur Day Saturday, May 2, noon-4:30 pm Antique Fire Apparatus Muster & Parade Sunday, June 7, noon-4:30 pm

NEW JERSEY C OUNCIL FOR THE HUMANITIES

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newarkmuseum.org 49 washington street, newark, nj 973.596.6550 711 tty On-site parking available for a fee.

These exhibitions are made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations in these exhibitions, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Image by George Osodi courtesy of Z Photographic, Ltd.

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Concord Bestows Coveted Brotherhood Award Recipients D.A. Kenneth Thompson And Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman District Attorney Kenneth Thompson and Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, pastor of Concord Baptist Church

Clarence Robinson presenting to Rev. Daryl G. Bloodsaw, who accepted for Rev. Clarence Norman

BY EULENE INNISS

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ustice and Mercy came face to face at the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Friday, February 28, 2015 when the Brotherhood Ministry of Concord honored Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson and the Reverend Dr. Clarence Norman at a lavish 60th Annual Awards Banquet in the church’s Memorial Hall.

District Attorney Kenneth Thompson made history in 2014. A former federal prosecutor, he defeated the sitting D.A., Charles Hynes, in a landslide vote—the first time since 1911 that a sitting district attorney had been defeated and the first time an African American was elected to that office. Since then, D.A. Thompson has begun reviewing 100 cases and so far cleared 12 people who were convicted of murders they did not commit. Among his guests were David McCullum, who served 29 years for a wrongful murder conviction; and Barbadian Michael Waithe, who he rescued from deportation. Thompson says that “correcting miscarriages of justice is important. Having men in prison for a murder they did not commit is not justice.” He has made his voice heard in the Eric Garner and Akai Gurley cases and does not believe that local prosecutors should be “robbed of their ability to faithfully and fairly prosecute cases where police officers shoot, kill or injure someone unjustly.” He has reorganized the staff in his office to improve crime preventive strategies and opened three new units to address persistent crimes. The newly created Violent Enterprise Unit that combats gun violence and street crimes was successful in arresting 32 violent gang members. Project Reset gives youthful offenders an opportunity to receive services aimed at correcting delinquent behaviors rather than going to prison. Thompson is committed to justice for all and believes that “together we must show courage to fight for a more just criminal system.”

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Photos: Lem Peterkin

Another Concord Brotherhood honoree, the Rev. Dr. Clarence Norman Sr. has ministered to tens of thousands during his more than 50 years of service and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those he encountered in all communities. In 1953 he helped to establish the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, which was later relocated to the Crown Heights neighborhood. Today, he serves a congregation of over 2,000 and is dedicated to improving housing and education in the community. In 1987, he founded the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights, which has developed 800 housing units for low income families and senior citizens. He is the recipient of numerous awards and has been featured in media and print.

In a recent interview, Reverend Norman expressed that “the church should be the hub around which the black community evolves. It is the only organization in the black community that is totally owned and operated by black folks,” he continued asking rhetorically, “If it doesn’t come out of the church, where is it going to come from?”

The District Attorney is half the age of Rev. Norman, yet both men have exhibited a common sense of purpose enhanced by solidly structured families. Or, as Ephesians states, they have “led a life worthy of the calling to which they have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” The senior pastor of Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson continues to preach the church’s mission: “Creating a community of friends witnessing for Christ.” D.A. Thompson and the Reverend Dr. Clarence Norman Sr. have demonstrated that they are worthy friends of the witnessing community.

March 2015 The Positive Community

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Trailblazer Awards

I Photos: Seitu Oronde

n recognition of African American History Month, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer hosted a Trailblazers Program and Awards Ceremony. The event was held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

L–R: Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, founder and CEO, Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network; Regina Wilson, president, Vulcan Society; Scott M. Stringer, NYC Comptroller; and Michael J. Garner, chief Diversity Officer, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

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Staten Island Town Hall Meeting

Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina, Sr. presents a proclamation to Principal Jermaine Cameron and students from the Eagle Academy

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ev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., pastor of First Central Baptist Church, hosted the 10th Annual Staten Island Black History Town Hall Meeting on February 21, 2015. Richard R. Buery, Jr., deputy mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives in the City of New York, delivered the keynote address, and Councilwoman Debi Rose addressed more than 150 attendees. Honorees included: Dawn Reid-Green, Esq., who received the Com-

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Honorees Jermaine Cameron, Sarah Lyn McKenzie, Dawn Reid-Green, and Shawn J. Stradford, Sr. are displaying their certificates while posing with Councilwoman Debi Rose and Rev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr.

munity Service Award; Jermaine Cameron, the Education Award; Shawn J. Stradford, Sr., the Business Award; and Sarah Lyn Mckenzie, who represented Black Girls CODE, received the Youth Award. Wagner College Chorus and the St. Phillips Heat Drum Line performed. The audience also experienced vocalist Tuliva Comberbatch, pianist Anthony Wonsey, percussionist George Gray, and a spoken word presentation by Al Peters.

March 2015 The Positive Community

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General Baptist Convention 37th Annual Workers Conference

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L–R: Bro. James Harris, Sis. Cheryl Riley and Bro. Jerome Harris

UnitedHealthcare

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L–R: Rev. Dr. Edward Harper, Dr. George A. Blackwell III, Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Rev. Gus Roman and Dr. Joseph Woods singing the Civil Rights anthem We Shall Overcome

Photos: Vincent Bryant and Karen Waters

he Congress of Christian Education, an auxiliary of The General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, convened the 37th Annual Workers Conference on February 6 - 7, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, NJ. The guest preacher was Rev. Dr. Gus Roman, pastor emeritus of Canaan Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. is senior pastor of FBCLG. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr. state president of the General Baptist Convention of NJ and State Director of Christian Education, Rev. Dr. Evan Spagner, hundreds gathered for two days of workshops and lectures on Christian education. The goal is help clergy leadership and laypeople become better equipped to do ministry in a contemporary society.

Community partners are: The Positive Community, Wells Fargo Bank, New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS), Drew Theological School, Razac Products Company, Sweet Potato Pie, Inc. and New Jersey Education Association.

Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Gus Roman

Dr. Soaries with entrepreneur Regina Chamberlain of Sweet Potato Pie, Inc.

Rev. Kevin Miller, director of Admissions at Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ.

The Positive Community March 2015

L–R: Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Woods, St Phillip BC, Hamilton, NJ; Rev. Soaries; Rev. John Gamble, Smyrna BC, Newark

Rev. Dr. Evans Spagner and Rev. Dr. George Blackwell, III, Good Neighbor B.C., Newark

Jeffrey Rogers, NBTS Admissions Counselor

Sweet Potato Pie, Inc.

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Bishop Donald Hilliard of Cathedral Int'l, Perth Amboy, NJ

Black History Month Service at Abundant Life

BY REV. ALEX ELLIS

L–R: Pastor Mary, Honoree Thomas Louis, and Bishop George Searight

Photos: ALFWC Photography Ministry

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n today’s society it is easy for us to take certain liberties for granted. Whether it is the right to vote, dining at a restaurant or running for a public office. No matter how successful we have become we are indebted to those who came before us. So, in light of our Black History Month celebration, we took the time to honor four of the patriarchs of this house, whose shoulders we stand on today. These men, because of their character and morals, are exemplary members of Abundant Life Family Worship Church. Therefore, we presented them with the 2015 Father of the Faith Award, and it reads as follows: “You are hereby awarded the distinguished honor of the FATHER OF THE FAITH Award from Abundant Life Family Worship Church.

Bishop George & Pastor Mary Searight. Presented Sunday, February 22, 2015, New Brunswick, NJ.”

Judah Dance Ministry dances to “Glory” from the Selma movie soundtrack

Mrs. Latifa Bell and child praising

Sitting left to right: Fathers of Faith Honorees—Mr. James Brown, Mr. James White, Mr. Ernest Vaughn and Mr. Thomas Louis Searight thepositivecommunity.com

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African American History Month Celebration Mistress of Ceremonies Carole Dortch-Wright

Honoree Dorothy Daniel (center) and Family

Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, Middlesex County; and Sheriff Mildred Scott, Middlesex County

PRAHD Bestows Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Award Activist Dorothy Daniels Gains the Honor

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has helped transform and improve the lives of Perth Amboy’s residents. Presenting the award, Yvonne Lopez described Ms. Daniels as “…an educator, community activist, domestic violence counselor, psychologist, domestic violence responder, housing professional, board member and volunteer, who has touched the lives of hundreds in work. She came to us recommending that we partner our resources along with those from other organizations in a compounding effort to assist more people in the community. How do you say no to a community activist who is genuine about increasing the quality of life for those in need of help?”

When asked why she does it all, Ms. Daniels, says she made a pact with God. “I told God If you give me another day full of life and helping energy, I will use it to do your work on earth.” And she does.

Photos: Karen Waters

he Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD) hosted its second annual African American History Month celebration on Friday, February 28, 2015 at their headquarters in Perth Amboy, NJ. In her opening remarks, Yvonne Lopez, PRAHD executive director/CEO, reminded the audience that the purpose of the event was to honor and recognize the struggle of African Americans, especially in the Civil Rights era, “ … paying tribute to ordinary men and women who not only stood up but gave their lives for social justice and equality. Equally,” she noted, “we are celebrating the African American Diaspora, one of the most important cultural phenomena to have shaped the U.S. as a whole.”

Last year the agency instituted the Arturo Alfonso Schomburg award to be given to a person who embodies the exceptional humanitarian and philanthropic qualities of the great Afro-Puerto Rican for whom the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is named. The renowned library is the repository for Schomburg’s collection of over 10,000 books, manuscripts, prints, photos, letters and any other evidence he could find in documenting African contribution to history. Schomburg was born and raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Stung by the remarks of a teacher in Puerto Rico who told him “Negroes have no history,” he dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong. Schomburg understood that knowledge of history was the route to racial dignity.

The recipient of the PRAHD 2015 Arturo Alfonso Schomburg award, Dorothy Daniels, is a lifelong Perth Amboy resident whose concern, passion and hard work

L–R: Yvonne Lopez, executive director/CEO of PRAHD, Inc.; Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, State of New Jersey; Mayor John McCormac, Woodbridge thepositivecommunity.com

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Daniel Johnson is Ready to GO! Grace & Peace love receiving suggestions to listen to unknown gospel music artists—the talent out there is amazing. God has blessed so many people with the gift of song and there are so many different styles of gospel music that inspire and attract all generations to celebrate our God. I receive lots of music daily and I try to listen to it all, but sometimes I get excited when I find one that catches me and attends to my spirit.

His name is Daniel Johnson and his project is simply titled GO. Now I don’t know how long I’ve had it, but I’m glad I finally listened to it. He wasn’t nominated as Best Male Vocalist or Artist of The Year for the STELLAR® AWARDS this year, but there is a buzz that’s starting to spread. Daniel Johnson is a husband and father of two who was a background singer for Israel Houghton; but get this, GO was recorded live back in November 2012 at Grace Church of Humble, Garden Oaks Campus— before Johnson was even signed. Fortunately, God’s timing is everything because Daniel was ready for whatever God had for him and he did just what his title track said (“GO”) and released the next chapter of Daniel Johnson’s destiny.

GO, a 12-track praise & worship movement penned mostly by Johnson, shows what effortless lyrics can do when passion is their backing. Immediately, the live recording will capture you with its simplicity of worship; the atmosphere is set as the first song makes a request for the whole night for the Lord to “Have Your Way.” The lyrics welcome the Holy Spirit in so that your spirit opens up and just says “Yaasss!” to God’s will and to being used

by Him. Once the invitation of God is established, it’s time to go into praise as Johnson commands everyone to “Lift Him High.” He identifies who our Lord is and declares everyone to praise the King of Glory! This celebratory song is a theme from King David’s day, when he danced out of his clothes. Well, you’re going to dance too—just keep your clothes on if you’re not at home.

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This song goes into another praise song that lets you know we’ve got “Jesus Here.” The music will move you as the drum beat goes hard and the lyrics announce: “I see an open heaven/We’ve got God’s attention/He wants to be right where we are/and we find Jesus here; Cause when you lift up His name, you will find Jesus there.”

The title track “GO” is not what you think it may be. A lot of times we’re used to hearing it’s time to get our stuff back, but this “GO” means that there is a dying world out there and it’s time for us to do what God commanded us to do. His lyrics remind us: “Now is our season to reach out, introducing our Savior by name/Soldiers Jesus is calling Upholders/ Of faith and truth to move forward/ And carry out His master plan.” Johnson was even wise enough to use an old hymn that said “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto me.” There are songs that are few with words, but have a powerful impact. I don’t have the space to go through every song, but “Receive” is my favorite. It simply states, “God is here now/Receive, receive.” It starts with just a mid-tempo base drum and three-part harmonies that build into a resounding declaration in command. Want more? Well GO purchase this music for yourself—and continue to encourage others to help building the Kingdom!

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Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

Sunday Brunch Black History Month at New Harlem Besame

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n Sunday, February 15, 2015, family and friends commemorated the death of El Hazz Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X) at New Harlem Besame Restaurant in Harlem. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his assassination on February 21, 1965.

L–R: Lee Olive Tucker, Jazz stylist and performer; Malaak Shabazz, youngest daughter of Dr. Betty Shabazz and El Hazz Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X); Teri Wisdom, Besame Harlem Restaurant; Shirley Chesney and Sophia Loren Coffee, Jazz artist.

Pastoral Anniversary Banquet Service Friday, March 20 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ

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Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

AARP Screens I Am Ali

A

ARP hosted a free screening of I Am Ali at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem on February 23. The documentary was followed by a conversation with boxing experts regarding Ali's impact on boxing and the future of the sport.

L–R: Shelly Finkel, renowned boxing manager and Boxing Hall of Fame inductee; Darryl Polite, AARP MME volunteer; William Rhoden, sports editor from The New York Times; and Dionne Polite, AARP associate state director, Multicultural Initiatives

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BY HELENE FOX

Unstoppable Girls at Rutgers Retreat

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aryl Lucas is on a mission to raise the self-esteem and leadership skills of girls and women.

Her vision is to provide female high school and college students with resources and social skills so they can be Unstoppable!

“This is not a slogan,” cautioned Lucas. “It’s a mindset that will produce healthier minds, leading to healthier choices and greater self-acceptance. If we do not teach our girls how to be critical thinkers and respect themselves, we will continue to lose them to violence, suicide, and depression.”

As the founder of Unstoppable Girls, a youth and mentoring organization, this former Star-Ledger reporter and government communications specialist turned entrepreneur is part of a growing movement seeking to empower girls and women.

Last year, Coach Caryl and her team of personal development specialists shared their messages of selflove and self-worth with more than 10,000 girls at high schools, colleges, and conferences in the New York/New Jersey area as part of the Unstoppable Girls anti-bullying media campaign. The demand for their services is high due to the proliferation of bullying and violence among females today.

A certified life coach and bully prevention specialist, Lucas says she is fortunate to be able to “give back and work with girls, many of whom have been brainwashed by the over sexualized and tasteless images they see on television and social media.”

Committed to addressing the poisonous effects of misogyny in today’s mass media culture, Lucas produces multi-media programs and videos that teach girls about the harmful effects of such messages.

“Many of our girls are depressed, even angry about the way they look,” she pointed out. “Does the way women and girls are portrayed on reality television, music videos, and social media affect their selfworth?” she asked, rhetorically.

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Caryl Lucas with mentee, Carol Sanga

Unstoppable Coach Caryl Lucas

During the summer of 2013, Lucas and Asia Smith, founder of Purple REIGN Inc., started the Unstoppable Girls Retreat for middle and high school girls healing from the effects of bullying. The two-day retreat hosted more than 200 girls at the Livingston home of Newark funeral director, Carolyn Whigham. The second retreat was held at Rutgers University in Newark, and included a new component for college bound girls heading to Montclair State, Seton Hall, and area community colleges.

“The retreat was made possible through the donations of women and community leaders who serve as ambassadors,” Lucas explained, proud that the retreat has grown into a year-long program offered at schools, colleges and girls’ organizations. “We could not have birthed Unstoppable Girls without the help of so many unstoppable women.”

Unstoppable Girls ambassadors have included Essex County Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, Rutgers Assistant Chancellor Diane Hill, Newark Council President Mildred Crump, Trish Yamba, and Tracy Munford, VP of Communications at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

This march Unstoppable Girls will launch a college lounge and success series at Bergen Community College in Paramus featuring DJ Sienna Chanel. “Our goal is to provide young women with enrichment on how to balance college, work, family, and stress,” said Coach Caryl, adding that resource personnel will be available to assist the girls with their career plans, health, and wellness.

“Unstoppable Girls presents a great opportunity for female students to be exposed to information and enrichment to help them attain success,” said Ronald McKnight, director of the Multicultural Affairs Department at Bergen Community College. “The girls will have their own life coach for this series and be able address the real issues they face.”

For further information about the 2015 Unstoppable Girls summer retreat for girls, or any of their programs for ages 11 to 18, email coachcaryllucas@gmail.com or visit unstoppablegirlsfoundation.org. thepositivecommunity.com

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March 2015 The Positive Community

49

Health P R E V E N T I O N , T R E AT M E N T & C U R E

SisterTalk

EmblemHealth Program Uses Sisterhood and Faith To Help Bring About Healthy Habits and Positive Lifestyles

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

S

ince the beginning of the year “church sisters” in Harlem and Queens have been meeting every week to talk to one another in an unprecedented way.

Their primary topics are health and healthy living. The structured discussion is part of a program called SisterTalk, a faith-based educational and support program designed specifically for African-American and black women who want to attain a healthier lifestyle.

SisterTalk NYC is patterned after a similar model in Hartford, Connecticut that was funded by the Donaghue Medical Research Foundation and created from a partnership between UConn Health researchers, Saint Francis Hospital, Brown University, and the leadership of 12 African American and black churches.

The program was brought to New York by EmblemHealth, one of the leading health benefits and wellness companies in the City with a 75-year track record of helping people stay

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The Positive Community March 2015

healthy, get well and live better.

SisterTalk uses a unique blend of science, multimedia tools, sisterhood and faith to help establish healthy habits and positive lifestyle changes. Every week for 12 weeks, a group of 20 participants meets at their respective houses of worship and draws on their faith to learn, grow, and create sustainable changes for healthier living. In each session, the women review a health related short video voiced by a respected church or community leader. The video is followed by a discussion of

the subject matter using scriptural references as a guide.

Michelle Paige, in her capacity as director of Community Relations, Programs and Events at EmblemHealth, oversees SisterTalk and for the past two years has been intimately involved with the team that has updated and tailored much of the original curriculum to make it appropriate for women in New York City. “We have the data showing that African-American and black women are at a disproportionate risk of bethepositivecommunity.com

SISTER TALK ing overweight and obese, which are major factors in the development of many diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer,” said Paige. “SisterTalk provides the educational resources, social connections, and faithbased motivation to help women of color eat better, lose weight, and become more physically active in order to improve the quality of their life,” she added.

Statistical indicators from the Hartford randomized controlled trial showed that more than half – 55 percent -- of the women attending SisterTalk Hartford lost weight.

Another eight percent maintained their starting weight and avoided a weight gain. In addition, of those who lost weight, 66 percent maintained their loss or continued to lose weight up to 10 months after completing the program.

Co-led by two trained church facilitators, the participants in SisterTalk New York learn about making better food choices, reading labels, goal setting and being informed consumers. In addition, the “sisters” are taught how to cook healthy, good-tasting food, without sacrificing their favorites.

The churches registered with SisterTalk include: First A.M.E Bethel; Abyssinian Baptist; and Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem. In Queens, True Zion Gospel Temple, Inc.; The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York and Christ Pentecostal Temple, Inc. have sisters talking.

According to Paige, SisterTalk is “a journey to your best body.” In her message to participants, she stresses the

importance of learning how to eat better, be more active, reduce stress and improve the quality of their lives. “And most of all,” she says, “look good and feel even better.”

A veteran healthcare executive and health enthusiast, Paige is no stranger to creating unique healthy initiatives and pioneering programs. As the former first Lady of New York State, she inaugurated a state-wide initiative around health and exercise for Middle School children called Healthy Steps to Albany. At North Shore General Hospital in Harlem, Paige, who holds a Masters in Health Policy and Management from the New School, launched a unique Men’s Community Program using jazz as an avenue for health screenings. Just as she did with those initiatives, Paige has clear and determined goals for SisterTalk NYC. “Taking into consideration the high rates of chronic diseases that disproportionately affect our community, I am really hoping to see a shift and a change in behavior as the women in the program take control of their health,” she said. “Women are the head of households and as they embrace the importance of eating healthy and exercising, it will also make an impact in the health of their husbands and children. That’s one of the reasons I am so glad that we are reaching out to women; they are the ones who are going to make the difference.”

With this unique partnership of the medical and faith communities, women are motivated by their faith to confidently work together in an uncommon way to solve common health issues.

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thepositivecommunity.com

March 2015 The Positive Community

51

100 Black Women of NJ Supports Healthy Heart Campaign Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Muzette Charles, VP Fund Development & Finance; Yvonne L. Witter and Paula Madison-Ryner

I

n recognition of the 12th Annual National Wear Red Day Friday, February 6, the Bergen/Passaic Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women presented a heart healthy wine tasting event in partnership with Englewood Hospital & Medical Center.

In addition to the wine tasting, the ladies were treated to live jazz, refreshments from local restaurants, door prizes, and an informative presentation by the American Heart Association. Dr. Icilma Fergus, MD, FACC, associate professor of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York was the guest speaker.

The program supports the mission of the American Heart Association to educate women about the behav-

52

The Positive Community March 2015

Aspiring Mentees, L–R: Nia Thomas, Jillian Salvodon, Nyla Thomas and Sky Richardson

iors that could lead to heart disease and the statistics regarding women and heart disease. Guests, who were encouraged to ‘Wear Red’ to show their support in the fight against heart disease, turned out in their most stylish fashions.

thepositivecommunity.com

Go Red

T

he Health and Women’s Ministries at Abyssinian Baptist Church presented the “Designer Heart Affair” in recognition of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign. First Ladies from several churches in Harlem walked the runway showing off their best red attire. The event, which was held at the Art Gallery & Herbert Cave Auditorium in Harlem Hospital Center, also featured a stage production, Twelve Gates to the City, with Denise Burse-Fernandez, from Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III is pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Patricia R. Butts is program chairperson, “Go Red.”

Children models

Program Committee Photos: Bruce Moore

“Go Red” fashion models

by Princess Jenkins and The Brownstone in Harlem Community partner thepositivecommunity.com

March 2015 The Positive Community

53

A Dream Come True Natalie Colimon-Fitzgerald

W

BY MERRY SUE BAUM

ith 204 patients enrolled in University Hosvery fascinating and exciting. We truly have created the pital’s new Healthy Heart Program, Natalie ideal ‘one stop shop.’”

Colimon-Fitzgerald is kept busy, to say the The Healthy Heart program is designed to help least. As the program administrator, she tends to the heart failure patients care for themselves successfully myriad behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the operation at home. Colimon-Fitzgerald explains that a multidisrunning at peak performance. Her daily “to-do” list is ciplinary team of healthcare providers oversees every never short, and it often keeps her at her desk past closaspect of a patients’ care. A social worker ensures that ing time. But you’ll never hear her complain; working in each patient has the financial and social support needed the healthcare field was her lifelong dream. to participate in the program, and a care coordinator Colimon-Fitzgerald’s interest in health care began helps patients manage their home care plans. They get PERSONALIZED CARE when she was only 10 years old. Her family cared for her help with lifestyle changes they may need to make, like By top-rated cardiologists and Advanced Practice Nurses (APN’s). chronically ill uncle, who died when he was only in his no longer smoking, changing their diets and starting late 30s. “The passing of my uncle at such an early age MEDICATION regular exerciseASSISTANCE programs. A dietician helps them plan had a major impact on my family and me,” she says.

“I healthful meals, and a pharmacist the proper For safe, effective and appropriate medicationexplains use. realized then that I wanted to pursue a career in healthway to take medications. “Patients are more apt to come care. I wanted to make a difference.” to a doctor’s appointment because they get a number of INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING kind and compassionate setting.

She began volunteering at University Hospital while In aissues addressed during one visit,” she says. “The team she was a high school student at St. Vincent’s Academy. looks at the patient as a whole and helps however they SELF-CARE But while doing a stint in the Emergency Room, she can, whether it’sSUPPORT getting a patient transportation or findcharge of your own healthcare. found herself feeling queasy whenever she saw blood. Take ing out where the nearest food pantry is located.”

She tried to ignore it. “I wasn’t about to give up on my Not only is Colimon-Fitzgerald working toward GUIDANCE dream that quickly,” she recalls. She went on to enroll NUTRITIONAL achieving her career goals, she recently accomplished Make better food choices by striving for progress, not perfection. in pre-med at Rutgers University, but soon realized another longtime dream. “As a single parent, my mothmedicine truly was not her calling. Still bent on work- EDUCATIONAL er worked very hard for many years to pay my tuition,” WORKSHOPS ing in the healthcare field, however, Colimon-Fitzgerald Open she explains.

“I wanted do something for her, so I your mind. Lift yourtospirit. earned a BA at Rutgers and an MBA in Health Care Life bought a home for her and my grandmother. It was the Sciences at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She recently FINANCIAL least I could do.”

ASSISTANCE earned a certificate in Healthcare Compliance from Inthose her spare time budget.

Colimon-Fitzgerald likes to snowFor on a tight Seton Hall University, as well. board, spend time with family and relax. “I put my heart The Newark native returned to University Hospital as andSOCIAL soul into SUPPORT my work, so when I get home I like to just Share success the assistant manager for patient business services in Connect the sitwith backothers. and exhale,” she says.stories.

“That helps me to get Department of Orthopaedics, until she moved into her ready for the next day, so I can do my best. That’s what I University Hospital current position.“I have the opportunity to work with a always want to do: my absolute best.”

Ambulatory Care Center phenomenal group of individuals, who are involved in 140 Bergen Street - F Level many aspects of patients’ care,” she says. “We collaborate For Information on the Healthy Heart program call Newark, NJ 07052 Tel: 973-972-1182 with departments throughout the hospital, which I find 973-972-1182 or email Healthheartprogram@uhnj.org

A Customized Plan To Improve Your Heart Health and Lifestyle

Email HealthyHeartProgram @uhnj.org

54

The Positive Community March 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

A Customized Plan A Customized Planand Lifestyle To Improve Your Heart Health To Improve Your Heart Health and Lifestyle PERSONALIZED CARE PERSONALIZED CARE By top-rated cardiologists and Advanced Practice Nurses (APN’s).

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE For safe,MEDICATION effective and appropriate medication use.

ASSISTANCE For safe, effective and appropriate medication use.

INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING In a kind and compassionate setting.

INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING In a kind and compassionate setting.

SELF-CARE SUPPORT TakeSELF-CARE charge of yourSUPPORT own healthcare.

Take charge of your own healthcare.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE Make better food choices by striving for progress, not perfection.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE Make better food choices by striving for progress, not perfection.

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS Open your mind. WORKSHOPS Lift your spirit.

EDUCATIONAL Open your mind. Lift your spirit.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE For those on aASSISTANCE tight budget.

FINANCIAL For those on a tight budget.

SOCIAL SUPPORT Connect with others.SUPPORT Share success stories.

SOCIAL By top-rated cardiologists and Advanced Practice Nurses (APN’s).

Connect with others. Share success stories.

University Hospital Ambulatory Center UniversityCare Hospital 140 Bergen Street F Level Ambulatory Care -Center NJ 07052 140 Newark, Bergen Street - F Level Tel: 973-972-1182 Newark, NJ 07052 Email HealthyHeartProgram Tel: 973-972-1182 @uhnj.org Email HealthyHeartProgram @uhnj.org

AAHealthier Longer, Happier Happier Life.

Life.

Healthier Heart Heart Leads Leads to to aa Longer,

Heart and Soul Music Fest Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Hosts Free Event Thomas Senter, chairman of the board of EMHC, presents Eddie Hadden, Esq, a hospital trustee, with an award for his support and dedication to the community

Singer/songwriter Bryan Andrew Wilson, headliner of Heart & Soul

E

nglewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC) held their fifth annual “Heart and Soul Music Fest” on Friday, February 20, 2015 in celebration of Black History Month and American Heart Month.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of education and entertainment as EHMC celebrated African-American heritage through music, the arts, and healing. The event kicked off with a buffet dinner, one-on-one conversations with physicians, and a tour through EHMC’s “virtual heart unit.” Afterwards, participants celebrated Black History Month with Gospel, R&B, Jazz and HipHop performances, followed by a community leadership awards ceremony.

Featured guests and performers were WLIB/WBLS radio personality Liz Black, Brian Andrew Wilson, Tara Bramble, Noe Feliz, Darryl Anderson, and the Martin Christie band.

Gospel singer Noe Feliz

Gospel Jazz/ Gospel Contemporary singer Tara Bramble

EHMC doctors with the Healthcare and Community Advocacy Award.

(L–R:) Dr. Jason Baynes, Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, Dr. Naana Boakye, Dr. Clenton Coleman.

Not pictured, Dr. Merle McIntosh.

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Director of Community Affairs Phyllis Brown-Edwards and Liz Black of WBLS and WLIB Radio with the performers.

56

The Positive Community March 2015

thepositivecommunity.com

Gift of Life Gives Young Boy the “Guts” to Run in 5K Devin McQueen has defied the odds his entire life and continues to inspire others along the way. Anyone who knows him will tell you that he’s got “guts.”

From a very young age, Devin was under the care of the state after being admitted into Newark Beth Israel Medical Center without parents. Oneyear-old Devin was suffering from a potentially life-threatening illness known as short gut syndrome and did not have any family to care for him.

However, it was at the hospital that Devin would meet his family.

Colleen McQueen, a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at the hospital, saw Devin’s situation and immediately felt a connection to him. “He didn’t have a blanket….didn’t have an article of clothing, he didn’t have a toy, he didn’t have anything for comfort,” she said.

She promised herself that if he survived a few more weeks, she would bring him home to show him Christmas with a caring family.

“Devin is a full-of-life Her husband, Derrick, a pediatric intensivist at Newark kind of kid.”

Beth Israel, was worried about her and his two children becoming emotionally attached to a child who might not have long to live, but his wife insisted. “Once he came home for Christmas, we fell in love with him,” Derrick said.

“Devin is a full-of-life kind of kid.”

After some time, Colleen gained custody and adopted Devin into the family, but the reality was that Devin was very sick and not getting better. Because of his short gut syndrome, Devin’s small intestine was not long enough to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. He received all of his nutrition intravenously and was not able to eat solid food. Although he was doing better than expected, his health was still deteriorating. Devin needed a bowel transplant.

5TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE TO HONOR. TO REMEMBER. TO GIVE HOPE.

Whether you participate in the 5K or the many other event festivities, join us for a fun-filled celebration including music, snacks, prizes, and exciting activities for all ages.

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Finally, when Devin was 5 years old, the McQueen’s prayers were answered. Another family made the generouse decision to have a loved one’s organs donated and a transplant was available for Devin. The complete bowel transplant surgery was a success and he was able to start eating food only 10 days into the recovery process.

That was over 6 years ago and Devin is now 11 years old and able to enjoy a life that would not have otherwise been possible without his transplant. Devin and the rest of his team, Devin’s Got Guts, will be returning for their third year to NJ Sharing Network’s Annual 5K Celebration of Life to support the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Funds raised by the NJ Sharing Network Foundation support donor families, research, and education about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael is the spiritual director and founder of It Is Well Wellness and Worship Center in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a spiritual leader and the owner of The Fitness Doctor; a fitness and wellness consulting company. He writes a monthly column for The Positive Community Magazine and is the author of 50 Tips for a Better You! To grow spiritually and improve physically, or have Pastor Carmichael present his wellness seminar to your church or group you can email Kahlil at Pastor@itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746.

Be Kind . . . to Yourself

M

arch is Women’s History Month and what better person to reference than one of my personal heroes, Oprah Winfrey. I truly respect her, and one of my dreams is to meet her and tell her exactly that.

Everyone knows that Oprah has struggled with her weight for years. But it appears that she has finally defeated those demons that kept her obese and unhappy about it. Ms. Winfrey revealed that her recent success in her lifelong weight loss struggle is a direct result of treating herself as well as she treats others. In other words she is kind to herself.

This is what I have tried to share with my clients for years.

Making a decision to invest in your health and well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. I would dare to say that many of the beautiful, intelligent, and powerful women in our community are suffering from the effects of obesity and obesity related illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, because they have a tendency to put everyone else first. If your husband or significant other needs you, you’re right there. If your child needs you, you are there. The same goes for your community. But, when will you be there for you? I want to share this divine thought with you today—be kind to yourself first!

I’ve developed a principle I call the three hours per week rule: Take 1.5 hours per week to focus on your physical fitness and health. There are 168 hours in a week. I find it difficult to believe that we cannot find 1.5 hours in a 168-hour week to focus on getting into the best shape of your life. I often tell my female clientele (whether they are busy stay-athome moms or super professionals and entrepreneurs), if you really care about your family and career—take care of you first. Why? Because nothing else works without you being happy, healthy, and whole. Amen.

I often encourage my female clients to workout with me for three sessions per week. I tell them that if they commit to working out with me just three days per week for thirty minutes, not only will they reach their fitness goals, but they will not have to even think about exercise outside of our sessions.

The next 1.5 hours are for spiritual growth and connection to God. Attend a weekly worship service and/or bible study at your local place of worship. I have witnessed people from various walks of life achieve lasting transformation by simply committing to a lifestyle of weekly exercise, prayer,

58 The Positive Community

March 2015

Oprah Winfrey has worked hard to learn how to be kind to herself.

and worship for a minimum of three hours per week. Being kind is one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). We understand kindness to be our reasonable service as Christians and spiritual duty to be kind to others. But I want to remind you with a blessed assurance, be kind to yourself as well. Amen.

Oprah Winfrey is a master at doing an interview. She has a unique way of making people feel so comfortable that they often forget they are being watched by millions of people.

Often her guests will break down and cry when telling her about a difficult time or traumatic life experience, and it is only when they come to the realization that their “crying moment” was witnessed by millions that they cease crying and begin to tell the story.

There are two Oprah quotes that resonate profoundly with me: “Everybody has a story” and her famous and powerful question, “What do you know for sure?” I like that. As a pastor and owner of a fitness practice (The Fitness Doctor), what I know for sure is that yes, everybody has a story, and we all can create our stories by what we choose on a daily basis.

I pray that you will choose to be kind to yourself —spiritually, physically, and mentally.

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. thepositivecommunity.com

My Sister, My Friend

For The Love Of Me

13th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference and Health Fair March 20-22, 2015

Berean Community and Family Life Center & Berean Sisterhood Presents: A Weekend of Healing, Relaxing, Pampering, and Celebrating Sisterhood!

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of our Women’s Empowerment Weekend.

Sign up today!

Spa Services, Workshops, Health Screenings, HIV Testing, Food Demonstrations, Fashion Show, Prizes and Giveaways.

@ Berean Baptist Church Dr. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor 1635-49 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Mock Tail Party Friday, March 20th 7:00pm Kickoff the weekend with an evening of music, poetry, and dance.

Dress to impress!

Conference Saturday, March 21st 9:00am-5:30pm Women’s Empowerment Conference and Health Fair Prayer Breakfast Sunday, March 22nd 9:15am

Annual Women’s Day Sunday, March 22nd 11:00am

Call today!

Tickets for the weekend are only $40 for adults and $20 for teens.

For tickets and Conference Information, contact: Berean Community and Family Life Center 718-778-2438 info@bereancommunity.org www.bereancommunity.org We accept online payments.

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Clark Terry Memorial

T

rumpeter Wynton Marsalis led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in a procession following a funeral service for beloved band leader and noted jazz trumpeter, Clark Terry. He was 94.

Friends and family gathered at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem to say farewell to one of the greatest jazz musicians in history. Terry played in both the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras, recorded on more than 900 albums, and led multiple bands and ensembles.

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

212-283-5181

The Little Chapel with a Big Heart 60

The Positive Community March 2015

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.

thepositivecommunity.com

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Ida B. Wells: Documenter of Historical American Terrorism

I

n 1895, A Red Record: Lynchings in the United States 1892-18931894, written by Ida B. Wells, was published in Chicago. The book details lynchings of blacks during the years that followed Reconstruction, the historical period after the Civil War— roughly from 1865 to 1877, when the presence of U.S. troops in southern states facilitated significant progress for blacks living in the South.

But in the 1876 Presidential election, the Democratic nominee won the popular vote while the Republican nominee won, on a contested basis, the Electoral College vote. The result was the “Compromise of 1877,” through which Congress declared Rutherford B. Hayes the President, but also mandated that the United States troops be withdrawn from the South.

After the troop withdrawal, southern whites united to repress the black population and roll back gains that blacks had achieved since the Civil War. Lynching was a major tool. The Ku Klux Klan had been formed in 1866, shortly after the Civil War. Removal of Union troops after 1877 freed the Klan and other organized whites to more brutally suppress black people. Toward the end of the 1800s, Ida B. Wells, a journalist and activist, wrote A Red Record, describing specific lynchings and their contexts.

More than half a century later, ‘Lynching Bee,” one of the chapters within A Red Record, was included within an anthology of writings on the black struggle entitled, Justice Denied; The Black Man in White America, published in 1970.

My dictionary defines lynch as “to kill by mob action without legal authority.” Although lynching is typically associated with hanging, lynch mobs sometimes kill victims by other means. “Lynching Bee” reports in detail the celebratory atmosphere in a southern town as white folks burned to death an apparently mentally retarded black man named Henry Smith, who was accused of killing a young white girl.

Ms. Wells wrote, “Never in the history of civilization thepositivecommunity.com

has any Christian people stooped to such shocking brutality and indescribable barbarism as that which characterized the people of Paris, Texas, and the adjacent communities on the 1st of February, 1893.” She describes how 5,000 people awaited the train that brought the accused man through Texarkana, and 10,000 people awaited that train as it arrived in Paris, Texas. In Paris, they placed the mentally challenged man on a carnival float, paraded him first up Main Street to the town square, and then to the open prairie where he was placed on a scaffold, “securely bound,” and “tortured for fifty minutes by red-hot brands thrust upon his quivering body,” starting at his feet and inching up to his face.

When he appeared to be dead, they poured kerosene on him and set him on fire. Spectators carried away souvenirs, including pieces of his clothing and charcoal.

Today, this lynching reads similarly to the recent description of the burning of a victim by terrorists in the Middle East. Indeed, perpetrators of such acts in the American South were also terrorists.

Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1862, Wells worked as a teacher in Mississippi, and later in Memphis, Tennessee during the post-slavery years.

In 1884, after refusing a railroad conductor’s order to give up her seat in first class and move to a crowded smoking car, Wells was dragged out of the car. She sued the railroad company and eventually won a $500 settlement; but a higher court overturned that ruling and ordered her to pay court costs.

While still a teacher, Wells was offered an editorial position by the Washington, DC based Evening Star. She became known for writing on race issues, and by 1889 was co-owner and editor of the anti-segregation newspaper, Free Speech and Headlight, based in Memphis at Beale Street Baptist Church, founded by Rev. Taylor Nightingale. She was also one of the 60 signers of the call to form National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The month of March, being Women’s History Month, is a great time for us to remember the contributions of Ida B. Wells’ writing and activism within the struggle for human rights. But let’s not limit it to March. Year round, A Red Record remains a highly important historical document.

March 2015 The Positive Community

61

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com March 2015

™

Vol. 15, No. 3

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr.

BY R.L. WITTER

EMBRACING THE SISTERHOOD

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Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Marc Williams 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 Brian Branch Price 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.

62 The Positive Community

The Last Word

March 2015

s a child, I didn’t want for much. My parents worked hard to provide for their family and my brothers and I were well taken care of by any standard. They instilled in us a strong work ethic and rewarded our hard work with presents on birthdays and Christmas, and sometimes just because.

It wasn’t long before my parents stopped asking what I might like, because the answer was always the same: “a sister.” On each birthday when I blew out my candles, my parents cringed because they knew I wished for a sister; and every Christmas I meticulously checked under every branch of the tree before rushing outside to check the nativity scene to see if she had been left there in swaddling cloth. Nope, not this year, that year, nor any other.

My mother had grown up as one of three sisters and I listened in awe of her stories of pillow fights and pranks, and the sharing of clothes and secrets.

I desperately wanted that for myself, but alas, it was not meant to be.

Growing up with brothers meant wrestling, climbing trees, playing with cars and insects, and having so many scrapes and scabs on my legs that my family worried that I’d never have a boyfriend. Thankfully, the scabs and scars healed and the boyfriend part solved itself, but what about that sister?

Have you ever noticed that black men often refer to one another — even in passing— as brothers?

“Wassup, Bruh?” seems to be the universal greeting for black men the world over. Men of all races find brotherhood in fraternities, clubs, and the military. Heck, let a Giants fan see another guy in a Giants jersey and instantaneously they become brothers.

It seems as though brotherhood is paraded down every street and lurking around each corner. But can I get a sister???

My parents showered me with every toy, game, or hobby you can imagine

R.L. and April, best friends and sisters

over the years, but I secretly felt somewhat cheated that they held out on the sister thing. And then, one day, it happened. No, my mother didn’t come home with a new baby or even a foster child (although our family did informally adopt a teenager who lived with us for most of my childhood… A BOY!!). One Sunday at church I noticed that all of the ladies greeted one another with, “Good morning, Sister Lewis” and “Praise Jesus, Sister Wilson!” and I found more sisters than I had ever hoped or dreamed I could have. Embracing the title at church helped me embrace sisterhood in other places, too. My best friend was brought to the nursery the day I was born and held up to view me through the glass. More than forty years later, we’re still best friends and although she has a biological sister of her own, April toasted me at my wedding as her sister and her best friend.

Sisterhood is powerful thing. In a world where too many romantic relationships end and there don’t seem to be enough “good men” to go around, women find strength, love, encouragement, and faith in our sisters. So this Women’s History Month, I want to give a shout out to all of my sisters from school, work, church and everywhere in between. I celebrate you for the love and sisterhood you’ve offered to me and so many others. And to my mom and dad, I still feel you could have done it for me…but I love you anyway. thepositivecommunity.com

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Celebrating women

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

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